AD 2012-23-08
final rule
Applicability
| Type | Manufacturer | Model | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 737-600 Series | Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 737-700 Series | Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 737-700C Series | Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 737-800 Series | Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 737-900 Series | Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 737-900ER Series | Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes |
Unsafe Condition
Failure of the drain tube assemblies and clamps on the aft fairings of the engine struts, which could allow leaked flammable fluids in the drain systems to discharge onto the heat shields of the aft fairings, potentially resulting in an undetected and uncontrollable fire.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Required Actions
Replace the drain tube assembly of the left and right engine strut aft fairings with a new one that includes an integral support clamp made of nickel alloy 625.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Compliance Time
Within 60 months of the effective date of December 31, 2012.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Affected Aircraft
The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes, including additional airplanes added to the applicability by this AD.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Federal Register Abstract
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and - 900 series airplanes. That AD currently requires replacing the drain tube assemblies and support clamps on the aft fairing of the engine struts. This new AD requires replacing the drain tube assembly of the left and right engine strut aft fairings with a new one, which includes an integral support clamp made of nickel alloy 625. This AD also adds airplanes to the applicability. This AD was prompted by a report of a broken drain tube assembly on the left engine strut at the clamp support location under the aft fairing compartment, inside the heat shield cavity of the aft fairing. There have also been reports of tube wear at this clamp location on additional airplanes. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the drain tube assemblies and clamps on the aft fairings of the engine struts. Such failure could allow leaked flammable fluids in the drain systems to discharge onto the heat shields of the aft fairings of the engine struts, which could result in an undetected and uncontrollable fire.
Applicability Source Text
Show captured applicability text from the source AD
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin
737-54-1043, Revision 2, dated November 4, 2011.
(2) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST00830SE (<a href="http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/408E012E008616A7862578880060456C?OpenDocument&Highlight=st00830se">http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/408E012E008616A7862578880060456C?OpenDocument&Highlight=st00830se</a>)
does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by
this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST00830SE is
installed, a ``change in product'' alternative method of compliance
(AMOC) approval request is not necessary to comply with the
requirements of 14 CFR 39.17. For all other AMOC requests, the
operator must request approval for an AMOC in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (h) of this AD.
Document Text
Show stored source text (verify against official source)
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 227 (Monday, November 26, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70357-70360]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2012-28029]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0591; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-015-AD;
Amendment 39-17264; AD 2012-23-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -
900 series airplanes. That AD currently requires replacing the drain
tube assemblies and support clamps on the aft fairing of the engine
struts. This new AD requires replacing the drain tube assembly of the
left and right engine strut aft fairings with a new one, which includes
an integral support clamp made of nickel alloy 625. This AD also adds
airplanes to the applicability. This AD was prompted by a report of a
broken drain tube assembly on the left engine strut at the clamp
support location under the aft fairing compartment, inside the heat
shield cavity of the aft fairing. There have also been reports of tube
wear at this clamp location on additional airplanes. We are issuing
this AD to prevent failure of the drain tube assemblies and clamps on
the aft fairings of the engine struts. Such failure could allow leaked
flammable fluids in the drain systems to discharge onto the heat
shields of the aft fairings of the engine struts, which could result in
an undetected and uncontrollable fire.
DATES: This AD is effective December 31, 2012.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of December 31,
2012.
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 206-766-5680; Internet <a href="https://www.myboeingfleet.com">https://www.myboeingfleet.com</a>.
You may review copies of the 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.
[[Page 70358]]
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a>; 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: 800-647-5527) is Document 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: Ansel James, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6497; fax: 425-917-6590; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5a3b34293f3674303b373f291a3c3b3b743d352c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c3a2adb0a6afeda9a2aea6b083a5a2a2eda4acb5">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to supersede AD 2008-08-24, Amendment 39-15478 (73 FR 21242,
April 21, 2008). That AD applies to the specified products. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on June 12, 2012 (77 FR 34879). That
NPRM proposed to require replacing the drain tube assembly of the left
and right engine strut aft fairings with a new one which includes an
integral support clamp made of nickel alloy 625. That NPRM also
proposed to add airplanes to the applicability.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal
(77 FR 34879, June 12, 2012) and the FAA's response to each comment.
