[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 60 (Friday, March 28, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17405-17408]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-06776]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0701; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-073-AD;
Amendment 39-17768; AD 2014-04-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The
Boeing Company Model 727 airplanes. This AD will complete certain
mandated programs intended to support the airplane reaching its limit
of validity
[[Page 17406]]
(LOV) of the engineering data that support the established structural
maintenance program. This AD requires repetitive inspections for
cracking of small repairs done on the vertical flange of the rib chord,
repetitive inspections for cracking along the upper fillet radius of
the rib chord, and a large repair or preventive modification if
necessary. Accomplishment of a large repair or preventive modification
terminates the actions of this AD. We are issuing this AD to prevent
cracks in the rib upper chord, which could result in the inability of
the wing structure to support the limit load condition, and consequent
loss of structural integrity of the wing.
DATES: This AD is effective May 2, 2014.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 2, 2014.
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 view this 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2013-
0701; 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 Docket 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: Chandraduth Ramdoss, Aerospace
Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Blvd., Suite 100, Lakewood,
CA 90712-4137, phone: 562-627-5329; fax: 562-627-5210; email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all The Boeing Company
Model 727 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
August 27, 2013 (78 FR 52875). The NPRM proposed to require repetitive
inspections for cracking of small repairs done on the vertical flange
of the rib chord, repetitive inspections for cracking along the upper
fillet radius of the rib chord, and a large repair or preventive
modification if necessary. Accomplishment of a large repair or
preventive modification would terminate the actions of the NPRM. We are
issuing this AD to prevent cracks in the rib upper chord, which could
result in the inability of the wing structure to support the limit load
condition, and consequent loss of structural integrity of the wing.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal
(78 FR 52875, August 27, 2013) and the FAA's response to each comment.
Request To Remove Statement of Difference Between NPRM (78 FR 52875,
August 27, 2013) and Service Information
Boeing requested that we revise ``Differences Between the Proposed
AD and the Service Information'' in the NPRM (78 FR 52875, August 27,
2013) to instead state that there are no differences. Boeing stated
that the NPRM specified the same type, location, and interval of the
inspections specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 727-57-0112, Revision
5, dated July 31, 1997, for a small repair.
We find that clarification of the requirements of this final rule
is necessary in light of the information provided in Boeing Service
Bulletin 727-57-0112, Revision 5, dated July 31, 1997. The post-small-
repair inspection is described in Part III of the service information;
some of this information is provided in notes, and the description of
the area to be inspected needed slight clarification. To ensure that
operators understand that all actions specified in Part III are
required for compliance, and to give more specific direction to the
area of inspection, paragraph (g) in this final rule specifies these
actions, including the information in the notes, with slightly
different wording to describe the inspection area. Since the inspection
is a direct requirement of this final rule, there is a difference
between this AD and the service information. We have not changed this
final rule regarding this issue.
Request To Refer to a Single Service Information Source
Paragraph (g) of the NPRM (78 FR 52875, August 27, 2013) referred
to actions specified in ``Boeing 727 Service Bulletin 57-112; or Part
III of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 727-
57-0112.'' Boeing stated that only one of these references is required.
Boeing added that one of the references did not follow the standard
format. Boeing therefore requested that we revise the NPRM to refer to
only ``Part III of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service
Bulletin 727-57-0112.''
We disagree to revise the source of service information as cited in
this final rule. We are required by OFR regulations to precisely
specify all possible revisions of this service bulletin by their unique
identities. Boeing Service Bulletin 727-57-0112 has actually been
revised five times; some versions are old and were published in
Boeing's older service bulletin format. The earlier version (``Boeing
727 Service Bulletin 57-112'') does not have a separate
``Accomplishment Instructions'' section. Two citations are therefore
necessary to refer to the description of the small repair actions in
the service information. However, we have added Note 1 to paragraph (g)
of this final rule to clarify the use of the different document
citations.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this AD with the change described previously and minor editorial
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (78 FR 52875, August 27, 2013) for correcting the unsafe
condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 52875, August 27, 2013).
