AD 2013-19-22

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 717-200 airplanes. This AD was prompted by multiple reports of cracks of overwing frames. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the overwing frames, and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such cracking that could sever a frame, which may increase the loading of adjacent frames, and result in damage to the adjacent structure and consequent loss of structural integrity of the airplane.

Final rule.

Adoption of the Amendment \n\n\n\tAccordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: \n\nPART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\n\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\n\n\nSec. 39.13 (Amended) \n\n0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): \n\n2013-19-22 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-17604; Docket No. FAA- 2012-0425; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-273-AD. \n\n((Page 60681)) \n\n(a) Effective Date \n\n\n\tThis AD is effective November 6, 2013. \n\n(b) Affected ADs \n\n\n\tNone. \n\n(c) Applicability \n\n\n\tThis AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 717-200 airplanes, certificated in any category. \n\n(d) Subject \n\n\n\tJoint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage. \n\n(e) Unsafe Condition \n\n\n\tThis AD was prompted by multiple reports of cracks of overwing frames. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such cracking that could sever a frame, which may increase the loading of adjacent frames, and result in damage to the adjacent structure and consequent loss of structural integrity of the airplane. \n\n(f) Compliance \n\n\n\tComply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. \n\n(g) Inspections and Corrective Actions \n\n\n\tAt the later of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD: Do a general visual inspection and a high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection for cracking of the left- side and right-side overwing frames at stations 674, 696, and 715; and do all applicable corrective actions; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717- 53A0034, Revision 1, dated November 7, 2012. Repeat the inspections thereafter at the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., ''Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717-53A0034, Revision 1, dated November 7, 2012, except as provided by paragraph (h) of this AD. \n\t(1) Before the accumulation of 12,000 total flight cycles. \n\t(2) Within 24 months or 8,275 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. \n\n(h) Optional Terminating Action \n\n\n\tModification of left-side and right-side overwing frames at stations 674, 696, and 715, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 717-53-0035, dated June 8, 2012, terminates the inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD, and extends the compliance time of the modified area for the next repetitive HFEC inspection to 45,000 flight cycles after the modification, provided that the actions specified in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), and (h)(3) of this AD are accomplished, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 717-53-0035, dated June 8, 2012. Do the inspections specified in paragraph (g) of this AD prior to, or concurrently with, the modification specified in paragraph (h) of this AD. \n\t(1) The overwing frame improvement modification of left-side and right-side overwing frames at stations 674, 696, and 715 is installed and HFEC inspection is done within 45,000 flight cycles from the time the modification is installed, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 717-53-0035, dated June 8, 2012. \n\t(2) If no crack is found during any inspection specified by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, the HFEC inspections at the modified area are repeated thereafter at the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., ''Compliance,'' of Boeing Service Bulletin 717-53- 0035, dated June 8, 2012. \n\t(3) If any crack is found during any inspection specified by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, the frame is repaired or replaced using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD, before further flight. \n\n(i) Credit for Previous ActionsThis paragraph provides credit for the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if the general visual inspection and HFEC inspection for cracking of the left-side and right-side overwing frames at stations 674, 696, and 715, and the applicable related investigative and corrective actions, were performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717- 53A0034, dated October 5, 2011, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD. \n\n(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\n\t(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 (k)(1) of this AD. \n\t(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. \n\t(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 14 FR 25.571, Amendment 45, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. \n\n(k) Related Information \n\n\n\t(1) For more information about this AD, contact George Garrido, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5357; fax: 562-627-5210; email: george.garrido@faa.gov. \n\t(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference in this AD may be obtained at the addresses specified in paragraphs (l)(3) and (l)(4) of this AD. \n\n(l) Material Incorporated by Reference \n\n\n\t(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. \n\t(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. \n\t(i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717-53A0034, Revision 1, dated November 7, 2012. \n\t(ii) Boeing Service Bulletin 717-53-0035, dated June 8, 2012. \n\t(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, MC D800-0019, Long Beach, CA 90846-0001; telephone 206-544-5000, extension 2; fax 206-766-5683; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. \n\t(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. \n\t(5) 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 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

