[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 69 (Wednesday, April 10, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 21236-21239]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-03903]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0809; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-135-AD;
Amendment 39-17361; AD 2013-04-04]
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 superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain The Boeing Company Model 757 airplanes equipped with Rolls-
Royce RB211-535E engines. That AD currently requires repetitive
inspections for signs of damage of the aft hinge fittings and
attachment bolts of the thrust reversers, and related investigative and
corrective actions if necessary. The existing AD also provides for an
optional terminating modification for the repetitive inspections. For
certain airplanes, this new AD adds a one-time inspection of the
washers installed under the attachment bolts of the aft hinge fittings
for correct installation sequence, and reinstallation if necessary.
This new AD also adds an option for installing a redesigned aft hinge
fitting with the trim already done, instead of trimming an existing or
new hinge fitting, which is included in the existing optional
terminating modification. This AD was prompted by reports of
incorrectly installed washers under the attachment bolts of the aft
hinge fittings of the thrust reversers. We are issuing this AD to
prevent failure of the attachment bolts and consequent separation of a
thrust reverser from the airplane during flight, which could result in
structural damage to the airplane.
DATES: This AD is effective May 15, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of May 15, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of August
6, 2008 (73 FR 37786, July 2, 2008).
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; 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: Nancy Marsh, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6440; 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 supersede AD 2008-13-20, Amendment 39-15583 (73 FR 37786,
July 2, 2008). That AD applies to the specified products. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register August 16, 2012 (77 FR 49396). That
NPRM proposed to continue to require repetitive inspections for signs
of damage of the aft hinge fittings and attachment bolts of the thrust
reversers, and related investigative and corrective actions if
necessary. That NPRM also proposed to continue to provide for an
optional terminating modification for the repetitive inspections. For
certain airplanes, that NPRM proposed to add a one-time inspection of
the washers installed under the attachment bolts of the aft hinge
fittings for correct installation sequence, and reinstallation if
necessary. That NPRM also proposed to add an option for installing a
redesigned aft hinge fitting with the trim already done, instead of
trimming an existing or new hinge fitting, which is included in the
existing optional terminating modification.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal
(77 FR 49396, August 16, 2012) and the FAA's response to each comment.
Support for the NPRM (77 FR 49396, August 16, 2012)
Boeing concurred with the content of the NPRM (77 FR 49396, August
16, 2012).
FedEx Express stated that it is accomplishing the actions specified
in the NPRM (77 FR 49396, August 16, 2012), and determined that its
regular maintenance check schedule is not adversely affected by the
specified actions.
Request To Address Effects of NPRM (77 FR 49396, August 16, 2012) on
Winglets
Aviation Partners Boeing (APB) stated that it has reviewed the NPRM
(77 FR 49396, August 16, 2012), and Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 757-54-0049, Revision 1, dated September 23, 2009, and
Revision 2, dated July 27, 2011; and Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 757-54-0050, Revision 1, dated October 7, 2009, and Revision
2, dated July 27, 2011; and has determined that the installation of
winglets, per Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST01518SE, ``does not
affect them.''
We infer that APB means the installation of these winglets does not
affect accomplishing the NPRM (77 FR 49396, August 16, 2012). We agree
with the commenter and have determined that this AD should clarify the
procedures to address these APB winglets. We have added a new paragraph
(c)(2) to this AD to state that the installation of STC ST01518SE
(http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/48E13CDFBBC32CF4862576A4005D308B?OpenDocument&Highlight=st01518se) does
not affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by this AD.
For airplanes on which STC ST01518SE is installed, a ``change in
product'' alternative method of compliance (AMOC) approval request is
not necessary to comply with the requirements of section 39.17 of the
[[Page 21237]]
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.17). For all other AMOC
requests, the operator must request approval according to paragraph (n)
of this AD.
Request To Withdraw the NPRM (77 FR 49396, August 16, 2012)
American Airlines (AAL) stated that the existing FAA AD 2008-13-20,
Amendment 39-15583 (73 FR 37786, July 2, 2008), is sufficient to
correct the unsafe condition identified in the NPRM (77 FR 49396,
August 16, 2012). AAL noted that if an operator deviated from the
fastener stack-up in Figures 11 and 12 of Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 757-54-0049, dated July 16, 2007, it should be dealt
with on a case-by-case basis, and not by issuing an industry-wide
requirement.
