Federal Register: February 19, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 33)
DOCID: FR Doc 04-3493
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
CFR Citation: 14 CFR Part 39
Docket ID: [Docket No. 2003-NM-208-AD]
RIN ID: RIN 2120-AA64
NOTICE: PROPOSED RULES
ACTION: Airworthiness directives:
DOCUMENT ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
SUBJECT CATEGORY:
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-200C Series Airplanes
DATES: Comments must be received by April 5, 2004.
DOCUMENT SUMMARY:
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to all Boeing Model 737200C series airplanes. This proposal would require repetitive inspections of the Station 348.2 frame to detect cracking under the stop fittings and intercostal flanges at Stringers 14L, 15L, and 16L; and corrective action if necessary. This action is necessary to prevent rapid decompression of the airplane, and possible separation of the forward entry door from the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
SUMMARY:
Boeing,
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as
they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments,
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this action may be changed in light of the comments received.
Submit comments using the following format:
[sbull] Organize comments issuebyissue. For example, discuss a
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
[sbull] For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed AD is being requested.
[sbull] Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each request.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report summarizing each FAApublic contact concerned with the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this action must submit a selfaddressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments to Docket Number 2003NM208AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.
Availability of NPRMs
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM114, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003NM208AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 980554056.
Discussion
The FAA has received a report of cracks in the Station 348.2 frame on a Boeing Model 737200C series airplane. The Station 348.2 frame is located immediately aft of the forward entry door cutout. The cracks were located under the door stop fittings at Stringers 15L and 16L. Undetected fatigue cracks in the frame could propagate due to normal cyclic cabin pressure loading. If these fatigue cracks continue to propagate, the stop fittings can become ineffective. This condition, if not corrected, could result in a rapid decompression of the airplane, and possible separation of the forward entry door from the airplane. Explanation of Relevant Service Information
The FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
73753A1240, dated April 10, 2003, which describes procedures for
performing repetitive detailed and eddy current inspections of the
Station 348.2 frame for cracks under the stop fittings and intercostal
flanges at Stringers 14L, 15L, and 16L. (Stringer 14L is similar to
Stringers 15L and 16L.) The inspection procedures at these locations
consist of: A detailed inspection of the entire area; an eddy current
inspection of the forward surface of the Station 348.2 frame inner
chord over a 4.0inch length centered on the removed stop fittings at
Stringers 15L and 16L; an eddy current rotary probe inspection of the
frame at the fastener holes for the removed stop fittings at Stringers
14L, 15L, and 16L; an eddy current inspection of the intercostal
forward flanges common to the aft side of the Station 348.2 frame at
Stringers 14L, 15L, and 16L; and an eddy current inspection of the
intercostal aft flange common to the forward side of the Station 360 frame at Stringer 15L. The alert service bulletin
[[Page 7707]]
also specifies contacting Boeing for repair instructions if cracks are found.
Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the
proposed AD would require accomplishment of the actions specified in
the alert service bulletin described previously, except as discussed below.
Differences Between Proposed Rule and Alert Service Bulletin
Although the alert service bulletin specifies that operators may contact the manufacturer for disposition of certain cracking conditions, this proposed AD would require operators to repair those conditions per a method approved by the FAA, or per data meeting the type certification basis of the airplane approved by a Boeing Company Designated Engineering Representative who has been authorized by the FAA to make such findings.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 78 airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 15 airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 18 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed inspections, and that the average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $17,550, or $1,170 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future if this proposed AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other administrative actions.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations proposed herein 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. Therefore, it is determined that this proposal would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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); and (3) if promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety. The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
PART 39AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive:
Boeing: Docket 2003NM208AD.
Applicability: All Model 737200C series airplanes; certificated in any category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.
To prevent rapid decompression of the airplane, and possible
separation of the forward entry door from the airplane, accomplish the following:
Initial and Repetitive Inspections
(a) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this AD: Prior to the
accumulation 46,000 total flight cycles, or within 2,250 flight
cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later,
do detailed and eddy current inspections of the Station 348.2 frame
for cracking under the stop fittings and intercostal flanges at
Stringers 14L, 15L, and 16L by accomplishing paragraphs 3.A. and
3.B.1. through 3.B.7. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 73753A1240, dated April 10, 2003. Do the
actions per the service bulletin. Any applicable repair must be
accomplished prior to further flight. Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,500 flight cycles.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is
defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific
structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally
supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity
deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror,
magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.''
Corrective Action
(b) If any crack is found during any inspection required by this
AD, and the bulletin specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate
action: Before further flight, repair per a method approved by the
Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or per
data meeting the type certification basis of the airplane approved
by a Boeing Company Designated Engineering Representative who has
been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make such findings.
For a repair method to be approved, the approval must specifically reference this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(c) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Seattle ACO,
FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance (AMOCs) for this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 9, 2004. Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 043493 Filed 21804; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 491013P
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Howard Hall, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 980554056; telephone (425) 9176430; fax (425) 9176590.