Support for the NPRM (77 FR 34879, June 12, 2012)
United Airlines supports the 60-month compliance time specified in
the NPRM (77 FR 34879, June 12, 2012).
Clarification of Effect of Winglet Installation
Aviation Partners Boeing stated that accomplishing the supplemental
type certificate (STC) ST00830SE does not affect the actions specified
in the NPRM (77 FR 34879, June 12, 2012).
We concur. We have added new paragraph (c)(2) to this AD, which
states that STC ST00830SE (<a href="http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/408E012E008616A7862578880060456C?OpenDocument&Highlight=st00830se">http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/408E012E008616A7862578880060456C?OpenDocument&Highlight=st00830se</a>) does
not affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by this AD.
Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST00830SE is installed, a
``change in product'' alternative method of compliance (AMOC) approval
request is not necessary to comply with the requirements of 14 CFR
39.17 section 39.17 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. For all other
AMOC requests, the operator must request approval for an AMOC in
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (h) of this AD.
Request To Extend Compliance Time
American Airlines (AAL) requested that the compliance time
specified in paragraph (g) of the NPRM (77 FR 34879, June 12, 2012) be
extended from 60 to 72 months. AAL stated that the routine maintenance
schedule does not allow for accomplishment of the replacements during
the proposed compliance time. AAL stated that the compliance time could
be extended for all airplanes without jeopardizing aviation safety.
We disagree with the request to change the compliance time. In
developing an appropriate compliance time for this AD, we considered
not only the safety implications, but the manufacturer's
recommendations, the availability of required parts, and the practical
aspect of accomplishing the actions within an interval of time that
corresponds to typical scheduled maintenance for affected operators.
Under the provisions of paragraph (h) of the final rule, however, we
may consider requests for adjustments to the compliance time if data
are submitted to substantiate that such adjustments would provide an
acceptable level of safety. No change has been made to this AD in this
regard.
Request To Revise Paragraph (f) of the NPRM (77 FR 34879, June 12,
2012) To Include Terminating Action
AAL requested that we revise paragraph (f) of the NPRM (77 FR
34879, June 12, 2012) to state that accomplishment of Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 737-54-1043, Revision 2, dated November 4,
2011, constitutes a terminating action for the specified unsafe
condition and that no further action is required.
We disagree with the request to revise paragraph (f) of the NPRM
(77 FR 34879, June 12, 2012). The action required by paragraph (g) of
this AD, which is specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-54-1043, Revision 2,
dated November 4, 2011, is the only action required by this AD. If
operators have previously accomplished the actions specified in Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-54-1043, Revision 2, dated
November 4, 2011, they are in compliance with the AD, as specified in
paragraph (f) of this AD. No change has been made to this AD in this
regard.
Request To Clarify Conflicting AMOC Statements
Alaska Airlines (ASA) requested clarification regarding conflicting
AMOC statements. ASA stated that paragraph (h)(3) of the NPRM (77 FR
34879, June 12, 2012) does not allow AMOCs approved for AD 2008-08-24,
Amendment 39-15478 (73 FR 21242, April 21, 2008), to be used for the
actions proposed in the NPRM. However, ASA pointed out that Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-54-1043, Revision 2, dated
November 4, 2011, states that it is an approved AMOC for paragraphs (f)
and (h) of AD 2008-08-24. ASA also requested credit for actions done
previously using Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-54-1043,
Revision 2, dated November 4, 2011.
