Published 2015-07-14 · Federal Register document 2015-15852
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
Publication summary
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of fatigue cracks found in the upper corners of the forward entry door skin cutout. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking in the upper corners of the forward entry door skin cutout, and repair if necessary. Accomplishment of this repair or a preventive modification terminates the repetitive inspections. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking in the doorway upper corners, which could result in cabin depressurization.
Why this record is shown
Source: Federal Register annual FAA metadata. Acquired 2026-09-03T22:23:48.517946+00:00. The title, summary and date are source facts.
- Source revision
- federal_register_ad_metadata_2015-3bb842c840a7e6e6
- Source row
- results[148]
- Raw source SHA-256
- 3bb842c840a7e6e6e43779ca68008e1e63ad8287ad840c3a981d1f66a934b14b
Final-rule publication
Recorded publication clauses
- AD identifier printed in this edition
- 2015-13-05
- Effective date printed in this edition
- 2015-08-18
Read 15 complete recorded clauses
Effective Date
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective August 18, 2015.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 17895–17958, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: b54ba667968b57e06516dae7607775017ee0be8ca82a887654e36141fc08d79c
Affected ADs
(b) Affected ADs
None.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 17958–17987, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 871a4afc60ceeae06e8010585055188633d616078500c45937092bfe892239c0
Applicability wording · Applicability
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -
200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes; certificated in any
category; as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
53A1163, Revision 1, dated January 8, 2014.
(2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
ST01219SE (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/
rgstc.nsf/0/ebd1cec7b301293e86257cb30045557a/$FILE/ST01219SE.pdf
http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/ebd1cec7b301293e86257cb30045557a/%24FILE/ST01219SE.pdf) does not
affect the
[[Page 40902]]
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.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 17987–18862, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 083f8ca48e01e8cbadb8455fc7e2aa0f005e18a5015b192706e427ffc6484034
Subject
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 18862–18942, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 297e69b8a6e159f28612e8bd82a91daa2fd8fd1d9d38af67161f67738908fa6c
Unsafe Condition
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of fatigue cracks found in the
upper corners of the forward entry door skin cutout. We are issuing
this AD to detect and correct cracking in the doorway upper corners,
which could result in cabin depressurization.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 18942–19218, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 3b299115916babd8d255fd952cf6c32f101246eccf4dfe7a88728d4cc6a6e151
Compliance
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 19218–19320, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 00fbfa31932483f627d0ce0a11cbd2e35e15d9231842b91ac85623ce533912d3
Inspection
(g) Inspection
(1) For airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737-53A1163, Revision 1, dated January 8, 2014, as Groups 1 and 2,
Configuration 2, and Group 3: Before the accumulation of 27,000
total flight cycles, or within 4,500 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, do an external
detailed inspection for cracking of the skin assembly, and a low
frequency eddy current (LFEC) inspection for cracking of the skin
assembly and bear strap, and all applicable corrective actions, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737-53A1163, Revision 1, dated January 8, 2014,
except as required by paragraph (j) of this AD. Repeat the
inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,500 flight
cycles. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight.
(2) For airplanes identified as Group 4 in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-53A1163, Revision 1, dated January 8, 2014: Within 120
days after the effective date of this AD, do inspections of the skin
assembly and bear strap and all applicable corrective actions using
a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (m) of this AD.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 19320–20559, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 504acee780a1a8096a1c64da9868dda8cd3baaa80cbeed78edfe2cd30326549e
Terminating Actions
(h) Terminating Actions
(1) Accomplishment of the preventive change specified in Part II
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-
53-1163, dated December 21, 1993; or the preventive modification
specified in Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1163, Revision 1, dated January 8,
2014; terminates the inspection requirements specified in paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD.
