Published 2021-02-23 · Federal Register document 2021-03572
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
Publication summary
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the bear strap from station (STA) 290 to STA 296, and between stringers S-8R and S-9R, sometimes common to fasteners in the gap cover and emanating from rough sanding marks found on the surface of the bear strap. This AD requires inspections of the fuselage skin and bear strap at the forward galley door between certain stations for cracks, and applicable on- condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Why this record is shown
Source: Federal Register annual FAA metadata. Acquired 2026-09-03T22:24:08.106391+00:00. The title, summary and date are source facts.
- Source revision
- federal_register_ad_metadata_2021-9c919420683447c6
- Source row
- results[29]
- Raw source SHA-256
- 9c919420683447c683ad0c877cb886e341c11862be32b47c536a001b1d76dcb5
Final-rule publication
Recorded publication clauses
- AD identifier printed in this edition
- 2021-02-13
- Effective date printed in this edition
- 2021-03-30
Read 12 complete recorded clauses
Effective Date
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 30, 2021.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 19432–19520, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 087f383195bc14e4a241c4813339221d56260da7a0c6cd3e562ab4754df348e0
Affected ADs
(b) Affected ADs
None.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 19520–19549, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 871a4afc60ceeae06e8010585055188633d616078500c45937092bfe892239c0
Applicability wording · Applicability
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes, certificated in any category,
as identified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB,
Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020.
(2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
ST00830SE does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions
required by this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST00830SE
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 19549–20173, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 96aba32c1d5c85334a4ff140a35ac6f23ab0f857e07dd8b2a92159f529113966
Subject
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 20173–20253, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 297e69b8a6e159f28612e8bd82a91daa2fd8fd1d9d38af67161f67738908fa6c
Unsafe Condition
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the bear strap from
station (STA) 290 to STA 296, and between stringers S-8R and S-9R,
sometimes common to fasteners in the gap cover and emanating from
rough sanding marks found on the surface of the bear strap. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address cracking of the bear strap, which
could result in severing of the bear strap, possibly leading to
uncontrolled decompression and loss of structural integrity of the
airplane.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 20253–20758, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 1583d67905ec97bc14361710f8b1a5942eb4f1c095033a40d1f2247bebe07894
Compliance
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 20758–20860, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 00fbfa31932483f627d0ce0a11cbd2e35e15d9231842b91ac85623ce533912d3
Required Actions
(g) Required Actions
Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the
applicable times specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated
February 19, 2020, do all applicable actions identified in, and in
accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated February 19,
2020.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737-53A1383, Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020, which is referred
to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB, Revision 1,
dated February 19, 2020.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 20860–21589, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 09d246e6808041b845e7611ecb0588dbe3cb710d57686212bb9501f27c7c2b26
Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB,
Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020, uses the phrase ``the original
issue date of Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB,'' this AD
requires using ``the effective date of this AD,'' except where
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated
February 19,
[[Page 10780]]
2020, uses the phrase ``the original issue date of Requirements
Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB'' in a note or flag note.
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB,
Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020, specifies contacting Boeing for
repair instructions or for alternative inspections: This AD requires
doing the repair, or doing the alternative inspections and
applicable on-condition actions, using a method and compliance time
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph
(j) of this AD.
(3) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A13833 RB,
Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020, in Tables 1 and 2, Condition 1
(Action 1), Condition 3, and Condition 4.1.1 (Action 1), specifies a
compliance time of ``before further flight'': This AD requires
compliance before 15,000 total flight cycles or within 6,000 flight
cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 21589–22946, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 0d8576d8d2a7fa23b9d9069016616b978bb12947294abdd23aa6f3b591d56f8c
Credit for Previous Actions
(i) 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 Alert Requirements Bulletin
737-53A1383 RB, dated May 9, 2019, except for airplanes on which
Option 2, Condition 4, has been done. For airplanes on which Option
2, Condition 4, has been done, credit is given for Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB, dated May 9, 2019, provided
operators do the external low frequency eddy current (LFEC)
inspection of the forward galley door bear strap and external high
frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection of the fuselage skin for
any crack in accordance with Figure 4 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB,
Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020. The compliance time for
accomplishing these actions is at the later of the times specified
in paragraphs (i)(1) and (2) of this AD. Except as specified in
paragraph (h)(3), do all applicable on-condition actions identified
in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated
February 19, 2020, at the applicable times specified in the
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-
53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020.
(1) Before 15,000 total flight cycles.
