Proposed Rules. Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)

Agency: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT
Action: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
Citation: FR Doc. 2014-12244 · RIN 2120-AA64 · Docket No. FAA-2014-0286; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-004-AD · 14 CFR 39

Summary

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600 and -700 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracking in a bulkhead lower frame. This proposed AD would require a detailed and open hole high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection of the left- and right-side lower frame webs and inner chords for cracking, if necessary, and corrective actions and preventative modifications, if necessary. This proposed AD would also provide for optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections under certain conditions. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking in a bulkhead lower frame web and inner chord, which could result in a severed frame and induced skin cracks, and lead to rapid decompression of the fuselage.

Dates

We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 14, 2014.

Supplementary Information

Comments Invited We invite 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-2014-0286; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-004-AD” at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD because of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD. Discussion We have received reports of cracking in the STA 727 bulkhead lower frame. This condition, if not corrected, could result in a severed frame and induced skin cracks, and lead to rapid decompression of the fuselage. Relevant Service Information We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1325, dated December 3, 2013. For information on the procedures and compliance times, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. FAA-2014-0286. FAA's Determination We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the 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 a detailed and open hole HFEC inspection of the left- and right-side lower frame webs and inner chords for cracking, if necessary, and corrective actions and preventative modifications, if necessary; except as discussed under “Differences Between this Proposed AD and the Service Information.” The phrase “corrective actions” is used in this proposed AD. “Corrective actions” are actions that 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 service information specifies to contact the manufacturer for instructions on how to do certain inspections and repair certain conditions, but this proposed AD would require accomplishing those actions in one of the following ways: • In accordance with a method that we approve; or • Using data that meet the certification basis of the airplane, and that have been approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) whom we have authorized to make those findings. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD affects 489 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: Estimated Costs Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators Inspections 37 work-hours × $85 per hour = $3,145 $0 $3,145 $1,537,905 We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repairs that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspections. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these repairs: On-Condition Costs Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Repair (per side) 11 work-hours × $85 per hour = $935 $2,820 $3,755 Modification 17 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,445 1,132 2,577 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. Regulatory Findings We 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) Is not a “significant rule” under the 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. 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 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. Amend § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2014-0286; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-004-AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by July 14, 2014. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-600 and -700 series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1325, dated December 3, 2013. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the body station (STA) 727 bulkhead lower frame. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking in a bulkhead lower frame web and inner chord, which could result in a severed framed and induced skin cracks, and lead to rapid decompression of the fuselage. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Inspections At the applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1325, dated December 3, 2013, except as provided by paragraph (i)(1) of this AD: Do a detailed and open hole high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection of the left- and right-side lower frame webs and inner chords for cracking, as applicable, and do all applicable corrective actions and preventative modifications, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1325, dated December 3, 2013, except as required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD. Repeat the applicable inspections required by this paragraph thereafter at the applicable intervals specified in paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1325, dated December 3, 2013. Do all applicable corrective actions and preventative modifications before further flight.y (h) Terminating Action Accomplishment of a modification or a repair in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1325, dated December 3, 2013, terminates the repetitive inspections in this AD for the repaired or modified side only. (i) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications (1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1325, dated December 3, 2013, specifies a compliance time “after the original issue date of this service bulletin,” this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD. (2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1325, dated December 3, 2013, specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate action: Before further flight, accomplish the corresponding action using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (k) of this AD. (j) Post-Repair Inspections The post-repair inspections, specified in tables 4, 5, and 6 of paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1325, dated December 3, 2013, are not required by this AD. Note 1 to paragraph (j) of this AD: The damage tolerance inspections specified in tables 4, 5, and 6 of paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1325, dated December 3, 2013, may be used in support of compliance with Section 121.1109(c)(2) or 129.109(b)(2) of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 121.1109(c)(2) or 14 CFR 129.109(b)(2)). The corresponding actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-53A1325, dated December 3, 2013, are not required by this AD. (k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Seattle 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 (l)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. (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 required by this AD if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. (l) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Alan Pohl, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: (425) 917-6450; fax: (425) 917-6590; email: alan.pohl@faa.gov. (2) 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. 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. Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 15, 2014. Michael Kaszycki, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2014-12244 Filed 5-27-14; 8:45 am]