Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 144 (Tuesday, July 28, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44835-44838]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-15851]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0921; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-073-AD; 
Amendment 39-18193; AD 2015-13-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-14-05 for 
certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400 and 747-400F series airplanes. 
AD 2013-14-05 required repetitive inspections of the longeron extension 
fittings for cracking, and related investigative and corrective actions 
if necessary. This new AD would continue to require the actions 
specified in AD 2013-14-05, and would add new repetitive high frequency 
eddy current (HFEC) inspections of any modified, repaired, or replaced 
longeron extension fitting for cracking, and applicable related 
investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted 
by reports of cracking in the outboard flange of the longeron extension 
fittings, and our determination that more work is necessary on 
airplanes on which a permanent repair, longeron extension fitting 
replacement, or modification was accomplished. We are issuing this AD 
to detect and correct cracks in the longeron extension fittings, which 
can become large and adversely affect the structural integrity of the 
airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective September 1, 2015.

[[Page 44836]]

    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 1, 
2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of August 
26, 2013 (78 FR 43763, July 22, 2013).

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service information 
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA 2014-
0921.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014 
0921; 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 Docket 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: Nathan Weigand, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6428; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to supersede AD 2013-14-05, Amendment 39-17510 (78 FR 43763, 
July 22, 2013). AD 2013-14-05 applied to certain The Boeing Company 
Model 747-400 and 747-400F series airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on December 15, 2014 (79 FR 74038). The NPRM was 
prompted by reports of cracking in the outboard flange of the longeron 
extension fittings, and our determination that more work is necessary 
on airplanes on which a permanent repair, longeron extension fitting 
replacement, or modification was accomplished, as required by AD 2013-
14-05. The NPRM proposed to continue to require the actions specified 
in AD 2013-14-05, and to add new repetitive high frequency eddy current 
(HFEC) inspections of any modified, repaired, or replaced longeron 
extension fitting for cracking, and applicable related investigative 
and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect 
and correct cracks in the longeron extension fittings, which can become 
large and adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM (79 
FR 74038, December 15, 2014) and the FAA's response to each comment.

Support for the NPRM (79 FR 74038, December 15, 2014)

    United Airlines expressed that the NPRM (79 FR 74038, December 15, 
2014) affects 13 of its Boeing Model 747-400 series airplanes, and that 
it concurs with the NPRM.
    Boeing expressed that it concurs with the NPRM (79 FR 74038, 
December 15, 2014).

Request To Include the Effective Date

    Atlas Air requested that we revise the NPRM (79 FR 74038, December 
15, 2014) to include a new paragraph (k)(3) to list the effective date 
of AD 2013-14-05, Amendment 39-17510 (78 FR 43763, July 22, 2013), or 
that we include the effective date of AD 2013-14-05 in paragraph (g) of 
the NPRM. Atlas Air pointed out that the compliance time in paragraph 
(g) of the NPRM references the ``Compliance'' section of the service 
information, which is based on the effective date of AD 2013-14-05, and 
once AD 2013-14-05 is replaced, the effective date of AD 2013-14-05 
will no longer exist.
    We disagree with the commenter's request to add a new paragraph 
(k)(3) to this AD, or to add the effective date of AD 2013-14-05, 
Amendment 39-17510 (78 FR 43763, July 22, 2013), to paragraph (g) of 
this AD. The effective date of AD 2013-14-05 (August 26, 2013) is 
specified in the first sentence under paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' 
of the referenced service information. Therefore, no change is needed 
for this AD in this regard.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have 
determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (79 FR 74038, December 15, 2014) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
    <bullet> do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 74038, December 15, 2014).

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, Revision 1, 
dated March 18, 2014. The service information describes procedures for 
repetitive HFEC inspections of any modified, repaired, or replaced 
longeron extension fitting for cracking, and applicable related 
investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This service 
information is reasonably available because the interested parties have 
access to it through their normal course of business or by the means 
identified in the ADDRESSES section of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 41 airplanes of U.S. registry
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost      Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HFEC inspection [retained action   32 work-hours x $85              $0  $2,720 per           $111,520 per
 from AD 2013-14-05, Amendment 39-  per hour = $2,720                    inspection cycle.    inspection cycle
 17510 (78 FR 43763, July 22,       per inspection
 2013)].                            cycle.

[[Page 44837]]

 
Terminating action for certain     479 work-hours x                 $0  $40,715............  $1,669,315
 inspections [retained action       $85 per hour =
 from AD 2013-14-05, Amendment 39-  $40,715.
 17510 (78 FR 43763, July 22,
 2013)].
HFEC inspection [new action].....  32 work-hours x $85              $0  $2,720 per           $111,520 per
                                    per hour = $2,720                    inspection cycle.    inspection cycle
                                    per inspection
                                    cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have 
no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need this 
replacement:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                   Action                                Labor cost                 Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement................................  464 work-hours x $85 per hour =                 $0          $39,440
                                              $39,440.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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),
    (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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2013-14-05, Amendment 39-17510 (78 FR 43763, July 22, 2013), and adding 
the following new AD:

