AD 2016-22-18
final rule
Applicability
| Type | Manufacturer | Model | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | MD-90-30 | Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes |
Unsafe Condition
Cracking in the fuselage cant station 1520 bulkhead, specifically in the upper cap and (cap) doubler, webs and doublers, stiffeners, and the lower tee cap between longerons 3 through 11, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Required Actions
Inspect the forward and aft surfaces on the left and right sides at cant station 1520 bulkhead for any crack in the upper cap and (cap) doubler, webs and doublers, stiffeners, and the lower tee cap between longerons 3 through 11. Repair any identified cracks as necessary.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Compliance Time
Before further flight
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Affected Aircraft
The Boeing Company Model MD-90-30 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 all The Boeing Company Model MD-90-30 airplanes. This AD requires a detailed inspection of the forward and aft surfaces on the left and right sides at the cant station 1520 bulkhead for any crack in the upper cap and (cap) doubler, webs and doublers, stiffeners, and the lower tee cap between longerons 3 through 11, and repairs if necessary. This AD was prompted by a report of cracking in various structures in the fuselage cant station 1520 bulkhead. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking in the bulkhead, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
Applicability Source Text
Show captured applicability text from the source AD
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model MD-90-30
airplanes, certificated in any category.
Document Text
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[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 214 (Friday, November 4, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 76848-76851]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2016-26629]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-9306; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-169-AD;
Amendment 39-18707; AD 2016-22-18]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The
Boeing Company Model MD-90-30 airplanes. This AD requires a detailed
inspection of the forward and aft surfaces on the left and right sides
at the cant station 1520 bulkhead for any crack in the upper cap and
(cap) doubler, webs and doublers, stiffeners, and the lower tee cap
between longerons 3 through 11, and repairs if necessary. This AD was
prompted by a report of cracking in various structures in the fuselage
cant station 1520 bulkhead. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct cracking in the bulkhead, which could result in reduced
structural integrity of the airplane.
DATES: This AD is effective November 21, 2016.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 21,
2016.
We must receive comments on this AD by December 19, 2016.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
<bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this final rule, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-5600;
telephone 562-797-1717; 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 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-2016-9306.
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-2016-
9306; 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 street address for the Docket Office (phone:
800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available
in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: George Garrido, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
Office
[[Page 76849]]
(ACO), 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-
627-5232; fax: 562-627-5210; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#80e7e5eff2e7e5aee7e1f2f2e9e4efc0e6e1e1aee7eff6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0a6d6f65786d6f246d6b7878636e654a6c6b6b246d657c">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We have received a report indicating an operator found cracking of
various structures in the fuselage cant station 1520 bulkhead on a
Model MD-90-30 airplane. The cracks were in the upper left area of the
bulkhead, between longerons 5 and 10, in the web, lower tee cap, and
the upper cap and (cap) doubler. The affected airplane had accumulated
52,993 total flight hours and 28,718 total flight cycles. Boeing
analysis determined that the operational and limit loads cannot
duplicate this condition, and the root cause is suspected to be the
result of a high load event based on service experience. Cracking of
the bulkhead, if not detected and corrected, could result in the
inability of the structure to sustain limit loads, and consequent
reduced structural integrity of the airplane. We are issuing this AD to
correct the unsafe condition on these products.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD90-53A037, dated
September 19, 2016. The service information describes procedures for a
detailed inspection of the forward and aft surfaces on the left and
right sides at cant station 1520 bulkhead for any crack in the upper
cap and (cap) doubler, webs and doublers, stiffeners, and the lower tee
cap between longerons 3 through 11, and repairs. 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.
FAA's Determination
We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
AD Requirements
This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service
information described previously, except as discussed under
``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the Service Information.''
For information on the procedures and compliance times, see this
service information at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2016-9306.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD90-53A037, dated September 19,
2016, specifies to contact the manufacturer for certain instructions,
but this AD would require accomplishment of repair methods,
modification deviations, and alteration deviations in one of the
following ways:
<bullet> In accordance with a method that we approve; or
<bullet> Using data that meet the certification basis of the
airplane, and that have been approved by the Boeing Commercial
Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) whom we have
authorized to make those findings.
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because
undetected cracking of the bulkhead may result in the inability of the
structure to sustain limit loads, and consequent reduced structural
integrity of the airplane. Therefore, we find that notice and
opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and that good
cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public
comment. However, we invite you to send any written data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2016-9306 and
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-169-AD at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this
AD because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 71 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detailed inspection............ 2 work-hours x $85 per hour $0 $170 $12,070
= $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
[[Page 76850]]
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):
2016-22-18 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18707; Docket No. FAA-
2016-9306; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-169-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective November 21, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model MD-90-30
airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of cracking in various
structures in the fuselage cant station 1520 bulkhead. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking in the bulkhead,
which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Detailed Inspection of the Cant Station 1520 Bulkhead
At the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD90-53A037, dated
September 19, 2016, except as required by paragraph (j) of this AD:
On the left and right sides at the cant station 1520 bulkhead, do a
detailed inspection of the forward and aft surfaces, for any crack
in the upper cap and (cap) doubler, webs and doublers, stiffeners,
and the lower tee cap between longerons 3 through 11, in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin MD90-53A037, dated September 19, 2016.
(h) Repair of Cracks in the Bulkhead Web or Doubler
If any crack is found in the bulkhead web or doubler, do the
repair in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD90-53A037,
dated September 19, 2016. Do all repairs before further flight.
(i) Repair of Non-Web or Non-Doubler Cracks in the Bulkhead
If any non-web or non-doubler crack is found in the bulkhead,
repair before further flight using a method approved in accordance
with the procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this AD.
(j) Service Information Exception
Where paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin MD90-53A037, dated September 19, 2016, specifies a
compliance time ``after the original issue date of this service
bulletin,'' this AD requires compliance within the specified
compliance time after the effective date of this AD.
(k) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections
21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197
and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the airplane
can be repaired, but if any crack is found as identified in Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin MD90-53A037, dated September 19, 2016,
concurrence by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
Office (ACO), FAA, is required before issuance of the special flight
permit.
(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles 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) of this AD. Information may be emailed
to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#21180c606f6c0c6d6060626e0c606c6e620c7344505444525552614740400f464e57"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="01382c404f4c2c4d4040424e2c404c4e422c5364707464727572416760602f666e77">[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 the 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 (j) of this AD: For service
information that contains steps that are labeled as Required for
Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (l)(4)(i) and
(l)(4)(ii) of this AD 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. If a step or substep is labeled ``RC Exempt,'' then the
RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. 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.
(m) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact George Garrido,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5232; fax: 562-627-5210;
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a8cfcdc7dacfcd86cfc9dadac1ccc7e8cec9c986cfc7de"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1e797b716c797b30797f6c6c777a715e787f7f30797168">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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.
(i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD90-53A037, dated September
19, 2016.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-
5600; telephone 562-797-1717; 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>.
[[Page 76851]]
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 26, 2016.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-26629 Filed 11-3-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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Retrieved: Apr 4, 2026
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