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 106 airplanes of U.S. registry. We
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 17407]]
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections (per wing).......... 6 work-hours x $85 $0 $510 per inspection Up to $108,120 per
per hour = $510 cycle. inspection cycle per
per inspection airplane.
cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Large repair \1\ \2\....................... 300 work-hours x $85 per hour = $12,139 $37,639
$25,500.
Preventive modification \1\ \3\............ 57 work-hours x $85 per hour = 10,614 15,459
$4,845.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Cost for on-condition actions (either \2\ or \3\), per wing.
\2\ Cost for large repair, per wing.
\3\ Cost for preventive modification, per wing.
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):
2014-04-09 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-17768; Docket No. FAA-
2013-0701; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-073-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective May 2, 2014.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 727, 727C, 727-
100, 727-100C, 727-200, and 727-200F series airplanes, certificated
in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD will complete certain mandated programs intended to
support the airplane reaching its limit of validity (LOV) of the
engineering data that support the established structural maintenance
program. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracks in the rib upper
chord, which could result in the inability of the wing structure to
support the limit load condition, and consequent loss of structural
integrity of the wing.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Post-Repair Inspection
For any small repair that has been done as specified in Boeing
727 Service Bulletin 57-112; or Part III of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 727-57-0112: Within 3,500
flight cycles after the small repair was installed or inspected as
specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 727-57-0112, or within 18
months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs latest,
do a high frequency eddy current inspection for cracking of the
vertical flange of the rib chord from the inboard side, and do a
detailed (close visual) inspection for cracking along the upper
fillet radius of the rib chord, in accordance with Part III of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 727-57-0112,
Revision 5, dated July 31, 1997. Repeat the inspections thereafter
at intervals not to exceed 3,500 flight cycles until accomplishment
of the repair or modification specified in paragraph (i) or (j) of
this AD.
Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: Boeing 727 Service Bulletin
57-112 and Boeing Service Bulletin 727-57-0112 are both versions of
the same document. The formatting of service bulletins was revised
by Boeing following publication of Boeing 727 Service Bulletin 57-
112, Revision 1, dated April 23, 1976. Boeing Service Bulletin 727-
57-0112, Revision 2, dated May 19, 1988, was published using
Boeing's revised formatting.
(h) Inspection Definition
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
[[Page 17408]]
intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror,
magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and
elaborate procedures may be required.
(i) Corrective Action for Cracks
If any crack is found during any inspection required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, do either action
specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD. Accomplishment
of either action terminates the requirements of paragraph (g) of
this AD.
(1) Do a large repair, in accordance with Part IV of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 727-57-0112,
Revision 5, dated July 31, 1997.
(2) Do a preventive modification, in accordance with Part V of
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 727-57-
0112, Revision 5, dated July 31, 1997.
(j) Optional Terminating Action
Accomplishment of the actions specified in either paragraph
(j)(1) or (j)(2) of this AD terminates the requirements of
paragraphs (g) and (i) of this AD.
(1) A large repair, in accordance with Part IV of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 727-57-0112,
Revision 5, dated July 31, 1997. Any crack found must be repaired
before further flight using a method approved in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this AD.
(2) A preventive modification, in accordance with Part V of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 727-57-0112,
Revision 5, dated July 31, 1997. Any crack found must be repaired
before further flight using a method approved in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this AD.
(k) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the inspections, large
repair, and modification specified in this AD, if those actions were
performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Service
Bulletin 727-57-0112, Revision 4, dated October 29, 1992.
(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles 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 paragraph (m) 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, Los Angeles 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.
(m) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Chandraduth Ramdoss,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Blvd., Suite
100, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137, phone: 562-627-5329; fax: 562-627-
5210; email: [email protected].
(n) 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 Service Bulletin 727-57-0112, Revision 5, dated July 31,
1997.
(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 February 14, 2014.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-06776 Filed 3-27-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P