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Published 2016-04-13 · Federal Register document 2016-08271

Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

Publication summary

We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-22-11 for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400 and -400D series airplanes. AD 2013-22-11 required repetitive inspections to detect cracks in the floor panel attachment fastener holes of certain upper deck floor beam upper chords, repetitive inspections, corrective actions if necessary, and replacement of the upper deck floor beam upper chords. Since we issued AD 2013-22-11, we received a report that certain fastener holes in the upper deck floor beam upper chords may not have been inspected in accordance with AD 2013-22-11. This AD adds additional repetitive inspections for cracks for certain airplanes, and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking in certain upper chords of the upper deck floor beam. Such cracks could become large and cause the floor beams to become severed and result in rapid decompression or reduced controllability 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[127]
Raw source SHA-256
48fe8cb6c57c00b74623eb2b71ad0abe73b95a424a8ac83fecd389da4d1e3a81

Final-rule publication

Recorded publication clauses

AD identifier printed in this edition
2016-07-31
Effective date printed in this edition
2016-05-18
Read 17 complete recorded clauses
Effective Date
(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective May 18, 2016.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 11244–11304, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: c49f2f9f709f2f97254d7fa8e560c390582ffab34226de63409724d37ede135e

Affected ADs
(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2013-22-11, Amendment 39-17643 (78 FR 66254, 
November 5, 2013) (``AD 2013-22-11'').

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 11304–11432, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 04dda394e33890bf580dc89beab0eedd9cb0fadae0c42fc423ef91c173024653

Applicability wording · Applicability
(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-400 and -400D 
series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 
21, 2014.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 11432–11664, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 4cc274ceb708ec8a7225617d0aeba8dc7862dc4a0de059e730f1e57c93c598f9

Subject
(d) Subject

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

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 11664–11744, 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 indicating that certain upper chords of the upper deck floor 
beam are subject to widespread fatigue damage. This AD was also 
prompted by reports that certain fastener holes in the upper deck 
floor beam upper chords in Section 41, may not have been inspected 
in accordance with AD 2013-22-11. We are issuing this AD to detect 
and correct fatigue cracking in certain upper chords of the upper 
deck floor beam, which could become large and cause the floor beams 
to become severed and result in rapid decompression or reduced 
controllability of the airplane.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 11744–12403, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 28260c39b4f2bcfe0ece40c13166c40bfcbea6aceb0e4618826abe64fbac3906

Compliance
(f) Compliance

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

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 12403–12505, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 00fbfa31932483f627d0ce0a11cbd2e35e15d9231842b91ac85623ce533912d3

Section 41--Repetitive Inspections, and Corrective Actions
(g) Section 41--Repetitive Inspections, and Corrective Actions

    At the applicable time specified in table 1 of paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, 
Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014, do open hole or surface high 
frequency eddy current inspections (HFEC) for cracking of the floor 
panel attachment holes in the upper deck floor beam upper chords, in 
accordance with Part 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 
2014. If any crack is found during any inspection, before further 
flight, repair in accordance with Part 2 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 
2, dated August 21, 2014, or repair using a method approved in 
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (o) of this 
AD. Repeat the inspections thereafter at the applicable time 
specified in table 1 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 
2014, until an action specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of 
this AD is done.
    (1) Doing a repair as a hole modification in accordance with 
Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014, except as 
required by paragraph (m)(2) of this AD, terminates the inspections 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD for the modified hole only.
    (2) Doing a modification in accordance with Figure 5 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014, except as required by 
paragraph (m)(2) of this AD, terminates the inspections required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD for the modification only.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 12505–14303, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: db7cad8deb7821acd9f663de14d5123100c69d5a310acd1e74dd45172748751c

Section 41--Repetitive Inspection of Repaired or Modified Holes, and Corrective Actions
(h) Section 41--Repetitive Inspection of Repaired or Modified Holes, 
and Corrective Actions

    For airplanes on which a repair specified in Part 2 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014, is done, or a 
modification specified in Figure 5 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 
2, dated August 21, 2014, is done: At the applicable time specified 
in table 2 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014, 
except as required by paragraph (m)(3) of this AD, do open hole or 
surface HFEC for cracking of repaired or modified floor panel 
attachment holes in the upper deck floor beam upper chords, in 
accordance with Part 1 or Part 3, as applicable, of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014. If any crack is found 
during any inspection required by this paragraph, before further 
flight, repair using a method approved in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (o) of this AD. Repeat the 
inspections thereafter at the applicable time specified in table 2 
of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 14303–15673, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 81abe7c13d153299412d3cb744bbcb78cabb382b6238438519f7cd85db3d527f

