Published 2016-03-31 · Federal Register document 2016-07024
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
Publication summary
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-300, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes. This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that the upper chords of the upper deck floor beams are subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracks at the floor panel attachment fastener holes; repetitive inspections for cracks in the upper and lower chords of the upper deck floor beams at permanent fastener locations; repetitive inspections for cracks in certain repaired and modified areas; and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also requires repetitive replacement of the upper chords of the upper deck floor beams, including pre-replacement inspections and corrective action if necessary; and post-replacement repetitive inspections and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the upper chords of the upper deck floor beams. Undetected cracking could result in large deflection or deformation of the upper deck floor beams, resulting in damage to wire bundles and control cables for the flight control system, and reduced controllability of the airplane. Multiple adjacent severed floor beams could result in rapid decompression of the airplane.
Why this record is shown
Source: Federal Register annual FAA metadata. Acquired 2026-09-03T22:23:51.853224+00:00. The title, summary and date are source facts.
- Source revision
- federal_register_ad_metadata_2016-48fe8cb6c57c00b7
- Source row
- results[97]
- Raw source SHA-256
- 48fe8cb6c57c00b74623eb2b71ad0abe73b95a424a8ac83fecd389da4d1e3a81
Final-rule publication
Recorded publication clauses
- AD identifier printed in this edition
- 2016-07-03
- Effective date printed in this edition
- 2016-05-05
Read 17 complete recorded clauses
Effective Date
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective May 5, 2016.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 15856–15915, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: c27f7e398217e605f2819ca8229ba7a6408d09b424456b7a63a449d768bf5573
Affected ADs
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2005-20-29, Amendment 39-14326 (70 FR 59246,
October 12, 2005).
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 15915–16022, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 51ba82a7d0a6690b774bf0c1b9ebb22f36dc0c443f3d2c3a9e2cfdc9235b77c6
Applicability wording · Applicability
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B,
747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-300, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes;
certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-53A2852, dated June 22, 2012.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 16022–16291, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 17f3df5adc942f6370f20393fa5677e92228821561ecac33abff3750bd7bc10a
Subject
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 16291–16371, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 297e69b8a6e159f28612e8bd82a91daa2fd8fd1d9d38af67161f67738908fa6c
Unsafe Condition
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval
holder (DAH) indicating that the upper chords of the upper deck
floor beams are subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the upper
chords of the upper deck floor beams. Undetected cracking could
result in large deflection or deformation of the upper deck floor
beams, resulting in damage to wire bundles and control cables for
the flight control system, and reduced controllability of the
airplane. Multiple adjacent severed floor beams could result in
rapid decompression of the airplane.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 16371–17026, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 659688ef9a8a17b686b7093b6d83a08917fe44c24d3c816b800f9f92ef1a7e53
Compliance
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 17026–17128, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 00fbfa31932483f627d0ce0a11cbd2e35e15d9231842b91ac85623ce533912d3
Repetitive Inspections of the Upper Chords of the Upper Deck Floor Beams
(g) Repetitive Inspections of the Upper Chords of the Upper Deck Floor
Beams
At the applicable times specified in Tables 1 through 7 of
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747-53A2452, Revision 1, dated July 16, 2012, except as required by
paragraph (l)(1) of this AD: Do the inspections specified in
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, and do all applicable
related investigative and corrective actions, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2452, Revision 1, dated July 16, 2012, except as required by
paragraph (l)(2) of this AD. Repeat the inspections specified in
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD thereafter at the applicable
[[Page 18459]]
times specified in Tables 1 through 7 of paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2452,
Revision 1, dated July 16, 2012. Do all applicable related
investigative and corrective actions before further flight. Doing
the inspections required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD
terminates the inspections required by paragraphs (m) and (n) of AD
2005-20-29, Amendment 39-14326 (70 FR 59246, October 12, 2005).
(1) Do an open hole or surface high frequency eddy current
(HFEC) inspection, as applicable, for cracks at the fastener holes
of the floor panel attachment in the applicable areas and stations
identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2452, Revision 1,
dated July 16, 2012.
