Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 132 (Thursday, July 10, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 39300-39302]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-14475]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0341; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-102-AD; 
Amendment 39-17874; AD 2014-12-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-03-06 for 
all the Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 
series airplanes. AD 2014-03-06 required repetitive inspections for 
cracking of the aft support fitting for the main landing gear (MLG) 
beam, and the rear spar upper chord and rear spar web in the area of 
rear spar station (RSS) 224.14; and repair if necessary. This AD 
clarifies two paragraph references. This AD was prompted by a 
determination that two paragraph references were in error. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the aft support 
fitting for the main landing gear (MLG) beam, and the rear spar upper 
chord and rear spar web in the area of rear spar station (RSS) 224.14, 
which could grow and result in a fuel leak and possible fire.

DATES: This AD is effective July 25, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 9, 
2014 (79 FR 12368, March 5, 2014).
    We must receive any comments on this AD by August 25, 2014.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
    <bullet> 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.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    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-2014-
0341; 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 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: Nancy Marsh, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6440; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On January 18, 2014, we issued AD 2014-03-06, Amendment 39-17743 
(79 FR 12368, March 5, 2014), for all the Boeing Company Model 737-100, 
-200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. AD 2014-03-06 
required repetitive inspections for cracking of the aft support fitting 
for the main landing gear (MLG) beam, and the rear spar upper chord and 
rear spar web in the area of rear spar station (RSS) 224.14; and repair 
if necessary. AD 2014-03-06 resulted from reports of cracks found in 
the aft support fitting, the rear spar upper chord, and the rear spar 
web. We issued AD 2014-03-06 to detect and correct cracking of the aft 
support fitting for the main landing gear (MLG) beam, and the rear spar 
upper chord and rear spar web in the area of rear spar station (RSS) 
224.14, which could grow and result in a fuel leak and possible fire.

Actions Since AD 2014-03-06 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2014-03-06, Amendment 39-17743 (79 FR 12368, 
March 5, 2014), two incorrect paragraph references were found. The 
references to paragraphs (g) and (g)(1) in paragraph (h)(2) of AD 2014-
03-06 are incorrect. The correct reference should be to the 
introductory text of paragraph (h) and paragraph (h)(1) of AD 2014-03-
06. Paragraph (h)(2) of AD 2014-03-06 is the corrective action for the 
inspections required by the introductory text of paragraph (h) and 
paragraph (h)(1) of this AD. In order to mandate the corrective actions 
for the inspections required by the introductory text of paragraph (h) 
and paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, we have revised the references in 
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.

FAA's Determination

    We are issuing 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 these same type 
designs.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the aft 
support fitting for the MLG beam, and the rear spar upper chord and 
rear spar web in the area of RSS 224.14; and repair if necessary. This 
AD corrects these paragraph references.

[[Page 39301]]

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    AD 2014-03-06, Amendment 39-17743 (79 FR 12368, March 5, 2014), 
clearly indicated that inspections, and repairs if necessary, are 
required. Since this new AD merely corrects incorrect paragraph 
references, notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing 
this AD are unnecessary.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to 
provide your comments before it becomes effective. However, we invite 
you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send 
your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include 
the docket number FAA-2014-0341 and directorate identifier 2014-NM-102-
AD at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments 
on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects 
of this AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date 
and may amend this 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 AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 353 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Parts                              Cost on U.S.
              Action                      Labor cost          cost      Cost per product          operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection [Retained actions from   Up to 86 work-hours x         $0  Up to $7,310 per      Up to $2,580,430 per
 AD 2014-03-06, Amendment            $85 per hour =                    inspection cycle.     inspection cycle.
 39[dash]17743 (79 FR 12368, March   $7,310 per
 5, 2014)].                          inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

    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 part 39 of the Federal Aviation 
Regulations (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) 
2014-03-06, Amendment 39-17743 (79 FR 12368, March 5, 2014), and adding 
the following new AD:

2014-12-13 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-17874; Docket No. FAA-
2014-0341; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-102-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective July 25, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2014-03-06, Amendment 39-17743 (79 FR 12368, 
March 5, 2014).

