2022-15-09: Fuselage

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by: a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2019-23-06, Amendment 39-19800 (84 FR 67179, December 9, 2019); and b. Adding the following new AD: 2022-15-09 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-22129; Docket No. FAA-2022-0884; Project Identifier AD-2022-00749-T. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 17, 2022. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2019-23-06, Amendment 39-19800 (84 FR 67179, December 9, 2019) (AD 2019-23-06). (c) Applicability This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 757-200, -200CB, and -300 series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-53A0112 RB, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2022. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53 Fuselage. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of cracks initiating in the fuselage frame web at body station (STA) 1640 and a determination that certain compliance times must be reduced due to severed fuselage frames reported at earlier flight cycles. The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracks initiating in the fuselage frame web at STA 1640, which, if not detected and corrected, could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane and loss of controllability of the airplane. Furthermore, failure of the No. 4 passenger door surround structure (frame) at STA 1640 due to cracks could lead to explosive decompression. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (1) For all airplanes except those identified in paragraphs (g)(2) through (4) of this AD: Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD, at the applicable times specified in the "Compliance" paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-53A0112 RB, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2022, do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-53A0112 RB, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2022. Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-53A0112, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2022, which is referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-53A0112 RB, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2022. (2) Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: For airplanes on which Aviation Partners Boeing blended or scimitar blended winglets are installed in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST01518SE, at the applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., "Compliance" of Aviation Partners Boeing Alert Service Bulletin AP757-53-002, Revision 3, dated August 14, 2019, do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-53A0112 RB, dated November 16, 2018. (3) Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: For Group 1 airplanes that have been converted from a passenger to freighter configuration using VT Mobile Aerospace Engineering (MAE) Inc. STC ST03562AT, at the applicable times specified for Group 2 airplanes in the "Compliance" paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-53A0112 RB, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2022, do all applicable Group 2 actions, as identified in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-53A0112 RB, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2022. (4) Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: For Group 4 airplanes that have been converted from a passenger to freighter configuration using VT MAE Inc. STC ST03562AT, at the applicable times specified for Group 5 airplanes in the "Compliance" paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-53A0112 RB, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2022, do all applicable Group 5 actions as identified in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-53A0112 RB, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2022. (h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications (1) Where the Condition and Compliance Time columns of the tables in the "Compliance" paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-53A0112 RB, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2022, use the phrase "the original issue date of Requirements Bulletin 757-53A0112 RB," this AD requires using "January 13, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2019-23-06)." (2) Where the Condition and Compliance Time columns of the tables in the "Compliance" paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-53A0112 RB, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2022, use the phrase "the Revision 1 date of Requirements Bulletin 757-53A0112 RB," this AD requires using "the effective date of this AD." (3) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-53A0112 RB, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2022, specifies contacting Boeing for repair instructions or for alternative inspections: This AD requires doing the repair, or doing the alternative inspections and applicable on-condition actions using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD. (4) Where the Condition and Compliance Time columns of the tables in the "Compliance" paragraph of Aviation Partners Boeing Alert Service Bulletin AP757-53-002, Revision 3, dated August 14, 2019, use the phrase "the original issue date of this service bulletin," this AD requires using "January 13, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2019-23-06)." (5) Where Aviation Partners Boeing Alert Service Bulletin AP757-53-002, Revision 3, dated August 14, 2019, specifies contacting Boeing for repair instructions or for alternative inspections: This AD requires doing the repair, or doing the alternative inspections and applicable on-condition actions using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD. (6) For Group 1 airplanes, as identified in Aviation Partners Boeing Alert Service Bulletin AP757-53-002, Revision 3, dated August 14, 2019, with less than 34,500 total flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD that have accomplished any eddy current inspection specified in Revision 1 or Revision 2 of Aviation Partners Boeing Alert Service Bulletin AP757-53-001 with no cracking found and have not accomplished any