Rule2025-04319
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
March 18, 2025
Effective
April 22, 2025
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-800 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that the compliance time for the initial ultrasonic inspection required by AD 2019-11-06 is insufficient for certain airplanes. This AD requires reducing the compliance time for the ultrasonic inspection of the skin under the drag link assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 51 (Tuesday, March 18, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 51 (Tuesday, March 18, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12452-12455]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-04319]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-2315; Project Identifier AD-2023-00537-T;
Amendment 39-22988; AD 2025-05-16]
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 adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain The Boeing Company Model 737-800 series airplanes. This AD was
prompted by a determination that the compliance time for the initial
ultrasonic inspection required by AD 2019-11-06 is insufficient for
certain airplanes. This AD requires reducing the compliance time for
the ultrasonic inspection of the skin under the drag link assembly. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 22, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 22,
2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-2315; 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 material 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>.
<bullet> You may view this material 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-2024-2315.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Owen Bley-Male, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-
231-3992; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3b544c5e55155d1559575e4216565a575e7b5d5a5a155c544d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="afc0d8cac181c981cdc3cad682c2cec3caefc9cece81c8c0d9">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing
Company Model 737-800 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on September 25, 2024 (89 FR 78260). The NPRM was
prompted by a determination that the compliance time for the initial
ultrasonic inspection required by AD 2019-11-06, Amendment 39-19652 (84
FR 27193, June 12, 2019) (AD 2019-11-06), is insufficient for Model
737-800 series airplanes that have been modified to a freighter
configuration using Boeing Drawing 800A0003. In the NPRM, the FAA
proposed to require reducing the compliance time for the ultrasonic
inspection of the skin under the drag link assembly. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address cracking found in the station (STA) 540 bulkhead
chord and skin, which could result in the inability of a primary
structural element to sustain limit load. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in possible rapid decompression and loss of
structural integrity of the airplane.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from Boeing and an individual, who
supported the NPRM without change.
The FAA received comments from Aviation Partners Boeing (APB) and
an individual who supported the NPRM and had additional comments. The
following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's
response to each comment.
Limited Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) Approvals
APB stated that Boeing does not have a delegation to approve
repairs in areas affected by the split scimitar winglet configuration
of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST00830SE. APB also commented
that approval by The Boeing Company Organization Designation
Authorization (ODA), as specified in paragraph (j)(3) of the proposed
AD, may not be given for an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) for
alternative inspections and corrective actions in those areas, but such
approval must be obtained as specified in paragraph (j)(1) of the
proposed AD.
[[Page 12453]]
APB added that Boeing retains approval delegation for findings related
to fuselage structures affected by the proposed rule.
The FAA acknowledges and concurs with APB's assertions. However, no
change to this AD is necessary. Paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD
state that AMOC approval be obtained using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in ``paragraph (j)'' of this
AD, and does not limit approvals to the provisions of paragraph (j)(1)
or (3) of this AD. Therefore, AMOC approval in accordance with
paragraphs (j)(1) or (3) of this AD would be provided based on whether
the actions needing an AMOC apply to the APB design or the Boeing
design.
Effect of Winglets on Accomplishment of the Proposed Actions
APB stated that accomplishing STC ST00830SE does not affect the
actions specified in the proposed AD.
The FAA concurs with the commenter. The FAA has redesignated
paragraph (c) of the proposed AD as paragraph (c)(1) of this AD and
added paragraph (c)(2) to this AD to state that installation of STC
ST00830SE does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions
required by this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST00830SE is
installed, a ``change in product'' AMOC approval request is not
necessary to comply with the requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.
Request for More Detailed AMOC Criteria
An individual suggested including more detailed criteria for what
would be considered an acceptable AMOC. The individual reasoned that
clear and specific guidelines for AMOCs would provide greater clarity
and consistency, helping to ensure that any AMOC would meet safety
standards.
The FAA agrees to clarify. The AMOC process is outlined in 14 CFR
39.17 and 39.19, which specify that any AMOC request must include the
specific actions proposed to address the unsafe condition, and that the
proposed actions must provide an acceptable level of safety. AMOCs may
be requested under the provisions of paragraph (j) of this AD. An AMOC
may be applicable only to a specific airplane (e.g., to repair cracks)
or to an entire fleet (e.g., to use revised service information). The
FAA has therefore determined that adding additional AMOC guidelines or
criteria to this AD is unnecessary. The FAA has not changed this AD in
this regard.
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.
Terminating Action for Certain Requirements of AD 2019-11-06
Accomplishing the actions required by this AD replaces the
corresponding initial ultrasonic inspections and on-condition actions
required by paragraph (g) of AD 2019-11-06 for Model 737-800 series
airplanes converted to a freighter configuration using Boeing Drawing
800A0003 only.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1368, dated
February 27, 2018. This material specifies an ultrasonic inspection of
the skin under the drag link assembly and repair for any cracks;
repetitive inspections for any cracks, including ultrasonic
inspections, high frequency eddy current inspections, low frequency
eddy current inspections, and detailed inspections; and a preventative
modification if no crack is found.
