Published 2016-10-20 · Federal Register document 2016-23078
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
Publication summary
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that the aft pressure bulkhead is subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This AD requires repetitive inspections of the aft pressure bulkhead web for any cracking, incorrectly drilled fastener holes, and elongated fastener holes; and related investigative and corrective actions, if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the aft pressure bulkhead web at the "Y"-chord, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane and rapid decompression of the fuselage.
Why this record is shown
Source: Federal Register annual FAA metadata. Acquired 2026-09-03T22:23:51.853224+00:00. The title, summary and date are source facts.
- Source revision
- federal_register_ad_metadata_2016-48fe8cb6c57c00b7
- Source row
- results[338]
- Raw source SHA-256
- 48fe8cb6c57c00b74623eb2b71ad0abe73b95a424a8ac83fecd389da4d1e3a81
Final-rule publication
Recorded publication clauses
- AD identifier printed in this edition
- 2016-20-02
- Effective date printed in this edition
- 2016-11-25
Read 14 complete recorded clauses
Effective Date
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective November 25, 2016.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 17435–17500, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: dd1467a21e4b623d2428455d006f241b32f53c0a95fc6718a89b607f59e714d9
Affected ADs
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2012-18-13 R1, Amendment 39-17429 (78 FR
27020, May 9, 2013) (``AD 2012-18-13 R1'').
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 17500–17628, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 79568ba681be5b2656534f9068044ab7e643bc18c10112484cc50f3a42aaee60
Applicability wording · Applicability
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400,
and -500 series airplanes, certificated in any category, identified
as Group 2 in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1214, Revision 5,
dated January 30, 2015.
(2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
ST01219SE (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/EBD1CEC7B301293E86257CB30045557A?OpenDocument&Highlight=st01219s)
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.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 17628–18369, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: e909a2b57757b915e90eb54dd4e742a88127988d4511e07a3842103c8e9a1ad8
Subject
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 18369–18449, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 297e69b8a6e159f28612e8bd82a91daa2fd8fd1d9d38af67161f67738908fa6c
Unsafe Condition
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval
holder indicating that the aft pressure bulkhead is subject to
widespread fatigue damage. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct fatigue cracking of the aft pressure bulkhead web at the
``Y''-chord, which could result in reduced structural integrity of
the airplane and rapid decompression of the fuselage.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 18449–18855, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 5ccc3e5099afea36359183ffc50d728fc19b6b7d6a904749336c09c59bb90f15
Compliance
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 18855–18957, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 00fbfa31932483f627d0ce0a11cbd2e35e15d9231842b91ac85623ce533912d3
Repetitive Inspections of the Aft Pressure Bulkhead Web at the ``Y''-Chord Upper Bulkhead
(g) Repetitive Inspections of the Aft Pressure Bulkhead Web at the
``Y''-Chord Upper Bulkhead
Within 76,000 total flight cycles, or within 4,500 flight cycles
since the most recent low frequency eddy current (LFEC) inspection
accomplished in accordance with AD 2012-18-13 R1, or within 9,500
flight cycles since the most recent high frequency eddy current
(HFEC) inspection accomplished in accordance with AD 2012-18-13 R1,
whichever occurs latest: Do detailed and LFEC inspections from the
aft side of the aft pressure bulkhead web, or do detailed and HFEC
inspections from the forward side of the aft pressure bulkhead web,
for any cracking, incorrectly drilled fastener hole, and elongated
fastener hole, and do all applicable related investigative and
corrective actions, in accordance with Part I of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1214, Revision
5, dated January 30, 2015, except as required by paragraph (i) of
this AD. Do all related investigative and corrective actions before
further flight. If any cracking, incorrectly drilled fastener hole,
or elongated fastener hole is found, before further flight, repair
the aft pressure bulkhead web using a method approved in accordance
with the procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this AD.