(2) Within 6,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this
AD.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 22946–24468, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: f2490483cd42ba22eb28486e6f0c0dddc3e479d2a82a89ab564df96fd09122f0
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle 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)(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 Company Organization Designation
Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle
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.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 24468–25737, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 4b726b6ca88943cfb277472715225d5ff7c972c2a798300e68c75c4b3f3fd770
Related Information
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Michael
Bumbaugh, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax:
206-231-3522; email: [email protected].
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (l)(3) and (4) of this AD.
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Material Incorporated by Reference
(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 737-53A1383 RB, Revision
1, dated February 19, 2020.
(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; phone: 562-797-1717; internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 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, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 26169–27464, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: ab3691064487eaf695f3be1504b4df43a50b67ad8d223eeb6fc6760c3cb8c68f
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 2021-02-13 · 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: 3be568116fa814d2b2147d470ea5509d490cbc8451be1409091aaade2a1c364f. Source manifest: 7f0639314e131b06824510b694703ecde0017c85df82cf4af5e4ebb78ce31500.
Official source · 2021-02-23
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 86, Number 34 (Tuesday, February 23, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10776-10780]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-03572]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0705; Product Identifier 2019-NM-098-AD; Amendment
39-21396; AD 2021-02-13]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 10777]]
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900
series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the bear
strap from station (STA) 290 to STA 296, and between stringers S-8R and
S-9R, sometimes common to fasteners in the gap cover and emanating from
rough sanding marks found on the surface of the bear strap. This AD
requires inspections of the fuselage skin and bear strap at the forward
galley door between certain stations for cracks, and applicable on-
condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 30, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 30,
2021.
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; phone: 562-797-1717; internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this service information at the
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 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 https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0705.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
0705; 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, any comments received, and other information. The
address for Docket Operations 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: Michael Bumbaugh, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3522; email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA 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 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 1, 2019 (84 FR
52047). The NPRM was prompted by reports of cracks in the bear strap
between certain stations, sometimes common to fasteners in the gap
cover and emanating from rough sanding marks found on the surface of
the bear strap. The NPRM proposed to require inspections of the
fuselage skin and bear strap at the forward galley door between certain
stations for cracks, and applicable on-condition actions.
The FAA issued a supplemental NPRM (SNPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39
by adding an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing Company Model
737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes. The SNPRM
published in the Federal Register on May 1, 2020 (85 FR 25348). The FAA
issued the SNPRM to revise certain inspections to provide the correct
thickness callouts for the fuselage skin and bear strap.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracking of the bear strap,
which could result in severing of the bear strap, possibly leading to
uncontrolled decompression and loss of structural integrity of the
airplane.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The following presents the comments
received on the SNPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
Support for the SNPRM
United Airlines stated that it has no technical objection to the
SNPRM and that it concurs with the proposed rulemaking.
Request for an Alternative Method of Compliance for a Certain Repair
Southwest Airlines (SWA) requested that the Boeing 737-700/-800
Structural Repair Manual (SRM) 53-10-01, Repair 6, be approved as an
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) to certain corrective actions
specified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB,
Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020. SWA contended that this repair
covers the affected inspection zone, and that this SRM repair should be
a terminating action to the inspections specified in Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated February 19,
2020, because the entire inspection area covered is common to the
repair given in Boeing 737-700/-800 SRM 53-10-01, Repair 6. SWA
asserted that operators should be able to accomplish this SRM repair
without contacting Boeing, provided there are no deviations and that
the findings meet the criteria listed in the Boeing 737-700/-800 SRM
53-10-01, Repair 6. SWA also noted that the SRM was published after
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated
February 19, 2020, so there was no way to reference the SRM repair
within it.
The FAA disagrees with the request because the referenced SRM
repair has not yet been approved for the specified conditions. However,
under the provisions of paragraph (j) of this AD, the FAA will consider
requests for approval of an AMOC if a proposal is submitted that is
supported by technical data indicating that the proposed repair will
provide an acceptable level of safety. If the referenced SRM repair is
determined to be acceptable to address the specified conditions, the
FAA may approve, and Boeing may issue, a global AMOC for the SRM
repair. The FAA has not changed this AD as a result of this comment.
