2016-22-18: Fuselage

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\n2016-22-18 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18707; Docket No. FAA- 2016-9306; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-169-AD. \n\n(a) Effective Date \n\n\n\tThis AD is effective November 21, 2016. \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 MD-90-30 airplanes, certificated in any category. \n\n(d) Subject \n\n\n\tAir Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage. \n\n(e) Unsafe Condition \n\n\n\tThis AD was prompted by a report of cracking in various structures in the fuselage cant station1520 bulkhead. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking in the bulkhead, which could result in reduced 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) Detailed Inspection of the Cant Station 1520 Bulkhead \n\n\n\tAt 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. \n\n(h) Repair of Cracks in the Bulkhead Web or Doubler \n\n\n\tIf any crack is found in the bulkhead webor doubler, do the repair in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD90-53A037, dated September 19, 2016. Do all repairs before further flight. \n\n(i) Repair of Non-Web or Non-Doubler Cracks in the Bulkhead \n\n\n\tIf 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. \n\n(j) Service Information Exception \n\n\n\tWhere 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. \n\n(k) Special Flight Permit \n\n\n\tSpecial 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 canbe 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. \n\n(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\n\t(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: [email protected]. \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, 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. \n\t(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. \n\t(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. \n\t(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\n(m) Related Information \n\n\n\tFor 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: [email protected]. \n\n(n) 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 mustuse 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 MD90-53A037, dated September 19, 2016. \n\t(ii) Reserved. \n\t(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 https://www.myboeingfleet.com. \n\t(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. \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. \n\n\n\n((Page 76851))