Document ID: FAA-2017-0337-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: The Boeing Company Airplanes
Posted Date: 2017-05-16T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 93 (Tuesday, May 16, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 22443-22445]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-09847]

 ========================================================================
 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.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 93 / Tuesday, May 16, 2017 / Proposed 
Rules  

[[Page 22443]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0337; Directorate Identifier 2017-NM-006-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain The Boeing Company Model 767 airplanes. This proposed AD was 
prompted by a report of cracking of the vertical stiffener in the nose 
wheel well. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of 
the nose wheel well bulkhead stiffener for any cracking, and corrective 
actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 30, 2017.

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 Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also 
available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0337.

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-2017-
0337; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will 
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wayne Lockett, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6447; fax: 425-917-6590; email: wayne.lockett@faa.gov.

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-2017-0337; 
Directorate Identifier 2017-NM-006-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 a report of cracking of the vertical stiffener in 
the nose wheel well. The stiffener was made of 7075-T73511 material. 
This condition, if not corrected, could adversely affect the structural 
integrity of the airplane and possibly lead to cabin depressurization 
or a nose landing gear collapse.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0275, dated 
January 5, 2017. The service information describes procedures for a 
detailed inspection and a medium frequency eddy current inspection of 
the nose wheel well bulkhead stiffener for any cracking, and corrective 
actions if necessary. 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

    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 accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously, except as discussed 
under ``Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service 
Information.'' 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-2017-0337.
    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

    Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0275, dated January 5, 2017, 
specifies to contact the manufacturer for certain instructions, but 
this proposed

[[Page 22444]]

AD would require using repair methods, modification deviations, and 
alteration deviations 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 144 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost      Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection.......................  10 work-hour x $85               $0  $850 per inspection  $122,400 per
                                    per hour = $850                      cycle.               inspection cycle.
                                    per inspection
                                    cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do certain repairs that would be 
required based on the results of the proposed inspection. We have no 
way of determining the number of aircraft that might need this repair:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repair........................................  18 work-hour x $85 per hour =                 $0          $1,530
                                                 $1,530.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for other 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.
    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

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):

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2017-0337; Directorate Identifier 
2017-NM-006-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by June 30, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, -
300F, and -400ER series airplanes, certificated in any category, as 
identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0275, dated 
January 5, 2017.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of cracking in the vertical 
stiffener at the nose wheel well. We are issuing this AD to detect 
and correct any cracking, which could adversely affect the 
structural integrity of the airplane and possibly lead to cabin 
depressurization or a nose landing gear collapse.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection

    At the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0275, dated 
January 5, 2017; except as specified in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD: 
Do a detailed inspection and a medium frequency eddy current 
inspection of the nose wheel well bulkhead stiffener for any 
cracking, and do all applicable corrective actions, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 767-53A0275, dated January 5, 2017; except as specified in 
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD. Do all corrective actions before 
further flight. Repeat the inspections, thereafter, at the times 
specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service

[[Page 22445]]

Bulletin 767-53A0275, dated January 5, 2017.

(h) Exceptions to the Service Information

    (1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0275, dated 
January 5, 2017, 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) If any cracking is found and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
767-53A0275, dated January 5, 2017, specifies to contact Boeing for 
appropriate action and specifies that action as ``RC'' (Required for 
Compliance): Before further flight repair using a method approved in 
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this 
AD.

(i) 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 (j)(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, 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, Seattle ACO, 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.
    (4) Except as required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD: For 
service information that contains steps that are labeled as RC, the 
provisions of paragraphs (i)(4)(i) and (i)(4)(ii) of this AD apply.
    (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step 
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply 
with the AD. If a step or substep is labeled ``RC Exempt,'' then the 
RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. An AMOC is 
required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and 
identified figures.
    (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted 
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection 
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC 
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done 
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Wayne Lockett, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM 120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; phone: 425-917-6447; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
wayne.lockett@faa.gov.
    (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 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 8, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-09847 Filed 5-15-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P