AD 2016-10-04
Applicability
| Type | Manufacturer | Model | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 737-100 Series | Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 737-200 Series | Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 737-200C Series | Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 737-300 Series | Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 737-400 Series | Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 737-500 Series | Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes |
Unsafe Condition
Reports of cracked antenna support channels, skin cracking underneath the number 2 very high frequency (VHF) antenna, and cracking in the frames attached to the internal support structure.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Required Actions
Repetitive inspections to determine the condition of the skin and the internal support structure, followed by corrective action as necessary.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Compliance Time
Within 50 flight hours after the effective date of the AD.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Affected Aircraft
The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Federal Register Abstract
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracked antenna support channels, skin cracking underneath the number 2 very high frequency (VHF) antenna, and cracking in the frames attached to the internal support structure. This AD requires repetitive inspections to determine the condition of the skin and the internal support structure, and follow-on actions including corrective action as necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct skin cracking of the fuselage. Such cracking could result in separation of the number 2 VHF antenna from the airplane and rapid depressurization of the cabin.
Applicability Source Text
Show captured applicability text from the source AD
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -
200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin
737-53-1159, Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014.
(2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
ST01219SE (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/
rgstc.nsf/0/be866b732f6cf31086257b9700692796/$FILE/ST01219SE.pdf)
does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by
this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST01219SE 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.
Document Text
Show stored source text (verify against official source)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 94 (Monday, May 16, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30166-30170]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2016-11200]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2015-2462; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-224-AD;
Amendment 39-18515; AD 2016-10-04]
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 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500
series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracked antenna
support channels, skin cracking underneath the number 2 very high
frequency (VHF) antenna, and cracking in the frames attached to the
internal support structure. This AD requires repetitive inspections to
determine the condition of the skin and the internal support structure,
and follow-on actions including corrective action as necessary. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct skin cracking of the fuselage.
Such cracking could result in separation of the number 2 VHF antenna
from the airplane and rapid depressurization of the cabin.
DATES: This AD is effective June 20, 2016.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 20,
2016.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
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 view this referenced service information
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
Renton, WA. For information on
[[Page 30167]]
the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is
also available on the Internet at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-2462.
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> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
2462; 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: Jennifer Tsakoumakis, Aerospace
Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA
90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5264; fax: 562-627-5210; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4f252a212126292a3d613b3c2e24203a222e24263c0f292e2e61282039"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d0bab5bebeb9b6b5a2fea4a3b1bbbfa5bdb1bbb9a390b6b1b1feb7bfa6">[email protected]</span></a>.
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 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. The
NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 20, 2015 (80 FR 42756)
(``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted by reports of cracked antenna
support channels, skin cracking underneath the number 2 VHF antenna,
and cracking in the frames attached to the internal support structure.
The NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections to determine the
condition of the skin and the internal support structure, and follow-on
actions including corrective action as necessary. We are issuing this
AD to detect and correct skin cracking of the fuselage. Such cracking
could result in separation of the number 2 VHF antenna from the
airplane and rapid depressurization of the cabin.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and
the FAA's response to each comment. Boeing concurred with the NPRM.
Request To Correct a Typographical Error in Paragraph (h)(4) of the
Proposed AD
Southwest Airlines requested that we correct a typographical error
in paragraph (h)(4) of the proposed AD, which states that
accomplishment of the preventative modification terminates the
inspection required by ``paragraphs (g), (g)(1), and (h)(2) of the
AD.'' Southwest Airlines noted that the NPRM does not contain paragraph
(g)(1). Southwest Airlines concluded that this appears to be a
typographical error and the references to paragraphs (g) and (g)(1) of
the proposed AD should be to paragraphs (h) and (h)(1) of the proposed
AD, similar to what is stated in paragraph (k)(3) of the proposed AD.
British Airways stated that it has identified a potential
contradiction between paragraphs (h)(4) and (k)(3) of the proposed AD.
British Airways stated that paragraph (h)(4) of the proposed AD refers
to paragraph (h)(2), whereas paragraph (k)(3) of the proposed AD refers
to paragraphs (h), (h)(1), and (h)(2) of the proposed AD.
