Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 153 (Tuesday, August 10, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48359-48361]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-17760]



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Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 153 / Tuesday, August 10, 2004 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 48359]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-419-AD; Amendment 39-13761; AD 2004-16-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to all Boeing Model 747 series airplanes, that requires a 
one-time inspection to determine whether the outer cylinder of the wing 
landing gear has certain part numbers, and replacement of the outer 
cylinder of the wing landing gear with a new, improved, or reworked 
part if necessary. This amendment also requires removal of the load 
evening system, if such a system is installed. This action is necessary 
to prevent fracture of the outer cylinder of the wing landing gear, 
which could result in collapse of the wing landing gear. This action is 
intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective September 14, 2004.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of September 14, 2004.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, 
Washington 98124-2207. This information may be examined at the Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules 
Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tamara Anderson, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
917-6421; fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to all Boeing Model 747 series 
airplanes was published in the Federal Register on April 29, 2003 (68 
FR 22641). That action proposed to require a one-time inspection to 
determine whether the outer cylinder of the wing landing gear has 
certain part numbers, and replacement of the outer cylinder of the wing 
landing gear with a new, improved, or reworked part if necessary. That 
action also proposed to require removal of the load evening system, if 
such a system is installed.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. The FAA has duly considered the 
comments received.

Support for the Proposed AD

    One commenter supports the proposed AD.

Request To Allow Records Review In Lieu of Inspection

    Several commenters request that we revise paragraph (a) of the 
proposed AD to allow operators to perform a records review to determine 
whether a subject part is installed on the airplane. One commenter, the 
manufacturer, notes that this alternative should be available to 
operators because the subject part numbers have not been delivered on a 
new airplane for more than 20 years. Another commenter states that a 
review of its tracking system shows that the subject part numbers are 
not in its stock or were deleted when certain airplanes in its fleet 
were retired from service.
    We concur with the commenters' request. If an operator has a 
tracking system that records the detailed part number for the outer 
cylinder of the wing landing gear (i.e., not just a higher-level 
assembly) for the Model 747 airplanes in its fleet, a records review is 
an acceptable method of complying with paragraph (a) of this AD. We 
have revised paragraph (a) of this AD accordingly.

Request To Revise Description of Part Marking

    One commenter requests that we revise paragraphs (b) and (d) of the 
proposed AD to acknowledge that Boeing Service Bulletin 747-32-2472, 
dated November 30, 2000, does not specify changing the part number of 
the outer cylinder of the wing landing gear. (Paragraph (b) of the 
proposed AD states that the rework procedures described in the 
referenced service bulletin include, among other things, changing the 
part number of the outer cylinder. Paragraph (d) of the proposed AD 
prohibits installation of the subject part numbers after the effective 
date of the AD.) The commenter suggests changing the wording of 
paragraph (b) of the proposed AD to specify marking the outer cylinder 
to indicate that the referenced service bulletin has been accomplished. 
The commenter suggests changing the wording of paragraph (d) of the 
proposed AD to prohibit installation of a part that has not been 
(inspected, reworked, and) marked to indicate that the referenced 
service bulletin has been accomplished.
    We concur with the commenter's request and have revised paragraphs 
(b) and (d) of this AD accordingly.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, we have determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule with the changes previously described. 
We have determined that these changes will neither increase the 
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Changes to 14 CFR Part 39/Effect on the AD

    On July 10, 2002, the FAA issued a new version of 14 CFR part 39 
(67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's airworthiness 
directives system.

[[Page 48360]]

The regulation now includes material that relates to altered products, 
special flight permits, and alternative methods of compliance. However, 
for clarity and consistency in this final rule, we have retained the 
language of the NPRM regarding that material.

