Published 2012-11-26 · Federal Register document 2012-26666
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
Publication summary
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747- 200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the main entry door number 1 upper main sill outer chord, along the bend radius of the chord on several airplanes. This AD requires a general visual inspection to identify any existing structural repair manual (SRM) repairs of the upper main sill outer chord of the left and right side main entry door number 1, repetitive detailed inspections for cracks in the upper main sill of the door(s); and related investigative and corrective actions, if necessary. This AD also requires repetitive inspections for airplanes on which a certain repair is done, and corrective actions if necessary, and reduces certain compliance times. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the main entry door number 1 upper main sill outer chord, along the bend radius of the chord, which could result in loss of structural integrity of the airplane.
Why this record is shown
Source: Federal Register annual FAA metadata. Acquired 2026-09-03T22:23:39.502075+00:00. The title, summary and date are source facts.
- Source revision
- federal_register_ad_metadata_2012-08bffa249ae9a205
- Source row
- results[372]
- Raw source SHA-256
- 08bffa249ae9a2053bbfc0d74663d089914e83fb91f9bc4c8409ea28239f6875
Final-rule publication
Recorded publication clauses
- AD identifier printed in this edition
- 2012-22-03
- Effective date printed in this edition
- 2012-12-31
Read 21 complete recorded clauses
Effective Date
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective December 31, 2012.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 12589–12654, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 29e9579bbeda47249c4db02ba9ebc37a1e88561d813714af028f0b402c212ab4
Affected ADs
(b) Affected ADs
AD 2009-18-07, Amendment 39-16003 (74 FR 43629, August 27,
2009); and AD 2010-01-01, Amendment 39-16157 (75 FR 1533, January
12, 2010); affect this AD.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 12654–12831, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 8e5b4c2be977964705e1e7bfa7433c4826b2cda453292047caa08990945f7a94
Applicability wording · Applicability
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-
100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400,
747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes, certificated
in any category.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 12831–13072, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 9037d87439fe8bf0759fd548a1fac7fc8e026580892d5bc553e52132832ba560
Subject
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53: Fuselage.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 13072–13152, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 8d39f8312d33fea636d251e354f4e92ae7730ae956c9bd48690c12c9cf92e954
Unsafe Condition
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the main entry door
number 1 upper main sill outer chord, along the bend radius of the
chord on several airplanes. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct such cracks, which could result in loss of structural
integrity of the airplane.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 13152–13469, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: f1c34ab6d53d75fa6e35dc4c6c8c1caca0a5d3822e66571a82aeab3cdf7efe49
Compliance
(f) Compliance
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 13469–13647, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: af3956da952ca797ed39bc4b318e4356f7014ac5b4c12bda0147d37f1ffa6cb8
Inspection for Groups 1 Through 4 Airplanes
(g) Inspection for Groups 1 Through 4 Airplanes
For Groups 1 through 4 airplanes, as identified in Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010: At
the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July
15, 2010, except as provided by paragraphs (p) and (q) of this AD,
do a one-time general visual inspection to identify any existing
structural repair manual (SRM) repairs of the upper main sill outer
chord of the left and right main entry door 1, as applicable. Remove
any existing SRM outer chord repair that is found, before further
flight, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010.