inspection specified in Revision 2 or Revision 3 of Aviation Partners Boeing Alert Service Bulletin AP757-53-002: The compliance time for the initial open hole high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection of the STA 1640 fuselage frame web fastener holes common to the S-14L and S-14R intercostal tee clip for any crack is at the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(6)(i) or (ii) of this AD, whichever occurs later. (i) Within 1,200 flight cycles after the most recent inspection was done in accordance with Revision 1 or Revision 2 of Aviation Partners Boeing Alert Service Bulletin AP757-53-001. (ii) Within 500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD not to exceed 5,600 flight cycles after the most recent inspection was done in accordance with Revision 1 or Revision 2 of Aviation Partners Boeing Alert Service Bulletin AP757-53-001. (7) For Group 1 airplanes, as identified in Aviation Partners Boeing Alert Service Bulletin AP757-53-002, Revision 3, dated August 14, 2019, with 34,500 total flight cycles or more as of the effective date of this AD that have accomplished any eddy current inspection in accordance with Revision 1 or Revision 2 of Aviation Partners Boeing Alert Service Bulletin AP757-53-001 with no cracking found and have not accomplished any inspection specified in Revision 2 or Revision 3 of Aviation Partners Boeing Alert Service Bulletin AP757-53-002: The compliance time for the initial open hole HFEC inspection of the STA 1640 fuselage frame web fastener holes common to the S-14L and S-14R intercostal tee clip for any crack is at the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(7)(i) or (ii) of this AD, whichever occurs later: (i) Within 1,200 flight cycles after the most recent eddy current inspection was done in accordance with Revision 1 or Revision 2 of Aviation Partners Boeing Alert Service Bulletin AP757-53-001. (ii) Prior to the accumulation of 35,000 total flight cycles, or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. (8) For Group 3 airplanes, as identified in Aviation Partners Boeing Alert Service Bulletin AP757-53-002, Revision 3, dated August 14, 2019, that as of the effective date of this AD have accomplished any eddy current inspection in accordance with Revision 1 or Revision 2 of Aviation Partners Boeing Alert Service Bulletin AP757 53-001, with no cracking found: The compliance time for the initial open hole HFEC inspection of the STA 1640 fuselage frame web fastener holes common to the S-14L and S-14R intercostal tee clip for any crack is at the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(8)(i) or (ii) of this AD, whichever occurs later. (i) Within 1,350 flight cycles after the most recent eddy current inspection was done as specified in Revision 1 or Revision 2 of Aviation Partners Boeing Alert Service Bulletin AP757-53-001. (ii) Within 500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD not to exceed 3,250 flight cycles after the most recent inspection was done in accordance with Revision 1 or Revision 2 of Aviation Partners Boeing Alert Service Bulletin AP757-53-001. (i) Credit for Previous Actions (1) This paragraph provides credit for actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1), (3), and (4) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-53A0112 RB, dated November 16, 2018. (2) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Aviation Partners Boeing Alert Service Bulletin AP757-53-002, Revision 2, dated April 11, 2019. (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 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 responsible Flight Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards 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 Company Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, 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) AMOCs approved for AD 2019-23-06 are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-53A0112 RB, dated November 16, 2018; and Aviation Partners Boeing Alert Service Bulletin AP757-53-002, Revision 3, dated August 14, 2019; that are required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD. (5) AMOCs approved for AD 2019-23-06 are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-53A0112 RB, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2022, that are required by paragraphs (g)(1), (3), and (4) of this AD, except AMOCs for airplanes converted to the special freighter (SF) configuration by Boeing STC ST00916WI-D or from a passenger to freighter configuration using VT MAE Inc. STC ST03562AT are not approved as AMOCs for this AD. (k) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Peter Jarzomb, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5234; email: [email protected]. (2) 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. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in paragraphs (l)(5), (6), and (7) of this AD. (l) 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. (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on August 17, 2022. (i) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-53A0112 RB, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2022. (ii) [Reserved] (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on January 13, 2020 (84 FR 67179, December 9, 2019). (i) Aviation Partners Boeing Alert Service Bulletin AP757-53-002, Revision 3 dated August 14, 2019. (ii) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 757-53A0112 RB, dated November 16, 2018. (5) For Boeing 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. (6) For Aviation Partners Boeing service information identified in this AD, contact Aviation Partners Boeing, 2811 South 102nd St., Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98168; phone: 206-830-7699; fax: 206-767-0535; email: [email protected]; internet: https://www.aviationpartnersboeing.com. (7) You may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. (8) 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, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued on July 15, 2022. Gaetano A. Sciortino, Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022-16605 Filed 7-29-22; 4:15 pm]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P