Although AAL did not make a specific request, we infer that it
wants the NPRM (77 FR 49396, August 16, 2012) withdrawn. We agree that
operators with airplanes on which the subject modification has been
done must accomplish a one-time inspection and corrective action
because the washers may have been installed backwards. However, we do
not agree that improper installation of the washers using the
procedures in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-0049,
dated July 16, 2007, should be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Improper installation would recreate the unsafe condition, which
must be addressed by doing the actions required by this AD. In
addition, although the correct part number for the incorrect washer
name of ``plain washer'' is identified in Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 757-54-0049, dated July 16, 2007, information for
substituting other ``plain washers'' is also provided by referring to
the additional guidance specified in the Boeing 757 Structural Repair
Manual. Therefore, we are issuing this AD without further delay, in
order to eliminate the identified unsafe condition of incorrectly
installed washers under the attachment bolts of the aft hinge fittings
of the thrust reversers.
Request To Accomplish Certain Steps in the Service Information Out of
Sequence
AAL asked that it be allowed to accomplish certain steps in the
referenced service information out of sequence. AAL stated that Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-0049, Revision 2, dated July
27, 2011, removed Note 1 from the Work Instructions, and Note 1 allowed
operators to change the sequence of steps for the specified procedures.
AAL noted that if it is not allowed to accomplish certain steps out of
sequence, it will be prevented from accomplishing the actions in that
service bulletin in a timely manner. AAL added that the inspection and
modification instructions are straightforward and are fundamental
maintenance procedures.
We agree that certain steps in the Work Instructions of Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-0049, Revision 2, dated July
27, 2011, could be accomplished out of sequence; however, certain other
steps cannot. We suggest that AAL provide supporting data to Boeing to
substantiate that the service information can be revised to permit
accomplishing those steps out of sequence when appropriate. AAL may
also submit a request for approval of an alternative method of
compliance (AMOC), as specified in paragraph (n) of this AD, to use for
accomplishing those steps out of sequence. We have not changed the AD
in this regard.
Request To Revise Certain Instructions in the NPRM (77 FR 49396, August
16, 2012)
AAL asked that only the work steps critical to correcting the
unsafe condition be mandated by the AD. AAL stated that ``open and
close'' are part of typical maintenance that is fundamental to a
qualified maintenance facility; therefore, the instructions on how an
operator gets to the steps should not be mandated but left to the
operator's discretion as the best method to use to address the existing
unsafe condition.
We agree that certain steps in the Work Instructions of Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-0049, Revision 2, dated July
27, 2011, may not need to be mandated; however, AAL did not provide
supporting data of which steps in particular. We infer that AAL is
asking to exclude the instructions mandated for access and close.
Therefore, we have changed paragraph (g) of this AD to specify
accomplishing Part II of the service information. We have also changed
paragraph (l) of this AD to specify accomplishing Part IV of the
service information for the inspection, and Part III of the service
information for the preventive modification. These changes exclude
Parts I and V of the service information which contain the instructions
for access and close.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
the AD with the change described previously. We also determined that
this change will not increase the economic burden on any operator or
increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 389 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained inspections in AD 2 work-hours x $85 $0 $170 per inspection $66,130 per
2008[dash]13[dash]20, Amendment per hour = $170 cycle. inspection cycle.
39[dash]15583 (73 FR 37786, July per inspection
2, 2008). cycle.
Retained optional modification in 61 work-hours x $85 $5,276 $10,461............ Up to $4,069,329.
AD 2008[dash]13[dash]20, per hour = $5,185.
Amendment 39[dash]15583 (73 FR
37786, July 2, 2008), and new
optional actions.
New inspection................... 6 work-hours x $85 $0 $510............... Up to $198,390.
per hour = $510.
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[[Page 21238]]
We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
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.
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
We have determined that 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)
2008-13-20, Amendment 39-15583 (73 FR 37786, July 2, 2008), and adding
the following new AD:
2013-04-04 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-17361; Docket No. FAA-
2012-0809; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-135-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective May 15, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD supersedes AD 2008-13-20, Amendment 39-15583 (73 FR
37786, July 2, 2008).
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 757-200, -200CB,
-200PF, and -300 series airplanes; certificated in any category;
equipped with Rolls-Royce RB211-535E engines.
(2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
ST01518SE (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/48E13CDFBBC32CF4862576A4005D308B?OpenDocument&Highlight=st01518se)
does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by
this AD. For airplanes on which STC ST01518SE 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
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 54, Nacelles/Pylons.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD results from reports of incorrectly installed washers
under the attachment bolts of the aft hinge fittings of the thrust
reversers. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the
attachment bolts and consequent separation of a thrust reverser from
the airplane during flight, which could result in structural damage
to the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Retained Repetitive Inspections/Investigative and Corrective
Actions
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (f) of AD
2008-13-20, Amendment 39-15583 (73 FR 37786, July 2, 2008), with
revised service information. At the time specified in paragraph 1.E.