In addition, after doing the one-time general visual inspection to
identify any existing SRM repairs of the upper main sill outer chord
of the left and right main entry door 1, before further flight, do a
detailed inspection for cracks of the main upper sill outer chord,
web, and frame attachment angles (or clips) of the left and right
main entry door 1, as applicable. Do all actions in accordance with
Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010. If no crack
and no existing SRM outer chord repair is found during any
inspection required by this paragraph, at the applicable time
specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010, except as
provided by paragraphs (p) and (q) of this AD, repeat thereafter the
detailed inspection for cracks, at intervals specified in paragraph
1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2785,
Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010, until the outer chord repair
specified in Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010,
is installed.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 13647–15676, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: ac9ca49dc6a4cdb80f3046044b4c19c71d9aca60f47c488799834fb0d90793bc
Inspection for Groups 5 Through 7 Airplanes
(h) Inspection for Groups 5 Through 7 Airplanes
For Groups 5 through 7 airplanes, as identified in Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010: At
the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July
15, 2010, except as provided by paragraphs (p) and (q) of this AD,
do a detailed inspection for cracks of the main upper sill outer
chord, web, and frame attachment angles (or clips) of the left and
right main entry door 1, as applicable, in accordance with Part 2 of
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010. If no crack is found
during any inspection required by this paragraph, at the applicable
time specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010,
except as provided by paragraphs (p) and (q) of this AD, repeat
thereafter the detailed inspection for cracks, at intervals
specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010, until the
outer chord repair specified in Part 3 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision
1, dated July 15, 2010, is installed.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 15676–17035, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 27a527658b129f14eabdab614c0f872f8d7229305b8aaf55d21cfada244c43c7
Repair for Groups 1 Through 4 Airplanes
(i) Repair for Groups 1 Through 4 Airplanes
For Groups 1 through 4 airplanes, as identified in Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010: If an
existing SRM outer chord repair is found and removed during the
inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further
flight, install a new outer chord repair in accordance with Part 3
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 17035–17533, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: c0c659b050c78eba38da445d79aeaa8ada08bd4b3fb9f562c483a42e132cb953
Repair of Outer Chord Crack or Cracked Frame Attachment Angles (or Clips)
(j) Repair of Outer Chord Crack or Cracked Frame Attachment Angles (or
Clips)
If any outer chord crack or cracked frame attachment angles (or
clips) are found during any inspection required by paragraph (g) or
(h) of this AD, before further flight, repair, in accordance with
Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 17533–17941, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 320a1842fe41c76feef6185b73ddc7c1a90e324343e84c2745ed55b365c60747
Repair of Upper Main Sill Web Crack
(k) Repair of Upper Main Sill Web Crack
If any upper main sill web crack is found during any inspection
required by paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD, before further flight,
repair the crack using a method approved in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (s) of this AD. For Boeing Model
747-400 series airplanes only, the repair may also be done in
accordance with Figure 201, of Repair 1, ``Main Entry Door Number 1
Upper Main Sill Web Crack Repair from STA 440 to STA 480,'' of
Subject 53-10-15, ``Fuselage Door Surround Structure-Section 41,''
of Chapter 53, ``Fuselage,'' of Boeing 747-400 Structural Repair
Manual, Revision 83, dated June 20, 2012.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 17941–18626, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: d941a5f2695b35bd5c687aa24bee11dd7e03f7e4ace7199f81ea2bab31c3bf17
Inspection
(l) Inspection
If any upper main sill web or frame attachment angles (or clips)
have been repaired as specified in PART 3--REPAIR of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010, and the outer chord repair
specified in PART 3--REPAIR of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July
15, 2010, has not been installed, at the applicable time specified
in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010, except as provided by
paragraphs (p) and (q) of this AD, do a detailed inspection for
cracks as specified in paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD, as
applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July
15, 2010. Repeat the inspections in paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD,
as applicable, thereafter at intervals specified in paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2785,
Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010, until the outer chord repair
specified in Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Alert
[[Page 70365]]
Service Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010, is
installed.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 18626–19938, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 968ee67ce33ae27f49bd074adb00dc8a09629c172b1a5d0428dcf20b56f46101
Post-Repair Inspection
(m) Post-Repair Inspection
For airplanes having the outer chord repair installed as
specified in PART 3--REPAIR of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July
15, 2010: At the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2785,
Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010, except as provided by paragraphs
(p) and (q) of this AD, do a detailed inspection for cracks of the
left and right main entry door 1 upper sill, as applicable, with the
outer chord repair installed, in accordance with PART 5--AFTER-
REPAIR INSPECTION of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010.
