[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 191 (Monday, October 3, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61033-61036]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-24681]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 191 / Monday, October 3, 2011 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 61033]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2008-1118; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-318-AD;
Amendment 39-16792; AD 2011-18-10]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700,
-700C, -800, -900, and -900ER Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD)
for the products listed above. The existing AD currently requires
reviewing the airplane maintenance records to determine whether an
engine has been removed from the airplane since the airplane was
manufactured. For airplanes on which an engine has been removed, the
existing AD also requires an inspection of the aft engine mount to
determine if the center link assembly is correctly installed, and
follow-on actions if necessary. This new AD expands the applicability
to include airplanes on which the engine has not been previously
removed, and Model 737-900ER airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports
indicating that operators found that the center link assembly for the
aft engine mount was reversed on several airplanes that had not had an
engine removed since delivery. We are issuing this AD to prevent
increased structural loads on the aft engine mount, which could result
in failure of the aft engine mount and consequent separation of the
engine from the airplane.
DATES: This AD is effective November 7, 2011.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of November 7,
2011.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone 206-
544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; e-mail [email protected];
Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the
referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The address for the
Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is Document Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alan Pohl, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
917-6450; fax (425) 917-6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to
amend 14 CFR part 39 to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2003-03-
01, Amendment 39-13025 (68 FR 4367, January 29, 2003). That AD applies
to the specified products. The SNPRM published in the Federal Register
on January 11, 2011 (76 FR 1552). The original NPRM (73 FR 64568,
October 30, 2008) proposed to continue to require reviewing the
airplane maintenance records to determine whether an engine has been
removed from the airplane since the airplane was manufactured. For
airplanes on which an engine has been removed, the original NPRM also
requires an inspection of the aft engine mount to determine if the
center link assembly is correctly installed, and follow-on actions if
necessary. The original NPRM also proposed to require those same
actions on airplanes on which the engine has not previously been
removed. The SNPRM proposed to further expand the applicability to
include Model 737-900ER airplanes.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal
and the FAA's response to each comment.
Supportive Comments
Boeing and Continental Airlines concur with the SNPRM (76 FR 1552,
January 11, 2011).
Request for Information
American Airlines stated that it has accomplished the actions
required by AD 2003-03-01 (68 FR 4367, January 29, 2003) and the SNPRM
(76 FR 1552, January 11, 2011), and although it will no longer be
affected by the requirements in the SNPRM, asked the following
questions:
What action has the original equipment manufacturer,
Boeing, taken to prevent incorrect aft mount assembly installations?
Can Boeing specifically identify the procedures and/or
best practices incorporated into their production process to prevent a
recurrence of this type of event?
We acknowledge the commenter's concerns and provide the following
responses:
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-71A1462, Revision 2,
dated May 29, 2003; and Revision 3, dated May 20, 2004; specify marking
of the hangar fitting (pylon structure) and center link (engine
structure) assembly, which is the same as the marking incorporated
previously in production. These marks ``L,'' ``AFT,'' and ``R,''
applied to both the hangar fitting and center link assembly will only
be in close proximity if the center link is installed correctly.
Boeing has advised us that it has revised the instructions
in its component maintenance manuals
[[Page 61034]]
(assembly level) and aircraft maintenance manuals (installation level)
to put special emphasis on the center link installation. Boeing also
advised us that it implemented drawing changes affecting both
production assembly and field installation of this part; these changes
incorporated specific markings on both the center link assembly and the
hanger fitting to which it is attached. Boeing noted that after 2003
the parts were marked with an ``L'' and ``R'' (left and right) to
indicate the part orientation when assembled, and the hanger assembly
was marked with `AFT' at the center line. Boeing has also developed a
shop aid for use at the facility where the parts are fabricated and
assembled which helps the assembler confirm the correct orientation of
the parts. We have made no change to the AD in this regard.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
the AD as proposed.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 854 airplanes of U.S. registry.
There are no new requirements in this AD; however, we have expanded the
applicability of this AD. The current costs for this AD are
recalculated for the convenience of affected operators, as follows:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Work hours Parts airplane Fleet cost
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maintenance records review (required by AD 2003- 1 $0 $85 $72,590
03-01, Amendment 39-13025 (68 FR 4367, January
29, 2003)).....................................
Inspection for correct installation of center 1 0 85 72,590
link assembly (new required action)............
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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.
We are 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) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) 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.
Adoption of 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 removing airworthiness directive (AD)
2003-03-01, Amendment 39-13025 (68 FR 4367, January 29, 2003), and by
adding the following new AD:
2011-18-10 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-16792; Docket No. FAA-
2008-1118; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-318-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD is effective November 7, 2011.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2003-03-01, Amendment 39-13025 (68 FR
4367, January 29, 2003).
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -
700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes, certificated in
any category.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 71:
Powerplant.
Unsafe Condition
(e) This AD was prompted by reports indicating that operators
found that the center link assembly for the aft engine mount was
reversed on several airplanes that had not had an engine removed
since delivery. We are issuing this AD to prevent increased
structural loads on the aft engine mount, which could result in
failure of the aft engine mount and consequent separation of the
engine from the airplane.
Compliance
(f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Restatement of Requirements of AD 2003-03-01 (68 FR 4367, January 29,
2003): Review of Maintenance Records
(g) For Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series
airplanes: Within 90 days after February 13, 2003 (the effective
date of AD 2003-03-01 (68 FR 4367, January 29, 2003)), review the
airplane maintenance records to determine whether either engine has
been removed since the airplane's date of manufacture. If neither
engine has been removed since the airplane's date of manufacture, no
further action is required by this paragraph.
