Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
| Published date | 19 June 2019 |
| Record Number | 2019-13020 |
| Section | Proposed rules |
| Court | Federal Aviation Administration |
Federal Register, Volume 84 Issue 118 (Wednesday, June 19, 2019)
[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 118 (Wednesday, June 19, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 28429-28431]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-13020]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 118 / Wednesday, June 19, 2019 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 28429]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0399; Product Identifier 2018-NM-149-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all The Boeing Company Model 737 series airplanes, except for Model
737-100, --200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by reports of separation of the lower aft
wing-to-body fairing panel 194E (``fairing panel 194E'') during flight,
due to worn or damaged nutplates on the support structure. This
proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of fairing panel 194E,
wheel well panel 193D, and support structure for discrepancies, and
related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This
proposed AD would also require rework of the panels and support
structure, which would terminate the repetitive inspections. The FAA is
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 5,
2019.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this NPRM, 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 referenced 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-2019-0399.
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-2019-
0399; 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 NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alan Pohl, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3527; email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2019-0399;
Product Identifier 2018-NM-149-AD'' at the beginning of your comments.
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. The agency
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this NPRM because of those comments.
The FAA will post all comments, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide.
The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact the agency receives about this NPRM.
Discussion
The FAA has received several reports of separation of the lower aft
wing-to-body fairing panel 194E during flight. In two of these reports,
damage from the separation of that panel was also found on an adjacent
fairing panel. In another report, the panel was found loose. The
airplanes with loose or missing panels had accumulated between 1,270
and 43,200 total flight hours, and between 550 and 15,800 total flight
cycles. The FAA determined that the nutplates common to the forward
edge of the panel could become worn or damaged. In addition, worn or
damaged nutplates on the support structure for the wheel well panel
193D, which is adjacent to the 194E fairing panel, may also be a
contributing factor to the loss of the 194E fairing panel. This
condition, if not addressed, could result in separation of fairing
panel 194E.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1307, dated January
12, 2012. This service information describes procedures for repetitive
inspections of fairing panel 194E, wheel well panel 193D, and support
structure for discrepancies (including incorrect torque at the
fasteners and worn and damaged nutplates and fastener holes) and
corrective actions (including repair and replacement of nutplates and
fasteners). This service information also describes procedures for
rework of the panels and support structure, including related
investigative actions (general visual inspection of the panel and
support structure for damage) and repair, which together would
eliminate the need for the repetitive inspections.
This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is proposing this AD because the agency evaluated all the
[[Page 28430]]
relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same
type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in the service information described previously, except as discussed
under ``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the Service
Information,'' and except for any differences identified as exceptions
in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
For information on the procedures and compliance times, see this
service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0399.
The phrase ``related investigative actions'' is used in this
proposed AD. Related investigative actions are follow-on actions that
(1) are related to the primary action, and (2) further investigate the
nature of any condition found. Related investigative actions in an AD
could include, for example, inspections.
The phrase ``corrective actions'' is used in this proposed AD.
Corrective actions correct or address any condition found. Corrective
actions in an AD could include, for example, repairs.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
The effectivity of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1307, dated
January 12, 2012, is limited to Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900,
and -900ER series airplanes, line numbers 1 through 3532 inclusive.
However, the applicability of this proposed AD includes all Model 737
airplanes except for Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500
series airplanes. The FAA has determined, as has the design approval
holder, that affected parts can be installed on future deliveries.
Because the affected parts are rotable, the FAA has determined that
these parts could later be installed on airplanes that were initially
delivered with acceptable parts, thereby subjecting those airplanes to
the unsafe condition.
Airplanes from line number 3533 through any airplane with an
original airworthiness certificate or an original export certificate of
airworthiness dated on or before the effective date of this AD would be
subject to the initial inspection requirement of this proposed AD, but
the inspection would not be required to be repeated if the airplane can
be demonstrated to have the post-reworked configuration of Boeing
Service Bulletin 737-53-1307, dated January 12, 2012, as specified in
paragraph (h) of this AD. (Note that the ``Parts Installation
Limitation'' specified in paragraph (i) of this AD would still apply.)
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD would affect 983 airplanes
of U.S. registry. The agency estimates the following costs to comply
with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Inspection....................... 8 work-hours x $85 $0 $680 per inspection Up to $668,440 per
per hour = $680 cycle. inspection cycle.
per inspection
cycle.
Rework........................... 25 work-hours x $85 0 $2,125............. Up to $2,088,875.
per hour = $2,125.
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The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the
agency to provide cost estimates for the on-condition repairs specified
in this proposed 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.
This proposed 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
The FAA has determined that this proposed AD would not have
federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD
would 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 this proposed
regulation:
(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.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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):
[[Page 28431]]
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2019-0399; Product Identifier
2018-NM-149-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by August 5, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737 series
airplanes, certificated in any category, except for Model 737-100, -
200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of separation of lower aft wing-
to-body fairing panel 194E (``fairing panel 194E'') during flight,
due to worn or damaged nutplates on the 193D wheel well panel and
support structure. The FAA is issuing this AD to address separation
of fairing panel 194E.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Repetitive Inspections and Corrective Actions
(1) For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or
an original export certificate of airworthiness dated on or before
the effective date of this AD: Within 24 months after the effective
date of this AD, do a general visual inspection for discrepancies of
fairing panel 194E, wheel well panel 193D, and support structure,
and do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions,
in accordance with Part 1 and Part 2 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-53-1307, dated January
12, 2012. All applicable related investigative and corrective
actions must be done before further flight. Repeat the inspection
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,000 flight cycles.
(2) For airplanes having line numbers 3533 and subsequent with
an original airworthiness certificate or an original export
certificate of airworthiness dated on or before the effective date
of this AD: If the initial inspection required by paragraph (g)(1)
shows that fairing panel 194E, wheel well panel 193D, and the
support structure have the number and type of attachments specified
in the post-reworked configuration of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-
53-1307, dated January 12, 2012, then the repetitive inspections
required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD are terminated. The
requirements of paragraph (i) of this AD continue to apply.
(h) Terminating Action
For airplanes with an original airworthiness certificate or an
original export certificate of airworthiness dated on or before the
effective date of this AD: Within 72 months after the effective date
of this AD, do the actions required by paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of
this AD, as applicable. Accomplishing the actions in paragraph
(h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD terminates the repetitive inspections
required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. The requirements of
paragraph (i) of this AD continue to apply.
(1) Rework fairing panel 194E, wheel well panel 193D, and the
support structure, including accomplishment of all applicable
related investigative actions and repair, in accordance with Part 3
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-
53-1307, dated January 12, 2012. All applicable related
investigative actions and repairs must be done before further
flight.
(2) Verify that fairing panel 194E, wheel well panel 193D, and
the support structure have the number and type of attachments
specified in the post-reworked configuration of Boeing Service
Bulletin 737-53-1307, dated January 12, 2012.
(i) Parts Installation Limitation
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a
fairing panel 194E on any airplane identified in paragraph (c) of
this AD, unless fairing panel 194E, wheel well panel 193D, and the
support structure have the number and type of attachments specified
in the post-reworked configuration of Boeing Service Bulletin 737-
53-1307, dated January 12, 2012.
(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, 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
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Alan Pohl,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3527;
email: [email protected].
(2) 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. 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.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on June 14, 2019.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-13020 Filed 6-18-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