Repeat the inspection for cracks thereafter at the applicable
intervals specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 19938–20890, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 1b558ce2d5ad902a29c7d48a809e5b27967c05cb8131516c1a5428bc200504c4
Repair of Any Crack Found From Post-Repair Inspection
(n) Repair of Any Crack Found From Post-Repair Inspection
Repair any crack found during any inspection required by
paragraph (m) of this AD, before further flight, using a method
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph
(s) of this AD.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 20890–21160, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 9d23a5e35f12d9d1ced557cc564496051bbebf4e6407c5cc8eb54f72440dcf42
Credit for Inspections Required by AD 2009-18-07, Amendment 39- 16003 (74 FR 43629, August 27, 2009), or AD 2010-01-01, Amendment 39- 16157 (75 FR 1533, January 12, 2010), and AMOC for the Repairs Required by Those ADs
(o) Credit for Inspections Required by AD 2009-18-07, Amendment 39-
16003 (74 FR 43629, August 27, 2009), or AD 2010-01-01, Amendment 39-
16157 (75 FR 1533, January 12, 2010), and AMOC for the Repairs Required
by Those ADs
(1) Accomplishing the main entry door 1 cutout detailed
inspection required by AD 2009-18-07, Amendment 39-16003 (74 FR
43629, August 27, 2009); or AD 2010-01-01, Amendment 39-16157 (75 FR
1533, January 12, 2010); as applicable; before the effective date of
this AD is acceptable for compliance with the detailed inspection
requirements of paragraphs (g), (h), (l), and (m) of this AD only.
The one-time general visual inspection of paragraph (g) of this AD
is still required. For the repaired area only, accomplishment of the
applicable repair required by paragraphs (j) and (k) of this AD is
acceptable for compliance with paragraph (l) of AD 2009-18-07, and
paragraph (h) of AD 2010-01-01.
(2) For all applicable airplanes that have accumulated 22,000
total flight cycles or more as of October 1, 2009 (the effective
date of AD 2009-18-07, Amendment 39-16003 (74 FR 43629, August 27,
2009)), AD 2009-18-07 requires accomplishing the main entry door 1
cutout detailed inspection in accordance with Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-53A2349, Revision 3, dated October 2, 2008 (which is
incorporated by reference in AD 2009-18-07). For all applicable
airplanes (except Model 747-400 series airplanes modified to the
Model 747-400 large cargo freighter (LCF) configuration) that have
accumulated 22,000 total flight cycles or more as of February 16,
2010 (the effective date of AD 2010-01-01, Amendment 39-16157 (75 FR
1533, January 12, 2010)), AD 2010-01-01 requires accomplishing the
main entry door 1 cutout detailed inspection in accordance with
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2500, Revision 1, dated
September 25, 2008 (which is incorporated by reference in AD 2010-
01-01). For Model 747-400 series airplanes modified to the Model
747-400 LCF configuration and having accumulated 15,000 total flight
cycles or more as of February 16, 2010 (the effective date of AD
2010-01-01), AD 2010-01-01 requires accomplishing the inspections in
accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2500, Revision
1, dated September 25, 2008 (which is incorporated by reference in
AD 2010-01-01).
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 21160–23520, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 5b6dd368acea148fd9c1a282d1a04f0faae3b98585323cf89c1f008c9b66290e
Exception to the Service Information
(p) Exception to the Service Information
Where paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010, specifies a
compliance time ``after the original issue date of this service
bulletin,'' or ``after the date on Revision 1 of this service
bulletin,'' this AD requires compliance within the specified
compliance time after the effective date of this AD.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 23520–23941, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: ac9c2c9a3f8375162cddffa976e10ae49b723d2d2615e81286fb613df74a10c6
Exception to Compliance Time
(q) Exception to Compliance Time
Where paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010, specifies a
compliance time of ``within'' a specified ``total flight-cycles,''
this AD requires compliance ``before the accumulation'' of the
specified total flight cycles.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 23941–24274, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 4404e32d5f55f9562e4f0cec72087343a56349e23bc639d731a251acf7a0f6f4
Credit for Previous Actions
(r) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraphs (g), (h), (i), (j), (k), (l), (m), and (n) of this AD, if
those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD
using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2785, dated February 12,
2009, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 24274–24635, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 90d9f94273a41353d0b0233532b83b9747495bb4ed064ba30d0c22e247731ea2
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(s) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
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 ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in the Related Information
section 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 required by this AD if it is approved by the
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization
(ODA) that 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 24635–25866, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: f26e29615f5a23910b007db124a44e05daa9f14dfe95fc13db6f119ae9f5654c
Related Information
(t) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Ivan Li,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington
98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6437; fax (425) 917-6590; email:
[email protected].
