Published 2006-03-22 · Federal Register document 06-2676
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, and 747SR Series Airplanes
Publication summary
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747- 300, 747-400, 747-400D, and 747SR series airplanes. This AD requires a one-time inspection to determine whether any steel doubler (small or large) is installed at the lower forward and upper aft corners of the fuselage cutout at main entry doors (MEDs) number 3. Depending on the results of this inspection, this AD also requires repetitive inspections for cracks of the skin, bearstrap, and small steel doubler (if installed) at the applicable corner or corners of the fuselage cutouts, and related investigative/corrective actions if necessary. This AD also provides the optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections of installing a large steel doubler at the affected corners. This AD results from reports of cracks in the skin and bearstrap at the upper aft corner and at the lower forward corner of the fuselage cutout at MEDs number 3. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the skin, bearstrap, and small steel doubler (if installed), which could propagate and result in rapid decompression of the airplane.
Why this record is shown
Source: Federal Register annual FAA metadata. Acquired 2026-09-03T22:23:20.745856+00:00. The title, summary and date are source facts.
- Source revision
- federal_register_ad_metadata_2006-8d787f8b35bc8016
- Source row
- results[84]
- Raw source SHA-256
- 8d787f8b35bc80165a417cea66de09cd32a1700face13759db364c607e405963
Final-rule publication
Recorded publication clauses
- AD identifier printed in this edition
- 2006-06-10
- Effective date printed in this edition
- 2006-04-26
Read 13 complete recorded clauses
Effective Date
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective April 26, 2006.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 22194–22261, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: d7f8604fde3eaaf7ab9c34d289777c9bf74a32086646341ee627ceb798e13406
Affected ADs
Affected ADs
(b) Installing a large steel doubler at the lower forward corner
of the fuselage cutout at main entry doors (MEDs) number 3 in
accordance with AD 92-27-04, amendment 39-8437, terminates the
inspection requirements of this AD for that area only.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 22261–22528, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 3731e889abae5c07dc47a02c68396f7cc0cb129a4f94b16daddc2c74eb4766a8
Applicability wording · Applicability
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B
SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, and 747SR
series airplanes, certificated in any category.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 22528–22722, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 3b5d088f090b3c645dcc643c9d9704f3fae0d188a346603eea2b213dc43922af
Unsafe Condition
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the skin and
bearstrap at the upper aft corner and at the lower forward corner of
the fuselage cutout at MEDs number 3. We are issuing this AD to
detect and correct cracks in the skin, bearstrap, and small steel
doubler (if installed), which could propagate and result in rapid
decompression of the airplane.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 22722–23108, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: de15219435521bd478836f4142860e9b2f2e4e5dd08ddd897ac8f4b952b6a4e4
Compliance
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 23108–23286, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 64a7a1579f37f56eafecd0aeb3c528e7c89f6292ed0cb53091423917642d5847
Service Bulletin Reference
Service Bulletin Reference
(f) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2512, Revision 1, dated August 11, 2005.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 23286–23495, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 4a9c3c7ed5450f171ddef240b911df29b80156e15041d79f837c414857339743
Inspection for Steel Doublers
Inspection for Steel Doublers
(g) Prior to the accumulation of 10,000 total flight cycles or
within 1,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later: Do a general visual inspection of the lower
forward and upper aft corners of the fuselage cutout at MEDs number
3 to determine whether a small, a large, or no steel doubler is
installed, and do the applicable action in paragraphs (g)(1) and
(g)(2) of this AD. Do all actions in accordance with the service
bulletin.
(1) If a large steel doubler is installed, or if no steel
doubler is installed at the lower forward corner, no further action
is required by this AD for that cutout corner, except the
requirements of paragraph (m) of this AD continue to apply.
Note 1: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2512 refers to
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53-2218, Revision 5, dated March 26,
1992, as an additional source of service information for inspecting
airplanes that are determined by the inspection required by
paragraph (g) of this AD to have no steel doubler (large or small)
installed at the lower forward corner of the fuselage cutout at MEDs
number 3.