(c) Applicability

    (1) This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -
200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, certificated in 
any category.
    (2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) 
ST01219SE (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/2C6E3DBDDD36F91C862576A4005D64E2?OpenDocument&Highlight=st01219se) 
does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by 
this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST01219SE 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

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracks found in the aft 
support fitting, the rear spar upper chord, and the rear spar web. 
We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the aft 
support fitting for the main landing gear (MLG) beam, and the rear 
spar upper chord and rear spar web in the area of rear spar station 
(RSS) 224.14, which could grow and result in a fuel leak and 
possible fire.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

[[Page 39302]]

(g) Retained Inspections: Group 1 Airplanes

    This paragraph restates the actions required by paragraph (g) of 
AD 2014-03-06, Amendment 39-17743 (79 FR 12368, March 5, 2014) with 
no changes. For airplanes identified in Group 1 of Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 737-57-1318, dated May 15, 2013: At the 
applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of 
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-57-1318, dated May 15, 
2013, except as required by paragraph (i) of this AD, do inspections 
and applicable corrective actions using a method approved in 
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this 
AD.

(h) Retained Inspections: Groups 2-7 Airplanes

    This paragraph restates the actions required by the introductory 
text of paragraph (h) of AD 2014-03-06, Amendment 39-17743 (79 FR 
12368, March 5, 2014) with no changes. For airplanes identified in 
Groups 2 through 7 of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-
57-1318, dated May 15, 2013: At the applicable time specified in 
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-57-1318, dated May 15, 2013, except as required by 
paragraph (i) of this AD, do high frequency eddy current inspections 
to detect cracking of the aft support fitting for the MLG beam, and 
the rear spar upper chord and rear spar web in the area of rear spar 
station 224.14, as applicable, in accordance with Option 1, 2, or 3 
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 737-57-1318, dated May 15, 2013.
    (1) This paragraph restates the actions required by paragraph 
(h)(1) of AD 2014-03-06, Amendment 39-17743 (79 FR 12368, March 5, 
2014) with no changes. If no crack is found, repeat the inspection 
thereafter at the time specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' 
of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-57-1318, dated May 
15, 2013, as applicable. Accomplishment of the inspection of the 12 
fastener holes (locations 1-12) in accordance with Option 2, Action 
3; or Option 3, Action 3; as specified in note (b) of tables 2 
through 5 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 737-57-1318, dated May 15, 2013; 
terminates only the corresponding inspections that include note (b) 
in the ``Repeat Interval'' column of the applicable table.
    (2) This paragraph restates the actions required by paragraph 
(h)(2) of AD 2014-03-06, Amendment 39-17743 (79 FR 12368, March 5, 
2014), with revised paragraph references to the introductory text of 
paragraph (h) and to paragraph (h)(1) of this AD to mandate 
corrective actions. If any crack is found during any inspection 
required by the introductory text of paragraph (h) or by paragraph 
(h)(1) of this AD, repair before further flight using a method 
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph 
(j) of this AD.

(i) Retained Exception to Service Information Specifications

    This paragraph restates the actions required by paragraph (i) of 
AD 2014-03-06, Amendment 39-17743 (79 FR 12368, March 5, 2014), with 
no changes. Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-57-
1318, dated May 15, 2013, specifies a compliance time ``after the 
original issue date of this service bulletin,'' this AD requires 
compliance within the specified compliance time after April 9, 2014 
(the effective date of AD 2014-03-06).

(j) 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) 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), which 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 for AD 2014-03-06, Amendment 39-17743 (79 FR 
12368, March 5, 2014), are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding 
provisions of this AD.

(k) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Nancy Marsh, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; phone: 425-917-6440; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
[email protected].

(l) 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 for IBR on 
April 9, 2014 (79 FR 12368, March 5, 2014).
    (i) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-57-1318, dated 
May 15, 2013.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (4) 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.
    (5) 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.
    (6) 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 June 6, 2014.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-14475 Filed 7-9-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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