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone
206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 25866–26458, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: ba1620b2dc884209e2d5a371b1a7f634e9845ff769a88b5fe4ed9834ef648ee2
Material Incorporated by Reference
(u) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the following service
information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use the following service information to do the
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated
July 15, 2010.
(ii) Figure 201, of Repair 1, ``Main Entry Door Number 1 Upper
Main Sill Web Crack Repair from STA 440 to STA 480,'' of Subject 53-
10-15, ``Fuselage Door Surround Structure-Section 41,'' of Chapter
53, ``Fuselage,'' of Boeing 747-400 Structural Repair Manual,
Revision 83, dated June 20, 2012.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone
206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com
(4) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at
the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
(5) You may also review copies of the 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, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 26458–28017, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: c3302d3fc14708ba00750702b5a05a94e28d8df72a32820f1b6e44e881851af9
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 2012-22-03 · 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.
Why these observations are shown
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: c07c280134e182ad1a3d6298795c85552aca4a492a8ba7a565a41c4ec9009b97. Source manifest: d7a1552f52fb81eeea941c9a3743e4aea7663446c8c9938685a1aa628f9741d7.
Official source · 2012-11-26
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.
Literal source encoding markers are preserved as printed strings. They have not been interpreted as symbols or legal requirements.
Read the complete official publication text
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 227 (Monday, November 26, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70362-70365]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-26666]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2009-0794; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-035-AD;
Amendment 39-17239; AD 2012-22-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The
Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-
200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP
series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the main
entry door number 1 upper main sill outer chord, along the bend radius
of the chord on several airplanes. This AD requires a general visual
inspection to identify any existing structural repair manual (SRM)
repairs of the upper main sill outer chord of the left and right side
main entry door number 1, repetitive detailed inspections for cracks in
the upper main sill of the door(s); and related investigative and
corrective actions, if necessary. This AD also requires repetitive
inspections for airplanes on which a certain repair is done, and
corrective actions if necessary, and reduces certain compliance times.
We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the main entry
door number 1 upper main sill outer chord, along the bend radius of the
chord, which could result in loss of structural integrity of the
airplane.
DATES: This AD is effective December 31, 2012.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of December 31,
2012.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone 206-
544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The address for the
Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is Document Management Facility,
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: Ivan Li, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe
Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: (425) 917-6437; fax:
(425) 917-6590; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to
amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that
would apply to the specified products. That supplemental NPRM published
in the Federal Register on December 29, 2011 (76 FR 81879). The
original NPRM (74 FR 49351, September 28, 2009) proposed to require a
general visual inspection to identify any existing SRM repairs of the
upper main sill outer chord of the left and right side main entry door
number 1, as applicable; repetitive detailed inspections for cracks in
the upper main sill of the door(s); and related investigative and
corrective actions, if necessary. The original NPRM also proposed to
require repetitive inspections for airplanes on which a certain repair
is done, and corrective actions if necessary The supplemental NPRM
proposed to revise the original NPRM by reducing certain compliance
times.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal
(76 FR 81879, December 29, 2011) and the FAA's response to each
comment.
Request To Repair Crack by Using SRM
Boeing requested that we revise paragraph (k) of the supplemental
NPRM (76 FR 81879, December 29, 2011) to allow, for repair of any crack
found during any inspection specified
[[Page 70363]]
in paragraph (g) or (h) of the supplemental NPRM, using ``the FAA
approved Boeing 747-400 SRM 53-10-15, Fig 201 Repair 1-``MED <greek-i>1
Upper Main Sill web'' or a method approved in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (s) of this AD.'' Boeing explained
that the Boeing 747-400 SRM provides an FAA-approved repair, and that
allowing its use for repairs would reduce the resource requirements of
providing alternative method of compliance (AMOC) approvals.