(2) Accomplishment of the repair specified in Part III of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1163,
dated December 21, 1993; or Part 3 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1163, Revision
1, dated January 8, 2014; terminates the inspection requirements
specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
(3) For door corners that have a repair installed, as provided
by Boeing, which inhibits the inspections required by paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD, and approved before the effective date of this AD
using FAA Form 8100-9, the inspection in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD
is not required. Refer to the repair approval for any supplemental
inspection of the repair area.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 20559–21751, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: dc3a9586f642ec15219f9863a9f583dd02aa88ed9c06a35146d63fa9f57f2d60
Post-Modification and Post-Repair Inspections
(i) Post-Modification and Post-Repair Inspections
(1) For airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737-53A1163, Revision 1, dated January 8, 2014, as Groups 1 and 2,
on which a repair or preventive modification has been installed in
accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1163, dated December
21, 1993; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1163, Revision 1,
dated January 8, 2014: At the applicable time specified in table 3
of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737-53A1163, Revision 1, dated January 8, 2014, or within 4,500
flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs
later, inspect the fuselage skin assembly, bear strap, and frame and
sill outer chords, as applicable, for cracking, in accordance with
table 3 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-53A1163, Revision 1, dated January 8, 2014. Repeat the
inspection thereafter at the times specified in table 3 of paragraph
1.E., ``Compliance'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1163,
Revision 1, dated January 8, 2014. If any crack is found during any
inspection required by this paragraph, repair before further flight
using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified
in paragraph (m) of this AD.
(2) The inspection requirement in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD
does not apply to operators who have added the inspection program
for this area specified in table 3 of paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1163,
Revision 1, dated January 8, 2014, in accordance with 14 CFR
121.1109(c)(2) or Sec. 129.109(b)(2) to their FAA-approved
maintenance program. These inspections may be used in support of
compliance with 14 CFR 121.1109(c)(2) or Sec. 129.109(b)(2).
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 21751–23567, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 974162cffbcb0ae932b21056de85af62cf267805be99b4d79dc381b802613b7d
Exception to Service Information Specifications
(j) Exception to Service Information Specifications
If any cracking is found during any inspection required by this
AD, and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1163, Revision 1, dated
January 8, 2014, specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate action:
Before further flight, repair the crack using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (m) of this
AD.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 23567–23969, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 01eb04111e22a1a09fab184353e82d78cea9f3650da6838480330f1cd9ec62fc
Explanation of Service Information and AD: Repair/Preventative Modification Required
(k) Explanation of Service Information and AD: Repair/Preventative
Modification Required
The Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737-53A1163, Revision 1, dated January 8, 2014, state that Group 1
and 2, Configuration 1 airplanes on which the repair or preventive
modification has been installed as specified in Boeing Service
Bulletin 737-53-1163, dated December 21, 1993, are not required to
be inspected. However, this AD requires inspections of Group 1 and 2
airplanes, as identified in and in accordance with paragraph (i) of
this AD, which correspond with table 3 of paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1163,
Revision 1, dated January 8, 2014.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 23969–24695, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 3db82e35c9d6e07438c183b91db88349d9b09a115b240cd7c7953c1a47e8af3b
Credit for Previous Actions
(l) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1163,
dated December 21, 1993.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 24695–24959, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: dcfad0b90670e97a38f7165d6d1b0fb00bd20436d9dc8bb37c54a0604eb3b539
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(m) 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 (n)(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, 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.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 24959–26183, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: c8a6d10849f49fbbede28796422f6fba8c2e83d927b1e8bf5e3451e77ae992c2
Related Information
(n) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Nenita Odesa,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles ACO,
3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; telephone: 562-
627-5234; fax: 562-627-5210; email: [email protected].
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (o)(3) and (o)(4) of this AD.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 26183–26642, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 921e0007b8e6dd8d9b50d6861a72893a5b78ac07beb274f8e859983e6690611b
Material Incorporated by Reference
(o) 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 737-53-1163, dated December 21,
1993.
(ii) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1163, Revision 1,
dated January 8, 2014.
(3) For Boeing service information identified in this AD,
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data &
[[Page 40903]]
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 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.
(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.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 26642–27986, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 01906b1f6c2c273a91e1ff896d15e27b79af458dfa74ca59323969e2e92fd729
No replacement link has been established from this edition. The complete historical rule chain and current legal effect remain unknown.
Find all recorded historical references to AD 2015-13-05 · 0 printed reference observations in this pinned collection.
These are observations from one dated publication. Current legal status is unknown; aircraft applicability, installed configuration, compliance and burden require separate evidence. Missing or unparsed conditions remain unknown.
Why these observations are shown
They were extracted offline from the same immutable official HTML source as the complete recorded text. The dated source wording, original text coordinates and exact quote digests are retained. PDF/text agreement and current regulatory effect have not been qualified.
Observation revision: whole-ad-publication-clause-observations-1.0.1. Text SHA-256: e26ebb3eb79dba3a8fe4a49139637c5e4ab11fea1aea3c471c69a2238ffdc0f6. Source manifest: 8f97cda0647db440edcce0f1df8321c776c0f436d8e7b87e4929062c31a570a5.