Thereafter, repeat the inspections at the applicable times specified
in table 10 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance'' of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737-53A1214, Revision 5, dated January 30, 2015.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 18957–20469, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 511d34d603ced771d8fdd62ddc11a805e81f3983dbad7665f3d6e02d736ee376
Repetitive Inspections of the Aft Pressure Bulkhead Web at the ``Y''-Chord Below S-15
(h) Repetitive Inspections of the Aft Pressure Bulkhead Web at the
``Y''-Chord Below S-15
Within 76,000 total flight cycles, or within 4,500 flight cycles
since the most recent LFEC inspection accomplished in accordance
with AD 2012-18-13 R1, or within 9,500 flight cycles since the most
recent HFEC inspection accomplished in accordance with AD 2012-18-13
R1, whichever occurs latest: Do detailed and LFEC inspections from
the aft side of the aft pressure bulkhead, or do detailed and HFEC
inspections from the forward side of the aft pressure bulkhead, for
any cracking, incorrectly drilled fastener hole, and elongated
fastener hole, and do all applicable corrective actions, in
accordance with Part III of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1214, Revision 5, dated January
30, 2015, except as required by paragraph (i) of this AD. Do all
corrective actions before further flight. If any cracking,
incorrectly drilled fastener hole, or elongated fastener hole is
found, before further flight, repair the aft pressure bulkhead web
using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified
in paragraph (l) of this AD. Thereafter, repeat the inspections at
the applicable times specified in table 11 of paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1214,
Revision 5, dated January 30, 2015.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 20469–21860, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 9c00946778e8a54e5a85eea9c2937c44bb52d558c1cc8cd2545c5501892eb63f
Exception to the Service Information
(i) Exception to the Service Information
Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1214, Revision 5,
dated January 30, 2015, specifies to contact Boeing for repair
instructions: Before further flight, repair using a method approved
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this
AD.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 21860–22176, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: f398d368fd8c4a324a2296f0cfc422290ed3f4735606efb0403c506623af0104
Terminating Action for Other Rulemaking
(j) Terminating Action for Other Rulemaking
(1) For Group 2 airplanes specified in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-53A1214, Revision 5, dated January 30, 2015:
Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD
terminates the inspections required by paragraph (k) of AD 2012-18-
13 R1, except for stringer S-5L to S-7L and stringer S-5R to S-9R.
(2) For Group 2 airplanes specified in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-53A1214, Revision 5, dated January 30, 2015:
Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD
terminates the inspections required by paragraph (l) of AD 2012-18-
13 R1.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 22176–22808, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 7a0bbde29c1b1ff4e18916ec64c11127d694340cba0edc24a7b3a6617ae3e3eb
Credit for Previous Actions
(k) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if the actions were performed
before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-53A1214, Revision 4, dated December 16, 2011.
[[Page 72515]]
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 22808–23112, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 28d29c391ef47574860fe945fda6b78eff94c8991d029ad8d66c471ee32d3267
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(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)(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, modification, or alteration 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. To be approved,
the repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation
must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval
must specifically refer to this AD.
(4) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2012-18-13 R1, Amendment
39-17429 (78 FR 27020, May 9, 2013), are approved as AMOCs for the
corresponding provisions of this AD.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 23112–24575, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 831b2a491f0a9d2255eee33a20c67ee702a69210b58885ee6a7ecbf28e337af6
Related Information
(m) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Payman Soltani,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles ACO,
3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood CA 90712-4137; telephone: 562-
627-5313; 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 (n)(3) and (n)(4) of this AD.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 24575–25035, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 5fc7db6d192bedd02deccbf737178d586372347226baddfb301dc5009df74315
Material Incorporated by Reference
(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 Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1214, Revision 5, dated
January 30, 2015.
(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 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 25035–26292, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: b3c96e6b6fcb24e958445ed760b5856bd84f674838927d5e7bf2932ddd523a4e
Explicit nonreplacing affects wording
This publication says it affects these identifiers; they have not been treated as replacement targets.
Find all recorded historical references to AD 2016-20-02 · 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: 1f3e3be8992f8e4748adde6db2fb8d782ae057e165aa1a897413c8f8e9b67288. Source manifest: 431cc7c05481c5c2bd70a0fac19e0de999f553802d0967ea4d023a13697194af.
Official source · 2016-10-20
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 81, Number 203 (Thursday, October 20, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 72511-72515]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-23078]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2015-6538; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-031-AD;
Amendment 39-18668; AD 2016-20-02]
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 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This
AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH)
indicating that the aft pressure bulkhead is subject to widespread
fatigue damage (WFD). This AD requires repetitive inspections of the
aft pressure bulkhead web for any cracking, incorrectly drilled
fastener holes, and elongated fastener holes; and related investigative
and corrective actions, if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect
and correct fatigue cracking of the aft pressure bulkhead web at the
``Y''-chord, which could result in reduced structural
[[Page 72512]]
integrity of the airplane and rapid decompression of the fuselage.