We agree to include the SRM reference requested by Boeing for Model
747-400 series airplanes. We have revised paragraph (k) of this final
rule accordingly.
Request To Revise Inspection Compliance
Boeing requested that we revise paragraph (l) of the supplemental
NPRM (76 FR 81879, December 29, 2011) to explain that the specified
inspection is repeated only until the outer chord repair is installed
(as specified in Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010).
Boeing explained that paragraphs (g) and (h) of the supplemental NPRM
allow termination of repetitive inspections if that repair has been
accomplished. Boeing reasoned that paragraph (l) of the supplemental
NPRM implies that inspections are ongoing.
We agree with the commenter's request for the reasons stated by
Boeing. We have revised paragraph (l) of this final rule accordingly.
Request To Include Certain Paragraphs as Acceptable for Repair
Requirements of AD 2010-01-01, Amendment 39-16157 (75 FR 1533, January
12, 2010)
All Nippon Airways (ANA) requested that we revise paragraph (o) of
the supplemental NPRM (76 FR 81879, December 29, 2011) to reference
paragraphs (j) and (k) of the supplemental NPRM as acceptable for
compliance with AD 2010-01-01, Amendment 39-16157 (75 FR 1533, January
12, 2010). ANA explained that, otherwise, operators would have to
obtain an AMOC for the requirements of AD 2010-01-01 when they repair
the subject area per paragraph (j) or (k) of the supplemental NPRM.
We agree that accomplishment of the repairs required by paragraphs
(j) and (k) of this AD are acceptable for compliance with the repair
requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 2010-01-01, Amendment 39-16157 (75
FR 1533, January 12, 2010). In addition, we have determined that
accomplishment of the repairs required by paragraphs (j) and (k) of
this AD are acceptable for compliance with paragraph (l) of AD 2009-18-
07, Amendment 39-16003 (74 FR 43629, August 27, 2009). We have revised
paragraph (o) of this final rule accordingly.
Explanation of Additional Changes Made to This AD
We have revised the heading and wording for paragraph (r) of this
AD to provide appropriate credit for previous accomplishment of certain
actions. This change does not affect the intent of that paragraph.
We have re-identified Note 1 to paragraph (o) of the supplemental
NPRM (76 FR 81879, December 29, 2011) as paragraph (o)(2) in this final
rule.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
the AD with the changes described previously--and minor editorial
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
<bullet> [Agr]re consistent with the intent that was proposed in
the supplemental NPRM (76 FR 81879, December 29, 2011) for correcting
the unsafe condition; and
<bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the supplemental NPRM (76 FR 81879, December 29,
2011).
We also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 165 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of U.S.-
Action Work hours Parts cost Cost per registered Cost on U.S.
product airplanes operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection (Groups 1, 3, 5-6 6 work-hours x $0 $510 per 86 $43,860 per
airplanes). $85 per hour = inspection inspection
$510. cycle. cycle.
Inspection (Groups 2, 4, 7 3 work-hours x $0 $255 per 79 $20,145 per
airplanes). $85 per hour = inspection inspection
$255. cycle. cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.
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
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,
[[Page 70364]]
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) 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):
2012-22-03 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-17239; Docket No. FAA-
2009-0794; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-035-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective December 31, 2012.
(b) Affected ADs
AD 2009-18-07, Amendment 39-16003 (74 FR 43629, August 27,
2009); and AD 2010-01-01, Amendment 39-16157 (75 FR 1533, January
12, 2010); affect this AD.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-
100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400,
747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes, certificated
in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53: Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the main entry door
number 1 upper main sill outer chord, along the bend radius of the
chord on several airplanes. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct such cracks, which could result in loss of structural
integrity of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions
have already been done.