Discussion \n\n\n\tWe issued an SNPRM (supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to the specified products. The SNPRM published in the Federal Register on May 6, 2013 (78 FR 26286). We preceded the SNPRM with a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that published in the Federal Register on May 9, 2012 (77 FR 27142). The NPRM (77 FR 27142, May 9, 2012) proposed to require repetitive inspections for cracking of the overwing frames, and corrective actions if necessary. The SNPRM proposed to revise the initial compliance time and provide an optional modification that would extend the compliance time for the next repetitive inspection. \n\nComments \n\n\n\tWe gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. The following presents the comments received on the SNPRM (78 FR 26286, May 6, 2013) and the FAA's response to each comment. \n\nRequest To Correct Service Bulletin Title \n\n\n\tBoeing noted an error in the title of a service bulletin referenced in paragraphs (h) and (h)(2) of the SNPRM (78 FR 26286, May 6, 2013). Boeing requested the word ''Alert'' be removed with reference to ''Boeing 'Alert' Service Bulletin 717-53-0035, dated June 8, 2012.'' \n\tWe agree with Boeing's request. We have revised paragraphs (h) and (h)(2) of this final rule to correct the service bulletin title accordingly, since the referenced service bulletin is not an ''Alert'' service bulletin. \n\nRequest To Provide Credit for Previous Actions \n\n\n\tBoeing stated that cracked overwing frames had been found during scheduled inspections done in accordance with 717 Maintenance Task 53- 129-01, and that the frames were replaced as a consequence. Boeing requested that we revise the SNPRM (78 \n\n((Page 60680)) \n\nFR 26286, May 6, 2013) to allow credit for work done prior to the effective date of the SNPRM using 717 Maintenance Task 53-129-01. Boeing stated those new frames should be given the same credit as the frames that were replaced using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717- 53A0034, dated October 5, 2011. \n\tWe disagree with the request to allow credit for frames replaced using 717 Maintenance Task 53-129-01, which references the manufacturer's original production drawing. Paragraph (i) of the SNPRM (78 FR 26286, May 6, 2013) was added to allow credit for work done prior to the effective date of this final rule using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717-53A0034, dated October 5, 2011, which references Service Rework Drawing SR95530013. We disagree with changing this final rule because due to a large number of configurations, Boeing would be required to release numerous proprietary production drawings. However, operators may apply for approval of an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) (for credit for previously replaced frames) in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (j) of this AD. We have not changed this final rule in this regard. \n\nConclusion \n\n\n\tWe reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this AD with the changes described previously--and minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes: \n\tAre consistent with the intent that was proposed in the SNPRM (78 FR 26286, May 6, 2013) for correcting the unsafe condition; and \n\tDo not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the SNPRM (78 FR 26286, May 6, 2013). \n\tWe also determined that these changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD. \n\nCosts of Compliance \n\n\n\tWe estimate that this AD affects 129 airplanes of U.S. registry. \n\tWe estimate the following costs to comply with this AD: \n\n\n\tEstimated Costs -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \n\tActionLabor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inspections...................... 46 work-hours x $85 $0............................. $3,910........................ $504,390. \n\tper hour = $3,910 \n\tper inspection \n\tcycle. Installation of optional 30 work-hours x $85 Up to $2,727................... Up to $5,277.................. Up to $680,733. \n\tmodification. per hour = $2,550 \n\tper inspection \n\tcycle. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \n\n\n\tWe estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements/ repairs that would be required based on the results of the inspections. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these replacements: \n\n\n\tOn-Condition Costs ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \n\tAction Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blendout repair................ 12 work-hours x $0........................... $1,020. \n\t$85 per hour = \n\t$1,020. Replacement of a frame station. 130 work-hours x Up to $86,977................ Up to $98,027. \n\t$85 per hour = \n\t$11,050. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \n\nAuthority for This Rulemaking \n\n\n\tTitle 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. \n\tWe 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. \n\nRegulatory Findings \n\n\n\tThis 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. \n\tFor the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: \n\t(1) Is not a ''significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866, \n\t(2) Is not a ''significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), \n\t(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and \n\t(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. \n\nList of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 \n\n\n\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.