DATES: This AD is effective November 25, 2016.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 25,
2016.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
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-2015-
6538.
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-2015-
6538; 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: Payman Soltani, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; telephone:
562-627-5313; 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 November 30, 2015 (80 FR
74731) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted by an evaluation by the
DAH indicating that the aft pressure bulkhead is subject to WFD. The
NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections of the aft pressure
bulkhead web for any cracking, incorrectly drilled fastener holes, and
elongated fastener holes, and related investigative and corrective
actions, if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct
fatigue cracking of the aft pressure bulkhead web at the ``Y''-chord,
which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane and
rapid decompression of the fuselage.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and
the FAA's response to each comment.
Effect of Winglets on Accomplishment of the Proposed Actions
Aviation Partners Boeing stated that the installation of winglets
per supplemental type certificate (STC) ST01219SE does not affect the
accomplishment of the manufacturer's service instructions.
We agree with the commenter. We have redesignated paragraph (c) of
the NPRM as paragraph (c)(1) in this final rule and added a new
paragraph (c)(2) to state that STC ST01219SE does not affect the
mitigating action or accomplishment of 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 39.71.
Request To Clarify the Proposed Requirements of the NPRM
Mr. Cas Lausberg stated that the subject of the NPRM is addressed
in AD 99-08-23, Amendment 39-11132 (64 FR 19879, April 23, 1999) (``AD
99-08-23''), which was superseded by AD 2012-18-13 R1, Amendment 39-
17429 (78 FR 27020, May 9, 2013) (``AD 2012-18-13 R1''). The commenter
questioned the need for the new NPRM.
We agree to provide clarification. As stated in the ``Discussion''
section of the NPRM, this final rule is being issued as part of the
overall joint effort by Boeing and the FAA to satisfy requirements of
the FAA's WFD final rule (75 FR 69746, November 15, 2010), which became
effective on January 14, 2011. The inspections required by AD 99-08-23
and AD 2012-18-13 R1 do not address WFD concerns. However, Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737-53A1214, Revision 5, dated January 30, 2015,
addresses WFD with new inspection requirements, which incorporate a
compliance time (threshold) corresponding to the WFD inspection start
point (ISP) and shorter repetitive intervals where indicated. These
requirements are included in this AD. We have not changed this AD in
this regard.
Request To Revise the Term ``Global Fatigue Damage''
Boeing requested that the term ``global fatigue damage'' be changed
to ``widespread fatigue damage'' in the NPRM. Boeing stated that this
is the first time it has seen the term ``global'' used to describe WFD.
Boeing commented that it is better not to introduce a new term.
We agree with the commenter. Although the ``Discussion'' section of
the proposed rule is not carried over into the final rule, we agree
that the term ``global fatigue damage'' should not be introduced as a
new term. We have not changed this AD in this regard.
Request To Correct Reference to Group 1 LOV (Limit of Validity)
Boeing requested that we change the wording in the ``Differences
Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information'' paragraph of the
NPRM, which referred to WFD-based inspections specified in certain
tables of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1214, Revision 5, dated
January 30, 2015. The NPRM stated that the WFD-based inspections would
affect only Group 2 airplanes because Group 1 airplanes will reach
their LOV before the compliance times specified ``in tables 9, 10, and
11'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1214, Revision 5, dated
January 30, 2015.
Boeing stated that the inspections listed in tables 9, 10, and 11
of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1214, Revision 5, dated January
30, 2015, also include non-WFD inspections that are required prior to
the ISP threshold of 76,000 cycles. Boeing stated that, therefore, it
is not true to say that Group 1 airplanes will reach their limit of
validity before the compliance times specified in tables 9, 10 and 11.
We partially agree with the commenter. Although the ``Differences
Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information'' paragraph of the
proposed rule is not carried over into the final rule, we agree to
provide clarification.
Since AD 2012-18-13 R1 was issued, Boeing issued Alert Service
Bulletin 737-53A1214, Revision 5, dated January 30, 2015. Affected
airplanes are now divided into two groups: Group 1, line numbers 1
through 2565 inclusive; and Group 2, line numbers 2566 through
[[Page 72513]]
3132 inclusive. Boeing's evaluation determined that inspections to
address WFD concerns are required for the aft pressure bulkhead web at
the ``Y'' chord at an ISP of 76,000 total flight cycles. Since Group 1
airplanes will reach their LOV of 75,000 total flight cycles (34,000
total flight cycles for line numbers 1 through 291 inclusive), which is
prior to this ISP, no WFD inspections are provided for those airplanes.