Request for an Altered Compliance Time for Condition 1, Action 1, of
the Service Information
Southwest Airlines requested that where table 1 of paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB,
Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020, states a compliance time of
``Before further flight'' for certain on-condition actions, the
proposed AD should specify this compliance time as ``Before 15,000
total flight cycles or within 6,000 flight cycles after the original
issue of the AD, whichever occurs later.'' Southwest Airlines also
requested that the FAA clarify the requirement of Condition 1, Action
1, and Condition 3 and Condition 4.1.1, within Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated February 19,
2020, paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' in Tables 1 and 2, to do the
alternative inspections and applicable on-condition action(s) before
further flight. SWA asserted that there is an equivalent level of
safety between an airplane without a repair reaching the compliance
time threshold to perform the Boeing service bulletin inspection and an
airplane with a repair reaching the compliance time threshold before an
action is required. Therefore, the compliance times for obtaining the
alternative inspection(s) for the existing repairs should align with
the compliance times allowed for
[[Page 10778]]
the initial service bulletin general visual inspection in lieu of
``before further flight.'' SWA proposed that this allowance be listed
within paragraph (h) of the proposed AD, similar to the allowance
provided by paragraph (i) of the proposed AD.
The FAA agrees that allowing the AD compliance time for an airplane
with an existing repair to be the same as an aircraft without an
existing repair will provide an acceptable level of safety. Any
alternative inspection program including compliance times must be done
in accordance with an approved AMOC. The FAA has added paragraph (h)(3)
of this AD to address this change.
Request To Clarify Authority for Approval of Alternative Inspection
Programs
Southwest Airlines requested that the FAA clarify who has the
authority to approve an alternative inspection program for any repair
found during Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB,
Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020, paragraph 1.E, ``Compliance,''
Table 1, Condition 1, Action 1. Paragraph (j)(1) of the proposed AD
clearly indicated that the manager of the Seattle ACO Branch has that
authority; paragraph (j)(3) of the proposed AD provided the path to
obtain an AMOC by The Boeing Company Organization Designation
Authorization (ODA) as delegated only for a repair, modification, and
alteration. SWA requested clarification whether paragraph (j)(3) of the
proposed AD encompasses both existing repairs and repairs installed as
a result of inspection findings. SWA asserted that it is unclear
whether the reference to the repair is for an existing repair that is
located in the inspection area or for a repair that is installed as a
result of any crack finding.
The FAA agrees to clarify. The Boeing Company ODA has authority to
approve AMOCs as authorized and delegated for repairs installed prior
to the AD and repairs due to a crack finding, as well as repairs not
due to a crack finding. An operator would need to provide The Boeing
Company ODA with all details and geometry needed to design and analyze
the repair data.
Request To Clarify the Use of ``Covers'' in the Service Information
SWA commented that Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383
RB, Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020, paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' Table 1, note (b), omits the inspection in areas where
a repair covers the affected zone, provided conditions 1 and 2 are met.
A similar note is included in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' Table 2,
note (c). SWA would like clarification of the word ``covers'' as it
relates to repairs in the area. Since the configuration has changed
because of the repair, SWA stated that the repair's damage tolerance
program provides an equivalent level of safety for this area.
The FAA has coordinated with Boeing to clarify the intent of the
wording in this section. Note (b) in Table 1 and note (c) in Table 2 of
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated
February 19, 2020, paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' apply to the area
``covered by'' a repair, but not for the area ``common to'' a repair. A
repair that is ``common to'' the area, meaning physically in the same
area as the NPRM-proposed repair, but that was not meant to address the
issue specified in the NPRM (i.e., ``covered'' areas), could
potentially be obscuring the inspections that would detect crack growth
which this AD is meant to mitigate. Therefore, if a repair was not done
as a corrective action for a crack in the bear strap, and the operator
does not perform the inspections specified in the Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated February 19,
2020, it may result in the unsafe condition. The FAA has not changed
this AD as a result of this comment.
Request To Include Inspection Programs
SWA commented that paragraph (j)(3) of the proposed AD (in the
SNPRM) stated that an AMOC may be used for any required repair,
modification, or alteration if approved by The Boeing Company ODA. SWA
stated that inspection programs should be included in this list of
conditions for which The Boeing Company ODA can provide an AMOC, as
paragraph (h)(2) explicitly states it is acceptable to accomplish
alternative inspections approved in accordance with the procedures
specified in paragraph (j) of the proposed AD.
The FAA agrees with the assertion that the inspection program may
be part of the AMOC because the inspection program for the repaired
area may be part of the repair, which in turn is part of the AMOC.