(2) For all doubler configurations except those specified in
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, do the actions in paragraph (h) of this
AD at the applicable time in that paragraph.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 23495–24850, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: e0f5ac287c0b9cc0dbefa4748578f1e9b62b01bba3ddd0cb823ab76a0f488f7f
Inspections for Cracks, and Related Investigative and Corrective Actions
Inspections for Cracks, and Related Investigative and Corrective
Actions
(h) For the doubler configurations specified in paragraph (g)(2)
of this AD, at the times specified in paragraph 1.E. ``Compliance''
of the service bulletin (except as required by paragraph (i) of this
AD): Do the applicable inspections for cracks in the skin,
bearstrap, and small steel doubler (if installed), at the upper aft
corner and at the lower forward corner of the fuselage cutout at
MEDs number 3, and do all applicable related investigative actions
and corrective actions before further flight by doing all the
actions in accordance with the service bulletin. Repeat the
inspections thereafter at the intervals specified in paragraph 1.E,
``Compliance'' of the service bulletin. Where the service bulletin
specifies to contact the manufacturer for instructions on how to
repair certain conditions, do the repair using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (n) of this
AD.
(i) Where the service bulletin specifies compliance times
relative to the date of issuance of the service bulletin, this AD
requires compliance relative to the effective date of this AD.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 24850–26058, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 1881ae28529c138bca3b29dcc65643e6d7fb449ed093a12314792b767dcd0bbf
Terminating Action
Terminating Action
(j) Installing a large steel doubler in accordance with the
service bulletin terminates the repetitive inspection requirements
of this AD for the corner of the fuselage cutout at MEDs number 3 at
which the large steel doubler is installed.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 26058–26326, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 2786e14329e842e69271d6ea15fb9ed6575300490249fd3250667ca4ced9655e
No Reporting Required
No Reporting Required
(k) Although the service bulletin referenced in this AD
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 26326–26516, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 4077d745b875e5d6d51e3a45fc61444d900c9592548e9b8e6a52225d31a2c174
Actions Done in Accordance With Original Issue of Service Bulletin
Actions Done in Accordance With Original Issue of Service Bulletin
(l) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2512, dated May
5, 2005, are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding
actions of this AD.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 26516–26800, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 62dc3d6f30868dca94a2e40a50063ab2852cd5a39ddcd0d8f8a4c40c37450dcb
Parts Installation
Parts Installation
(m) After the effective date of this AD, no person may install
on any airplane a small steel doubler as a repair for cracks or as a
modification at the lower forward corner of the fuselage cutout of
MEDs number 3, in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53-
2218.
Note 2: Although AD 92-27-04, amendment 39-8437, has a
terminating action of installing a small steel doubler in accordance
with Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53-2218, that action is not allowed
after the effective date of this AD.
[[Page 14374]]
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(n)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards
Certificate Holding District Office.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used for any repair required by this AD, if it is approved by an
Authorized Representative for the Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Delegation Option Authorization Organization who has been authorized
by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. For a repair
method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis
of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this
AD.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 26800–28294, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: d280cbd2235ad6911cf1abadb5eb896064e526fa1137fc0ee5da588888269dc5
Material Incorporated by Reference
Material Incorporated by Reference
(o) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2512,
Revision 1, dated August 11, 2005, to perform the actions that are
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director
of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of
this documents in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124-2207, for a copy of this service information. You
may review copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department
of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Room PL-401, Nassif
Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this material at the NARA, call
(202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 28294–29252, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 778b365d6038cc30b2fc0f17d0959c02e64e7fc43a72cbfc92555fa5748f29ae
No replacement link has been established from this edition. The complete historical rule chain and current legal effect remain unknown.
Find all recorded historical references to AD 2006-06-10 · 0 printed reference observations in this pinned collection.
These are observations from one dated publication. Current legal status is unknown; aircraft applicability, installed configuration, compliance and burden require separate evidence. Missing or unparsed conditions remain unknown.
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They were extracted offline from the same immutable official HTML source as the complete recorded text. The dated source wording, original text coordinates and exact quote digests are retained. PDF/text agreement and current regulatory effect have not been qualified.
Observation revision: whole-ad-publication-clause-observations-1.0.1. Text SHA-256: 3d449e7fbd7d3e58de3f603dcfad4125d7327b338b4b98820e422d456c7d03e9. Source manifest: 78401cd9bf3384d6758f096f916333271c44475359a01bf6bfb2ada8c54460ad.
Official source · 2006-03-22
Publication text
This is the complete recorded text of this dated publication.
Current legal effect is unknown. Aircraft applicability, installed configuration and compliance require separate evidence. PDF/text agreement has not been evaluated.