For Group 2 airplanes, which have an LOV of 85,000 total flight cycles,
new tables 9, 10, and 11 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1214,
Revision 5, dated January 30, 2015, include inspections to address WFD.
We have not changed this AD in this regard.
Request To Clarify the Applicability
Boeing requested that we clarify the applicability of the proposed
AD. Boeing stated that Model 737-100, -200, and -200C airplanes should
be removed from the ``Applicability'' paragraph. Boeing stated that the
Group 2 airplanes only include Model 737-300, -400, and -500 airplanes.
We agree with the commenter's request for the reasons stated above.
We have revised the applicability in paragraph (c) of this AD to remove
Model 737-100, -200, and -200C series airplanes and revised the SUMMARY
section to specify certain Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series
airplanes.
Request To Clarify Airplanes Affected by Terminating Action Provisions
Boeing requested that we change the wording for the terminating
action in paragraph (j) of the proposed AD. Boeing stated that the
paragraph should specify that the terminating action applies only to
Group 2 airplanes. Boeing stated that specifying Group 2 airplanes
clearly states the intent of the terminating action.
We agree with the commenter's request for the reasons stated above.
We have expanded the structure of paragraph (j) of this AD accordingly.
In addition, we have clarified that the terminating action does not
apply to stringer S-5L to S-7L and stringer S-5R to S-9R, as specified
in AD 2012-18-13 R1 and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1214,
Revision 5, dated January 30, 2015.
Request To Revise the Inspections for Group 2 Airplanes
All Nippon Airways (ANA) requested that we revise the inspection
requirements in the proposed AD for Group 2 airplanes. ANA requested
that we either mandate the inspections in tables 10 and 11 of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1214, Revision 5, dated January 30, 2015,
for only Group 2 airplanes with 76,000 flight cycles and more, or
create a new NPRM to supersede AD 2012-18-13 R1 to mandate all
inspection requirements using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
53A1214, Revision 5, dated January 30, 2015. ANA stated that if a new
proposed rule is created, it requests that credit be given for any
previously approved AMOCs to AD 2012-18-13 R1, to reduce additional
burden for operators and the FAA.
We agree with the commenter's request for the reasons stated by the
commenter. The intent of this final rule is to address the WFD concerns
in accordance with the FAA's WFD final rule (75 FR 69746, November 15,
2010). We have revised paragraphs (g), (h), and (l) of this AD
accordingly.
Additional Changes to This AD
In paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, we have clarified the
compliance times by explicitly stating the compliance times instead of
referring to the compliance tables in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,''
of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1214, Revision 5, dated January
30, 2015.
The actions in paragraph (h) of the proposed AD states to do
detailed and eddy current inspections of the aft pressure bulkhead web
from the forward or aft side of the bulkhead for any cracking,
incorrectly drilled fastener hole, and elongated fastener hole. In this
AD, we have clarified the actions by providing the operators the option
of doing detailed and LFEC inspections from the aft side of the aft
pressure bulkhead, or doing a detailed and HFEC inspections from the
forward side of the aft pressure bulkhead, for any cracking,
incorrectly drilled fastener hole, and elongated fastener hole.
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 changes 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 for correcting the unsafe condition; and
<bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
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 737-53A1214, Revision 5,
dated January 30, 2015. The service information describes procedures
for, among other actions, repetitive inspections of the aft pressure
bulkhead web for any cracking, incorrectly drilled fastener holes, and
elongated fastener holes; and related investigative and corrective
actions. 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.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 122 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections of the web at the Up to 60 work-hours x $0 Up to $5,100 per Up to $622,200
``Y''-chord. $85 per hour = Up to inspection cycle. per inspection
$5,100 per inspection cycle.
cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have received no definitive data that will 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:
[[Page 72514]]
``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):
2016-20-02 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18668; Docket No. FAA-
2015-6538; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-031-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective November 25, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2012-18-13 R1, Amendment 39-17429 (78 FR
27020, May 9, 2013) (``AD 2012-18-13 R1'').
