Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 241 (Monday, December 17, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 64433-64435]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-26622]



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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 241 / Monday, December 17, 2018 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 64433]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0803; Product Identifier 2018-NM-098-AD; Amendment 
39-19526; AD 2018-25-15]
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 all The 
Boeing Company Model 727 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of 
cracking in the inboard lower flange and adjacent web near the forward 
attachment of the outboard flap track at a certain position on a Model 
737-300 airplane. The flap tracks of Model 737-300 airplanes are 
similar to the flap tracks of Model 727 airplanes. This AD requires 
repetitive detailed inspections and surface high frequency eddy current 
(HFEC) inspections of each outboard flap track at certain positions for 
any crack and discrepancy, and applicable on-condition actions. We are 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective January 22, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publication listed in this AD as of January 22, 
2019.

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-
0803.

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-
0803; 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 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: Muoi Vuong, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount 
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5205; 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 727 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
September 28, 2018 (83 FR 49017). The NPRM was prompted by a report of 
cracking in the inboard lower flange and adjacent web near the forward 
attachment of the outboard flap track at a certain position on a Model 
737-300 airplane. The flap tracks of Model 737-300 airplanes are 
similar to the flap tracks of Model 727 airplanes. The NPRM proposed to 
require repetitive detailed inspections and surface HFEC inspections of 
each outboard flap track at certain positions for any crack and 
discrepancy, and applicable on-condition actions.
    We are issuing this AD to address the inability of a principal 
structural element to sustain required flight loads, which could result 
in loss of the outboard trailing edge flap and reduced controllability 
of the airplane.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. We have considered the comment received. Boeing 
indicated its support for the NPRM.

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 727-57A0188 RB, 
dated May 31, 2018. The service information describes procedures for 
repetitive detailed inspections for discrepancies and surface HFEC 
inspections for cracks of each outboard flap track at positions 1, 2, 
7, and 8, and applicable on-condition actions. On-condition actions 
include repairs and installation of a new or serviceable flap track. 
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 16 airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 64434]]



                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                  Cost on U.S.
             Action                     Labor cost           Parts cost     Cost per product       operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections....................  113 work-hours x $85                 $0   $9,605 per          $153,680 per
                                  per hour = $9,605 per                     inspection cycle.   inspection
                                  inspection cycle.                                             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 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):

2018-25-15 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-19526; Docket No. FAA-
2018-0803; Product Identifier 2018-NM-098-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective January 22, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

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

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of cracking in the inboard 
lower flange and adjacent web near the forward attachment of the 
outboard flap track at position 8 on a Model 737-300 airplane. The 
flap tracks of Model 737-300 airplanes are similar to the flap 
tracks of Model 727 airplanes. We are issuing this AD to address the 
inability of a principal structural element to sustain required 
flight loads, which could result in loss of the outboard trailing 
edge flap and reduced controllability of the airplane.

(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 727-57A0188 RB, dated May 31, 2018, do 
all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 
727-57A0188 RB, dated May 31, 2018.

    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 727-57A0188, dated May 31, 2018, which is referred to in 
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 727-57A0188 RB, dated May 31, 
2018.

(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    (1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements 
of this AD: Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 727-57A0188 RB, 
dated May 31, 2018, uses the phrase ``the original issue date of 
Requirements Bulletin 727-57A0188 RB,'' this AD requires using ``the 
effective date of this AD.''
    (2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 727-57A0188 RB, 
dated May 31, 2018, specifies contacting Boeing for repair 
instructions, this AD requires repair before further flight using a 
method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (j) of this AD.

(i) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on 
any airplane, a wing outboard flap track having a part number listed 
in paragraph 1.B. of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 727-57A0188 
RB, dated May 31, 2018, unless the inspections and applicable on-
condition actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 727-57A0188 RB, dated May 31, 
2018, are accomplished concurrently with the installation of the 
part on the airplane.

(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

[[Page 64435]]

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, FAA, 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 Muoi Vuong, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 
3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-
5205; 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 727-57A0188 RB, dated May 
31, 2018.
    (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 November 29, 2018.
James Cashdollar,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-26622 Filed 12-14-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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