We agree to revise paragraph (h)(4) of this AD because there is a
typographical error. We have changed the references in paragraph (h)(4)
of this AD to specify paragraphs (h), (h)(1), and (h)(2) of this AD.
This change resolves the contradiction noted by British Airways.
Request a Provision To Terminate Inspections Required by Paragraph (h)
of the Proposed AD
Southwest Airlines requested that we provide a provision to
terminate the inspections required by paragraph (h) of the proposed AD
for previously installed repairs that have received FAA approval. The
commenter stated that these repairs would inhibit the inspections
required by paragraph (h) of this AD.
We do not agree with the commenter's request because previously
installed FAA-approved repairs may not have been designed to address
the specified unsafe condition identified in this AD. We understand
that some of these repairs may not allow inspection of the area
specified in the AD; in those cases, the operator must request approval
for an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) according to paragraph
(m) of this AD. We have not revised this AD in this regard.
Request To Add Terminating Action to Paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of
the Proposed AD
British Airways asked why the terminating action specified in
paragraph (k)(3) of the proposed AD is not included in the text ``until
the accomplishment of paragraphs'' references in paragraphs (h)(1) and
(h)(2) of the proposed AD. We infer British Airways is requesting that
we revise paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of the proposed AD.
We agree with the commenter because installation of the preventive
modification in accordance with paragraph (k)(3) of this AD is
acceptable for terminating the repetitive inspections. In addition, we
note the reference to paragraph (k)(1) of this AD in paragraph (h)(2)
of this AD is redundant. We have made the following changes to this AD:
<bullet> In paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, we specify to repeat the
inspections ``until the accomplishment of paragraph (k)(1), (k)(2), or
(k)(3) of this AD, as applicable.''
<bullet> In paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, we specify to repeat the
inspections ``until the accomplishment of paragraph (k)(2) or (k)(3) of
this AD, as applicable.''
Request To Correct the Language in Paragraph (h)(2) of the Proposed AD
Southwest Airlines requested a correction to the language in
paragraph (h)(2) of the proposed AD to add the term ``as applicable''
after the listed inspections. Southwest Airlines stated that there are
multiple sections of Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1159, Revision 1,
dated October 20, 2014. Southwest Airlines noted that each group/
configuration has its own Part 2 instructions and that Groups 3 through
6, Configurations 2 and 3, do not contain instructions for internal
detailed inspections or internal high frequency eddy current
inspections.
We agree with the commenter because certain inspections are
applicable to only certain configurations. We have added the language
``as applicable'' to paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.
Request To Revise Certain Paragraphs To Include a Terminating Action
for the Preventive Modification
Southwest Airlines requested that we revise paragraph (k)(2) of the
proposed AD to include a statement that accomplishment of the repair
specified in paragraph (h)(3) of the proposed AD also terminates the
preventive modification specified in paragraph
[[Page 30168]]
(h)(4) of the proposed AD. Southwest Airlines stated that there is no
language in the NPRM or Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-
53-1159, Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014, that states whether the
preventative modification is required after the repair is installed.
We do not agree with the commenter's request because, for some
airplane configurations, the repair only installs an external skin
doubler and the preventative modification includes replacement of the
internal support structure. For some airplane configurations, the
preventive modification specified in Part 4 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1159,
Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014, is required after installation of
the repair specified in Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1159, Revision 1,
dated October 20, 2014. We have not revised this AD in this regard.
Request To Provide Statement for Terminating Actions in Paragraph
(k)(2) of the Proposed AD
Southwest Airlines requested that we revise paragraph (k)(2) of the
proposed AD to specify the repair also terminates the initial
inspections in paragraph (h) of the proposed AD. Southwest Airlines
stated that the current statement in paragraph (k)(2) of the proposed
AD does not address a terminating action for the initial inspection
specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of the proposed AD for
aircraft that have previously installed the repair specified in
paragraph (h)(3) of the proposed AD.