2015-13-06 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18193 ; Docket No. FAA-
2014-0921; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-073-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective September 1, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2013-14-05, Amendment 39-17510 (78 FR 43763, 
July 22, 2013).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-400 and -400F 
series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, Revision 1, dated March 
18, 2014.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the outboard 
flange of the longeron extension fittings, and our determination 
that more work is necessary on airplanes on which a permanent 
repair, longeron extension fitting replacement, or modification was 
accomplished, as required by AD 2013-14-05, Amendment 39-17510 (78 
FR 43763, July 22, 2013). We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct cracks in the longeron extension fittings, which can become 
large and adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Repetitive Inspections

    At the applicable time specified in table 1 of paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, 
Revision 1, dated March 18, 2014: Do surface high frequency eddy 
current (HFEC) inspections for cracking of the left and right 
longeron extension fittings, and all applicable corrective actions, 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, Revision 1, dated March 18, 2014, 
except as required by paragraph (k)(2) of this AD. Do all applicable 
corrective actions at the applicable time specified in table 1 of 
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing

[[Page 44838]]

Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, Revision 1, dated March 18, 
2014. If no cracking is found, repeat the inspection thereafter at 
the intervals specified in table 1 of paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, 
Revision 1, dated March 18, 2014, until a terminating action 
specified in paragraph (h) of this AD is done.

(h) Terminating Actions for the Inspections Required by Paragraph (g) 
of This AD

    (1) Doing the permanent repair, longeron extension fitting 
replacement, or preventative modification before the effective date 
of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, dated December 4, 2012, 
terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD. Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, dated December 
4, 2012, was incorporated by reference in AD 2013-14-05, Amendment 
39-17510 (78 FR 43763, July 22, 2013) and continues to be 
incorporated by reference in this AD. After accomplishing the 
actions specified in this paragraph, the actions specified in 
paragraph (i) of this AD must be done at the times specified in 
paragraph (i) of this AD.
    (2) Doing the repair (PART 4 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
747-53A2860, Revision 1, dated March 18, 2014), longeron extension 
fitting replacement, or modification on or after the effective date 
of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, Revision 1, dated March 
18, 2014, except as required by paragraph (k)(2) of this AD, 
terminates the repetitive inspection requirements of paragraph (g) 
of this AD. After accomplishing the actions specified in this 
paragraph, the actions specified in paragraph (i) of this AD must be 
done at the times specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.

(i) Post-Modification/Repair/Replacement Inspections

    For airplanes on which any action identified in paragraph (h) of 
this AD has been accomplished (including if the action is done as a 
corrective action required by paragraph (g) or (j) of this AD): At 
the applicable time specified in table 3 of paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, 
Revision 1, dated March 18, 2014, except as required by paragraph 
(k)(1) of this AD, do a surface HFEC inspection of the left and 
right longeron extension fittings for cracking, as applicable, and 
do all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2860, Revision 1, dated March 18, 2014. Do all applicable 
corrective actions at the applicable time specified in table 3 of 
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
747-53A2860, Revision 1, dated March 18, 2014, except as required by 
paragraph (k)(2) of this AD. If no cracking is found, repeat the 
inspection thereafter at the interval specified in table 3 of 
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
747-53A2860, Revision 1, dated March 18, 2014.

(j) Inspection of Temporary Repair and Corrective Actions

    For airplanes on which a temporary repair specified in Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860 has been done: At the times 
specified in table 2 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, Revision 1, dated March 18, 
2014, do a surface HFEC inspection of the temporary repair of the 
longeron extension fittings for cracking, and do all applicable 
corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, Revision 
1, dated March 18, 2014, except as required by paragraph (k)(2) of 
this AD. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight.

(k) Exceptions to the Service Information

    (1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, Revision 1, 
dated March 18, 2014, specifies a compliance time ``after the 
Revision 1 date of this service bulletin,'' this AD requires 
compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective 
date of this AD.
    (2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, Revision 1, 
dated March 18, 2014, specifies to contact Boeing for repair 
information: Before further flight, repair using a method approved 
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (m) of this 
AD.

(l) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraphs (g) and (j) of this AD, if those actions were performed 
before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-53A2860, dated December 4, 2012, which was incorporated 
by reference in AD 2013-14-05, Amendment 39-17510 (78 FR 43763, July 
22, 2013).

(m) 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 paragraph (n) 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.
    (4) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2013-14-05, Amendment 39-
17510 (78 FR 43763, July 22, 2013), are approved as AMOCs for the 
corresponding provisions of paragraphs (g), (h), and (j) of this AD.

(n) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Nathan Weigand, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; phone: 425-917-6428; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
[email protected].

(o) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
September 1, 2015.
    (i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, Revision 1, dated 
March 18, 2014.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
August 26, 2013 (78 FR 43763, July 22, 2013).
    (i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, dated December 4, 
2012.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (5) For Boeing service information identified in this AD, 
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services 
Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; 
telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet 
https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (6) You may view this service information at FAA, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
    (7) You may view this 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 June 19, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-15851 Filed 7-27-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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