Explanation of Change to Cost Impact Estimate

    Since the issuance of the proposed AD, we have reviewed the figures 
we have used over the past several years to calculate AD costs to 
operators. To account for various inflationary costs in the airline 
industry, we find it necessary to increase the labor rate used in these 
calculations from $60 per work hour to $65 per work hour. The cost 
impact information, below, reflects this increase in the specified 
hourly labor rate.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 1,106 airplanes of the affected design in 
the worldwide fleet. We estimate that 256 airplanes of U.S. registry 
will be affected by this AD. It will take approximately 1 work hour per 
airplane to accomplish the inspection to determine whether subject part 
numbers are installed, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of this inspection on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $16,640, or $65 per airplane.
    We estimate that 225 airplanes in the worldwide fleet, and 66 
airplanes of U.S. registry, are equipped with the subject outer 
cylinders that will require further action. It will take approximately 
12 work hours per airplane to accomplish the chrome removal and 
inspections for cracking or heat damage, at an average labor rate of 
$65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of these 
actions on U.S. operators is estimated to be $51,480, or $780 per 
airplane.
    For airplanes subject to removal of the load evening system, it 
will take approximately 240 work hours per airplane, at an average 
labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on the best data available, we 
estimate that necessary parts will cost $2,392. Based on these figures, 
the cost impact of the removal of the load evening system is estimated 
to be $17,992 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this 
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed 
in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform 
the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures 
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to 
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other 
administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2004-16-05 Boeing: Amendment 39-13761. Docket 2000-NM-419-AD.

    Applicability: All Model 747 series airplanes, certificated in 
any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent fracture of the outer cylinder of the wing landing 
gear, which could result in collapse of the wing landing gear, 
accomplish the following:

Inspection To Determine Part Number

    (a) Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, 
perform a one-time inspection to determine the part number (P/N) of 
the outer cylinder of the wing landing gear on both sides of the 
airplane, per the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin 747-32-2472, dated November 30, 2000. Instead of inspecting 
the outer cylinder of the wing landing gear, a review of airplane 
maintenance records is acceptable if the detailed P/N of the outer 
cylinder of the wing landing gear (not just a higher-level assembly) 
can be positively determined from that review.
    (1) If no outer cylinder having P/N 65B01212-( ) (where ``( )'' 
is any dash number of that part number), 65B01430-3, or 65B01430-4 
is found: No further action is required by this paragraph.
    (2) If any outer cylinder having P/N 65B01212-( ) (where ``( )'' 
is any dash number of that part number), 65B01430-3, or 65B01430-4 
is found: Accomplish paragraph (b) of this AD.

Replacement of Outer Cylinder

    (b) For any outer cylinder identified in paragraph (a)(2) of 
this AD: Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, 
replace the outer cylinder on the wing landing gear with a new, 
improved part or a part that has been inspected and reworked per the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-32-2472, 
dated November 30, 2000. The rework procedures described in the 
service bulletin, if accomplished, include performing a one-time 
nital etch inspection of the upper inner surface of the outer 
cylinder for chrome plating; removing any chrome plating that is 
present; performing a one-time magnetic particle inspection for 
cracking of the outer cylinder; performing a nital etch inspection 
for heat damage of the outer cylinder; reworking the outer cylinder, 
as applicable; and marking the outer cylinder to indicate that the 
service bulletin has been accomplished.

Removal of the Load Evening System

    (c) For airplanes listed in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-32-2131, 
Revision 2, dated March 15, 1974: Before performing the requirements 
of paragraph (b) of this AD,

[[Page 48361]]

remove the load evening system installed on the wing landing gear, 
per the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin.

Parts Installation

    (d) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, 
on any airplane, an outer cylinder of the wing landing gear if the 
outer cylinder has P/N 65B01212-( ) (where ``( )'' is any dash 
number of that part number), 65B01430-3, or 65B01430-4, unless the 
outer cylinder has been inspected, reworked, and marked to indicate 
that Boeing Service Bulletin 747-32-2472 has been accomplished.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through an 
appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add 
comments and then send it to the Manager, Seattle ACO.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Seattle ACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (f) 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 requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

Incorporation by Reference

    (g) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be 
done in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 747-32-2472, dated 
November 30, 2000; and Boeing Service Bulletin 747-32-2131, Revision 
2, dated March 15, 1974; as applicable. Boeing Service Bulletin 747-
32-2131, Revision 2, contains the following effective pages:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Page number                Revision level shown on page              Date shown on page
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1, 3-6, 18, 26, 35...................  2............................  March 15, 1974.
21, 22, 25, 27-29, 33, 34, 44, 49,     1............................  November 30, 1972.
 51, 53-55, 65-67, 77, 79.
2, 7-17, 19, 20, 23, 24, 30-32, 36-    Original.....................  July 28, 1972.
 43, 45-48, 50, 52, 56-64, 68-76, 78,
 80, 81.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of 
the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR 
part 51. Copies may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplanes, 
P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. Copies may be 
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 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&/code_of_federal_regulations/&ibr_locations.html.

Effective Date

    (h) This amendment becomes effective on September 14, 2004.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 27, 2004.
Kyle L. Olsen,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-17760 Filed 8-9-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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