Overview
Title
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The FAA wants to change a rule because some screws on certain Boeing airplanes can come loose and cause problems with how the plane is controlled. They are asking people to fix the parts where the pedals are and want to hear what others think by March 8, 2021.
Summary AI
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a new rule that would replace an older rule, known as Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-14-13. This new rule targets certain models of Boeing 737 airplanes, as reports have shown problems with the rudder pedal cover screws, which could impact the safe operation of the plane. The proposal requires modifications to the rudder pedal covers and shrouds on affected airplanes. The FAA is asking the public for comments on this rule by March 8, 2021.
Abstract
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-14-13, which applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. AD 2017-14-13 requires a torque check of the screws in the cover assembly of the heel rest for both the captain's and the first officer's rudder pedals, and corrective action if necessary. Since the FAA issued AD 2017-14-13, operators have continued to find loose rudder pedal cover fasteners on previously inspected airplanes and airplanes outside the applicability of AD 2017-14-13. This proposed AD would require modifying the rudder pedal cover and shroud, and apply to all The Boeing Company Model 737- 600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes and Model 737-8 and 737-9 airplanes. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document in question is a notice of proposed rulemaking by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which aims to update and replace an existing rule concerning certain Boeing 737 airplanes. The new rule is expected to address ongoing issues with the rudder pedal cover screws on these aircraft. The FAA has identified that these screws can potentially work loose, leading to safety concerns during flight operations. The proposal requires modifications to these components to prevent any risk to passenger safety. Public comments are being solicited on this matter until March 8, 2021.
General Summary
This new regulation is being proposed because even after implementing the 2017 directive, problems persist with some airplane models previously unaffected, indicating a broader issue. The existing and new directives aim to ensure the rudder pedal cover and shroud assemblies on Boeing 737 models are secured properly, minimizing any risk that could compromise safety during takeoff or landing. This proposal emphasizes taking corrective actions on all specified models of the Boeing 737, which are widely in service across various airline operators.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One major issue is the lack of detailed cost estimates relating to the compliance of this rule. Although the FAA mentions that some costs may be covered under warranties by the manufacturer, it doesn't specify how many operators this applies to. This lack of clarity could obscure the true financial burden on airlines and maintenance facilities required to comply with the new standards.
Additionally, the document utilizes complicated terminology and references precise aviation and legal concepts that might not be easily understood by laypersons or those unfamiliar with this area of regulation. This could hinder effective participation by potentially affected parties and the public who might wish to comment on the rule or understand its implications fully.
There is also reliance on Boeing’s technical documents, which assumes constant access for all interested parties, potentially excluding those who cannot obtain these resources through traditional business means. This could be problematic for smaller operators or organizations with limited access to these documents.
Public Impact
The proposed rule has broad implications, primarily for airline companies operating the affected Boeing models. It aims to enhance flight safety, which is a critical public interest. If implemented effectively, it should result in a lower risk of incidents related to rudder pedal misfunction, thereby ensuring safer travel for the millions who fly on these airplanes annually.
Impact on Stakeholders
Positively, this rule could result in increased safety for passengers and crew on the affected aircraft models, which is the ultimate goal of such airworthiness directives. It could also positively impact public confidence in flying, knowing that such safety issues are being addressed proactively.
Negatively, however, airlines operating these aircraft could face financial impacts from the cost of modifications and potential downtime of affected airplanes, even with possible warranties in place. Smaller airlines, in particular, may find it more challenging to absorb these costs compared to larger carriers. Furthermore, maintenance organizations might need to allocate additional resources and training to comply with new standards, which could strain already thin operating margins.
Overall, while the proposal aims to increase aviation safety, it presents challenges that need careful consideration and balance from a regulatory, operational, and economic perspective. The public and stakeholders would benefit from greater clarity and engagement from the FAA on the proposed solutions and their long-term implications.
Issues
• The proposed rule mentions that some costs may be covered under warranty by the manufacturer, but it does not provide specific information about how many operators this might apply to, potentially leaving a gap in the cost estimate.
• The document repeatedly uses specialized aviation and legal terms such as 'torque check,' 'rudder pedal cover and shroud assemblies,' and 'Accomplishment Instructions' which might be unclear to a general audience or individuals not familiar with aviation regulations.
• The proposed rule relies heavily on Boeing's existing bulletins and documents, assuming that all interested parties have equal access to them. It should ensure there are provisions for those who may not be able to obtain these documents through normal business channels.
• Multiple URLs are provided for access to documents and filing comments, which can be confusing and overwhelming; streamlining this information might improve clarity.
• The document mentions specific reports and findings that led to the creation of the rule but does not include detailed information or data from these reports, which could provide a clearer understanding of the scope and severity of the issue.