Section 44--Repetitive Inspection, and Corrective Actions
(i) Section 44--Repetitive Inspection, and Corrective Actions

    For airplanes identified in Group 1 in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014: At the 
applicable time specified in table 3 of paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, 
Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014, except as required by paragraph 
(m)(4) of this AD, do open hole or surface HFEC inspections of the 
floor panel attachment holes in the upper deck floor beam upper 
chords, in accordance with Part 4 of the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated 
August 21, 2014. If any crack is found during any inspection 
required by this paragraph, before further flight, repair in 
accordance with Part 5 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 
2014, except as required by paragraph (m)(2) of this AD. Repeat the 
inspections thereafter at the applicable time specified in table 3 
of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014, until an action 
specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD is done.
    (1) Doing a repair as a hole modification in accordance with 
Part 5 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014, except as 
required by paragraph (m)(2) of this AD, terminates the inspections 
required by paragraph (i) of this AD for that modified hole only.
    (2) Doing a modification in accordance with Figure 21 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21,

[[Page 21729]]

2014, except as required by paragraph (m)(2) of this AD, terminates 
the inspections required by paragraph (i) of this AD for that 
modified hole only.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 15673–17588, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 0106111a9254f8af18f8afcc029fb03783be628393d1b0edf64703efdb213ee7

Section 44--Repetitive Inspection of Repaired or Modified Holes, and Corrective Actions
(j) Section 44--Repetitive Inspection of Repaired or Modified Holes, 
and Corrective Actions

    For airplanes identified in Group 1 in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014, on which a 
repair specified in Part 5 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014, is done or the 
modification specified in Figure 21 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 
2, dated August 21, 2014, is done: At the applicable time specified 
in table 4 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014, 
except as required by paragraph (m)(3) of this AD, do open hole or 
surface HFEC inspections of repaired or modified floor panel 
attachment holes in the upper deck floor beam upper chords, in 
accordance with Part 4 or Part 6, as applicable, of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014. If any crack is found 
during any inspection by this paragraph, before further flight, 
repair using a method approved in accordance with the procedures 
specified in paragraph (o) of this AD. Repeat the inspections 
thereafter at the applicable time specified in table 4 of paragraph 
1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, 
Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 17588–19019, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: c32ffe756760282a9ea89ae94eb148f2655561760a876dbe3372dd67af75f1c4

Sections 41 and 44--Replacement and Post-Replacement Repetitive Inspections
(k) Sections 41 and 44--Replacement and Post-Replacement Repetitive 
Inspections

    At the applicable time specified in table 5 of paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, 
Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014: Replace all upper deck floor beam 
upper chords, in accordance with Part 7 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 
2, dated August 21, 2014. Within 20,000 flight cycles after doing 
the replacement, do the inspections specified in paragraphs (g) and 
(i) of this AD, as applicable. Thereafter, repeat the inspections 
required by paragraphs (g) and (i) of this AD, as applicable, at the 
times specified in paragraphs (g) and (i) of this AD.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 19019–19762, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: eb200a1a5d854e810771e0ede4db7cb8dd6cc3ed4a2a3c96ec7b933ec4284a12

Section 41--Repetitive Inspection of Plugged or Re-Used Holes, and Corrective Actions
(l) Section 41--Repetitive Inspection of Plugged or Re-Used Holes, and 
Corrective Actions

    For airplanes identified in Group 2 in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014: At the 
applicable time specified in table 6 of paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, 
Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014, except as required by paragraph 
(m)(1) of this AD, at all plugged or reused floor panel attachment 
holes in the affected floor beam upper chords, do a surface HFEC 
inspection of the upper deck floor beam upper chords and detailed 
inspection for cracks on the vertical flange, in accordance with 
Part 8 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014. If any 
crack is found during any inspection required by this paragraph, 
before further flight, repair using a method approved in accordance 
with the procedures specified in paragraph (o) of this AD. Repeat 
the inspections thereafter at the applicable time specified in table 
6 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 19762–20963, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: f257b0b00c93f0e9e92bcd12e9a3889d2cfe47da3878e98ef9b7009d35b05d90

Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(m) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    (1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, 
dated August 21, 2014, specifies a compliance time ``after the 
Revision 2 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 747-53A2688, Revision 2, 
dated August 21, 2014; specifies to contact Boeing for certain 
procedures: Do the specified actions before further flight using a 
method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (o) of this AD.
    (3) Where table 2 or table 4 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' 
of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated 
August 21, 2014, specifies to contact Boeing for inspections and 
compliance times: Before further flight, contact the Manager, 
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, for inspections 
and compliance times and accomplish the inspections at the given 
times.
    (4) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, 
dated August 21, 2014, specifies a compliance time ``after the 
Revision 1 date of this service bulletin,'' this AD requires 
compliance within the specified compliance time after December 10, 
2013 (the effective date of AD 2013-22-11).

