Rule2024-15827
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
July 18, 2024
Effective
August 22, 2024
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-08- 12, which applies to all The Boeing Company Model 757 airplanes. AD 2022-08-12 required repetitive inspections for skin cracking and shim migration at the upper link drag fittings, diagonal brace cracking, and fastener looseness; and applicable on-condition actions. This AD was prompted by reports of bolt rotation in the engine drag fitting joint and fastener heads and cracks found in the skin of the fastener holes, a determination that certain drag fittings may be made of alternate materials, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the engine strut, and a determination that additional inspections and revised compliance times are needed. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2022-08-12 with revised compliance times for certain actions and requires adding inspections for existing repairs and applicable on condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 138 (Thursday, July 18, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 138 (Thursday, July 18, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 58257-58260]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-15827]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-2395; Project Identifier AD-2023-00767-T;
Amendment 39-22773; AD 2023-12-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-08-
12, which applies to all The Boeing Company Model 757 airplanes. AD
2022-08-12 required repetitive inspections for skin cracking and shim
migration at the upper link drag fittings, diagonal brace cracking, and
fastener looseness; and applicable on-condition actions. This AD was
prompted by reports of bolt rotation in the engine drag fitting joint
and fastener heads and cracks found in the skin of the fastener holes,
a determination that certain drag fittings may be made of alternate
materials, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the
engine strut, and a determination that additional inspections and
revised compliance times are needed. This AD retains the requirements
of AD 2022-08-12 with revised compliance times for certain actions and
requires adding inspections for existing repairs and applicable on
condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective August 22, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 22,
2024.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-2395; or in person at Docket Operations between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this final rule, any comments received, and other
information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For Boeing service information incorporated by reference
in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual
& Data Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal
Beach, CA 90740-5600; telephone 562-797-1717; website
<a href="http://myboeingfleet.com">myboeingfleet.com</a>.
<bullet> You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2023-2395.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wayne Ha, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 562-627-
5238; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ddaabca4b3b8f3b5bc9dbbbcbcf3bab2ab"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9fe8fee6f1fab1f7fedff9fefeb1f8f0e9">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2022-08-12, Amendment 39-22015 (87 FR
26964, May 6, 2022) (AD 2022-08-12). AD 2022-08-12 applied to all The
Boeing Company Model 757 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on December 21, 2023 (88 FR 88271). The NPRM was prompted by
reports of bolt rotation in the engine drag fitting joint and fastener
heads and cracks found in the skin of the fastener holes, and the need
to reduce the compliance time for certain groups. In the NPRM, the FAA
proposed to require repetitive inspections for skin cracking and shim
migration at the upper link drag fittings, diagonal brace cracking, and
fastener looseness; and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA issued
AD 2022-08-12 to address cracking in the wing upper skin and forward
drag fittings, which could lead to a compromised upper link and reduced
structural integrity of the engine strut, and possible separation of a
strut and engine from the airplane during flight.
Actions Since AD 2022-08-12 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2022-08-12, it was determined that drag
fittings made of alternate materials have possibly been installed on
some configurations, which could result in reduced structural integrity
of the engine strut. The FAA has determined that additional inspections
and revised compliance times are needed to maintain structural
integrity. Although this AD does not explicitly restate the
requirements of AD 2022-08-12, this AD would retain all requirements of
AD 2022-08-12. Those requirements are referenced in the service
information identified previously, which, in turn, is referenced in
paragraph (g) of this AD.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from The Boeing Company, who supported
the NPRM without change.
The FAA received additional comments from five commenters,
including Aviation Partners Boeing, Delta Air Lines, UPS Airlines,
United Airlines, and FedEx Express. The following presents the comments
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
Effect of Winglets on Accomplishment of the Proposed Actions
Aviation Partners Boeing has reviewed the NPRM and has determined
that the incorporation of STC ST01518SE for installation of blended or
scimitar blended winglets does not affect compliance with the mandated
actions in the proposed rule. Boeing does not have delegation to
approve repairs in areas affected by the scimitar blended winglet
configuration of STC ST01518SE. Therefore, Boeing will not be able to
use Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) approval in paragraph
(j)(3) of this AD to make an alternative method of compliance (AMOC)
finding on behalf of the FAA for alternative inspections and corrective
actions in areas affected by the scimitar blended winglet configuration
of STC ST01518SE. The operators of scimitar blended winglet airplanes
subject to this AD should be aware that approval of any alternative
inspections and corrective actions as an AMOC to the final rule will
only be obtainable from the FAA through the means described in
paragraph (j)(1) of this AD.
The FAA agrees. The FAA has not changed this AD in this regard.