The FAA also reviewed Boeing 737-800BCF Airworthiness Limitations,
D140A006, Revision L, dated April 1, 2021. This material contains
required inspections for principal structural element items. Section
5.2.1 of this material identifies the airplanes affected by this AD.
This material is reasonably available because the interested
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 18 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Initial inspection............ Up to 23 work-hours x $0 Up to $1,955..... Up to $35,190.
$85 per hour = Up to
$1,955.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any on-condition
actions that would be required based on the results of the inspection.
The agency has no way of determining the number of airplanes that might
need these actions:
Estimated Costs for On-Condition Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Up to 56 work-hours x $85 per hour $24,020 Up to $28,780.
= Up to $4,760.
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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.
[[Page 12454]]
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(f), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2025-05-16 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-22988; Docket No. FAA-
2024-2315; Project Identifier AD-2023-00537-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 22, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2019-11-06, Amendment 39-19652 (84 FR 27193,
June 12, 2019) (AD 2019-11-06).
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-800 series
airplanes, certificated in any category, that have been converted to
a freighter configuration using Boeing Drawing 800A0003 before April
1, 2021, and are identified as Group A in Section 5.2.1,
``Effectivity,'' of Boeing 737-800BCF Airworthiness Limitations,
D140A006, Revision L, dated April 1, 2021.
Note 1 to paragraph (c)(1): Airplanes with a 737-800BCF
designation are Model 737-800 series airplanes that have been
converted to a freighter configuration using Boeing Drawing
800A0003.
(2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
ST00830SE does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions
required by this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST00830SE
is installed, a ``change in product'' alternative method of
compliance (AMOC) approval request is not necessary to comply with
the requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a determination that the compliance time
for the initial ultrasonic inspection of the skin under the drag
link assembly required by AD 2019-11-06 must be reduced for certain
airplanes. The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracking found in
the station (STA) 540 bulkhead chord and skin, which could result in
the inability of a primary structural element to sustain limit load.
The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in possible
rapid decompression and loss of structural integrity of the
airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) For airplanes identified as Group 1, Configuration 2, 3, 4,
or 5, or as Group 5 in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1368,
dated February 27, 2018: At the compliance time specified in
paragraph (g)(1)(i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) of this AD, whichever
occurs last, perform an ultrasonic inspection of the skin under the
drag link assembly in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions, Part 2, of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1368,
dated February 27, 2018. Do all applicable on-condition actions for
the Part 2 inspection at the times specified in paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1368, dated
February 27, 2018, except where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
53A1368, dated February 27, 2018, specifies contacting Boeing for
repair instructions, this AD requires doing the repair using a
method approved in accordance with paragraph (j) of this AD.
(i) Before the airplane accumulates 17,000 total flight cycles.
(ii) Within 5,000 flight cycles after July 17, 2019 (the
effective date of AD 2019-11-06).
(iii) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD.
(iv) Within 1,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this
AD.
(2) For airplanes identified as Group 1, Configuration 1, 3, or
4 in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1368, dated February 27,
2018: At the compliance time specified in paragraph (g)(2)(i), (ii),
(iii), or (iv) of this AD, whichever occurs last, perform an
ultrasonic inspection of the repair tripler under the drag link
assembly in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Part 6,
of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1368, dated February 27,
2018. Do all applicable on-condition actions for the Part 6
inspection at the times specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,''
of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1368, dated February 27,
2018, except where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1368, dated
February 27, 2018, specifies contacting Boeing for repair
instructions, this AD requires doing the repair using a method
approved in accordance with paragraph (j) of this AD.
(i) Before the airplane accumulates 30,000 total flight cycles.
(ii) Within 5,000 flight cycles after July 17, 2019 (the
effective date of AD 2019-11-06).
(iii) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD.
(iv) Within 1,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this
AD.
(i) Terminating Action for Certain Requirements of AD 2019-11-06
Accomplishing the actions required by this AD replaces the
corresponding initial ultrasonic inspections and on-condition
actions required by paragraph (g) of AD 2019-11-06 for Model 737-800
series airplanes converted to a freighter configuration using Boeing
Drawing 800A0003 only.
(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, 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)
of this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#22636f6d61624443430c454d54"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3a7b7775797a5c5b5b145d554c">[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
For more information about this AD, contact Owen Bley-Male,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des
[[Page 12455]]
Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3992; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#38574f5d56165e165a545d41155559545d785e5959165f574e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0a657d6f64246c2468666f7327676b666f4a6c6b6b246d657c">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing 737-800BCF Airworthiness Limitations, D140A006,
Revision L, dated April 1, 2021.
(ii) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1368, dated February
27, 2018.
(3) For Boeing material 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 material 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#a0c6d28ec9ced3d0c5c3d4c9cfcee0cec1d2c18ec7cfd6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c7a1b5e9aea9b4b7a2a4b3aea8a987a9a6b5a6e9a0a8b1">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on March 7, 2025.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division,Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-04319 Filed 3-17-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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