(2) Do a surface HFEC inspection for cracks in the upper and
lower chords of the upper deck floor beams at permanent fastener
locations in the applicable areas and stations identified in Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2452, Revision 1, dated July 16, 2012.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 17128–18897, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 1d42413542600c0f32f321783f7c167205e3e2c08762897f87a045d80371842d
Terminating Modification and Repair for the Inspection Specified in Paragraph (g)(1) of This AD
(h) Terminating Modification and Repair for the Inspection Specified in
Paragraph (g)(1) of This AD
A fastener hole modification or a fastener hole repair in Area 1
or Area 2 as described in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2452,
Revision 1, dated July 16, 2012, terminates the inspection of the
fastener holes of the floor panel attachment required by paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD for the repaired or modified area only, provided
the modification and repair, including related investigative and
corrective actions, are done in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2452, Revision
1, dated July 16, 2012, except as required by paragraph (l)(2) of
this AD.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 18897–19622, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: c71c9c8adffb0342eeaf01a5570b06cb3db2ab4aab4422b0201de700c91cf788
Post Modification/Repair Repetitive Inspections
(i) Post Modification/Repair Repetitive Inspections
(1) For airplanes on which any fastener hole modification or any
fastener hole repair was done as specified in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-53A2452: Except as required by paragraph (i)(2) of this
AD, at the applicable times specified in Tables 8 and 9 of paragraph
1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2452,
Revision 1, dated July 16, 2012, or within 1,000 flight cycles after
the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, do an open
hole or surface HFEC inspection, as applicable, for cracks in the
repaired and modified areas, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2452, Revision
1, dated July 16, 2012. If any cracking is found, before further
flight, repair using a method approved in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (o) of this AD. Repeat the
applicable inspections thereafter at the times specified in Tables 8
and 9 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-53A2452, Revision 1, dated July 16, 2012. Doing an
inspection required by this paragraph terminates the inspections
required by paragraph (p) of AD 2005-20-29, Amendment 39-14326 (70
FR 59246, October 12, 2005).
(2) For any repair #10 or repair #13 done as specified in Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2452: Before further flight, do post-
repair inspections using a method approved in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (o) of this AD.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 19622–21174, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: cb64c2802181f2d47e4ff4d14c83a9c890f7ad1cb50f5c13030164cde335ae2a
Replacement of the Upper Chords of the Upper Deck Floor Beams (Includes Pre-Replacement Inspections)
(j) Replacement of the Upper Chords of the Upper Deck Floor Beams
(Includes Pre-Replacement Inspections)
Replace the upper chords of the upper deck floor beams by doing
the actions required by paragraphs (j)(1) and (j)(2) of this AD at
the times specified in those paragraphs. Accomplishing the
replacement required by this paragraph terminates the inspections
required by paragraphs (g) and (i) of this AD.
(1) Before the accumulation of 30,000 total flight cycles, or
within 3,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later, do an open hole HFEC inspection for cracks
at certain fastener locations in the floor beam webs and side of
body frames, and do a detailed inspection for cracks of any removed
part that will be re-installed, and do all applicable corrective
actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2852, dated June 22, 2012,
except as required by paragraph (l)(2) of this AD. Do all applicable
corrective actions before further flight.
(2) Before further flight after accomplishing the inspections
required by paragraph (j)(1) of this AD, install new upper chords of
the upper deck floor beams and reinforcing straps or angles, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 747-53A2852, dated June 22, 2012, except as
required by paragraph (l)(2) of this AD.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 21174–22605, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 46bce7cec31872981fc4ae2cbb637804380b6b0df867683a54c1ba678102b3d8
Post-Replacement Repetitive Inspections
(k) Post-Replacement Repetitive Inspections
For airplanes on which any replacement required by paragraph (j)
or (k)(2)(ii) of this AD is done: At the applicable times specified
in Tables 2 through 4 in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2852, dated June 22, 2012, do HFEC
inspections for cracks at the permanent fastener holes and the upper
chords of the upper deck floor beams, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2452, Revision 1, dated July 16, 2012.
(1) If any cracking is found during any inspection required by
the introductory text of paragraph (k) or paragraph (k)(2)(i) of
this AD, before further flight, repair using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (o) of this
AD.
(2) If no cracking is found during any inspection required by
the introductory text of paragraph (k) or paragraph (k)(2)(i) of
this AD, do the actions required by paragraphs (k)(2)(i) and
(k)(2)(ii) of this AD.