Official source · 2015-07-14
Publication text
This is the complete recorded text of this dated publication.
Current legal effect is unknown. Aircraft applicability, installed configuration and compliance require separate evidence. PDF/text agreement has not been evaluated.
Read the complete official publication text
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 134 (Tuesday, July 14, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 40899-40903]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-15852]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2014-0339; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-025-AD;
Amendment 39-18192; AD 2015-13-05]
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 certain
The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500
series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of fatigue cracks
found in the upper corners of the forward entry door skin cutout. This
AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking in the upper corners of
the forward entry door skin cutout, and repair if necessary.
Accomplishment of this repair or a preventive modification terminates
the repetitive inspections. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct cracking in the doorway upper corners, which could result in
cabin depressurization.
DATES: This AD is effective August 18, 2015.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 18,
2015.
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. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0339.
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-
0339; 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: Nenita Odesa, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; telephone:
562-627-5234; 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 certain The Boeing Company
Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. The
NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 11, 2014 (79 FR 33484).
The NPRM was prompted by reports of fatigue cracks found in the upper
corners of the forward entry door skin cutout. The NPRM proposed to
require repetitive inspections for cracking in the upper corners of the
forward entry door skin cutout, and repair if necessary. Accomplishment
of this repair or a preventive modification would terminate the
repetitive inspections. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct
cracking in the doorway upper corners, which could result in cabin
depressurization.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM (79
FR 33484, June 11, 2014) and the FAA's response to each comment.
Support for the NPRM (79 FR 33484, June 11, 2014)
Boeing stated that it supports the NPRM (79 FR 33484, June 11,
2014).
Request To Clarify Terminating Action
Southwest Airlines (SWA) requested confirmation that paragraph
3.B.4. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-53A1163, Revision 1, dated January 8, 2014, is an
acceptable terminating action for the inspection requirements of
paragraph (g)(1) of this NPRM (79 FR 33484, June 11, 2014) for the
repaired door corners.
SWA stated that the repairs provided in Part 3 of the
Accomplishment
[[Page 40900]]
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1163, dated December 21,
1993, and in Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737-53A1163, Revision 1, dated January 8, 2014,
contain instructions using the service information figures or using the
structural repair manual. SWA stated that there are no provisions in
the NPRM (79 FR 33484, June 11, 2014) for repairs installed using FAA
Form 8100-9 prior to the issuance of the NPRM. SWA stated that
paragraph 3.B.4. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737-53A1163, Revision 1, dated January 8, 2014, states
that, ``For door corners that have a repair provided by Boeing and
approved via FAA Form 8100-9 installed, the inspection in this service
bulletin is not required for the repaired door corner(s).''
We agree that paragraph 3.B.4. of the Accomplishment Instructions
of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1163, Revision 1, dated January
8, 2014, is an acceptable terminating action for the inspection
requirements of paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. We have added a new
paragraph (h)(3) to this AD accordingly.
Request To Change the Compliance Time
SWA requested that the compliance time for paragraph (i) in the
proposed AD (79 FR 33484, June 11, 2014) be revised. SWA suggested that
the proposed requirement of paragraph (i) of the proposed AD state that
the compliance time in table 3 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance'' of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1163, Revision 1, dated January 8,
2014, be implemented during the operator's repair assessment program
(RAP), provided that the operator's RAP was developed using the ``D6-
38669, Repair Assessment Guidelines-Model 737-100 to -500,'' and
approved by the FAA principal maintenance inspector.
SWA stated that the 60,000-total-flight-cycle requirement may not
coincide with the operator's implementation of the ``D6-38669, Repair
Assessment Guidelines-Model 737-100 to -500.'' SWA stated that
airplanes with existing preventive modifications and repairs that have
already surpassed the compliance time in table 3 of 1.E.,
``Compliance'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1163, Revision
1, dated January 8, 2014, will immediately be rendered out of
compliance by paragraph (i) of the proposed AD (79 FR 33484, June 11,
2014) if the table 3 requirement of 1.E., ``Compliance'' of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1163, Revision 1, dated January 8, 2014,
does not coincide with the operator's RAP.
