[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 36 (Monday, February 24, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9991-9994]
[FR Doc No: 2014-03241]

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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0547; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-028-AD;
Amendment 39-17758; AD 2014-03-21]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
The Boeing Company Model 727-200 and 727-200F series airplanes. This AD
is intended to complete certain mandated programs intended to support
the airplane reaching its limit of validity (LOV) of the engineering
data that support the established structural maintenance program. This
AD requires a one-time inspection for cracking of the pressure floor of
both main wheel wells, and related investigative and corrective actions
if necessary; and modifying the pressure floor of both main wheel
wells. We are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking in the
pressure floor of the main wheel wells, which could lead to rapid loss
of cabin pressurization.

DATES: This AD is effective March 31, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 13,
1991 (56 FR 57233, November 8, 1991).

ADDRESSES: 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<PHONE_NUMBER>; 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<PHONE_NUMBER>.

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-2013-
0547; 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 AD, the regulatory

evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The address
for the Docket Office (phone:<PHONE_NUMBER>) is Docket Management
Facility, 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: Chandraduth Ramdoss, Aerospace
Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Blvd., Suite 100, Lakewood,
CA 90712-4137, phone:<PHONE_NUMBER>; fax:<PHONE_NUMBER>; email:
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We 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 727-200 and 727-200F series airplanes. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on July 18, 2013 (78 FR 42895). This AD is intended to
complete certain mandated programs intended to support the airplane
reaching its limit of validity (LOV) of the engineering data that
support the established structural maintenance program. The NPRM
proposed to require a one-time inspection for cracking of the pressure
floor of both main wheel wells, and related investigative and
corrective actions if necessary; and modifying the pressure floor of
both main wheel wells. We are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue
cracking in the pressure floor of the main wheel wells, which could
lead to rapid loss of cabin pressurization.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal
(78 FR 42895, July 18, 2013) and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Clarify the Preamble of the NPRM (78 FR 42895, July 18,
2013)

    Boeing requested that we clarify the ``Discussion'' section of the
preamble of the NPRM (78 FR 42895, July 18, 2013). Boeing stated that
the ``Discussion'' section in the preamble of the NPRM did not
specifically explain that the NPRM is being issued to complete actions
in service information that was not previously AD-mandated, but was
recommended as a part of the Model 727 airplane service action
requirement (SAR) program. Boeing stated that in two places in the
``Discussion'' section in the NPRM, reference is made to ``certain
programs'' and ``previously established program'' when it should more
specifically refer to the Model 727 airplane SAR program.
    Additionally, Boeing commented that the focus of the ``Explanation
of Compliance Time'' section in the preamble of the NPRM (78 FR 42895,
July 18, 2013) should be on the SAR program instead of on widespread
fatigue damage (WFD). However, Boeing stated that the restrictions
concerning extensions to compliance times for AD-mandated service
bulletins related to WFD in the ``Explanation of Compliance Time''
section in the preamble of the NPRM might be similar to the SAR
program.
    We concur that the NPRM (78 FR 42895, July 18, 2013) references to
``certain programs'' and ``previously established program'' are
intended to refer to the Model 727 airplane SAR program. However, the
``Discussion'' section of the NPRM is not restated in this final rule.
Therefore, no change to this final rule is necessary in this regard.
    We find that clarification is necessary concerning how the SAR
program and WFD affect this final rule. This final rule is being issued
to complete actions in one of the service bulletins recommended as a
part of the Model 727 airplane SAR program, but not previously AD-
mandated. This is necessary because the LOV for Model 727 series
airplanes is dependent on timely completion of the previously
established SAR program actions. Since some of those actions, including
those mandated by this final rule, were not previously mandated, it is
necessary to mandate them now as a part of defining the service actions
that support the LOV and preclude WFD. This is the link between WFD and
the SAR program actions that were not previously mandated by an AD.
Since the requirements of this final rule support the LOV and preclude
WFD, the statement that we will not grant any extensions of the
compliance time to complete any AD-mandated service information related
to WFD without extensive new data applies to this final rule. We have
not changed this final rule in this regard.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this AD as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have
determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (78 FR 42895, July 18, 2013) for correcting the unsafe condition;
and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 42895, July 18, 2013).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 94 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Cost per       Cost on U.S.
               Action                        Labor cost           Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection and Modification.........  222 work[dash]hours x            $2,906          $21,776       $2,046,944
                                       $85 per hour = $18,870.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us 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.
    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

    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) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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.

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 (AD):

2014-03-21 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-17758; Docket No. FAA-
2013-0547; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-028-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective March 31, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects AD 91-22-08, Amendment 39-8068 (56 FR 57233,
November 8, 1991).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 727-200 and 727-200F
series airplanes, certificated in any category, line numbers 1103
and subsequent.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD is intended to complete certain mandated programs
intended to support the airplane reaching its limit of validity
(LOV) of the engineering data that support the established
structural maintenance program. We are issuing this AD to prevent
fatigue cracking in the pressure floor of the main wheel wells,
which could lead to rapid loss of cabin pressurization.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection

    Before the accumulation of 60,000 total flight cycles, or within
24 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs
later: Do a one-time detailed inspection for cracking of the
pressure floor of both main wheel wells, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 727-53A0124,
Revision 3, dated November 30, 1989, except as specified in
paragraph (h) of this AD. If any indication of distress is found
(such as cracking or flaked paint): Before further flight, do an
eddy current inspection or penetrant inspection for cracking of the
pressure floor of both main wheel wells, and do all applicable
related investigative and corrective actions, by accomplishing all
the actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Service Bulletin 727-53A0124, Revision 3, dated November 30, 1989.
Do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions
before further flight.

(h) Exception to Service Information

    Where Boeing Service Bulletin 727-53A0124, Revision 3, dated
November 30, 1989, specifies a close visual inspection, this AD
requires a detailed inspection, which is an intensive examination of
a specific item, installation, or assembly to detect damage,
failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally
supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity
deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying
lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate
procedures may be required.

(i) Preventive Modification

    Before further flight after accomplishing the actions required
by paragraph (g) of this AD: Do a preventive modification of the
pressure floor of both main wheel wells, in accordance with Part III
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 727-
53A0124, Revision 3, dated November 30, 1989.

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph
(i) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective
date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-53A0124,
Revision 2, dated May 2, 1975, which is not incorporated by
reference in this AD.

(k) Termination of Certain Actions in AD 91-22-08, Amendment 39-8068
(56 FR 57233, November 8, 1991)

    Accomplishment of the preventative modification required by
paragraph (i) of this AD terminates the repetitive inspection
requirement required by AD 91-22-08, Amendment 39-8068 (56 FR 57233,
November 8, 1991), for airplanes with line number 1103 and
subsequent.

(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles 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 (m)(1) of this AD.
    (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, Los Angeles 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.

(m) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Chandraduth
Ramdoss, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Blvd.,
Suite 100, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137, phone:<PHONE_NUMBER>; fax: 562-
627-5210; email<EMAIL_ADDRESS>    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference may be obtained at the addresses specified
in paragraphs (n)(4) and (n)(5) of this AD.

(n) 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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on
December 13, 1991 (56 FR 57233, November 8, 1991).
    (i) Boeing Service Bulletin 727-53A0124, Revision 3, dated
November 30, 1989.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (4) For Boeing 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<PHONE_NUMBER>, extension 1; fax<PHONE_NUMBER>; Internet
https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (5) You may view this service information at 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.

    (6) 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, call<PHONE_NUMBER>, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 18, 2014.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.

[FR Doc. 2014-03241 Filed 2-21-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P