(i) Repeat the inspections specified in paragraph (k) of this AD
thereafter at the applicable times specified in Tables 8 and 9 of
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747-53A2452, Revision 1, dated July 16, 2012.
(ii) Within 10,000 flight cycles after accomplishing the initial
HFEC inspections required by the introductory text of paragraph (k)
of this AD, replace the upper chords of the upper deck floor beams
by doing the actions specified in paragraphs (j)(1) and (j)(2) of
this AD.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 22605–24186, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: e082325fa687ed0996e1d1c02bb3680ff689593741ced6a46a89a55d522811d0
Exceptions to Service Information
(l) Exceptions to Service Information
(1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2452, Revision 1,
dated July 16, 2012, 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 747-53A2452, Revision 1,
dated July 16, 2012; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2852,
dated June 22, 2012; specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate
action: Before further flight, repair using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (o) of this
AD.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 24186–24847, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 94b3a9fdf1c52feec97bdd5a2800e69933be8009ed41846d0e4414c71e47a0c0
Credit for Previous Actions
(m) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD, if those actions were
performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 747-53A2452, dated April 3, 2003. For the actions
required by paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD that are not
identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2452, dated April
3, 2003, those actions must still be done. Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-53A2452, dated April 3, 2003, is incorporated by
reference in AD 2005-20-29, Amendment 39-14326 (70 FR 59246, October
12, 2005).
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 24847–25489, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: e7d271637ead523b6d44c9721b2487d4c5db484d81fd7eab1af3fc8193cf2146
Special Flight Permit
(n) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and
Section 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197
and 21.199), are not allowed.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 25489–25678, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 006e7c3b91a8647bce754348df2dfb9deb77df7d9c510084d4729e794a7c59c3
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(o) 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 (p) 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
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.
[[Page 18460]]
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 25678–26974, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 60c0642ac9f4927658c6c49117c050d5fcc82a8a3047089623a81d1c795fbec9
Related Information
(p) Related Information
(1) 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].
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (q)(3) and (q)(4) of this AD.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 26974–27448, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 7a238bd7e9a5c955b8cd7d0e2241f820e22cd6928d184012e6237684072f358d
Material Incorporated by Reference
(q) 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 747-53A2452, Revision 1, dated
July 16, 2012.
(ii) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2852, dated June 22,
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, 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.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 27448–28753, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: a82743c5db3c40b2333194b4bc66edab04b0e2785083e28fd5544c147687288f
Explicit nonreplacing affects wording
This publication says it affects these identifiers; they have not been treated as replacement targets.
Find all recorded historical references to AD 2016-07-03 · 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: 900fac4473e9fd3fcc0f62016699c8f1ff690793653713205febcde799cf38cc. Source manifest: 4ea25a3e80b8c6c29a270220521fa34c4ea5899690876b6b50cbafe5da6d4bd4.
Official source · 2016-03-31
Publication text
This is the complete recorded text of this dated publication.
Current legal effect is unknown. Aircraft applicability, installed configuration and compliance require separate evidence. PDF/text agreement has not been evaluated.
Read the complete official publication text
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 62 (Thursday, March 31, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 18456-18460]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-07024]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2015-3983; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-141-AD;
Amendment 39-18448; AD 2016-07-03]
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 certain
The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B,
747-300, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes. This AD was prompted by an
evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that the
upper chords of the upper deck floor beams are subject to widespread
fatigue damage (WFD). This AD requires repetitive inspections for
cracks at the floor panel attachment fastener holes; repetitive
inspections for cracks in the upper and lower chords of the upper deck
floor beams at permanent fastener locations; repetitive inspections for
cracks in certain repaired and modified areas; and related
investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also
requires repetitive replacement of the upper chords of the upper deck
floor beams, including pre-replacement inspections and corrective
action if necessary; and post-replacement repetitive inspections and
repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct
fatigue cracking of the upper chords of the upper deck floor beams.
Undetected cracking could result in large deflection or deformation of
the upper deck floor beams, resulting in damage to wire bundles and
control cables for the flight control system, and reduced
controllability of the airplane. Multiple adjacent severed floor beams
could result in rapid decompression of the airplane.