We agree to clarify. Paragraph 1.F., ``Approval,'' of Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-54-1043, Revision 2, dated
November 4, 2011, states that the actions specified in that service
bulletin are approved as an AMOC for paragraphs (f) and (h) of AD 2008-
08-24, Amendment 39-15478 (73 FR 21242, April 21, 2008). That AMOC
approval allows operators to use Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 737-54-1043, Revision 2, dated November 4, 2011, to comply
with AD 2008-08-24. However, on the effective date of this AD, AD 2008-
08-24 will be superseded (i.e., will no longer exist), and the fact
that Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-54-1043, Revision 2,
dated November 4, 2011, refers to AD 2008-08-24 will be moot. This AD
requires the accomplishment of the actions of that service bulletin as
the primary means of compliance with this AD, and not as an AMOC.
The intent of paragraph (h)(3) of this AD is to prevent the use of
any AMOC for AD 2008-08-24, Amendment 39-15478 (73 FR 21242, April 21,
2008), as an AMOC for this new AD. This new AD requires accomplishment
of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-54-1043, Revision 2,
dated November 4, 2011. No credit is given for Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 737-54-1043, Revision 1, dated October 19,
[[Page 70359]]
2009; or Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-54-1043, dated
May 2, 2007; because additional work is necessary for airplanes on
which Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-54-1043, Revision
1, dated October 19, 2009; or Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin
737-54-1043, dated May 2, 2007; was accomplished. No change has been
made to this AD in this regard.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
the AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
<bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (77 FR 34879, June 12, 2012) for correcting the unsafe condition;
and
<bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 34879, June 12, 2012).
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 1,098 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement........................... 14 work-hours x $85 per $12,326 $13,516 $14,840,568
hour = $1,190.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 have determined that 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 removing airworthiness directive (AD)
2008-08-24, Amendment 39-15478 (73 FR 21242, April 21, 2008), and
adding the following new AD:
2012-23-08 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-17264; Docket No. FAA-
2012-0591; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-015-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 31,
2012.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD supersedes AD 2008-08-24, Amendment 39-15478 (73 FR
21242, April 21, 2008).
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin
737-54-1043, Revision 2, dated November 4, 2011.
(2) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST00830SE (<a href="http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/408E012E008616A7862578880060456C?OpenDocument&Highlight=st00830se">http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/408E012E008616A7862578880060456C?OpenDocument&Highlight=st00830se</a>)
does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by
this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST00830SE is
installed, a ``change in product'' alternative method of compliance
(AMOC) approval request is not necessary to comply with the
requirements of 14 CFR 39.17. For all other AMOC requests, the
operator must request approval for an AMOC in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (h) of this AD.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 54, Nacelles/pylons.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a broken drain tube assembly
on the aft fairing of the left engine strut at the clamp support
location under the aft fairing compartment, inside the heat shield
cavity of the aft fairing. There have also been reports of tube wear
at the clamp location on additional airplanes. We are issuing this
AD to prevent failure of the drain tube assemblies and clamps on the
aft fairings of the engine struts. Such failure could allow leaked
flammable fluids in the drain systems to discharge onto the heat
shields of the aft fairings of the engine struts, which could result
in an undetected and uncontrollable fire.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Replacement
Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, replace
the drain tube assemblies and support clamps on the aft fairing of
the struts of engines 1 and 2 with new drain tube assemblies and
clamps, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-54-1043, Revision 2, dated
November 4, 2011.
[[Page 70360]]
(h) 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 the Related Information
section of this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#556c78141b1878063034212139307814161a7814181a16780730242030262126153334347b323a23"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="724b5f333c3f5f21171306061e175f33313d5f333f3d315f2017030717010601321413135c151d04">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2008-08-24,
Amendment 39-15478 (73 FR 21242, April 21, 2008), are not approved
as AMOCs with this AD.
(i) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Ansel James,
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA
98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6497; fax: 425-917-6590; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#46272835232a682c272b23350620272768212930"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3c5d524f595012565d51594f7c5a5d5d125b534a">[email protected]</span></a>.
(j) 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.
(i) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-54-1043,
Revision 2, dated November 4, 2011.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) 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 <a href="https://www.myboeingfleet.com">https://www.myboeingfleet.com</a>.
(4) 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.
(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: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 9, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-28029 Filed 11-23-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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