We agree with the commenter's request because repairs installed in
accordance with Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1159, Revision 1, dated
October 20, 2014, prior to the effective date of this AD, will not
allow accomplishment of the initial inspections as specified in
paragraph (h) of this AD. We revised paragraph (k)(2) of this AD to
specify that accomplishment of the repair required by paragraph (h)(3)
of this AD terminates the initial and repetitive inspections required
in paragraphs (h), (h)(1), and (h)(2) of this AD.
Effect of Winglets on Accomplishment of the Proposed Actions
Aviation Partners Boeing stated that accomplishing Supplemental
Type Certificate (STC) ST01219SE (http://rgl.faa.gov/
Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/
be866b732f6cf31086257b9700692796/$FILE/ST01219SE.pdf) does not affect
the actions specified in the NPRM.
We concur with the commenter. We have redesignated paragraph (c) of
the proposed AD as paragraph (c)(1) of this AD and added new paragraph
(c)(2) to this AD to state that installation of STC ST01219SE does not
affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by this AD.
Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST01219SE is installed, a
``change in product'' AMOC approval request is not necessary to comply
with the requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.
Change to Paragraph (j) of This AD
We have revised paragraph (j) of this AD to clarify that the post-
repair and post-modification inspections are airworthiness limitations
that are required by maintenance and operational rules; therefore,
these inspections are not required by this AD.
Conclusion
We 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:
<bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
<bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
We also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1159,
Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014. The service information describes
procedures for repetitive inspections to determine the condition of the
skin and the internal support structure, and follow-on actions
including corrective action as 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.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 609 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections.............. 33 work-hours x $85 $0 $2,805 per inspection $1,708,245 per
per hour = $2,805 per cycle. inspection cycle.
inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repairs/
modifications 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 repairs/modifications.
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repair and preventive modification............ 63 work-hours x $85 per hour = $10,432 $15,787
$5,355.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost
estimate.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue
[[Page 30169]]
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):
2016-10-04 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18515; Docket No. FAA-
2015-2462; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-224-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective June 20, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
(1) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -
200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin
737-53-1159, Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014.
(2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
ST01219SE (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/
rgstc.nsf/0/be866b732f6cf31086257b9700692796/$FILE/ST01219SE.pdf)
does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by
this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST01219SE 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.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracked antenna support
channels, skin cracking underneath the number 2 VHF antenna, and
cracking in the frames attached to the internal support structure.
We are issuing this AD to detect and correct skin cracking of the
fuselage. Such cracking could result in separation of the number 2
VHF antenna from the airplane and rapid depressurization of the
cabin.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspection and Follow-On Actions: Group 1
For airplanes identified as Group 1 in Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 737-53-1159, Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014:
Within 120 days after the effective date of this AD, inspect for
cracking at the number 2 VHF antenna location, and do all applicable
follow-on actions, using a method approved in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (m) of this AD.
(h) Inspection and Follow-On Actions: Groups 2 Through 6,
Configurations 1 Through 3
For airplanes identified as Groups 2 through 6, Configurations 1
through 3 in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1159,
Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014: Within 1,250 flight cycles after
the effective date of this AD, do an external detailed inspection
for cracking of the fuselage skin, as applicable, and do all
applicable corrective actions, in accordance with Part 1 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 737-53-1159, Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014.
Thereafter, at the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-
1159, Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014, except as required by
paragraph (l)(1) of this AD: Do all applicable actions specified in
paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(4) of this AD.
(1) Repeat the Part 1 inspections specified in paragraph (h) of
this AD until the accomplishment of paragraph (k)(1), (k)(2), or
(k)(3) of this AD, as applicable.
(2) Inspect for cracking at the number 2 VHF antenna location
using internal and external detailed inspections, internal and
external high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections, and an HFEC
open-hole inspection, as applicable, in accordance with Part 2 of
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 737-53-1159, Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014. Repeat the
inspections until the accomplishment of paragraph (k)(2) or (k)(3)
of this AD, as applicable.
(3) Repair any crack found, in accordance with Part 3 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 737-53-1159, Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014, except as
required by paragraph (l)(2) of this AD.