Read the complete official publication text
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 55 (Wednesday, March 22, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14370-14374]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-2676]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-22426; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-105-AD;
Amendment 39-14519; AD 2006-06-10]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-
100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, and 747SR
Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-
300, 747-400, 747-400D, and 747SR series airplanes. This AD requires a
one-time inspection to determine whether any steel doubler (small or
large) is installed at the lower forward and upper aft corners of the
fuselage cutout at main entry doors (MEDs) number 3. Depending on the
results of this inspection, this AD also requires repetitive
inspections for cracks of the skin, bearstrap, and small steel doubler
(if installed) at the applicable corner or corners of the fuselage
cutouts, and related investigative/corrective actions if necessary.
This AD also provides the optional terminating action for the
repetitive inspections of installing a large steel doubler at the
affected corners. This AD results from reports of cracks in the skin
and bearstrap at the upper aft corner and at the lower forward corner
of the fuselage cutout at MEDs number 3. We are issuing this AD to
detect and correct cracks in the skin, bearstrap, and small steel
doubler (if installed), which could propagate and result in rapid
decompression of the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective April 26, 2006.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of April 26,
2006.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building,
Room PL-401, Washington, DC.
Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124-2207, for service information identified in this AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ivan Li, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe
Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 917-6437;
fax (425) 917-6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Examining the Docket
You may examine the airworthiness directive (AD) docket on the
Internet at http://dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Management
Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office
(telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif
Building at the street address stated in the ADDRESSES section.
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to all Boeing Model 747-
100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-300, 747-400, 747-
400D, and 747SR series airplanes. That NPRM was published in the
Federal Register on September 16, 2005 (70 FR 54677). That NPRM
proposed to require a one-time inspection to determine whether any
steel doubler (small or large) is installed at the lower forward and
upper aft corners of the fuselage cutout at main entry doors (MEDs)
number 3. Depending on the results of this inspection, that AD also
proposed to require repetitive inspections for cracks of the skin,
bearstrap, and small steel doubler (if installed) at the applicable
corner or corners of the fuselage cutouts, and related investigative/
corrective actions if necessary. That AD also proposed the optional
terminating action for the repetitive inspections of installing a large
steel doubler at the affected corners.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.
Request To Revise Paragraph (h) to Include Reference to Small Steel
Doubler
Boeing requests that we revise paragraph (h) ``Inspection for Steel
Doublers'' of the NPRM to include instructions to inspect the small
steel doubler (if installed) for cracks. Boeing points out that this
inspection is
[[Page 14371]]
included in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-53A2512, Revision 1, dated August 11, 2005, which was
referenced as the appropriate source of service information for
accomplishing the required actions. Boeing suggests that we revise the
second sentence of paragraph (h) to read: * * * ``Do the applicable
inspections for cracks in the skin, bearstrap, and small steel doubler
(if installed) at the upper aft and lower forward corner.''
We agree. The sentence, as it appeared in the NPRM, omitted the
reference to the small steel doubler. Adding the words that Boeing
suggests will ensure that the inspections are accomplished in
accordance with the procedures in the service bulletin. We have changed
paragraph (h) of the AD to include the reference to inspecting the
small steel doubler for cracks.
Request To Clarify Paragraph (m) Regarding Installing Small Steel
Doublers in Production
Boeing asks that we clarify paragraph (m) ``Parts Installation'' of
the NPRM regarding the installation of small steel doublers in
production. Boeing states that the wording of paragraph (m) in the
NPRM, ``* * * no person shall install on any airplane a small steel
doubler at the lower forward corner * * *'' should read ``no person
shall install on any airplane a small steel doubler at the lower
forward corner as a repair for cracks. * * *'' Boeing points out that
airplanes currently in production have the small steel doubler
installed.
We agree. The paragraph as it is written in the NPRM implies that
the small steel doubler may not be installed at any time after the
effective date of the AD, including in production. Our intent was to
ensure that the small steel doubler is not installed as a repair for
cracks or as a modification. We have changed paragraph (m) of the AD to
include the words ``as a repair for cracks or as a modification at the
lower forward corner of the fuselage cutout at MEDs number 3, in
accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53-2218.''
Request To Clarify Note 2 Regarding Installing Small Steel Doublers in
Production
Boeing requests that we clarify Note 2, which follows paragraph (m)
of the NPRM, regarding the installation of small steel doublers at the
lower forward corner. Boeing states that Note 2 should add the words
``as a repair for cracks'' in reference to installing the small steel
doublers. Boeing explains that airplanes currently in production have a
small steel doubler installed.
