Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 707 and 720 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 10, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 11296-11297]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-4684]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-334-AD; Amendment 39-13509; AD 2004-05-14]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 707 and 720 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to all Boeing Model 707 and 720 series airplanes, that 
requires inspection of the bolt forward of the wing front spar upper 
chord on the overwing support fittings of the inboard and outboard 
nacelle struts to verify that BACB30US type bolts are installed. If any 
other type of bolt is found, this amendment requires replacement with a 
new BACB30US type bolt. This action is necessary to prevent separation 
of the engine from the airplane due to stress corrosion cracking and 
consequent fracturing of the bolts. This action is intended to address 
the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective April 14, 2004.
    The incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of April 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 Office of 
the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, 
Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Candice Gerretsen, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
917-6428; 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 707 and 720 
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on November 25, 
2003 (68 FR 66028). That action proposed to require inspection of the 
bolt forward of the wing front spar upper chord on the overwing support 
fittings of the inboard and outboard nacelle struts to verify that 
BACB30US type bolts are installed. If any other type of bolt is found, 
that action proposed to require replacement with a new BACB30US type 
bolt.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 230 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 42 airplanes of U.S. registry 
will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 1 work 
hour per airplane to accomplish the required inspection, and that the 
average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $2,730, or 
$65 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is 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.

[[Page 11297]]

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:

2004-05-14 Boeing: Amendment 39-13509. Docket 2002-NM-334-AD.

    Applicability: All Model 707 and 720 series airplanes, as listed 
in Boeing 707/720 Alert Service Bulletin A3502, dated February 21, 
2002; certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent separation of the engine from the airplane due to 
stress corrosion cracking and consequent fracturing of the bolts, 
accomplish the following:

Service Bulletin References

    (a) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 707/720 Alert Service Bulletin 
A3502, dated February 21, 2002.

Inspection and Corrective Action

    (b) Except as provided by paragraph (c) of this AD, within 12 
months from the effective date of this AD, perform a general visual 
inspection of the bolts forward of the wing front spar upper chord 
on the overwing support fittings of the inboard and outboard nacelle 
struts to verify that BACB30US type bolts are installed, per Figure 
1 of the service bulletin.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is defined as: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior 
area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, 
or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within 
touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be 
necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the 
inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally 
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, 
flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of 
access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be 
required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''

    (c) The service bulletin specifies that reviewing records is 
another way to verify if a BACB30US type bolt is installed. However, 
this AD does not allow that alternative. The general visual 
inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD must be accomplished 
to verify if BACB30US type bolts are installed.
    (d) If any bolt other than the BACB30US type bolts specified in 
Figure 1 of the service bulletin is found during the inspection 
required by paragraph (b) of this AD or if any bolt cannot be 
identified: Prior to further flight, do the actions specified in 
paragraphs (d)(1) and (d)(2) of this AD, per Figure 2 of the service 
bulletin.
    (1) Perform a high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection of 
the hole bore for cracks and corrosion and measure the hole to 
verify the diameter is within the specified dimensions. If any 
corrosion or cracking is found or if the measured hole diameter is 
not within the specified dimensions, and the service bulletin 
specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate action: Prior to further 
flight, repair per a method approved by the Manager, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or per data meeting the 
type certification basis of the airplane approved by a Boeing 
Company Designated Engineering Representative who has been 
authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make such findings. For a 
repair method to be approved, the approval must specifically 
reference this AD.
    (2) Replace the bolt with a new BACB30US type bolt per Figure 2 
of the service bulletin.

Parts Installation

    (e) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
any bolt other than a BACB30US type bolt in the locations specified 
in this AD, on any airplane.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (f) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, is authorized to approve 
alternative methods of compliance for this AD.

Incorporation by Reference

    (g) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be 
done in accordance with Boeing 707/720 Alert Service Bulletin A3502, 
dated February 21, 2002. 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 
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 
700, Washington, DC.

Effective Date

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

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 24, 2004.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-4684 Filed 3-9-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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