(4) Do a preventive modification, in accordance with Part 4 of
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 737-53-1159, Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014, except as
specified in paragraph (l)(2) of this AD. The accomplishment of this
preventive modification terminates the inspections required by
paragraphs (h), (h)(1), and (h)(2) of this AD.
(i) Inspection and Follow-On Actions: Groups 3 Through 6, Configuration
4
For airplanes identified as Groups 3 through 6, Configuration 4,
in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1159, Revision
1, dated October 20, 2014: At the applicable time specified in table
10 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 737-53-1159, Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014,
except as required by paragraph (l)(1) of this AD, do an external
detailed inspection for cracking at the outer row of fasteners
common to the internal repair doubler, and do an internal general
visual inspection for cracking on the modified internal support
structure of the number 2 VHF antenna, skin, and surrounding
stringers, channel, and frames, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 737-53-1159, Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014.
(1) If any cracking is found, before further flight, repair
using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified
in paragraph (m) of this AD.
(2) If no cracking is found, repeat the inspections at the time
specified in table 10 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1159, Revision 1, dated
October 20, 2014.
[[Page 30170]]
(j) Post Repair/Post Modification Inspections
Tables 7 through 9 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1159, Revision 1, dated
October 20, 2014, specify post-repair and post-modification
airworthiness limitation inspections in compliance with 14 CFR
25.571(a)(3) at the repaired and modified locations, which support
compliance with 14 CFR 121.1109(c)(2) or 129.109(b)(2). As
airworthiness limitations, these inspections are required by
maintenance and operational rules. It is therefore unnecessary to
mandate them in this AD. Deviations from these inspections require
FAA approval, but do not require an alternative method of
compliance.
(k) Terminating Action Provisions
The following describes terminating action for the airplane
groups and configurations, as identified in Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 737-53-1159, Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014.
(1) For airplanes in Group 2, Configuration 2; and Groups 3
through 6, Configuration 2: Accomplishment of the inspections
specified in paragraph (h)(2) of this AD terminates the repetitive
inspection requirements of paragraph (h)(1) of this AD.
(2) For airplanes in Group 2, Configuration 1; and Groups 3
through 6, Configurations 1, 2, and 3: Accomplishment of the repair
specified in paragraph (h)(3) of this AD terminates the initial and
repetitive inspections specified in paragraphs (h), (h)(1), and
(h)(2) of this AD.
(3) For airplanes in Group 2, Configuration 1; and Groups 3
through 6, Configurations 1 and 3: Accomplishment of the preventive
modification specified in paragraph (h)(4) of this AD terminates the
initial and repetitive inspections specified in paragraphs (h),
(h)(1), and (h)(2) of this AD.
(l) Exception to Service Bulletin Specifications
(1) Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1159,
Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014, specifies a compliance time
``after the Revision 1 date of this service bulletin,'' this AD
requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the
effective date of this AD.
(2) Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-53-1159,
Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014, specifies to contact Boeing for
appropriate action, and specifies that action as ``RC'' (Required
for Compliance): Before further flight, repair the cracking using a
method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (m) of this AD.
(m) 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 (n) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7b42563a353656373a3a3834563a36343856293e2a2e3e282f283b1d1a1a551c140d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0d34204c434020414c4c4e42204c40424e205f485c58485e595e4d6b6c6c236a627b">[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) 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 Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the
Manager, Los Angeles 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 (l)(2) of this AD, for
service information that contains steps that are labeled as Required
for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (m)(4)(i) and
(m)(4)(ii) 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. 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.
(n) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Jennifer
Tsakoumakis, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los
Angeles ACO, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137;
phone: 562-627-5264; fax: 562-627-5210; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a2c8c7cccccbc4c7d08cd6d1c3c9cdd7cfc3c9cbd1e2c4c3c38cc5cdd4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="89e3ece7e7e0efecfba7fdfae8e2e6fce4e8e2e0fac9efe8e8a7eee6ff">[email protected]</span></a>.
(o) 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 737-53-1159,
Revision 1, dated October 20, 2014.
(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 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.
(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 May 4, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-11200 Filed 5-13-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
Source: Official FAA Source ↗
Retrieved: Apr 6, 2026
Rights: U.S. Government Public Domain
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