Inspection of Engines That Have Been Removed To Determine If Center
Link Assembly Is Installed Correctly
(h) For Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series
airplanes on which any installed engine has been removed from the
airplane since the airplane's date of manufacture: Within 90 days
after February 13, 2003, do a one-time general visual inspection to
determine if the center link
[[Page 61035]]
assembly of the aft engine mount is installed correctly, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737-71A1462, Revision 1, dated November 7, 2002; or
Revision 3, dated May 20, 2004. If the center link assembly is
installed correctly, no further action is required by paragraph (h)
or (i) of this AD for that engine. As of the effective date of this
AD, use only Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-71A1462, Revision 3,
dated May 20, 2004.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual
inspection is: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior
area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure,
or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within
touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be
necessary to ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection
area. This level of inspection is made under normally available
lighting conditions such as daylight, hanger lighting, flashlight,
or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or
doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain
proximity to the area being checked.''
Follow-On and Corrective Actions
(i) For airplanes on which any center link assembly is found
installed incorrectly during any inspection required by paragraph
(h), (k), or (l) of this AD: Before further flight, do the actions
specified in paragraphs (i)(1), (i)(2), and (i)(3) of this AD, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737-71A1462, Revision 1, dated November 7, 2002; or
Revision 3, dated May 20, 2004; except that it is not necessary to
submit a report of findings to the airplane manufacturer. As of the
effective date of this AD, use only Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737-71A1462, Revision 3, dated May 20, 2004.
(1) Remove the center link assembly and install it correctly.
(2) Perform a detailed inspection of the engine mounting lugs
and engine turbine rear frame for cracking, yielding, buckling, or
wear damage.
(3) Perform a detailed inspection of the hardware for the aft
engine mount; including the center link assembly, right link
assembly, aft mount hanger assembly, and link pins; for cracking,
yielding, buckling, or wear damage.
Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is:
``An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or
assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available
lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as
mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning
and elaborate procedures may be required.''
Repair
(j) If any cracking, yielding, buckling, or wear damage is found
during the inspections required by paragraphs (i)(2) and (i)(3) of
this AD: Before further flight, replace the discrepant part with a
new or serviceable part, or repair in accordance with a method
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph
(o) of this AD.
New Requirements of This AD
Inspection of Engines That Have Not Been Removed To Determine If Center
Link Assembly Is Installed Correctly
(k) For airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737-71A1462, Revision 3, dated May 20, 2004, on which any installed
engine has not been removed from the airplane since the airplane's
date of manufacture: Within 90 days after the effective date of this
AD, do a detailed inspection to determine if the center link
assembly of the aft engine mount is installed correctly, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737-71A1462, Revision 3, dated May 20, 2004. If the
center link is installed correctly, no further action is required by
this paragraph for that engine.
Follow-On and Corrective Actions
(l) For airplanes on which any center link assembly is found
installed incorrectly during the inspection required by paragraph
(k) of this AD: Before further flight, do the follow-on and
corrective actions required by paragraph (i) of this AD.
Credit for Actions Done Using Previous Service Information
(m) Inspections and corrective actions done before the effective
date of this AD in accordance with a Boeing service bulletin listed
in Table 1 of this AD are acceptable for compliance with the
corresponding requirements of this AD.
Table 1--Previous Service Bulletins
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin--
Revision-- Dated--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
737-71A1462................... Original...... August 29, 2002.
737-71A1462................... 1............. November 7, 2002.
737-71A1462................... 2............. May 29, 2003.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parts Installation
(n) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install
an engine on any airplane identified in paragraph (c) of this AD
unless the actions required by paragraph (n)(1) or (n)(2) of this AD
are accomplished.
(1) The inspection is accomplished in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
71A1462, Revision 3, dated May 20, 2004, and the center link
assembly of the aft engine mount is found to be installed correctly.
(2) The hanger fitting and center link assembly are marked and
part marked in accordance with Part 2 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-71A1462, Revision
3, dated May 20, 2004.
Note 3: For hanger fittings and center link assemblies marked
and part marked in production, as specified in Part 2 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
71A1462, Revision 3, dated May 20, 2004, the actions specified in
paragraph (n)(2) of this AD do not apply.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(o) The certification office specified in paragraph (o)(1) or
(o)(2) of this AD, as applicable, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for paragraphs (i) and (j) of this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(1) For the structure identified in paragraph (i)(2) of this AD:
The Manager, Engine Certification Office (ECO), FAA. Send
information to ATTN: Antonio Cancelliere, Aerospace Engineer, ANE-
141, FAA, ECO, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington,
Massachusetts 01803-5299; telephone 781-238-7751; fax 781-238-7199.
(2) For the structure identified in paragraph (i)(3) of this AD:
The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. Send
information to ATTN: Alan Pohl, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch,
ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6450; fax (425) 917-6590.
Information may be e-mailed to: [email protected].
(3) To request a different method of compliance or a different
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19.
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a
principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards
district office/certificate holding district office. The AMOC
approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
(4) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used for any repair required by paragraph (i)(3) of this AD if it is
approved by Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation
Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle
ACO, to make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the
repair must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the
approval must specifically refer to this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(p) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-71A1462,
Revision 3, dated
[[Page 61036]]
May 20, 2004, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD
specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
71A1462, Revision 3, dated May 20, 2004, under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1
CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone
206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; e-mail
[email protected]; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
(3) You may review copies of the referenced service information
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
(4) You may also review copies of the service information that
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this
material at an NARA facility, call 202-741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington on September 8, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
Peter A. White,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Engine and Propeller
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-24681 Filed 9-30-11; 8:45 am]
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