Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 189 (Friday, September 28, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48915-48917]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-20917]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0452; Product Identifier 2017-NM-150-AD; Amendment 
39-19439; AD 2018-20-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The 
Boeing Company Model 727C, 727-100, 727-100C, 727-200, and 727-200F 
series airplanes. This AD was prompted by the results of a fleet 
survey, which revealed cracking in bulkhead frame webs at a certain 
body station. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the bulkhead 
frame web at a certain body station and applicable on-condition 
actions. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 2, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 2, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data 
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 
90740-5600; telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this service information at the 
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
206-231-3195. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0452.

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-2018-
0452; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket Operations, 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: George Garrido, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount 
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5232; fax: 562-627-
5210; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all The Boeing Company 
Model 727C, 727-100, 727-100C, 727-200, and 727-200F series airplanes. 
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on May 29, 2018 (83 FR 
24433). The NPRM was prompted by the results of a fleet survey on 
retired Model 737 airplanes, which revealed cracking in bulkhead frame 
webs at a certain body station. No cracks have been reported on Model 
727 airplanes but Model 727 and Model 737 airplanes have a similar 
frame installation at station 259.5. The NPRM proposed to require 
repetitive inspections of the bulkhead frame web at a certain body 
station and applicable on-condition actions.

[[Page 48916]]

    We are issuing this AD to address cracking in the station 259.5 
bulkhead frame web from the first stiffener above stringer S-10 to S-
13. Such cracking may lead to subsequent failure of the skin and 
cockpit window surround structure, and could result in rapid 
decompression.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. The following presents the comments received on the 
NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Support for the NPRM

    Boeing concurred with the NPRM.

Request To Specify Repetitive Inspection Interval

    The commenter, Lynise Hogue, indicated that the reports mentioned 
in the Discussion section of the NPRM revealed cracking in the bulkhead 
frame of retired Boeing Model 737 airplanes but there was no evidence 
of cracking in the bulkhead frame of Boeing Model 727 airplanes, 
despite those airplanes having a similar frame installation. The 
commenter stated this posed concerns and asked how often would ``. . . 
said repetitive inspections be conducted?''
    We infer the commenter is asking about the repetitive inspections 
required by this AD and agree to clarify the inspection interval. As 
stated in paragraph (g) of this AD inspections are done at the 
applicable times specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing 
Alert Requirements Bulletin 727-53A0235 RB, dated October 12, 2017, 
which is at intervals not to exceed 8,600 flight cycles. We have 
determined that these intervals and inspections are adequate to address 
the unsafe condition. This AD has not been changed in this regard.

Request To Clarify Unsafe Condition

    The commenter, Lynise Hogue, inquired if the unsafe product was 
confined to a certain batch or if it is an overall poor product. The 
commenter further questioned that if it is indeed an overall poor 
product, what measures other than an annual inspection are being taken 
to prevent cracking in additional bulkhead frames.
    We agree to clarify. Airplane maintenance and inspection programs 
include many types of inspections, which are designed to detect and 
address potential unsafe conditions. However, when those inspections 
are not adequate to prevent an unsafe condition, we issue an AD to 
address the identified unsafe condition, such as this one. We are 
currently not planning additional rulemaking on other bulkhead frames. 
However, as we obtain and analyze additional data, we might consider 
further rulemaking. This AD has not been changed in this regard.

Request To Expand Applicability to All Boeing Airplanes

    The commenter, Lynise Hogue, requested that we change the 
applicability to all Boeing airplanes because the proposed AD addresses 
``an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products 
identified in this rulemaking action.'' The commenter provided no 
further justification for the request.
    We do not agree with the commenter's request to change the 
applicability of this AD. The commenter has not provided any additional 
data, views, or arguments to support this request. Furthermore, such a 
change would expand the scope of this AD and therefore require 
additional public review and delay issuance of this final rule. This AD 
applies only to those airplanes affected by the identified unsafe 
condition. We are currently not planning additional rulemaking for 
other airplanes. However, as we obtain and analyze additional data, we 
might consider further rulemaking. We have not changed this AD in this 
regard.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this final rule as proposed, except for minor editorial changes. We 
have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 727-53A0235 RB, 
dated October 12, 2017. The service information describes procedures 
for repetitive high frequency eddy current inspections and low 
frequency eddy current inspections for cracks of the station 259.5 
bulkhead frame web from the first stiffener above S-10 to S-13, on the 
left and right sides of the airplane, and applicable on-condition 
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 106 airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost    Cost per product          operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections......................  41 work-hours x $85            $0  $3,485 per            $369,410 per
                                    per hour = $3,485                  inspection cycle.     inspection cycle.
                                    per 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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness

[[Page 48917]]

Division, but during this transition period, the Executive Director has 
delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category 
airplanes and associated appliances to the Director of the System 
Oversight Division.

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):

2018-20-05 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-19439; Docket No. FAA-
2018-0452; Product Identifier 2017-NM-150-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective November 2, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 727C, 727-100, 
727-100C, 727-200, and 727-200F series airplanes, certificated in 
any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the results of a fleet survey, which 
revealed cracking in bulkhead frame webs at a certain body station. 
We are issuing this AD to address cracking in the station 259.5 
bulkhead frame web from the first stiffener above stringer S-10 to 
S-13. Such cracking may lead to subsequent failure of the skin and 
cockpit window surround structure, and could result in rapid 
decompression.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Except as required by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the 
applicable times specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing 
Alert Requirements Bulletin 727-53A0235 RB, dated October 12, 2017, 
do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 
727-53A0235 RB, dated October 12, 2017.
    Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: Guidance for accomplishing 
the actions required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 727-53A0235, dated October 12, 2017, which is referred to 
in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 727-53A0235 RB, dated October 
12, 2017.

(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    (1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements 
of this AD: Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 727-53A0235 RB, 
dated October 12, 2017, uses the phrase ``the original issue date of 
Requirements Bulletin 727-53A0235 RB,'' this AD requires using ``the 
effective date of this AD.''
    (2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 727-53A0235 RB, 
dated October 12, 2017, specifies contacting Boeing, this AD 
requires repair using a method approved in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.

(i) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and 
Section 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 
and 21.199), may be issued to operate the airplane to a location 
where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished, but 
concurrence by the Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, is required 
before issuance of the special flight permit.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 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 certification office, 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, 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 Branch, 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.

(k) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact George Garrido, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 
3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-
5232; fax: 562-627-5210; 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.
    (i) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 727-53A0235 RB, dated 
October 12, 2017.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services 
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-
5600; telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
206-231-3195.
    (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 Des Moines, Washington, on September 13, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-20917 Filed 9-27-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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