[[Page 58258]]
Requests for Revising AMOCs Paragraphs (j)(4) Through (j)(6) of the
Proposed Rule
Delta Air Lines, FedEx, UPS Airlines, and United Airlines requested
revising AMOCs paragraphs (j)(4), (j)(5), and (j)(6) of the proposed
rule. Delta Air Lines stated that restrictions of paragraphs (j)(4)
through (j)(6) of the proposed rule would put an extreme and
unnecessary burden on Model 757 operators. FedEx was concerned that
paragraphs (j)(4) and (j)(5) of the proposed rule would prevent
continued operation of the affected airplanes until new AMOC approvals
could be obtained. UPS Airlines requested revising paragraphs (j)(4),
(j)(5), and (j)(6) of the proposed rule to accept AMOCs issued after
March 1, 2021. United Airlines stated that paragraphs (j)(4) through
(j)(6) of the proposed rule contains exception for previously approved
AMOCs for locations at the wing skin and drag fittings at the upper
link drag fittings (fasteners 1-18) that will affect the aircraft
operations until new AMOC is received, or new inspection is
accomplished.
The FAA agrees with the commenters. The FAA has determined that
paragraphs (j)(4), (j)(5), and (j)(6) of the proposed rule are not
required. The FAA has determined that the Compliance Tables 19 and 20
of Revision 3 of the Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-57A0073 RB
address all existing repairs and existing drag fitting replacement with
universal fitting. The FAA has removed paragraphs (j)(4), (j)(5), and
(j)(6) of the proposed rule accordingly.
Request To Not Reduce Inspection Compliance Times Under Certain
Circumstances
UPS Airlines proposed that the inspection compliance times for some
configurations that installed upper link drag fitting made of optional
materials be reduced only if this condition has been confirmed by
visual inspection and/or maintenance records review.
The FAA acknowledges UPS Airlines' concern. However, the FAA does
not agree with the proposed request because UPS Airlines did not submit
sufficient data to substantiate that the proposed actions would provide
an acceptable level of safety. Under the provisions of paragraph (j) of
this AD, the FAA will consider requests for approval of alternative
actions and compliance times if sufficient data are submitted to
substantiate that the change would provide an acceptable level of
safety. This AD has not been changed regarding this proposed request.
Request for Revising Paragraphs (h)(1) Through (h)(4) of the Proposed
Rule
UPS Airlines also requested to revise paragraphs (h)(1) through
(h)(4) of the proposed rule from ``Where the Compliance Time columns of
the tables'' to ``Where the Compliance Time columns and notes of the
tables.'' UPS Airlines explained that both Compliance Time columns and
notes in the tables are referred to Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
757-57A0073 RB.
The FAA agrees to revise from ``Where the Compliance Time columns
of the tables'' to ``Where the Compliance Time columns and notes of the
tables'' for paragraphs (h)(2), (h)(3), and (h)(4) of this AD, because
the notes in compliance tables refer to ``On or after the Revision 1
date of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-57A0073 RB.'' Paragraph
(h)(2) of this AD refers to the phrase ``the Revision 1 date of Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-57A0073 RB,'' paragraph (h)(3) of this
AD refers to the phrase ``the Revision 2 date of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 757-57A0073 RB,'' and paragraph (h)(4) of this AD
refers to the phrase ``the Revision 3 date of Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 757-57A0073 RB.'' However, the FAA does not agree to revise
paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, because the notes in the compliance tables
only refer to ``On or after the Revision 1 date of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 757-57A0073 RB.'' The original issue date of
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-57A0073 RB is not included for
paragraph (h)(1) of this AD. The FAA has not changed paragraph (h)(1)
of this AD. The FAA has revised paragraphs (h)(2), (h)(3), and (h)(4)
of this AD accordingly.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, and
any other changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed
in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on
any operator.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-57A0073 RB,
Revision 3, dated May 5, 2023. This service information specifies
procedures for a general visual inspection or records check of the wing
upper skin at the drag fitting attachment holes for any existing
repair; repetitive general visual and detailed inspections for loose
fasteners, skin cracking, and shim migration at the upper link drag
fittings, and for cracking in the diagonal brace and diagonal brace
fittings; repetitive open-hole high frequency eddy current (HFEC)
inspections for cracking of the fastener holes and loose bolt holes;
and applicable on-condition actions. On-condition actions include
performing an ultrasonic inspection for cracks at any repaired upper
wing skin location; installing the upper link and upper link pins;
replacing drag fittings; installing bolts, washers, and nuts;
performing a torque check of fasteners on the affected shims; trimming
affected shims and applying chemical conversion coating on the shims,
fillet seal, and drag fittings; and repairing cracks, migrated shims,
mistorqued bolts, and loose fasteners.