We partially agree with the commenter's request. We disagree with
the commenter's proposed compliance time because our examination of
this issue shows that the compliance period for the RAP may be too long
to address the unsafe condition. However, we agree that some airplanes
would be rendered immediately out of compliance, and therefore, a
compliance grace period should be added. We have added a grace period
of ``4,500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD'' to the
compliance time in paragraph (i) of this AD.
Request To Provide Conditional Relief From Inspection Requirements
SWA requested that the NPRM (79 FR 33484, June 11, 2014) provide
relief from the external detailed inspection in areas that are hidden
by an existing non-corner Boeing repair approved using FAA form 8100-9.
SWA stated that an external detailed inspection is still required in
the area not hidden by the repair.
We agree with the commenter's request. As we stated previously, we
have added a new paragraph (h)(3) to this AD for door corners that have
an existing repair installed, as provided by Boeing and approved using
FAA Form 8100-9. Under these conditions, the inspection in paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD is not required for the repaired door corners.
Request to Revise the Requirements for Post-Modification and Post-
Repair Inspections
SWA requested that the post-modification and post-repair
inspections specified in table 3 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1163, Revision 1, dated January 8,
2014, not be required in paragraph (i) of the proposed AD (79 FR 33484,
June 11, 2014). SWA stated that the post-modification and post-repair
inspections are currently mandated under 14 CFR 129.109(b)(2)14 and CFR
121.1109(c)(2).
We partially agree with the commenter's request. As we stated
previously, our examination of this issue shows that the compliance
period for the RAP may be too long to address the unsafe condition.
However, we agree that these inspections are required under 14 CFR
129.109(b)(2)14 and CFR 121.1109(c)(2). Operators who have already
begun inspections of this area using the RAP should not be burdened
with an additional and identical inspection requirement. Therefore, we
have redesignated paragraph (i) of the proposed AD (79 FR 33484, June
11, 2014) as paragraph (i)(1) and added new paragraph (i)(2) to this
final rule, which states that the inspection requirement in paragraph
(i)(1) of this AD does not apply to operators who have added
inspections of this area in accordance with 14 CFR 121.1109(c)(2) or
Sec. 129.109(b)(2) to their FAA-approved maintenance program. These
inspections may be used in support of compliance with 14 CFR
121.1109(c)(2) or Sec. 129.109(b)(2).
Effect of Winglets on AD
Aviation Partners Boeing stated that accomplishing the supplemental
type certificate (STC) ST01219SE does not affect the actions specified
in the NPRM (79 FR 33484, June 11, 2014).
We concur with the commenter. We have redesignated paragraph (c) of
the NPRM (79 FR 33484, June 11, 2014) as (c)(1) and added new paragraph
(c)(2) to this final rule to state that installation of STC ST01219SE
(http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/
ebd1cec7b301293e86257cb30045557a/$FILE/ST01219SE.pdf http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/ebd1cec7b301293e86257cb30045557a/%24FILE/ST01219SE.pdf)) does not
affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by this final
rule. 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.
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:
<bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (79 FR 33484, June 11, 2014) for correcting the unsafe condition;
and
<bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 33484, June 11, 2014).
We also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1163, dated
December
[[Page 40901]]
21, 1993; and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1163, Revision 1,
dated January 8, 2014. The service information describes repetitive
inspections for cracking in the upper corners of the forward entry door
skin cutout, and repair if necessary. Accomplishment of this repair or
a preventive modification terminates the repetitive inspections. This
service information is reasonably available because the interested
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 371 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs--Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection............................ 3 work-hours x $85 per hour = $0 $255 $94,605
$255.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated Costs--Optional Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product U.S.
operators
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
Preventive modification........ 44 work-hours x $85 per Up to $3,912...... Up to $7,652.
hour = $3,740.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repairs that
would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no
way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these
repairs:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product U.S.
operators
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
Repair......................... 60 work-hours x $85 per Up to $4,964...... Up to $10,064.
hour = $5,100.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
a cost estimate for the post-repair or post-preventive modification
inspections 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 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):
2015-13-05 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18192; Docket No. FAA-
2014-0339; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-025-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective August 18, 2015.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -
200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes; certificated in any
category; as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
53A1163, Revision 1, dated January 8, 2014.