However, the FAA disagrees with changing this AD because an AMOC issued
for a repair will include the inspection program. The request to add
certain inspection programs to The Boeing Company ODA-authorized list
of AMOC approvals is outside the scope of this rulemaking. Therefore,
the FAA has not changed this AD in this regard.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest
require adopting this final rule with the change described previously
and minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor
changes:
<bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
SNPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
<bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the SNPRM.
The FAA also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final
rule.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB,
Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020. This service information describes
procedures for inspecting for cracks of the fuselage skin and bear
strap at the forward galley door between certain stations, through the
use of two alternative inspection methods for the initial inspections:
(1) Internal and external general visual inspections and internal
surface high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections, and (2)
external general visual and external eddy current inspections. This
service information also describes procedures for applicable on-
condition actions including inspections for cracks, HFEC inspections
for cracks, low frequency eddy current (LFEC) inspections for cracks,
and repair, depending on the inspection method selected. 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
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 752 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 10779]]
Estimated Costs for Required Actions: Option 1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal general visual 11 work-hours x $85 $0 $935............... $703,120.
inspection. per hour = $935.
External general visual 1 work-hour x $85 0 85................. 63,920.
inspection. per hour = $85.
Internal Surface HFEC inspections 3 work-hours x $85 0 255 per inspection 191,760 per
per hour = $255 cycle. inspection cycle.
per inspection
cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated Costs for Required Actions: Option 2
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
External general visual 1 work-hour x $85 $0 $85................ $63,920.
inspection. per hour = $85.
External LFEC and HFEC 18 work-hours x $85 0 1,530 per 1,150,560 per
inspections. per hour = $1,530 inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
per inspection
cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the
agency 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.
The FAA is 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) 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:
2021-02-13 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-21396; Docket No. FAA-
2019-0705; Product Identifier 2019-NM-098-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 30, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes, certificated in any category,
as identified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB,
Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020.
(2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
ST00830SE does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions
required by this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST00830SE
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 cracks in the bear strap from
station (STA) 290 to STA 296, and between stringers S-8R and S-9R,
sometimes common to fasteners in the gap cover and emanating from
rough sanding marks found on the surface of the bear strap. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address cracking of the bear strap, which
could result in severing of the bear strap, possibly leading to
uncontrolled decompression and loss of structural integrity of the
airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the
applicable times specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated
February 19, 2020, do all applicable actions identified in, and in
accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated February 19,
2020.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737-53A1383, Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020, which is referred
to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB, Revision 1,
dated February 19, 2020.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB,
Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020, uses the phrase ``the original
issue date of Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB,'' this AD
requires using ``the effective date of this AD,'' except where
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated
February 19,
[[Page 10780]]
2020, uses the phrase ``the original issue date of Requirements
Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB'' in a note or flag note.
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB,
Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020, specifies contacting Boeing for
repair instructions or for alternative inspections: This AD requires
doing the repair, or doing the alternative inspections and
applicable on-condition actions, using a method and compliance time
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph
(j) of this AD.
(3) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A13833 RB,
Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020, in Tables 1 and 2, Condition 1
(Action 1), Condition 3, and Condition 4.1.1 (Action 1), specifies a
compliance time of ``before further flight'': This AD requires
compliance before 15,000 total flight cycles or within 6,000 flight
cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
(i) 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 Alert Requirements Bulletin
737-53A1383 RB, dated May 9, 2019, except for airplanes on which
Option 2, Condition 4, has been done. For airplanes on which Option
2, Condition 4, has been done, credit is given for Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB, dated May 9, 2019, provided
operators do the external low frequency eddy current (LFEC)
inspection of the forward galley door bear strap and external high
frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection of the fuselage skin for
any crack in accordance with Figure 4 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB,
Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020. The compliance time for
accomplishing these actions is at the later of the times specified
in paragraphs (i)(1) and (2) of this AD. Except as specified in
paragraph (h)(3), do all applicable on-condition actions identified
in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated
February 19, 2020, at the applicable times specified in the
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-
53A1383 RB, Revision 1, dated February 19, 2020.
(1) Before 15,000 total flight cycles.
(2) Within 6,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this
AD.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle 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)(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 Company Organization Designation
Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle
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
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Michael
Bumbaugh, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax:
206-231-3522; email: [email protected].
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (l)(3) and (4) of this AD.
(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 737-53A1383 RB, Revision
1, dated February 19, 2020.
(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; phone: 562-797-1717; internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 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, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on January 14, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-03572 Filed 2-22-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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