Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 13, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1489-1492]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-00011]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-1984; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-022-AD; 
Amendment 39-18363; AD 2016-01-04]
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) 2005-01-09, 
which applied to certain 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, and 747SR series airplanes. AD 2005-01-09 required a one-time 
detailed inspection for discrepancies of the frame web and inner chords 
on the forward edge frame of the number 5 main entry door cutout, and 
corrective action if necessary. This new AD adds repetitive high 
frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections for cracking of the frame 
inner chords (forward and aft), and corrective action if necessary. 
This AD was prompted by additional cracking found in the same area 
after completion of the one-time detailed inspection. We are issuing 
this AD to detect and correct discrepancies of the frame web and inner 
chords, which could result in cracking, subsequent severing of the 
frame, and consequent rapid depressurization of the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective February 17, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 17, 
2016.

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-2015-1984.

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-2015-
1984; 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, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6428; fax: 
425-917-6590; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

[[Page 1490]]

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to supersede AD 2005-01-09, Amendment 39-13933 (70 FR 1340, 
January 7, 2005). AD 2005-01-09 applied to certain 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, and 747SR series airplanes. The 
NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 24, 2015 (80 FR 36255) 
(``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted by additional cracking found in 
the same area after completion of the one-time detailed inspection. The 
NPRM proposed to continue to require a one-time detailed inspection for 
discrepancies of the frame web and inner chords on the forward edge 
frame of the number 5 main entry door cutout, and corrective action if 
necessary. The NPRM also proposed to require repetitive HFEC 
inspections for cracking of the frame inner chords (forward and aft), 
and corrective action if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect 
and correct discrepancies of the frame web and inner chords, which 
could result in cracking, subsequent severing of the frame, and 
consequent rapid depressurization 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 and 
the FAA's response to each comment. United Airlines concurred with the 
NPRM.

Request for Credit for Accomplishing Certain Inspections Required by AD 
2013-17-08, Amendment 39-17572 (78 FR 57053, September 17, 2013) (``AD 
2013-17-08'')

    UPS asked that credit be included in the proposed AD (80 FR 36255, 
June 24, 2015) for accomplishing the inspections required by AD 2013-
17-08. UPS stated that paragraph (g) of the proposed AD would require 
accomplishing the same inspections that are required by AD 2013-17-08. 
UPS added that the proposed AD has a lower threshold for accomplishing 
the inspections than that in AD 2013-17-08. UPS noted that Boeing 
confirmed that these inspections are duplicated and stated that a 
revision of the service information may be forthcoming to provide 
clarification.
    We agree with the commenter that accomplishing the inspections 
required by AD 2013-17-08 before the effective date of this AD is 
acceptable for compliance with the inspections required by this AD. We 
had already included credit for accomplishing the inspections required 
by AD 2013-17-08 in paragraph (i)(2) of the proposed AD.
    However, since the compliance time in AD 2013-17-08 is later than 
the compliance time required by this AD, we have not given credit for 
inspections that will be done for AD 2013-17-08 on or after the 
effective date of this AD. Operators may apply for approval of an AMOC 
in accordance with the provisions specified in paragraph (j) of this 
AD, by submitting data substantiating that the request would provide an 
acceptable level of safety. Therefore, we have made no further change 
to this AD.

Request To Include Terminating Action

    UPS also recommended adding a sentence to paragraph (h) of the 
proposed AD to terminate the repetitive inspections required by AD 
2013-17-08, after accomplishment of the initial inspections required by 
the proposed AD.
    We do not agree to specify that the actions required by paragraph 
(h) of this AD terminate the repetitive inspections required by AD 
2013-17-08, because those inspections are more extensive than the 
inspections in this AD. However, affected operators who wish to 
terminate the repetitive inspections required by AD 2013-17-08 may 
apply for approval of an AMOC in accordance with the provisions 
specified in paragraph (j) of this AD, by submitting data 
substantiating that the request would provide an acceptable level of 
safety. We have not changed this AD in this regard.

