Airworthiness Directives; Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 224 (Friday, November 20, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 72565-72569]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-28464]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0427; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-218-AD; 
Amendment 39-18316; AD 2015-22-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed 
Martin Aeronautics Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011-09-04 for 
all Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company 
Model 382, 382B, 382E, 382F, and 382G airplanes. AD 2011-09-04 required 
repetitive inspections for damage to the lower surface of the center 
wing box (CWB), and corrective actions if necessary. This new AD adds 
related investigative actions, and corrective actions if necessary. 
This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder 
(DAH) that indicated that the CWB is subject to widespread fatigue 
damage (WFD). We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue 
cracking of the lower surface of the CWB, which could result in 
structural failure of the wings.

DATES: This AD is effective December 28, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference

[[Page 72566]]

of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 28, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of June 
22, 2011 (76 FR 28626, May 18, 2011).

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, 
Airworthiness Office, Dept. 6A0M, Zone 0252, Column P-58, 86 S. Cobb 
Drive, Marietta, GA 30063; telephone 770-494-5444; fax 770-494-5445; 
email [email protected]; Internet http://www.lockheedmartin.com/ams/tools/TechPubs.html. 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-
0427.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.govby searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0427; 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: Carl Gray, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ACE-117A, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, 
1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; telephone 404-474-5554; 
fax 404-474-5605; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to supersede AD 2011-09-04, Amendment 39-16666 (76 FR 28626, 
May 18, 2011). AD 2011-09-04 applied to all Lockheed Martin 
Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Model 382, 382B, 382E, 
382F, and 382G airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
July 1, 2014 (79 FR 37248). The NPRM was prompted by an evaluation by 
the DAH that indicated that the CWB is subject to WFD. The NPRM 
proposed to continue to require repetitive inspections for any damage 
of the lower surface of the CWB, and corrective actions if necessary. 
The NPRM also proposed to require replacement of the CWB, and to add, 
for the repetitive inspections, concurrent related investigative 
actions, and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to 
detect and correct fatigue cracking of the lower surface of the CWB, 
which could result in structural failure of the wings.

Actions Since Issuance of the NPRM (79 FR 37248, July 1, 2014)

    The CWB replacement, proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 37248, July 1, 
2014), has been removed from this final rule, and is instead required 
by AD 2015-18-02, Amendment 39-18260 (80 FR 52941, September 2, 2015). 
We determined that the proposed compliance time for the CWB replacement 
would not adequately address the unsafe condition, because the risk of 
undetected WFD rises rapidly for CWBs that have accumulated 50,000 
total flight hours. Therefore, for airplanes over the 50,000-flight-
hour threshold, AD 2015-18-02 provides a shorter grace period than that 
proposed in the NPRM. In this AD, we have removed paragraph (k) of the 
proposed AD and Note 1 to paragraph (k) of the proposed AD, and 
redesignated subsequent paragraphs accordingly.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments to the NPRM (79 FR 37248, 
July 1, 2014) related to the proposed inspection requirements, and the 
FAA's response to those comments. Since this AD does not include the 
CWB replacement proposed in paragraph (k) of the NPRM, this AD does not 
address comments regarding the CWB replacement. Those comments are 
addressed in AD 2015-18-02, Amendment 39-18260 (80 FR 52941, September 
2, 2015).

Support for the NPRM (79 FR 37248, July 1, 2014)

    Lynden Air Cargo (Lynden) stated that it concurs that the proposed 
inspections are beneficial and enhance safety.

Request To Revise Proposed Applicability

    Lynden questioned whether the FAA considered the safety risk factor 
for ``restricted category type certificated Model C-130A through H 
airplanes'' and whether those airplanes should be included in the 
applicability.
    We did consider the safety risk factor for those airplanes. The FAA 
issued restricted-category type certificates only for Model C-130A and 
C-130B airplanes, and these are low-usage airplanes. The wings on Model 
C-130A airplanes are different from those of other models; the CWBs 
have previously been replaced on all Model C-130A airplanes. There are 
no civil registered Model C-130B airplanes in service. We might 
consider further rulemaking for Model C-130 airplanes. We have not 
changed this AD regarding this issue.

Request To Revise Repair Approval Procedures

    Safair requested that we revise the NPRM (79 FR 37248, July 1, 
2014) to authorize the DAH or designated engineering representative 
(DER) to develop and approve repairs under international operator 
support agreements with the state-of-registration civil authorities.
    We agree with the commenter's request. We have revised paragraphs 
(h), (i)(1)(ii), (j), and (k)(1) of this AD to require that certain 
repairs, alternative compliance times, and inspection methods be 
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (m) 
of this AD, which allows DER approval for repairs as specified in new 
paragraph (m)(3) of this AD.