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400,
and -500 series airplanes, certificated in any category, identified
as Group 2 in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1214, Revision 5,
dated January 30, 2015.
(2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
ST01219SE (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/EBD1CEC7B301293E86257CB30045557A?OpenDocument&Highlight=st01219s)
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 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval
holder indicating that the aft pressure bulkhead is subject to
widespread fatigue damage. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct fatigue cracking of the aft pressure bulkhead web at the
``Y''-chord, which could result in reduced structural integrity of
the airplane and rapid decompression of the fuselage.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Repetitive Inspections of the Aft Pressure Bulkhead Web at the
``Y''-Chord Upper Bulkhead
Within 76,000 total flight cycles, or within 4,500 flight cycles
since the most recent low frequency eddy current (LFEC) inspection
accomplished in accordance with AD 2012-18-13 R1, or within 9,500
flight cycles since the most recent high frequency eddy current
(HFEC) inspection accomplished in accordance with AD 2012-18-13 R1,
whichever occurs latest: Do detailed and LFEC inspections from the
aft side of the aft pressure bulkhead web, or do detailed and HFEC
inspections from the forward side of the aft pressure bulkhead web,
for any cracking, incorrectly drilled fastener hole, and elongated
fastener hole, and do all applicable related investigative and
corrective actions, in accordance with Part I of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1214, Revision
5, dated January 30, 2015, except as required by paragraph (i) of
this AD. Do all related investigative and corrective actions before
further flight. If any cracking, incorrectly drilled fastener hole,
or elongated fastener hole is found, before further flight, repair
the aft pressure bulkhead web using a method approved in accordance
with the procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this AD.
Thereafter, repeat the inspections at the applicable times specified
in table 10 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance'' of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 737-53A1214, Revision 5, dated January 30, 2015.
(h) Repetitive Inspections of the Aft Pressure Bulkhead Web at the
``Y''-Chord Below S-15
Within 76,000 total flight cycles, or within 4,500 flight cycles
since the most recent LFEC inspection accomplished in accordance
with AD 2012-18-13 R1, or within 9,500 flight cycles since the most
recent HFEC inspection accomplished in accordance with AD 2012-18-13
R1, whichever occurs latest: Do detailed and LFEC inspections from
the aft side of the aft pressure bulkhead, or do detailed and HFEC
inspections from the forward side of the aft pressure bulkhead, for
any cracking, incorrectly drilled fastener hole, and elongated
fastener hole, and do all applicable corrective actions, in
accordance with Part III of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1214, Revision 5, dated January
30, 2015, except as required by paragraph (i) of this AD. Do all
corrective actions before further flight. If any cracking,
incorrectly drilled fastener hole, or elongated fastener hole is
found, before further flight, repair the aft pressure bulkhead web
using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified
in paragraph (l) of this AD. Thereafter, repeat the inspections at
the applicable times specified in table 11 of paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1214,
Revision 5, dated January 30, 2015.
(i) Exception to the Service Information
Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1214, Revision 5,
dated January 30, 2015, specifies to contact Boeing for repair
instructions: Before further flight, repair using a method approved
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this
AD.
(j) Terminating Action for Other Rulemaking
(1) For Group 2 airplanes specified in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-53A1214, Revision 5, dated January 30, 2015:
Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD
terminates the inspections required by paragraph (k) of AD 2012-18-
13 R1, except for stringer S-5L to S-7L and stringer S-5R to S-9R.
(2) For Group 2 airplanes specified in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-53A1214, Revision 5, dated January 30, 2015:
Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD
terminates the inspections required by paragraph (l) of AD 2012-18-
13 R1.
(k) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if the actions were performed
before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737-53A1214, Revision 4, dated December 16, 2011.
[[Page 72515]]
(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)(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, modification, or alteration 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. To be approved,
the repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation
must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval
must specifically refer to this AD.
(4) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2012-18-13 R1, Amendment
39-17429 (78 FR 27020, May 9, 2013), are approved as AMOCs for the
corresponding provisions of this AD.
(m) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Payman Soltani,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles ACO,
3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood CA 90712-4137; telephone: 562-
627-5313; 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 (n)(3) and (n)(4) of this AD.
(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 Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1214, Revision 5, dated
January 30, 2015.
(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 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 September 16, 2016.
Thomas Groves,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-23078 Filed 10-19-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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