We partially agree. We agree that the AD should not prohibit
installing a small steel doubler in production. We disagree with
revising Note 2, because the note refers only to installation of the
small steel doubler done in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin
747-53-2218, Revision 4, dated November 9, 1989. Therefore, Note 2 does
not affect the installation of the small steel doubler in production.
We have not changed the AD in this regard.
Request To Clarify Paragraph (g)(2)
Boeing requests that we clarify paragraph (g)(2), under the heading
``Inspection for Steel Doublers,'' to ensure that the upper aft corners
of all airplanes are inspected, regardless of which steel doubler (if
any) is installed at the lower forward corner. Boeing explains that the
paragraph currently reads, ``For all doubler configurations except
those specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. * * *'' Boeing notes
that paragraph (g)(1) includes airplanes with either a large steel
doubler or no steel doubler installed at the lower forward corner.
Therefore, Boeing states that it can be interpreted that an airplane
that does not have a steel doubler, or that has a large steel doubler
installed at the lower forward corner, does not require inspection at
the upper aft corner. Boeing points out that Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-53A2512, Revision 1, requires an inspection at the upper
aft corner, regardless of which steel doubler (if any) is installed at
the lower forward corner.
We partially agree. We agree that the upper aft corner requires
inspection, regardless of which steel doubler (if any) is installed at
the lower forward corner. We disagree with revising paragraph (g)(2)
because paragraph (g) of the NPRM already requires the inspection of
both the lower forward and upper aft corners for all airplanes that are
subject to the requirements of the AD. Paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) do
not describe inspections; they describe what to do according to the
results of inspection required by paragraph (g). These two paragraphs
apply to the configuration of specific cutout corners that will be
revealed by the inspection required by paragraph (g), as noted by the
phrase ``no further action is required by this AD for that cutout
corner'' in paragraph (g)(1). Paragraph (g)(1) applies to the corner if
the inspection in paragraph (g) reveals a cutout corner where a large
steel doubler is installed or a lower forward cutout corner where no
steel doubler is installed. Paragraph (g)(2) applies to cutout corners
with doubler configurations other than those described in paragraph
(g)(1). We have not changed the AD in this regard.
Request To Refer to Additional Service Bulletin in ``Other Relevant
Rulemaking'' Section
Boeing requests that we list Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53A2500
(which the commenter indicates is part of AD 2004-07-22, amendment 39-
13566 (69 FR 18250, April 17, 2004) in the ``Other Relevant
Rulemaking'' section. Boeing states that this section already refers to
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53-2349, dated June 27, 1991, which applies
to Boeing Model 747-100, -200, and -300 airplanes that don't have a
nose cargo door. Boeing points out that Boeing Service Bulletin 747-
53A2500, dated December 21, 2004, is similar to Boeing Service Bulletin
747-53-2349, except that it applies to Boeing Model 747-400 airplanes,
and airplanes with a nose cargo door.
We partially agree. We agree that this AD is related to Boeing
Service Bulletin 747-53A2500 as well as to Boeing Service Bulletin 747-
53-2349. We note that Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53A2500 is not the
subject of AD 2004-07-22, but is the subject of another NPRM, Docket
No. FAA-2005-22526, Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-008-AD (70 FR 56860,
September 29, 2005). That NPRM proposes the inspection of the MEDs
number 3 cutout surround structure for certain airplanes affected by
this AD. However, since the ``Other Relevant Rulemaking'' section of
the preamble does not reappear in the final rule, we have not changed
the AD in this regard.
Request To Revise the ``Relevant Service Information'' Section To Refer
to a Detailed Visual Inspection
Boeing requests that we revise the fifth sentence in the second
paragraph of the ``Relevant Service Information'' section of the NPRM
to read: ``do a general visual inspection to determine which steel
doubler (if any) is installed and to determine if there are any
previous repair trimouts in the skin and/or bearstrap. If a small steel
doubler is installed, do a detailed visual inspection of the steel
doubler for cracks. If previous repair trimouts are present, do an X-
ray inspection for cracks in the skin or bearstrap at the edges of the
trimouts, or alternatively remove the small steel doubler and do a
high-frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection of the edges of the
trimouts for cracks.'' Boeing states that in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-53A2512, Revision 1, a general visual inspection is used
to determine which steel doubler, if any, is installed. If a small
[[Page 14372]]
doubler is installed, a detailed visual inspection is used to detect
cracks. Boeing further states that a general visual inspection is also
used to determine if previous repair trimouts are present in the skin
and/or bearstrap, and if there are, an X-ray inspection is used to
inspect the edges of the trimouts.