(g) Inspection for Groups 1 Through 4 Airplanes
For Groups 1 through 4 airplanes, as identified in Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010: At
the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July
15, 2010, except as provided by paragraphs (p) and (q) of this AD,
do a one-time general visual inspection to identify any existing
structural repair manual (SRM) repairs of the upper main sill outer
chord of the left and right main entry door 1, as applicable. Remove
any existing SRM outer chord repair that is found, before further
flight, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010.
In addition, after doing the one-time general visual inspection to
identify any existing SRM repairs of the upper main sill outer chord
of the left and right main entry door 1, before further flight, do a
detailed inspection for cracks of the main upper sill outer chord,
web, and frame attachment angles (or clips) of the left and right
main entry door 1, as applicable. Do all actions in accordance with
Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010. If no crack
and no existing SRM outer chord repair is found during any
inspection required by this paragraph, at the applicable time
specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010, except as
provided by paragraphs (p) and (q) of this AD, repeat thereafter the
detailed inspection for cracks, at intervals specified in paragraph
1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2785,
Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010, until the outer chord repair
specified in Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010,
is installed.
(h) Inspection for Groups 5 Through 7 Airplanes
For Groups 5 through 7 airplanes, as identified in Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010: At
the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July
15, 2010, except as provided by paragraphs (p) and (q) of this AD,
do a detailed inspection for cracks of the main upper sill outer
chord, web, and frame attachment angles (or clips) of the left and
right main entry door 1, as applicable, in accordance with Part 2 of
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010. If no crack is found
during any inspection required by this paragraph, at the applicable
time specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010,
except as provided by paragraphs (p) and (q) of this AD, repeat
thereafter the detailed inspection for cracks, at intervals
specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010, until the
outer chord repair specified in Part 3 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision
1, dated July 15, 2010, is installed.
(i) Repair for Groups 1 Through 4 Airplanes
For Groups 1 through 4 airplanes, as identified in Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010: If an
existing SRM outer chord repair is found and removed during the
inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further
flight, install a new outer chord repair in accordance with Part 3
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010.
(j) Repair of Outer Chord Crack or Cracked Frame Attachment Angles (or
Clips)
If any outer chord crack or cracked frame attachment angles (or
clips) are found during any inspection required by paragraph (g) or
(h) of this AD, before further flight, repair, in accordance with
Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010.
(k) Repair of Upper Main Sill Web Crack
If any upper main sill web crack is found during any inspection
required by paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD, before further flight,
repair the crack using a method approved in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (s) of this AD. For Boeing Model
747-400 series airplanes only, the repair may also be done in
accordance with Figure 201, of Repair 1, ``Main Entry Door Number 1
Upper Main Sill Web Crack Repair from STA 440 to STA 480,'' of
Subject 53-10-15, ``Fuselage Door Surround Structure-Section 41,''
of Chapter 53, ``Fuselage,'' of Boeing 747-400 Structural Repair
Manual, Revision 83, dated June 20, 2012.
(l) Inspection
If any upper main sill web or frame attachment angles (or clips)
have been repaired as specified in PART 3--REPAIR of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010, and the outer chord repair
specified in PART 3--REPAIR of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July
15, 2010, has not been installed, at the applicable time specified
in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010, except as provided by
paragraphs (p) and (q) of this AD, do a detailed inspection for
cracks as specified in paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD, as
applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July
15, 2010. Repeat the inspections in paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD,
as applicable, thereafter at intervals specified in paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2785,
Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010, until the outer chord repair
specified in Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Alert
[[Page 70365]]
Service Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010, is
installed.
(m) Post-Repair Inspection
For airplanes having the outer chord repair installed as
specified in PART 3--REPAIR of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July
15, 2010: At the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2785,
Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010, except as provided by paragraphs
(p) and (q) of this AD, do a detailed inspection for cracks of the
left and right main entry door 1 upper sill, as applicable, with the
outer chord repair installed, in accordance with PART 5--AFTER-
REPAIR INSPECTION of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010.
Repeat the inspection for cracks thereafter at the applicable
intervals specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010.
