[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 150 (Monday, August 5, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 47233-47235]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-18800]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0670; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-081-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -800, -900, and -900ER
airplanes modified by particular supplemental type certificates (STC).
This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracks found during
inspections of the in-flight entertainment system radome assembly. This
proposed AD would require repetitive detailed inspections for cracks in
the radome assembly, and replacement of the radome if necessary. We are
proposing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the radome assembly,
which could result in the radome (or pieces) separating from the
airplane and striking the tail, and consequently reducing the
controllability of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 19,
2013.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Live TV, 8900 Hangar Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32827; telephone 407-812-
2600; fax 407-812-2526; Internet http://www.livetv.net. 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 proposed AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barry Culler, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ACE-117A, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: 404-474-
5546; fax: 404-474-5605; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2013-0670;
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-081-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
We received reports of cracks in 26 radomes. The cracks were found
during inspections of the radome assembly of various Model 737 series
airplanes that had in-flight entertainment systems installed using
certain STC issued to Live TV. The STC numbers are STC ST00284BO,
http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/
3ecc2e5e5f408bc1862579b30048ed60/$FILE/ST00284BO.pdf; and STC
ST02887AT, http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory--and--Guidance--Library/
rgstc.nsf/0/9bf85b85ea3e295d8625735600721055/$FILE/ST02887AT.pdf.
Investigation of the cause of the cracks revealed that lack of
dimensional controls on the radome manufacturing drawings can result in
the introduction of preload stress on the radome during its assembly
with the skirt fairing. Preload stress combined with flight or handling
stress, such as maintenance personnel stepping on the radome fairing
assembly, might initiate a crack. The radome manufacturing drawings
were revised on September 13, 2010, to add a control dimension, which
was incorporated into production at radome serial number 498. Cracks in
the radome, if not corrected, could result in the radome (or pieces)
separating from the airplane and striking the tail, and consequently
reducing the controllability of the airplane.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Live TV Service Bulletin B737-53-0011, dated March 29,
2013. The service information describes procedures for repetitive
inspections for cracks in the outer ply of the radome and replacing the
radome if any crack is found.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in the service information described previously, except as discussed
under ``Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service
Information.'' In
[[Page 47234]]
addition, if any crack is found in a radome during an inspection, this
proposed AD would require sending the inspection results to Live TV.
The FAA worked in conjunction with industry, under the
Airworthiness Directives Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee,
to enhance the AD system. One enhancement was a new process for
annotating which steps in the service information are required for
compliance with an AD. Differentiating these steps from other tasks in
the service information is expected to improve an owner's/operator's
understanding of crucial AD requirements and help provide consistent
judgment in AD compliance. The actions specified in the service
information described previously include steps that are labeled as RC
(required for compliance) because these steps have a direct effect on
detecting, preventing, resolving, or eliminating an identified unsafe
condition.
As noted in the specified service information, steps labeled as RC
must be done to comply with the proposed AD. However, steps that are
not labeled as RC are recommended. Those steps that are not labeled as
RC may be deviated from, done as part of other actions, or done using
accepted methods different from those identified in the service
information without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the steps
labeled as RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in a
serviceable condition. Any substitutions or changes to steps labeled as
RC will require approval of an alternative method of compliance.
Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information
Live TV Service Bulletin B737-53-0011, dated March 29, 2013,
recommends that the initial detailed inspection be done within 1,250
flight hours from 120 days following the release date of that service
bulletin. We have determined that the compliance time should be within
1,250 flight hours after the effective date of this AD. This difference
has been coordinated with Live TV.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 165 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Inspections..................... 1 work-hour x $85 per N/A.......... $85, per $14, 025, per
hour = $85, per inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
inspection cycle.
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements
that would be required based on the results of the proposed
inspections. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that
might need this replacement:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Replacement............................... 8 work-hours x $85 per hour = $680 $23,000 $23,680
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Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with
this AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden
and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA
at 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591. ATTN: Information
Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.
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 determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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.
[[Page 47235]]
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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):
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2013-0670; Directorate Identifier
2013-NM-081-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by September 19, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -800,
-900, and -900ER airplanes, certificated in any category, with Live
TV radomes having part number (P/N) 5063-100-V3 or 5063-101-V2 and a
serial number in the range of 001 through 497 inclusive, and
modified by the applicable supplemental type certificate (STC)
identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
(1) ST00284BO, http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory--and--Guidance--
Library/rgstc.nsf/0/3ecc2e5e5f408bc1862579b30048ed60/$FILE/
ST00284BO.pdf.
(2) ST02887AT, http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory--and--Guidance--
Library/rgstc.nsf/0/9bf85b85ea3e295d8625735600721055/$FILE/
ST02887AT.pdf.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracks found during
inspections of the radome assembly. We are issuing this AD to detect
and correct cracks in the in-flight entertainment system radome
assembly, which could result in the radome (or pieces) separating
from the airplane and striking the tail, and consequently reducing
the controllability of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Repetitive Inspections and Corrective Actions
Within 1,250 flight hours after the effective date of this AD:
Perform a detailed inspection for cracks of the radome assembly, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Live TV Service
Bulletin B737-53-0011, dated March 29, 2013. Repeat the inspection
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,250 flight hours. If any
crack is found during any inspection required by this paragraph,
before further flight, replace the radome in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Live TV Service Bulletin B737-53-
0011, dated March 29, 2013.
(h) Reporting Requirement
If any crack is found during any inspection required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, submit a report of the findings to Live
TV, 8900 Hangar Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32827; telephone 407-812-
2600; fax 407-812-2526; email [email protected]; at the
applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD.
The report must include the information specified in the service
bulletin reporting form provided in Live TV Service Bulletin B737-
53-0011, dated March 29, 2013.
(1) If the inspection was accomplished on or after the effective
date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the
inspection.
(2) If the inspection was accomplished before the effective date
of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective
date of this AD.
(i) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and
Section 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197
and 21.199), are not allowed.
(j) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty
for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to
the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that
collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the
collection of information. All responses to this collection of
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn:
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Atlanta 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.
(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) If the service information contains steps that are labeled
as RC (Required for Compliance), those steps must be done to comply
with this AD; any steps that are not labeled as RC are recommended.
Those steps that are not labeled as RC may be deviated from, done as
part of other actions, or done using accepted methods different from
those identified in the specified service information without
obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the steps labeled as RC can
be done and the airplane can be put back in a serviceable condition.
Any substitutions or changes to steps labeled as RC require approval
of an AMOC.
(l) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Barry Culler,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ACE-117A, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA
30337; phone: 404-474-5546; fax: 404-474-5605; email:
[email protected].
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Live
TV, 8900 Hangar Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32827; telephone 407-812-
2600; fax 407-812-2526; Internet http://www.livetv.net. You may
review copies of the referenced service information at the 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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 23, 2013.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-18800 Filed 8-2-13; 8:45 am]
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