[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 191 (Wednesday, October 2, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 60807-60809]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-24121]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0837; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-112-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 737-200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500
series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracking
found in the skin at the lower aft corner of the forward entry doorway
on airplanes that do not have an airstair door cutout. This proposed AD
would require repetitive inspections for cracking in the lower corners
of the forward entry doorway on airplanes that do not have an airstair
door cutout, and repair if necessary. We are proposing this AD to
detect and correct cracking in the lower corners of the forward entry
doorway, which could lead to crack progression and consequent rapid
decompression of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 18,
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
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. 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: Alan Pohl, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: (425) 917-6450;
fax: (425) 917-6590; 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-2013-0837;
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-112-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
[[Page 60808]]
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 have received five reports of cracking found in the skin at the
lower aft corner of the forward entry doorway on airplanes that do not
have an airstair door cutout. The cracks ranged from 0.25 to 2.0 inches
in length. The airplanes had accumulated between 34,813 and 73,083
total flight cycles. Cracking in the lower corners of the forward entry
doorway is caused by fatigue loads in the skin and bear strap, and are
magnified by local stress concentrations due to the door cutout and
edge margin effects at fastener locations near the corner radius.
Cracking can also be initiated from impact damage due to a high usage
rate of the forward entry door. This condition, if not corrected, could
result in crack progression and consequent rapid decompression of the
airplane.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1329, dated June
4, 2013. This service bulletin describes procedures for repetitive
inspections for cracking in the skin assembly and bear strap at the
lower corners of the forward entry doorway. This service bulletin
describes the following actions:
Internal detailed inspection of the skin assembly and bear
strap;
Internal high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection of
the bear strap;
External detailed and HFEC inspections of the skin
assembly; and,
Contacting Boeing for inspection (for Group 1 airplanes),
inspection (for Groups 2 and 3 airplanes), and crack repair
instructions (Group 3 airplanes).
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1329, dated June 4, 2013,
specifies compliance times for the initial inspection as before the
accumulation of 27,000 total flight cycles or within 4,500 flight
cycles after the issue date of the service bulletin, whichever occurs
later. The repetitive interval is 4,500 flight cycles. Repairs are to
be done before further flight.
Other Relevant Rulemaking
For The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series
airplanes, the repair identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
53A1329, dated June 4, 2013, may affect certain areas of Significant
Structural Item F-13A inspections required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of
AD 2008-09-13, Amendment 39-15494 (73 FR 24164, May 2, 2008).
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 this Proposed AD and the Service
Information.''
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1329, dated June 4, 2013,
specifies contacting the manufacturer for inspection instructions (for
Group 1 airplanes) and for repair instructions (all airplanes), but
this proposed AD would require accomplishing those actions in one of
the following ways:
In accordance with a method that we approve; or
Using data that meet the certification basis of the
airplane, and that have been approved by the Boeing Commercial
Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization whom we have
authorized to make those findings.
This difference has been coordinated with Boeing.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 376 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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Inspection of the lower corners 5 work-hours x $85 $0 $425, per $159,800, per
of the forward entry doorway per hour = $425, inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
(Groups 2 and 3 airplanes) \1\. per inspection
cycle.
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\1\ We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide cost estimates for the inspection on
Group 1 airplanes.
We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed
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 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
[[Page 60809]]
(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.
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-2013-0837; Directorate Identifier
2013-NM-112-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by November 18, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
For The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series
airplanes: Certain requirements of AD 2008-09-13, Amendment 39-15494
(73 FR 24164, May 2, 2008), may be affected by certain requirements
of this AD.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-200, -200C, -
300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, certificated in any category,
without an airstair door cutout, as identified in Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737-53A1329, dated June 4, 2013.
(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 cracking found in the skin at
the lower aft corner of the forward entry doorway on airplanes that
do not have an airstair door cutout. We are issuing this AD to
detect and correct cracking in the lower corners of the forward
entry doorway, which could lead to crack progression and consequent
rapid decompression of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Repetitive Inspections
Except as provided by paragraph (i)(1) of this AD, at the
applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1329, dated June 4, 2013, do
the actions specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, as
applicable.
(1) For Group 1 airplanes, as identified in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-53A1329, dated June 4, 2013: Except as provided by
paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, inspect the lower corners of the
forward entry doorway for cracking, using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this
AD.
(2) For Group 2 and Group 3 airplanes, as identified in Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1329, dated June 4, 2013: At the
forward entry doorway lower forward and aft corners, as applicable,
do an internal detailed inspection of the skin assembly and bear
strap, an internal high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection of
the bear strap, and external detailed and HFEC inspections of the
skin assembly for cracking, in accordance with Part 2 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
53A1329, dated June 4, 2013. If no cracking is found during any
inspection required by this paragraph: Except as provided by
paragraph (i)(1) of this AD, repeat the applicable inspections at
the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1329, dated June 4, 2013.
(h) Repair
(1) If any cracking is found during any inspection required by
paragraph (g) of this AD: For Group 3 airplanes with cracking at the
aft lower corner of the forward entry doorway, before further
flight, repair in accordance with Part 2 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1329, dated
June 4, 2013. Accomplishment of this repair terminates the
repetitive inspections required by this AD in the area common to the
repair for Group 3 airplanes only. For all other cracking found,
before further flight, repair using a method approved in accordance
with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.
(2) Installation of a repair approved in accordance with
paragraph (j) of this AD terminates the repetitive inspections
required by this AD for the repaired area only.
(i) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1329, dated June
4, 2013, specifies a compliance time ``after the original issue date
of this service bulletin,'' this AD requires compliance within the
specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD.
(2) Although Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1329, dated
June 4, 2013, specifies contacting Boeing for information on certain
inspections and repairs, this AD requires that those actions be done
by using a method approved in accordance with the procedures
specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle 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.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Alan Pohl,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356;
phone: (425) 917-6450; fax: (425) 917-6590; email:
[email protected].
(2) 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. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 25, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-24121 Filed 10-1-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P