(n) Repair of Any Crack Found From Post-Repair Inspection
Repair any crack found during any inspection required by
paragraph (m) of this AD, before further flight, using a method
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph
(s) of this AD.
(o) Credit for Inspections Required by AD 2009-18-07, Amendment 39-
16003 (74 FR 43629, August 27, 2009), or AD 2010-01-01, Amendment 39-
16157 (75 FR 1533, January 12, 2010), and AMOC for the Repairs Required
by Those ADs
(1) Accomplishing the main entry door 1 cutout detailed
inspection required by AD 2009-18-07, Amendment 39-16003 (74 FR
43629, August 27, 2009); or AD 2010-01-01, Amendment 39-16157 (75 FR
1533, January 12, 2010); as applicable; before the effective date of
this AD is acceptable for compliance with the detailed inspection
requirements of paragraphs (g), (h), (l), and (m) of this AD only.
The one-time general visual inspection of paragraph (g) of this AD
is still required. For the repaired area only, accomplishment of the
applicable repair required by paragraphs (j) and (k) of this AD is
acceptable for compliance with paragraph (l) of AD 2009-18-07, and
paragraph (h) of AD 2010-01-01.
(2) For all applicable airplanes that have accumulated 22,000
total flight cycles or more as of October 1, 2009 (the effective
date of AD 2009-18-07, Amendment 39-16003 (74 FR 43629, August 27,
2009)), AD 2009-18-07 requires accomplishing the main entry door 1
cutout detailed inspection in accordance with Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-53A2349, Revision 3, dated October 2, 2008 (which is
incorporated by reference in AD 2009-18-07). For all applicable
airplanes (except Model 747-400 series airplanes modified to the
Model 747-400 large cargo freighter (LCF) configuration) that have
accumulated 22,000 total flight cycles or more as of February 16,
2010 (the effective date of AD 2010-01-01, Amendment 39-16157 (75 FR
1533, January 12, 2010)), AD 2010-01-01 requires accomplishing the
main entry door 1 cutout detailed inspection in accordance with
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2500, Revision 1, dated
September 25, 2008 (which is incorporated by reference in AD 2010-
01-01). For Model 747-400 series airplanes modified to the Model
747-400 LCF configuration and having accumulated 15,000 total flight
cycles or more as of February 16, 2010 (the effective date of AD
2010-01-01), AD 2010-01-01 requires accomplishing the inspections in
accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2500, Revision
1, dated September 25, 2008 (which is incorporated by reference in
AD 2010-01-01).
(p) Exception to the Service Information
Where paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010, specifies a
compliance time ``after the original issue date of this service
bulletin,'' or ``after the date on Revision 1 of this service
bulletin,'' this AD requires compliance within the specified
compliance time after the effective date of this AD.
(q) Exception to Compliance Time
Where paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated July 15, 2010, specifies a
compliance time of ``within'' a specified ``total flight-cycles,''
this AD requires compliance ``before the accumulation'' of the
specified total flight cycles.
(r) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraphs (g), (h), (i), (j), (k), (l), (m), and (n) of this AD, if
those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD
using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2785, dated February 12,
2009, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
(s) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
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 ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in the Related Information
section 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 required by this AD if it is approved by the
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization
(ODA) that 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.
(t) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Ivan Li,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington
98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6437; fax (425) 917-6590; email:
[email protected].
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone
206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com
(u) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the following service
information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use the following service information to do the
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2785, Revision 1, dated
July 15, 2010.
(ii) Figure 201, of Repair 1, ``Main Entry Door Number 1 Upper
Main Sill Web Crack Repair from STA 440 to STA 480,'' of Subject 53-
10-15, ``Fuselage Door Surround Structure-Section 41,'' of Chapter
53, ``Fuselage,'' of Boeing 747-400 Structural Repair Manual,
Revision 83, dated June 20, 2012.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone
206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com
(4) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at
the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
(5) You may also review copies of the 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, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 19, 2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-26666 Filed 11-23-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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