Request To Require a Report of Inspection Findings

    Noting that the NPRM (79 FR 37248, July 1, 2014) would not require 
inspection reports, Safair suggested that Lockheed build a database of 
inspection findings. The commenter asserted that the data would not be 
collected unless mandated.
    It is not necessary to require operators to report inspection 
findings, as the Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO) already 
maintains a database for tracking repairs. The database includes repair 
reports from the U.S. as well as DER reports for airplanes outside of 
the U.S. We have not changed 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 with the changes described previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (79 FR 37248, July 1, 2014) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and

[[Page 72567]]

    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 37248, July 1, 2014).
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Lockheed Service Bulletin 382-57-85 (82-790), Revision 
3, dated July 8, 2013, including Appendix A, Revision 3, dated July 8, 
2013, and Appendixes B, C, D, E, F, and G, all Revision 1, all dated 
March 8, 2007. The service information describes procedures for 
inspecting the lower surface of the CWB. 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 15 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection [retained action from  2,000 work-hours x              N/A   $170,000 per         $2,550,000 per
 AD 2011-09-04, Amendment 39-      $85 per hour =                        inspection cycle.    inspection cycle.
 16666 (76 FR 28626, May 18,       $170,000 per
 2011)].                           inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the related investigative actions specified in this 
AD.
    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repair that 
would be required. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft 
that might need this repair:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Action                          Labor cost             Parts cost         Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repair [retained from AD 2011-09-04,     1,000 to 3,000 work-hours          $30,000   $115,000 to $285,000.
 Amendment 39-16666 (76 FR 28626, May     x $85 per hour = $85,000
 18, 2011)].                              to $255,000.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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) 
2011-09-04, Amendment 39-16666 (76 FR 28626, May 18, 2011), and adding 
the following new AD:

2015-22-11 Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics 
Company: Amendment 39-18316; Docket No. FAA-2014-0427; Directorate 
Identifier 2013-NM-218-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective December 28, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2011-09-04, Amendment 39-16666 (76 FR 28626, 
May 18, 2011).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed 
Martin Aeronautics Company Model 382, 382B, 382E, 382F, and 382G 
airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval 
holder (DAH) that indicated the center wing box (CWB) is subject to 
widespread fatigue damage (WFD). We are issuing this AD to detect 
and correct

[[Page 72568]]

fatigue cracking of the lower surface of the CWB, which could result 
in structural failure of the wings.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Inspection, With Revised Service Information

    This paragraph restates the actions required by paragraph (g) of 
AD 2011-09-04, Amendment 39-16666 (76 FR 28626, May 18, 2011), with 
revised service information. At the time specified in paragraphs 
(g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD, whichever occurs latest: Do a 
nondestructive inspection of the lower surface of the CWB for any 
damage, in accordance with Lockheed Service Bulletin 382-57-85 (82-
790), Revision 2, dated August 23, 2007, including Appendixes A, B, 
C, D, E, F, and G, all Revision 1, all dated March 8, 2007; or 
Lockheed Service Bulletin 382-57-85 (82-790), Revision 3, dated July 
8, 2013, including Appendix A, Revision 3, dated July 8, 2013, and 
Appendixes B, C, D, E, F, and G, all Revision 1, all dated March 8, 
2007. Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
10,000 flight hours. As of the effective date of this AD, use only 
Lockheed Service Bulletin 382-57-85 (82-790), Revision 3, dated July 
8, 2013, including Appendix A, Revision 3, dated July 8, 2013, and 
Appendixes B, C, D, E, F, and G, all Revision 1, all dated March 8, 
2007, for the actions required by this paragraph.
    (1) Prior to the accumulation of 40,000 total flight hours on 
the center wing.
    (2) Within 365 days after June 22, 2011 (the effective date of 
AD 2011-09-04, Amendment 39-16666 (76 FR 28626, May 18, 2011)).
    (3) Within 10,000 flight hours on the CWB after the 
accomplishment of the inspection specified in paragraph (g) of this 
AD, if done before June 22, 2011 (the effective date of AD 2011-09-
04, Amendment 39-16666 (76 FR 28626, May 18, 2011)).

(h) Retained Corrective Action, With Revised Repair Instructions

    This paragraph restates the actions required by paragraph (h) of 
AD 2011-09-04, Amendment 39-16666 (76 FR 28626, May 18, 2011), with 
revised repair instructions. If any damage is found before the 
effective date of this AD during any inspection required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD: Before further flight, repair any damage, 
using a method approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), FAA. If any damage is found as of the 
effective date of this AD, during any inspection required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD: Before further flight, repair using a 
method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (m) of this AD.

(i) Retained Exceptions to Service Information Specifications, With 
Revised Repair Instructions