This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in ADDRESSES.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 496 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repetitive HFEC inspections 85 work-hours x $85 $0 $7,225 per $3,583,600 per
(retained actions from AD per hour = $7,225 inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
2022[dash]08[dash]12). per inspection
cycle.
New actions...................... Up to 4 work-hours $0 Up to $340......... Up to $168,640.
x $85 per hour =
Up to $340.
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[[Page 58259]]
The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-08-12, Amendment 39-22015
(87 FR 26964, May 6, 2022); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
2023-12-09 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-22773; Docket No. FAA-
2023-2395; Project Identifier AD-2023-00767-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 22, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2022-08-12, Amendment 39-22015 (87 FR 26964,
May 6, 2022) (AD 2022-08-12).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 757-200, PF, -
200CB, and -300 series airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of bolt rotation in the engine
drag fitting joint and fastener heads and cracks found in the skin
of the fastener holes, a determination that certain drag fittings
may be made of alternate materials, which could result in reduced
structural integrity of the engine strut, and a determination that
additional inspections and revised compliance times are needed. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address cracking in the wing upper skin
and forward drag fittings, which could lead to a compromised upper
link and reduced structural integrity of the engine strut, and
possible separation of a strut and engine from the airplane during
flight.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the
applicable times specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-57A0073 RB, Revision 3, dated May 5,
2023, do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance
with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 757-57A0073 RB, Revision 3, dated May 5, 2023.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
757-57A0073, Revision 3, dated May 5, 2023, which is referred to in
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-57A0073 RB, Revision 3, dated
May 5, 2023.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-
57A0073 RB, Revision 3, dated May 5, 2023, use the phrase ``the
Original Issue date of Requirements Bulletin 757-57A0073 RB,'' this
AD requires using ``September 10, 2018 (the effective date of AD
2018-16-05, Amendment 39-19345 (83 FR 38250, August 6, 2018))'' (AD
2018-16-05).
(2) Where the Compliance Time columns and notes of the tables in
the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
757-57A0073 RB, Revision 3, dated May 5, 2023, use the phrase ``the
Revision 1 date of Requirements Bulletin 757-57A0073 RB,'' this AD
requires using ``January 14, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2020-21-
17, Amendment 39-21290 (85 FR 79418, December 10, 2020))'' (AD 2020-
21-17).
(3) Where the Compliance Time columns and notes of the tables in
the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
757-57A0073 RB, Revision 3, dated May 5, 2023, use the phrase ``the
Revision 2 date of Requirements Bulletin 757-57A0073 RB,'' this AD
requires using ``June 10, 2022 (the effective date of AD 2022-08-
12).''
(4) Where the Compliance Time columns and notes of the tables in
the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
757-57A0073 RB, Revision 3, dated May 5, 2023, use the phrase ``the
Revision 3 date of Requirements Bulletin 757-57A0073 RB,'' this AD
requires using the effective date of this AD.
(5) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-57A0073 RB,
Revision 3, dated May 5, 2023, specifies contacting Boeing for
repair instructions or for alternative inspections: This AD requires
doing the repair, or doing the alternative inspections and
applicable on-condition actions using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this
AD.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
(1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in
paragraph (g) of this AD, except for the open-hole high frequency
eddy current inspections at fastener locations 11-18, if those
actions were performed before January 14, 2021 (the effective date
of AD 2020-21-17) using Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-
57A0073 RB, dated July 14, 2017.
(2) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before
June 10, 2022 (the effective date of AD 2022-08-12) using Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-57A0073 RB, Revision 1, dated August
1, 2019.
(3) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
757-57A0073 RB, Revision 2, dated March 1, 2021.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety Branch,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14
CFR 39.19,
[[Page 58260]]
send your request to your principal inspector or responsible Flight
Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to
the manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. Information
may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d594989a9695b3b4b4fbb2baa3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="66272b29252600070748010910">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD
if it is approved by The Boeing Company Organization Designation
Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, AIR-
520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA, to make those
findings. To be approved, the repair method, modification deviation,
or alteration deviation must meet the certification basis of the
airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Wayne Ha,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; telephone 562-627-5238; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#017660786f642f6960416760602f666e77"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2e594f57404b00464f6e484f4f00494158">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the address specified in
paragraph (l)(3) of this AD.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-57A0073 RB, Revision
3, dated May 5, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Boeing service information identified in this AD,
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA
90740-5600; telephone 562-797-1717; website <a href="http://myboeingfleet.com">myboeingfleet.com</a>.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability
of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
(5) You may view this material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4f293d6126213c3f2a2c3b2620210f212e3d2e61282039"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7d1b0f5314130e0d181e091412133d131c0f1c531a120b">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on June 14, 2024.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-15827 Filed 7-17-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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