Request To Correct Typographical Error

    Boeing asked that a typographical error in the ``Related AD'' 
section of the proposed AD be corrected. Boeing stated that the 
description of the inspection area in AD 2013-17-08 of the frame 
segment should be changed from ``between 16 and 31'' to ``between 15 
and 31.'' Boeing noted that this is a typographical error.
    We agree that there is a typographical error in the ``Related AD'' 
section of the proposed AD, as noted by the commenter. That section 
should specify ``the frame segment between 15 and 31''; however, since 
that section of the preamble does not reappear in the final rule, no 
change to this AD is necessary 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, with minor editorial changes. We have determined 
that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed and approved Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2494, 
Revision 1, dated January 9, 2015. The service information describes 
procedures for a one-time detailed inspection and repetitive surface 
HFEC inspections of the Station 2231 frame inner chords (forward and 
aft), and repair of discrepancies. 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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 174 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detailed inspection..............  2 work-hours x $85             $0  $170................  $29,580.
                                    per hour = $170.
HFEC inspections.................  4 work-hours x $85              0  $340 per inspection   $59,160 per
                                    per hour = $340.                   cycle.                inspection cycle.
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[[Page 1491]]

    We have received no definitive data that will enable us to provide 
a cost estimate 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

    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) 
2005-01-09, Amendment 39-13933 (70 FR 1340, January 7, 2005), and 
adding the following new AD:

2016-01-04 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18363; Docket No. FAA-
2015-1984; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-022-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective February 17, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2005-01-09, Amendment 39-13933 (70 FR 1340, 
January 7, 2005) (``AD 2005-01-09'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-100, -100B, 747-
100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 
747-400F, and 747SR series airplanes; certificated in any category; 
as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2494, Revision 
1, dated January 9, 2015.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of additional cracking found in 
the same area after completion of the one-time detailed inspection. 
We are issuing this AD to detect and correct discrepancies of the 
frame web and inner chords, which could result in cracking, 
subsequent severing of the frame, and consequent rapid 
depressurization of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspections

    Do the applicable actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1), 
(g)(2), (g)(3), and (g)(4) of this AD, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2494, Revision 1, dated January 9, 2015, except as required by 
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.
    (1) At the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2494, 
Revision 1, dated January 9, 2015, except as required by paragraph 
(h)(1) of this AD: Do a detailed inspection for nicks, scratches, or 
gouges of the Station 2231 frame inner chords, forward and aft, at 
stringer 26 at the edge and side of the inner chords.
    (2) At the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2494, 
Revision 1, dated January 9, 2015, except as required by paragraph 
(h)(1) of this AD: Do a surface high frequency eddy current (HFEC) 
inspection for cracks of the frame inner chords, forward and aft.
    (3) Based on the findings from the inspections specified in 
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, do all applicable 
corrective actions, before further flight.
    (4) Repeat the HFEC inspection specified in paragraph (g)(2) of 
this AD at the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2494, 
Revision 1, dated January 9, 2015.

(h) Exceptions to Service Bulletin Specifications

    (1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2494, Revision 1, 
dated January 9, 2015, specifies a compliance time ``after the 
release of Revision 1 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 747-53A2494, Revision 1, 
dated January 9, 2015, specifies to contact Boeing for repair 
instructions: Before further flight, repair using a method approved 
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this 
AD.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for inspections required by 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if those inspections were performed 
before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-53A2494, dated September 18, 2003, which was 
incorporated by reference in AD 2005-01-09.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for inspections required by 
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, if those inspections were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-53A2450, Revision 7, dated November 2, 2011, 
which was incorporated by reference in AD 2013-17-08, Amendment 39-
17572 (78 FR 57053, September 17, 2013).

(j) 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 (k) 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, modification, or alteration required by this AD 
if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization

[[Page 1492]]

Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the 
Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. To be approved, the 
repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must 
meet the certification basis of the airplane and the approval must 
specifically refer to this AD.
    (4) AMOCs approved for AD 2005-01-09 are approved as AMOCs for 
the corresponding provisions of paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.

(k) Related Information

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

(l) 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.
    (i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2494, Revision 1, dated 
January 9, 2015.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) 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.
    (4) You may view this service information at 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.
    (5) 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 December 28, 2015.
Philip Forde,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-00011 Filed 1-12-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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