    (1) This paragraph restates the exception specified in paragraph 
(i) of AD 2011-09-04, Amendment 39-16666 (76 FR 28626, May 18, 
2011), with revised repair instructions. Lockheed Service Bulletin 
382-57-85 (82-790), Revision 2, dated August 23, 2007, including 
Appendixes A, B, C, D, E, F, and G, all Revision 1, all dated March 
8, 2007, specifies that operators may adjust thresholds and 
intervals, use alternative repetitive inspection intervals, and use 
alternative inspection methods, if applicable. However, this AD 
requires the applicable approval specified in paragraph (i)(1)(i) or 
(i)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Before the effective date of this AD: This AD requires that 
any alternative methods or intervals be approved by the Manager, 
Atlanta ACO. For any alternative methods or intervals to be approved 
by the Manager, Atlanta ACO, as required by this paragraph, the 
Manager's approval letter must specifically refer to this AD.
    (ii) As of the effective date of this AD, this AD requires that 
any alternative methods or intervals be approved in accordance with 
the procedures specified in paragraph (m) of this AD.
    (2) This paragraph restates the exception stated in paragraph 
(j) of AD 2011-09-04, Amendment 39-16666 (76 FR 28626, May 18, 
2011), with no changes. Where Lockheed Service Bulletin 382-57-85 
(82-790), Revision 2, dated August 23, 2007, including Appendixes A, 
B, C, D, E, F, and G, all Revision 1, all dated March 8, 2007, 
specifies that alternative repetitive inspection intervals may be 
used for cold-worked holes, this AD does not allow the longer 
interval. This AD requires that all cold-worked and non-cold-worked 
holes be reinspected at 10,000-flight-hour intervals.
    (3) This paragraph restates the exception stated in paragraph 
(k) of AD 2011-09-04, Amendment 39-16666 (76 FR 28626, May 18, 
2011), with no changes. Where Lockheed Service Bulletin 382-57-85 
(82-790), Revision 2, dated August 23, 2007, including Appendixes A, 
B, C, D, E, F, and G, all Revision 1, all dated March 8, 2007, 
describes procedures for submitting a report of any damages, this AD 
does not require such action.

(j) New Inspection and Corrective Actions

    As of the effective date of this AD, concurrently with 
accomplishing the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD: 
Do all applicable related investigative actions, in accordance with 
Appendix A, Revision 3, dated July 8, 2013, of Lockheed Service 
Bulletin 382-57-85 (82-790), Revision 3, dated July 8, 2013, 
including Appendix A, Revision 3, dated July 8, 2013, and Appendixes 
B, C, D, E, F, and G, all Revision 1, all dated March 8, 2007. If 
any cracking or damage is found during any related investigative 
action: Before further flight, repair all cracking and damage, using 
a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (m) of this AD.

(k) New Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    (1) Lockheed Service Bulletin 382-57-85 (82-790), Revision 3, 
dated July 8, 2013, including Appendix A, Revision 3, dated July 8, 
2013, and Appendixes B, C, D, E, F, and G, all Revision 1, all dated 
March 8, 2007, specifies that operators may adjust thresholds and 
intervals, use alternative repetitive inspection intervals, and use 
alternative inspection methods. However, this AD requires that any 
alternative thresholds, intervals, or inspection methods be approved 
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (m) of this 
AD.
    (2) Where Lockheed Service Bulletin 382-57-85 (82-790), Revision 
3, dated July 8, 2013, including Appendix A, Revision 3, dated July 
8, 2013, and Appendixes B, C, D, E, F, and G, all Revision 1, all 
dated March 8, 2007, describes procedures for submitting a report of 
any damages, this AD does not require such action.

(l) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph restates the credit provided in paragraph (l) 
of AD 2011-09-04, Amendment 39-16666 (76 FR 28626, May 18, 2011). 
This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before June 22, 2011 
(the effective date of AD 2011-09-04), using Lockheed Service 
Bulletin 382-57-85 (82-790), Revision 1, dated March 8, 2007, which 
is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (2) This paragraph restates the credit provided in paragraph (m) 
of AD 2011-09-04, Amendment 39-16666 (76 FR 28626, May 18, 2011). 
This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before June 22, 2011 
(the effective date of AD 2011-09-04), using Lockheed Service 
Bulletin 382-57-85 (82-790), dated August 4, 2005, which is not 
incorporated by reference in this AD.

(m) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Atlanta 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)(1) of this AD.
    (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 a 
Delegated Engineering Representative (DER) for the Lockheed Martin 
Aeronautics Company who has been authorized by the Manager, Atlanta 
ACO, to make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the 
repair approval must meet the certification basis of the airplane, 
and the approval must specifically refer to this AD.

(n) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Carl Gray, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ACE-117A, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; 
telephone 404-474-5554; fax 404-474-5605; email: 
[email protected].

[[Page 72569]]

    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (o)(5) and (o)(6) of this AD.

(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 
December 28, 2015.
    (i) Lockheed Service Bulletin 382-57-85 (82-790), Revision 3, 
dated July 8, 2013, including Appendix A, Revision 3, dated July 8, 
2013, and Appendixes B, C, D, E, F, and G, all Revision 1, all dated 
March 8, 2007.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
June 22, 2011 (76 FR 28626, May 18, 2011).
    (i) Lockheed Service Bulletin 382-57-85 (82-790), Revision 2, 
dated August 23, 2007, including Appendixes A, B, C, D, E, F, and G, 
all Revision 1, all dated March 8, 2007.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (5) For Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics 
Company service information identified in this AD, contact Lockheed 
Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, 
Airworthiness Office, Dept. 6A0M, Zone 0252, Column P-58, 86 S. Cobb 
Drive, Marietta, GA 30063; telephone 770-494-5444; fax 770-494-5445; 
email [email protected]; Internet http://www.lockheedmartin.com/ams/tools/TechPubs.html.
    (6) 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.
    (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 October 29, 2015.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-28464 Filed 11-19-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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