DATES: This AD is effective May 5, 2016.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of May 5, 2016.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
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-
3983.
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-
3983; 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
[[Page 18457]]
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 by adding an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing Company
Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-300, 747SR, and
747SP series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
October 6, 2015 (80 FR 60303) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted by
an evaluation by the DAH indicating that the upper chords of the upper
deck floor beams are subject to WFD. The NPRM proposed to require
repetitive inspections for cracks at the floor panel attachment
fastener holes; repetitive inspections for cracks in the upper and
lower chords of the upper deck floor beams at permanent fastener
locations; repetitive inspections for cracks in certain repaired and
modified areas; and related investigative and corrective actions if
necessary. The NPRM also proposed to require repetitive replacement of
the upper chords of the upper deck floor beams, including pre-
replacement inspections and corrective action if necessary; and post-
replacement repetitive inspections and repair if necessary. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the upper
chords of the upper deck floor beams. Undetected cracking could result
in large deflection or deformation of the upper deck floor beams,
resulting in damage to wire bundles and control cables for the flight
control system, and reduced controllability of the airplane. Multiple
adjacent severed floor beams could result in rapid decompression 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. A member of the public supported
the NPRM and an anonymous commenter had no objection to the NPRM.
Request To Clarify Credit for Previous Actions
Boeing requested that we clarify that credit for previous actions
is limited to those actions that comply with the new proposed
requirements of the NPRM. Boeing noted that paragraph (m) of the
proposed AD should provide credit for using Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-53A2452, dated April 3, 2003, provided the new
requirements specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2452,
Revision 1, dated July 16, 2012, are met.
We agree that clarification is necessary. Paragraph (m) of this AD,
``Credit for Previous Actions,'' provides credit for actions done
before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-53A2452, dated April 3, 2003, for the corresponding
actions required by paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD. Paragraphs
(g), (h), and (i) of this AD refer to Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747-53A2452, Revision 1, dated July 16, 2012, as the appropriate source
of service information for accomplishing the actions required by those
paragraphs. Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2452, Revision 1,
dated July 16, 2012, added certain inspection locations. Therefore, for
the added inspection locations specified in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-53A2452, Revision 1, dated July 16, 2012, paragraph (m) of
this AD does not provide credit because Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747-53A2452, dated April 3, 2003, cannot be used for those locations.
We have revised paragraph (m) of this AD to clarify that although
credit is given for using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2452,
dated April 3, 2003, actions required by paragraphs (g), (h), and (i)
of this AD that are not identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747-53A2452, dated April 3, 2003, must still be done.
Boeing also stated that credit should be given in the NPRM for
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2452, Revision 1, dated July 16,
2012; and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2852, dated June 22,
2012.
We have not included Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2452,
Revision 1, dated July 16, 2012; and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2852, dated June 22, 2012; in paragraph (m) of this AD because that
service information is already cited in paragraphs (g) through (k) of
this AD as the only appropriate source of service information for
accomplishing the actions required by this AD. As allowed by the
phrase, ``unless already done,'' in paragraph (f) of this AD, if the
requirements of this AD have already been accomplished, this AD does
not require that those actions be repeated.
Request To Give Credit for Previous Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
Boeing requested that previously approved AMOCs for AD 2005-20-29,
Amendment 39-14326 (70 FR 59246, October 12, 2005), be approved for the
corresponding provisions of the proposed AD, provided the previously
approved AMOCs satisfy the inspection locations and compliance times
specified by the proposed AD. Boeing noted that AMOCs would be needed
for new inspection locations and compliance times specified in the
proposed AD.
We acknowledge that certain AMOCs for AD 2005-20-29, Amendment 39-
14326 (70 FR 59246, October 12, 2005), might also address the actions
and compliance times required by this AD. However, each individual AMOC
would need to be evaluated to ensure the identified unsafe condition is
addressed. Any person may request approval of an AMOC under the
provisions of paragraph (o) of this AD. We have not changed this final
rule 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> [Agr]re 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.
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 the following service information.
