[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 96 (Monday, May 18, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29598-29601]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-10604]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-1072; Product Identifier 2019-NM-181-AD; Amendment
39-19888; AD 2020-06-19]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain The Boeing Company Model 727, 727C, 727-100, 727-100C, 727-200,
and 727-200F series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of
nuisance stick shaker activation while the airplane accelerated to
cruise speed at the top of climb. This AD was also prompted by an
investigation of those reports that revealed that the angle of attack
(AOA) (also known as angle of airflow) sensor vanes could not prevent
the build-up of ice, causing the AOA sensor vanes to become
immobilized, which resulted in nuisance stick shaker activation. This
[[Page 29599]]
AD requires a general visual inspection of the AOA sensors for certain
AOA sensors, and replacement of affected AOA sensors. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective June 22, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 3,
2020 (84 FR 71778, December 30, 2019).
ADDRESSES: 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 https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this service information at the
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA.
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
206-231-3195. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
1072.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
1072; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for Docket Operations is 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: Jeffrey W. Palmer, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960
Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5351; fax:
562-627-5210; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA 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 727, 727C, 727-100, 727-100C, 727-200, and 727-200F
series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on January
17, 2020 (85 FR 2914). The NPRM was prompted by reports of nuisance
stick shaker activation while the airplane accelerated to cruise speed
at the top of climb. The NPRM was also prompted by an investigation of
those reports that revealed that the AOA sensor vanes could not prevent
the build-up of ice, causing the AOA sensor vanes to become
immobilized, which resulted in nuisance stick shaker activation. The
NPRM proposed to require a general visual inspection of the AOA sensors
for certain AOA sensors, and replacement of affected AOA sensors.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address ice buildup in the AOA sensor
faceplate and vane, which may immobilize the AOA sensor vanes, and
could result in inaccurate or unreliable AOA sensor data being
transmitted to airplane systems and consequent loss of controllability
of the airplane.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The following presents the comments
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment. Boeing,
Richard Rodriguez, and Shaun Felix indicated support for the NPRM.
Request To Reduce the Compliance Time
An anonymous commenter supported the intent of the NPRM, but the
FAA infers that the commenter requests that the FAA reduce the proposed
compliance time from 2,750 flight hours or 36 months, whichever occurs
first, to 12 months. The commenter stated the time period feels too
slow. The commenter also stated repairing a piece of technology from
1963 in 12 months should not be insurmountable. Richard Rodriguez also
commented that the compliance time is excessive compared to the 12-
month compliance time for other models. The FAA infers the commenter is
requesting the compliance time be shortened to 12 months.
The FAA does not agree with the request to shorten the compliance
time. After considering all the available information, the FAA has
determined that the compliance time, as proposed, represents an
appropriate interval of time in which the required actions can be
performed in a timely manner within the affected fleet, while still
maintaining an adequate level of safety. In developing an appropriate
compliance time, the FAA considered the safety implications, parts
availability, and normal maintenance schedules for timely
accomplishment of the inspection and applicable replacements.
Furthermore, other models affected by this unsafe condition are subject
to AD 2019-24-18, Amendment 39-21007 (84 FR 71778, December 30, 2019)
(``AD 2019-24-18''), which requires compliance within 36 months or at
the applicable time specified in the applicable service information,
whichever occurs first. The compliance time in AD 2019-24-18 is
consistent with the compliance time in this AD. The FAA has not changed
the AD in this regard.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest
require adopting this final rule as proposed, except for minor
editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-34A0247,
Revision 1, dated October 1, 2019, which the Director of the Federal
Register approved for incorporation by reference as of February 3, 2020
(84 FR 71778, December 30, 2019). 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
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1 airplane of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 29600]]
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Inspection..................... 1 work-hour x $85 per $0............... $85.............. $85.
hour = $85.
Replacement.................... Up to 3 work-hours x Up to $54,000.... Up to $54,255.... Up to $54,255.
$85 per hour = Up to
$255.
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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.
The FAA is 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) 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):
2020-06-19 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-19888; Docket No. FAA-
2019-1072; Product Identifier 2019-NM-181-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective June 22, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 727, 727C, 727-100,
727-100C, 727-200, and 727-200F series airplanes, certificated in
any category, variable numbers QB065, QD191, QD192, QD402, QD403,
QD407, and QD410.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 34, Navigation.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of nuisance stick shaker
activation while the airplane accelerated to cruise speed at the top
of climb. This AD was also prompted by an investigation of those
reports that revealed that the angle of attack (AOA) (also known as
angle of airflow) sensor vanes could not prevent the build-up of
ice, causing the AOA sensor vanes to become immobilized, which
resulted in nuisance stick shaker activation. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address ice buildup in the AOA sensor faceplate and vane,
which may immobilize the AOA sensor vanes, and could result in
inaccurate or unreliable AOA sensor data being transmitted to
airplane systems and consequent loss of controllability of the
airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Within 36
months after the effective date of this AD or at the applicable
times specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 727-34A0247, Revision 1, dated October 1, 2019,
whichever occurs first, do all applicable actions identified as
``RC'' (required for compliance) in, and in accordance with, the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-
34A0247, Revision 1, dated October 1, 2019.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-34A0247, Revision 1,
dated October 1, 2019, uses the phrase ``the original issue date of
this service bulletin,'' this AD requires using ``the effective date
of this AD.''
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-
34A0247, dated January 2, 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 local Flight Standards
District 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 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 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) Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: For service
information that contains steps that are labeled as Required for
Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (j)(4)(i) and (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
[[Page 29601]]
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.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Jeffrey W.
Palmer, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Los
Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-
4137; phone: 562-627-5351; fax: 562-627-5210; email:
[email protected].
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (l)(4) and (5) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on
February 3, 2020 (84 FR 71778, December 30, 2019).
(i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-34A0247, Revision 1, dated
October 1, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(4) 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.
(5) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
206-231-3195.
(6) 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 March 27, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-10604 Filed 5-15-20; 8:45 am]
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