[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 240 (Monday, December 15, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 74032-74035]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-29234]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 240 / Monday, December 15, 2014 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 74032]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2014-0923; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-176-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 737-700, -800, and -900ER series
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of troughs in the
skin along the chem-mill pocket edges of certain fuselage crown skin
panel assemblies. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections
to detect cracking in the crown skin panel assembly. This proposed AD
would also provide optional terminating action for the repetitive
inspections. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking
from troughs in the chem-mill pocket edges, which could lead to rapid
decompression of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 29,
2015.
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 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-2014-
0923; 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: Haytham Alaidy, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6573; 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-2014-0923;
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-176-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
Some section 43, 44, and 46 fuselage crown skin panel assemblies
may contain troughs in the skin along the chem-mill pocket edges. The
troughs are caused during production rework by the automated laser
trace process for cutting maskant. The laser disrupted the bond surface
and allowed the chemical milling solution to penetrate through, causing
a 0.003- to 0.007-inch-deep trough in the skin. The discrepancy was
discovered when an operator reported finding troughs around the
perimeter of all chem-mill pockets on one crown skin panel assembly. If
skin panel assemblies with troughs are not replaced, cracking can occur
at the trough locations, which, if not repaired, could result in rapid
decompression of the airplane.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1334,
dated August 4, 2014. For information on the procedures and compliance
times, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-0923.
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.''
The phrase ``related investigative actions'' is used in this
proposed AD. ``Related investigative actions'' are follow-on actions
that (1) are related to the primary actions, and (2) further
investigate the nature of any condition found. Related investigative
actions in an AD could include, for example, inspections.
The phrase ``corrective actions'' is used in this proposed AD.
``Corrective
[[Page 74033]]
actions'' are actions that correct or address any condition found.
Corrective actions in an AD could include, for example, repairs.
Explanation of ``RC'' Steps in Service Information
The FAA worked in conjunction with industry, under the
Airworthiness Directives Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee
(AD ARC), 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 alternative method of
compliance (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 AMOC.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1334, dated August
4, 2014, specifies to contact the manufacturer for instructions on how
to repair certain conditions, but this proposed AD would require
repairing those conditions 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 (ODA) whom we have
authorized to make those findings.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 1 airplane of U.S.
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
Estimated Costs: Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medium frequency eddy current 270 work-hours x $85 $0 $22,950 per 22,950 per
Inspections. per hour = $22,950 per inspection cycle. inspection
inspection cycle. cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated Costs: Optional actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Terminating action (inspection for 218 work-hours x $85 per Unknown................... $18,530
troughs). hour = $18,530.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed
AD.
According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed
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.
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,
[[Page 74034]]
(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.
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-2014-0923; Directorate Identifier
2014-NM-176-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by January 29, 2015.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-700, -800,
and -900ER series airplanes, certificated in any category, as
identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1334,
dated August 4, 2014.
(2) For airplanes identified as Group 7 in Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1334, dated August 4, 2014, no
work is required by this AD.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of troughs in the skin along the
chem-mill pocket edges of certain fuselage crown skin panel
assemblies. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct troughs in
the chem-mill pocket edges, which could lead to cracking at the
trough locations, and consequent rapid decompression of the
airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspections
At the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-
1334, dated August 4, 2014, except as required by paragraph (h) of
this AD: Do external medium frequency eddy current inspections to
detect cracking in higher- and lower-stress locations of the crown
skin panel assembly, in accordance with Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 737-53-1334, dated August 4, 2014. Repeat the
inspections thereafter at the applicable time specified in paragraph
1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin
737-53-1334, dated August 4, 2014. Accomplishment of the actions
specified in paragraph (j) of this AD terminates the requirements of
paragraph (g) of this AD.
(h) Exception to Service Information Specifications
Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1334,
dated August 4, 2014, 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.
(i) Crack Repair
If any crack is found during any inspection required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, repair before further flight using a
method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (j) of this AD.
(j) Optional Terminating Action
The actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD may be
terminated by accomplishment of a part mark inspection of the crown
skin panel assembly in accordance with Part 5 of Work Package 2 of
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 737-53-1334, dated August 4, 2014, and the applicable
actions specified in paragraphs (j)(1) and (j)(2) of this AD.
(1) If ``Condition 5,'' as defined in Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 737-53-1334, dated August 4, 2014, is found,
corrective actions must be done before further flight using a method
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph
(l) of this AD.
(2) If ``Condition 6'', as defined in Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 737-53-1334, dated August 4, 2014, is found, the
actions specified in paragraphs (j)(2)(i) and (j)(2)(ii) of this AD
must be done at the applicable specified time.
(i) A report of the findings, including the inspection results
(discrepant part number of panel assembly), the airplane serial
number, and the manufacturing order code as defined in Appendix C of
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1334, dated August
4, 2014, must be submitted to https://www.myboeingfleet.com before
further flight.
(ii) An internal detailed inspection for troughs must be done
before further flight in accordance with Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 737-53-1334, dated August 4, 2014, and any skin
panel assembly with a trough must be replaced before further flight
using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified
in paragraph (l) of this AD.
(k) 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.
(l) 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 paragraph (k)(1) 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) 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
[[Page 74035]]
changes to steps labeled as RC require approval of an AMOC.
(m) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Haytham Alaidy,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; phone: 425-917-6573; 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 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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 3, 2014.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-29234 Filed 12-12-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P