(2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
ST01219SE (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/
rgstc.nsf/0/ebd1cec7b301293e86257cb30045557a/$FILE/ST01219SE.pdf
http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/ebd1cec7b301293e86257cb30045557a/%24FILE/ST01219SE.pdf) does not
affect the
[[Page 40902]]
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 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of fatigue cracks found in the
upper corners of the forward entry door skin cutout. We are issuing
this AD to detect and correct cracking in the doorway upper corners,
which could result in cabin depressurization.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspection
(1) For airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737-53A1163, Revision 1, dated January 8, 2014, as Groups 1 and 2,
Configuration 2, and Group 3: Before the accumulation of 27,000
total flight cycles, or within 4,500 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, do an external
detailed inspection for cracking of the skin assembly, and a low
frequency eddy current (LFEC) inspection for cracking of the skin
assembly and bear strap, and all applicable corrective actions, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737-53A1163, Revision 1, dated January 8, 2014,
except as required by paragraph (j) of this AD. Repeat the
inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,500 flight
cycles. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight.
(2) For airplanes identified as Group 4 in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-53A1163, Revision 1, dated January 8, 2014: Within 120
days after the effective date of this AD, do inspections of the skin
assembly and bear strap and all applicable corrective actions using
a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (m) of this AD.
(h) Terminating Actions
(1) Accomplishment of the preventive change specified in Part II
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-
53-1163, dated December 21, 1993; or the preventive modification
specified in Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1163, Revision 1, dated January 8,
2014; terminates the inspection requirements specified in paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD.
(2) Accomplishment of the repair specified in Part III of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1163,
dated December 21, 1993; or Part 3 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1163, Revision
1, dated January 8, 2014; terminates the inspection requirements
specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
(3) For door corners that have a repair installed, as provided
by Boeing, which inhibits the inspections required by paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD, and approved before the effective date of this AD
using FAA Form 8100-9, the inspection in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD
is not required. Refer to the repair approval for any supplemental
inspection of the repair area.
(i) Post-Modification and Post-Repair Inspections
(1) For airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737-53A1163, Revision 1, dated January 8, 2014, as Groups 1 and 2,
on which a repair or preventive modification has been installed in
accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1163, dated December
21, 1993; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1163, Revision 1,
dated January 8, 2014: At the applicable time specified in table 3
of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737-53A1163, Revision 1, dated January 8, 2014, or within 4,500
flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs
later, inspect the fuselage skin assembly, bear strap, and frame and
sill outer chords, as applicable, for cracking, in accordance with
table 3 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-53A1163, Revision 1, dated January 8, 2014. Repeat the
inspection thereafter at the times specified in table 3 of paragraph
1.E., ``Compliance'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1163,
Revision 1, dated January 8, 2014. If any crack is found during any
inspection required by this paragraph, repair before further flight
using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified
in paragraph (m) of this AD.
(2) The inspection requirement in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD
does not apply to operators who have added the inspection program
for this area specified in table 3 of paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1163,
Revision 1, dated January 8, 2014, in accordance with 14 CFR
121.1109(c)(2) or Sec. 129.109(b)(2) to their FAA-approved
maintenance program. These inspections may be used in support of
compliance with 14 CFR 121.1109(c)(2) or Sec. 129.109(b)(2).
(j) Exception to Service Information Specifications
If any cracking is found during any inspection required by this
AD, and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1163, Revision 1, dated
January 8, 2014, specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate action:
Before further flight, repair the crack using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (m) of this
AD.
(k) Explanation of Service Information and AD: Repair/Preventative
Modification Required
The Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737-53A1163, Revision 1, dated January 8, 2014, state that Group 1
and 2, Configuration 1 airplanes on which the repair or preventive
modification has been installed as specified in Boeing Service
Bulletin 737-53-1163, dated December 21, 1993, are not required to
be inspected. However, this AD requires inspections of Group 1 and 2
airplanes, as identified in and in accordance with paragraph (i) of
this AD, which correspond with table 3 of paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1163,
Revision 1, dated January 8, 2014.
(l) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1163,
dated December 21, 1993.
(m) 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 (n)(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, 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.
(n) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Nenita Odesa,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles ACO,
3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; telephone: 562-
627-5234; fax: 562-627-5210; email: [email protected].
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (o)(3) and (o)(4) of this AD.
(o) 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 737-53-1163, dated December 21,
1993.
(ii) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1163, Revision 1,
dated January 8, 2014.
(3) For Boeing service information identified in this AD,
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data &
[[Page 40903]]
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 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.
(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 June 19, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-15852 Filed 7-13-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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