<bullet> Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2452, Revision 1,
dated July 16, 2012. This service information describes procedures for
repetitive open hole or surface high frequency eddy current (HFEC)
inspections, as applicable, for cracks at the floor panel attachment
fastener holes in certain areas and stations; repetitive surface HFEC
inspections for cracks in the upper and lower chords of the upper deck
floor beams at permanent fastener locations in certain areas and
stations; and related investigative and corrective actions. This
service information also describes procedures, for airplanes on which
certain repairs or modifications are done, for repetitive open hole or
surface HFEC inspections, as applicable, for cracks in the repaired and
modified areas; and repair.
<bullet> Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2852, dated June 22,
2012. This
[[Page 18458]]
service information describes procedures for repetitive replacement of
the upper chords of the upper deck floor beams, including pre-
replacement inspections and corrective action, and post-replacement
repetitive inspections and repair.
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 67 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections specified in Boeing Up to 884 work- $0 $75,140, per $5,034,380, per
Alert Service Bulletin hours x $85 per inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
747[dash]53A2452, Revision 1, hour = $75,140,
dated July 16, 2012. per inspection
cycle.
Replacement specified in Boeing Up to 696 work- \1\ $0 $59,160, per $3,963,720, per
Alert Service Bulletin hours x $85 per replacement. replacement.
747[dash]53A2852, dated June 22, hour = $59,160,
2012. per replacement.
Post-replacement inspections Up to 586 work- $0 $49,810, per $3,337,270, per
specified in Boeing Alert hours x $85 per inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
Service Bulletin hour = $49,810,
747[dash]53A2852, dated June 22, per inspection
2012. cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ We currently have no specific cost estimates associated with the parts necessary for the replacement.
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,
(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):
2016-07-03 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18448 ; Docket No. FAA-
2015-3983; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-141-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective May 5, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2005-20-29, Amendment 39-14326 (70 FR 59246,
October 12, 2005).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B,
747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-300, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes;
certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-53A2852, dated June 22, 2012.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval
holder (DAH) indicating that the upper chords of the upper deck
floor beams are subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the upper
chords of the upper deck floor beams. Undetected cracking could
result in large deflection or deformation of the upper deck floor
beams, resulting in damage to wire bundles and control cables for
the flight control system, and reduced controllability of the
airplane. Multiple adjacent severed floor beams could result in
rapid decompression of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Repetitive Inspections of the Upper Chords of the Upper Deck Floor
Beams
At the applicable times specified in Tables 1 through 7 of
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747-53A2452, Revision 1, dated July 16, 2012, except as required by
paragraph (l)(1) of this AD: Do the inspections specified in
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, and do all applicable
related investigative and corrective actions, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2452, Revision 1, dated July 16, 2012, except as required by
paragraph (l)(2) of this AD. Repeat the inspections specified in
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD thereafter at the applicable
[[Page 18459]]
times specified in Tables 1 through 7 of paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2452,
Revision 1, dated July 16, 2012. Do all applicable related
investigative and corrective actions before further flight. Doing
the inspections required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD
terminates the inspections required by paragraphs (m) and (n) of AD
2005-20-29, Amendment 39-14326 (70 FR 59246, October 12, 2005).
(1) Do an open hole or surface high frequency eddy current
(HFEC) inspection, as applicable, for cracks at the fastener holes
of the floor panel attachment in the applicable areas and stations
identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2452, Revision 1,
dated July 16, 2012.
(2) Do a surface HFEC inspection for cracks in the upper and
lower chords of the upper deck floor beams at permanent fastener
locations in the applicable areas and stations identified in Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2452, Revision 1, dated July 16, 2012.
(h) Terminating Modification and Repair for the Inspection Specified in
Paragraph (g)(1) of This AD
A fastener hole modification or a fastener hole repair in Area 1
or Area 2 as described in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2452,
Revision 1, dated July 16, 2012, terminates the inspection of the
fastener holes of the floor panel attachment required by paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD for the repaired or modified area only, provided
the modification and repair, including related investigative and
corrective actions, are done in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2452, Revision
1, dated July 16, 2012, except as required by paragraph (l)(2) of
this AD.