We partially agree. We note that the description of inspection
requirements provided by the commenter is mostly accurate, except that
the service bulletin also specifies a general visual inspection for
cracks in the small steel doubler in addition to a detailed visual
inspection. Step (3) of Figures 1, 9, 13, and 21 in Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-53A2512, Revision 1, which is the appropriate source of
information for the referenced inspection, specifies a general visual
inspection of the small steel doubler for cracks. Therefore, the
``Relevant Service Information'' section of the NPRM accurately
reflects the service bulletin. In addition, that section of the
preamble does not reappear in the final rule. We have not changed the
AD in this regard.
Request To Change Reference to Inspection in Summary
Boeing requests that we change the phrase ``one-time inspection to
determine whether any steel doubler (large or small) is installed * *
*'' to read ``general visual inspection to determine.'' Boeing explains
that a general visual inspection is done each time the inspection is
accomplished. The follow-on actions depend on what type of steel
doubler (if any) is installed at the time. Boeing further explains that
neither Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2512, Revision 1, nor the
instructions in the body of the NPRM specify a one-time inspection.
We disagree with changing the Summary section to include a
reference to a ``general visual inspection.'' The summary is intended
to give an overview of the proposed requirements, and is not intended
to define the inspection methods. The remainder of the preamble to the
NPRM and the body of the AD define the inspection methods. In addition,
users of ADs have requested in the past that we include in the Summary
section whether their obligation in fulfilling the inspection
requirements of the AD will include repetitive or one-time inspections;
we intended to propose a one-time inspection in the NPRM and stated so
in the summary. The NPRM proposed to prohibit any future installation
of a small steel doubler at the lower forward corner as a repair for
cracks or as a modification; we have determined that further inspection
for doubler configuration is not necessary. We have not changed the AD
in this regard.
Request To Postpone Issuing AD
Boeing forwarded a comment from an airplane operator. The airplane
operator requests that we postpone issuing the AD until the
manufacturer improves the availability of repair kits, and after the
manufacturer clarifies the modification procedures referenced in Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2512, Revision 1. Boeing states that the
clarification to the procedures is due to be released in a new
structural repair manual section.
We disagree with postponing the AD based on parts availability. We
have identified an unsafe condition on the affected airplanes, and this
unsafe condition must be corrected within the compliance times
specified in the AD. In addition to these kits being available from
Boeing, these kits may also be fabricated by the operator, as the
repair doublers are machined from steel sheets. We will consider
alternative methods of compliance in accordance with the procedures in
paragraph (n) of this AD. We have not changed the AD in this regard.
Request To Revise Cost Estimate
The Air Transport Association and Northwest Airlines point out that
the cost estimate in the NPRM includes only the time it would take for
operators to verify whether large, small, or no doubler(s) exist at the
lower forward and upper aft corners. The commenters state that most
airplanes currently in operation that are affected by the NPRM are
likely to have small doublers installed at both lower forward and upper
aft corners. The commenters state that the 1-work-hour figure per
airplane that is cited in the NPRM gives a misleading view of the scope
of the work associated with performing the additional inspection tasks
for airplanes that have doublers installed. Therefore, the commenters
recommend that the labor estimate be adjusted to 12 work-hours, as
specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2512, Revision 1.
We do not agree. The costs of compliance discussed in NPRMs
represent only the time necessary to perform the specific actions
actually proposed by the NPRM. These figures typically do not include
on-condition costs, such as related investigative and corrective
actions following an initial inspection finding; nor do they include
incidental costs, such as the time required to gain access and close
up, planning time, or time necessitated by other administrative
actions. Although we agree that the work-hours required for an operator
to comply with the requirements of the AD may be more than the hours
reflected in the cost estimate, we cannot predict on-condition costs
for the entire fleet. We have not changed the AD in this regard.
Clarification of Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC) Paragraph
We have revised this action to clarify the appropriate procedure
for notifying the principal inspector before using any approved AMOC on
any airplane to which the AMOC applies.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the
comments received, and determined that air safety and the public
interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously.
We have determined that these changes will neither increase the
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 710 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. The following table provides the estimated costs for
U.S. operators to comply with this AD.
Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of U.S.-
Action Work hours Average labor Parts Cost per registered Fleet cost
rate per hour airplane airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One-time general visual inspection..... 1 $65 None...................... $65 170 $11,050
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 14373]]
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.
We are 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
We have determined that 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) 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES
section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
2006-06-10 Boeing: Amendment 39-14519. Docket No. FAA-2005-22426;
Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-105-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective April 26, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) Installing a large steel doubler at the lower forward corner
of the fuselage cutout at main entry doors (MEDs) number 3 in
accordance with AD 92-27-04, amendment 39-8437, terminates the
inspection requirements of this AD for that area only.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B
SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, and 747SR
series airplanes, certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the skin and
bearstrap at the upper aft corner and at the lower forward corner of
the fuselage cutout at MEDs number 3. We are issuing this AD to
detect and correct cracks in the skin, bearstrap, and small steel
doubler (if installed), which could propagate and result in rapid
decompression of the airplane.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Service Bulletin Reference
(f) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2512, Revision 1, dated August 11, 2005.
Inspection for Steel Doublers
(g) Prior to the accumulation of 10,000 total flight cycles or
within 1,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later: Do a general visual inspection of the lower
forward and upper aft corners of the fuselage cutout at MEDs number
3 to determine whether a small, a large, or no steel doubler is
installed, and do the applicable action in paragraphs (g)(1) and
(g)(2) of this AD. Do all actions in accordance with the service
bulletin.
(1) If a large steel doubler is installed, or if no steel
doubler is installed at the lower forward corner, no further action
is required by this AD for that cutout corner, except the
requirements of paragraph (m) of this AD continue to apply.
Note 1: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2512 refers to
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53-2218, Revision 5, dated March 26,
1992, as an additional source of service information for inspecting
airplanes that are determined by the inspection required by
paragraph (g) of this AD to have no steel doubler (large or small)
installed at the lower forward corner of the fuselage cutout at MEDs
number 3.
(2) For all doubler configurations except those specified in
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, do the actions in paragraph (h) of this
AD at the applicable time in that paragraph.
Inspections for Cracks, and Related Investigative and Corrective
Actions
(h) For the doubler configurations specified in paragraph (g)(2)
of this AD, at the times specified in paragraph 1.E. ``Compliance''
of the service bulletin (except as required by paragraph (i) of this
AD): Do the applicable inspections for cracks in the skin,
bearstrap, and small steel doubler (if installed), at the upper aft
corner and at the lower forward corner of the fuselage cutout at
MEDs number 3, and do all applicable related investigative actions
and corrective actions before further flight by doing all the
actions in accordance with the service bulletin. Repeat the
inspections thereafter at the intervals specified in paragraph 1.E,
``Compliance'' of the service bulletin. Where the service bulletin
specifies to contact the manufacturer for instructions on how to
repair certain conditions, do the repair using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (n) of this
AD.
(i) Where the service bulletin specifies compliance times
relative to the date of issuance of the service bulletin, this AD
requires compliance relative to the effective date of this AD.
Terminating Action
(j) Installing a large steel doubler in accordance with the
service bulletin terminates the repetitive inspection requirements
of this AD for the corner of the fuselage cutout at MEDs number 3 at
which the large steel doubler is installed.
No Reporting Required
(k) Although the service bulletin referenced in this AD
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
Actions Done in Accordance With Original Issue of Service Bulletin
(l) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2512, dated May
5, 2005, are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding
actions of this AD.
Parts Installation
(m) After the effective date of this AD, no person may install
on any airplane a small steel doubler as a repair for cracks or as a
modification at the lower forward corner of the fuselage cutout of
MEDs number 3, in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53-
2218.
Note 2: Although AD 92-27-04, amendment 39-8437, has a
terminating action of installing a small steel doubler in accordance
with Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53-2218, that action is not allowed
after the effective date of this AD.
[[Page 14374]]
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(n)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards
Certificate Holding District Office.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used for any repair required by this AD, if it is approved by an
Authorized Representative for the Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Delegation Option Authorization Organization who has been authorized
by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. For a repair
method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis
of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this
AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(o) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2512,
Revision 1, dated August 11, 2005, to perform the actions that are
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director
of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of
this documents in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124-2207, for a copy of this service information. You
may review copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department
of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Room PL-401, Nassif
Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this material at the NARA, call
(202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 9, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 06-2676 Filed 3-21-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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