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-
0049 or 757-54-0050, both dated July 16, 2007, as applicable; except
as provided by paragraph (h) of this AD: Do a detailed inspection
for signs of damage of the aft hinge fittings and attachment bolts
of the thrust reversers by doing all the actions, including all
applicable related investigative and corrective actions, as
specified in Part II of the Accomplishment Instructions of the
applicable service bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2),
or (g)(3); or paragraph (g)(4), (g)(5), or (g)(6) of this AD; as
applicable. Do all applicable related investigative and corrective
actions at the time specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of
the applicable service bulletin identified in paragraph (g)(1) or
(g)(4) of this AD. As of the effective date of this AD, only the
service bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(3) or (g)(6) of this AD,
as applicable, may be used to accomplish the actions required by
this paragraph. If any damage is found and the service bulletin
identified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), (g)(3), (g)(4), (g)(5), or
(g)(6) of this AD specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate
action: Before further flight, repair using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (n) of this
AD.
(1) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-0049, dated
July 16, 2007.
(2) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-0049,
Revision 1, dated September 23, 2009.
(3) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-0049,
Revision 2, dated July 27, 2011.
(4) Boeing Service Bulletin 757-54-0050, dated July 16, 2007.
(5) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-0050,
Revision 1, dated October 7, 2009.
(6) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-0050,
Revision 2, dated July 27, 2011.
(h) Retained Exception to Service Information
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD
2008-13-20, Amendment 39-15583 (73 FR 37786, July 2, 2008). Where
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-0049 or Boeing
Service Bulletin 757-54-0050, both dated July 16, 2007; as
applicable; specifies compliance times relative to the date on the
service bulletin, this AD requires compliance within the specified
compliance time after August 6, 2008 (the effective date of AD 2008-
13-20).
(i) Retained Optional Terminating Modification
This paragraph restates the actions specified in paragraph (h)
of AD 2008-13-20, Amendment 39-15583 (73 FR 37786, July 2, 2008).
Accomplishing the preventive modification identified in the service
bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3); or
paragraph (g)(4), (g)(5), or (g)(6) of this AD; as applicable;
terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of
this AD.
(j) Retained Concurrent Actions
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD
2008-13-20, Amendment 39-15583 (73 FR 37786, July 2, 2008). Prior
[[Page 21239]]
to or concurrently with accomplishing the actions identified in the
service bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of
this AD, as applicable, accomplish the replacement specified in
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-0015, Revision 3,
dated September 19, 1996.
(k) Retained Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph restates the provisions of paragraph (j) of AD
2008-13-20, Amendment 39-15583 (73 FR 37786, July 2, 2008). This
paragraph provides credit for the actions required by paragraph (j)
of this AD, if those actions were performed before August 6, 2008
(the effective date AD 2008-13-20), using Boeing Service Bulletin
757-54-0015, dated February 16, 1989; Revision 1, dated December 20,
1990; or Revision 2, dated April 21, 1994 (which are not
incorporated by reference in this AD).
(l) New Requirements of This AD: Inspection of Washer Stack up
Sequence/Corrective Action
For Group 1, Configuration 2 airplanes identified in Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletins 757-54-0049 and 757-54-0050,
Revision 2, both dated July 27, 2011: Within 3,000 flight cycles
after the effective date of this AD, do a detailed inspection of the
washers installed under the attachment bolts of the aft hinge
fittings for correct installation sequence, in accordance with Part
IV of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 757-54-0049 or 757-54-0050, both Revision 2, both
dated July 27, 2011, as applicable. If an incorrect installation
sequence is found, before further flight, remove and reinstall the
washer stack up correctly, in accordance with Part III of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 757-54-0049 or 757-54-0050, Revision 2, both dated July 27,
2011, as applicable.
(m) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraph (l) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 757-54-0049, Revision 1, dated September 23, 2009; or
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-0050, Revision 1,
dated October 7, 2009; as applicable.
(n) 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.
(4) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2008-13-20,
Amendment 39-15583 (73 FR 37786, July 2, 2008), are approved as
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD.
(o) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Nancy Marsh,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington
98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6440; fax: 425-917-6590; email:
[email protected].
(p) 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.
(3) The following service information was approved on May 15,
2013.
(i) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-0049,
Revision 2, dated July 27, 2011.
(ii) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-0049,
Revision 1, dated September 23, 2009.
(iii) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-0050,
Revision 2, dated July 27, 2011.
(iv) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-0050,
Revision 1, dated October 7, 2009.
(4) The following service information was approved for IBR on
August 6, 2008 (73 FR 37786, July 2, 2008).
(i) Boeing Service Bulletin 757-54-0050, dated July 16, 2007.
(ii) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-0015,
Revision 3, dated September 19, 1996.
(iii) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-0049,
dated July 16, 2007.
(5) 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; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
(6) You may view this 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.
(7) 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 February 8, 2013.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-03903 Filed 4-9-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P