[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 194 (Friday, October 5, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60889-60891]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-24280]
[[Page 60889]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0491; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-265-AD;
Amendment 39-17207; AD 2012-20-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, and -200C series airplanes.
This AD was prompted by a report of a severed upper butt strap, and
cracks in the forward skin and bonded doubler, on one airplane. This AD
requires repetitive inspections for cracks and a chemical spot test in
the area of station (STA) 908, and related investigative and corrective
actions, if necessary. For certain airplanes, this AD requires an
inspection and modification. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracks
at the adjacent mating skins (forward and aft), which could initiate
just above stringers S-4R and S-4L; and could grow and result in a
decompression event.
DATES: This AD is effective November 9, 2012.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of November 9,
2012.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; 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, WA 98057-3356. 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: Wayne Lockett, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: (425) 917-6447;
fax: (425) 917-6590; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
That NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 4, 2012 (77 FR
32918). That NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections for cracks
and a chemical spot test in the area of STA 908, and related
investigative and corrective actions, if necessary. For certain
airplanes, that NPRM also proposed to require an inspection and
modification.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comment received on the proposal
(77 FR 32918, June 4, 2012) and the FAA's response to the comment.
Request To Relocate Terminating Action Statement
Boeing requested that we relocate the terminating action statement
related to confirmed 2000 series aluminum from paragraph (h)(2) of the
NPRM (77 FR 32918, June 4, 2012) to paragraph (j) of the NPRM.
We disagree with the request to relocate the sentence. The
terminating action specified in paragraph (h)(2) of this AD only
terminates the actions specified in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD.
Paragraph (j) of the AD allows operators to forego all requirements of
this AD, including the initial inspection, repetitive inspections, and
chemical spot test requirements, by replacing the butt strap with a new
part made of the correct material, and doing related investigative and
corrective actions, as applicable. No change has been made to the AD in
this regard.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment 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 61 airplanes of U.S registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection and test............ 166 work-hours x $85 $0 $14,110 per $860,710 per
per hour = $14,110 per inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
inspection cycle.
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In addition, we have received no definitive data that would enable
us to provide cost estimates for the actions that would be required for
Group 1 airplanes.
We estimate the following costs to do any necessary related
investigative actions, repairs, and installations that would be
required based on the results of the inspection and test. We have no
way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these
actions:
[[Page 60890]]
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Related investigative actions, repair, 173 work-hours x $85 per hour = $0 $14,705
installation. $14,705.
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According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost
estimate.
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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2012-20-01 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-17207; Docket No. FAA-
2012-0491; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-265-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective November 9, 2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, and -
200C series airplanes; certificated in any category; as identified
in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1313, dated
November 3, 2011.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 53; Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a severed upper butt strap,
and cracks in the forward skin and bonded doubler, on one airplane.
We are issuing this AD to prevent cracks at the adjacent mating
skins (forward and aft), which could initiate just above stringers
S-4R and S-4L; and could grow and result in a decompression event.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Actions for Group 1 Airplanes
For Group 1 airplanes, as identified in Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 737-53-1313, dated November 3, 2011: Within 120
days after the effective date of this AD, inspect and modify, as
required, using a method approved in accordance with the procedures
specified in paragraph (k) of this AD.
(h) Actions for Groups 2 and 3 Airplanes
For Groups 2 and 3 airplanes, as identified in Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1313, dated November 3, 2011:
Except as provided by paragraph (i)(1) of this AD, at the applicable
times identified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1313, dated November 3,
2011, do the actions specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of
this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1313, dated
November 3, 2011, except as provided by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD.
(1) Do one of the inspection options identified in paragraphs
(h)(1)(i), (h)(1)(ii), and (h)(1)(iii) of this AD; and do all
applicable related investigative and corrective actions. Do all
applicable related investigative and corrective actions before
further flight.
(i) Inspection Option 1: Do a detailed inspection for cracks of
the station (STA) 908 forward and aft skin. Thereafter, repeat the
inspection at intervals not to exceed 500 flight cycles until the
chemical spot test required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD is done.
(ii) Inspection Option 2: Do a one-time external low-frequency
eddy current (LFEC) inspection for cracks of the STA 908 upper butt
strap.
(iii) Inspection Option 3: Do a one-time internal LFEC
inspection for cracks of the STA 908 upper butt strap.
(2) Do a chemical spot test of the STA 908 upper butt strap to
determine the part material, and do all applicable related
investigative and corrective actions. Do all applicable related
investigative and corrective actions at the times specified in
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 737-53-1313, dated November 3, 2011, except as provided by
paragraph (i)(1) of this AD. Confirming the upper butt strap is made
from 2000 series aluminum terminates the inspections required by
paragraph (h)(1) of this AD.
(i) Exceptions to the Service Information
(1) Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1313,
dated November 3, 2011, specifies a compliance time ``after the
original issue date of the service bulletin,'' this AD requires
compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective
date of this AD.
(2) Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1313,
dated November 3, 2011, specifies to contact Boeing for repair
[[Page 60891]]
instructions: Before further flight, repair using a method approved
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (k) of this
AD.
(j) Terminating Action
Replacing the STA 908 upper butt strap and doing all applicable
related investigative and corrective actions, in accordance with
Part 4, Part 5, and Part 6, of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1313, dated
November 3, 2011, except as provided by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD,
terminates the inspections and chemical spot test required by this
AD.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
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 local
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in the Related Information
section of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used for any repair required by this AD if it is approved by the
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.
(l) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Wayne Lockett,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356;
phone: (425) 917-6447; fax: (425) 917-6590; email:
[email protected].
(m) 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 Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1313, dated
November 3, 2011.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
(425) 227-1221.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 21, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-24280 Filed 10-4-12; 8:45 am]
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