(i) Post Modification/Repair Repetitive Inspections
(1) For airplanes on which any fastener hole modification or any
fastener hole repair was done as specified in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-53A2452: Except as required by paragraph (i)(2) of this
AD, at the applicable times specified in Tables 8 and 9 of paragraph
1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2452,
Revision 1, dated July 16, 2012, or within 1,000 flight cycles after
the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, do an open
hole or surface HFEC inspection, as applicable, for cracks in the
repaired and modified areas, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2452, Revision
1, dated July 16, 2012. If any cracking is found, before further
flight, repair using a method approved in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (o) of this AD. Repeat the
applicable inspections thereafter at the times specified in Tables 8
and 9 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-53A2452, Revision 1, dated July 16, 2012. Doing an
inspection required by this paragraph terminates the inspections
required by paragraph (p) of AD 2005-20-29, Amendment 39-14326 (70
FR 59246, October 12, 2005).
(2) For any repair #10 or repair #13 done as specified in Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2452: Before further flight, do post-
repair inspections using a method approved in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (o) of this AD.
(j) Replacement of the Upper Chords of the Upper Deck Floor Beams
(Includes Pre-Replacement Inspections)
Replace the upper chords of the upper deck floor beams by doing
the actions required by paragraphs (j)(1) and (j)(2) of this AD at
the times specified in those paragraphs. Accomplishing the
replacement required by this paragraph terminates the inspections
required by paragraphs (g) and (i) of this AD.
(1) Before the accumulation of 30,000 total flight cycles, or
within 3,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later, do an open hole HFEC inspection for cracks
at certain fastener locations in the floor beam webs and side of
body frames, and do a detailed inspection for cracks of any removed
part that will be re-installed, and do all applicable corrective
actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2852, dated June 22, 2012,
except as required by paragraph (l)(2) of this AD. Do all applicable
corrective actions before further flight.
(2) Before further flight after accomplishing the inspections
required by paragraph (j)(1) of this AD, install new upper chords of
the upper deck floor beams and reinforcing straps or angles, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 747-53A2852, dated June 22, 2012, except as
required by paragraph (l)(2) of this AD.
(k) Post-Replacement Repetitive Inspections
For airplanes on which any replacement required by paragraph (j)
or (k)(2)(ii) of this AD is done: At the applicable times specified
in Tables 2 through 4 in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2852, dated June 22, 2012, do HFEC
inspections for cracks at the permanent fastener holes and the upper
chords of the upper deck floor beams, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2452, Revision 1, dated July 16, 2012.
(1) If any cracking is found during any inspection required by
the introductory text of paragraph (k) or paragraph (k)(2)(i) of
this AD, before further flight, repair using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (o) of this
AD.
(2) If no cracking is found during any inspection required by
the introductory text of paragraph (k) or paragraph (k)(2)(i) of
this AD, do the actions required by paragraphs (k)(2)(i) and
(k)(2)(ii) of this AD.
(i) Repeat the inspections specified in paragraph (k) of this AD
thereafter at the applicable times specified in Tables 8 and 9 of
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747-53A2452, Revision 1, dated July 16, 2012.
(ii) Within 10,000 flight cycles after accomplishing the initial
HFEC inspections required by the introductory text of paragraph (k)
of this AD, replace the upper chords of the upper deck floor beams
by doing the actions specified in paragraphs (j)(1) and (j)(2) of
this AD.
(l) Exceptions to Service Information
(1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2452, Revision 1,
dated July 16, 2012, 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 747-53A2452, Revision 1,
dated July 16, 2012; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2852,
dated June 22, 2012; specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate
action: Before further flight, repair using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (o) of this
AD.
(m) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD, if those actions were
performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 747-53A2452, dated April 3, 2003. For the actions
required by paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD that are not
identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2452, dated April
3, 2003, those actions must still be done. Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-53A2452, dated April 3, 2003, is incorporated by
reference in AD 2005-20-29, Amendment 39-14326 (70 FR 59246, October
12, 2005).
(n) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and
Section 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197
and 21.199), are not allowed.
(o) 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 (p) 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
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.
[[Page 18460]]
(p) Related Information
(1) 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].
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (q)(3) and (q)(4) of this AD.
(q) 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 747-53A2452, Revision 1, dated
July 16, 2012.
(ii) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2852, dated June 22,
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, 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 March 20, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-07024 Filed 3-30-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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