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 20963–22303, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: a7d82259b3699da9a90043513e07d7bb9068028e0b100d3cc96ffa34fa2e4618

Credit for Previous Actions
(n) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (o) of 
AD 2013-22-11, with new reference to paragraph (h) of this AD. This 
paragraph provides credit for the actions required by paragraphs (g) 
and (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before December 
10, 2013 (the effective date of AD 2013-22-11), using Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, dated August 21, 2008, which was 
incorporated by reference in AD 2009-10-16, Amendment 39-15901 (74 
FR 22424, May 13, 2009).
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraphs (g) through (k) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 1, dated September 19, 2012, 
which was incorporated by reference in AD 2013-22-11.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 22303–23160, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 0c1f319a0818f43077c7993f2359fc9ef3a22ac8d431ffce15d08ed2b5ea3282

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(o) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle 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.
    (4) AMOCs approved for AD 2013-22-11 are approved as AMOCs for 
the corresponding provisions of paragraphs (g) through (k) of this 
AD.

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 23160–24546, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: ac62ad1abc094201b5fbc5095b1d3ec2b62639cb22babb03dc6dd662cd3032bb

Related Information
(p) Related Information

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

Exact source excerpt. Text positions 24546–24848, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 96ff65bab902618c4d3a70438a167ff762bb9d7ce53ca9a3f745ca08888d179d

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 747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated 
August 21, 2014.
    (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; phone: 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax: 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (4) You may view this 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.
    (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 24848–26102, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 82ff306ede9c63d2bff793ede0d7a73eb472ed7da99d7b371393348013104392

Explicit historical replacement wording

Find all recorded historical references to AD 2016-07-31 · 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: ab862afd464837f61b96ae3b4111f4e779729ad0e8c7cb8b0cc12f63ee52753e. Source manifest: aede34f2c6a7f03e9759efd7e942f7b51fb3608bde0b77d0c6bf27c31f44703d.

Official source · 2016-04-13

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 71 (Wednesday, April 13, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 21726-21729]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-08271]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-2464; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-195-AD; 
Amendment 39-18476; AD 2016-07-31]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-22-11 for 
certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400 and -400D series airplanes. AD 
2013-22-11 required repetitive inspections to detect cracks in the 
floor panel attachment fastener holes of certain upper deck floor beam 
upper chords, repetitive inspections, corrective actions if necessary, 
and replacement of the upper deck floor beam upper chords. Since we 
issued AD 2013-22-11, we received a report that certain fastener holes 
in the upper deck floor beam upper chords may not have been inspected 
in accordance with AD 2013-22-11. This AD adds additional repetitive 
inspections for cracks for certain airplanes, and corrective actions if 
necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue 
cracking in certain upper chords of the upper deck floor beam. Such 
cracks could become large and cause the floor beams to become severed 
and result in rapid decompression or reduced controllability of the 
airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective May 18, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 18, 
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-
2464.

[[Page 21727]]

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-
2464; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nathan Weigand, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6428; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to supersede AD 2013-22-11, Amendment 39-17643 (78 FR 66254, 
November 5, 2013), (``AD 2013-22-11''). AD 2013-22-11 applied to 
certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400 and -400D series airplanes. 
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 23, 2015 (80 FR 
43648) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted by a report that certain 
fastener holes in the upper deck floor beam upper chords may not have 
been inspected in accordance with AD 2013-22-11. The NPRM proposed to 
continue to require repetitive inspections to detect cracks in the 
floor panel attachment fastener holes of certain upper deck floor beam 
upper chords, repetitive inspections, corrective actions if necessary, 
and replacement of the upper deck floor beam upper chords. The NPRM 
also proposed to require additional repetitive inspections for cracks 
for certain airplanes, and corrective actions if necessary. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking in certain upper 
chords of the upper deck floor beam. Such cracking could become large 
and cause the floor beams to become severed and result in rapid 
decompression or reduced controllability 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 supported the NPRM.

Request To Revise ``Exceptions to Service Information Specifications''

    Boeing requested that paragraph (m)(4), ``Exceptions to Service 
Information Specifications,'' of the proposed AD be revised. Boeing 
stated that Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 1, 
dated September 19, 2012, which is included in paragraph (m)(4), has 
the same compliance time as table 3 in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014; therefore, Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014, should 
also be included in paragraph (m)(4) of the proposed AD.
    For the reason provided by the commenter we agree to include Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014, 
in paragraph (m)(4) of this AD. We have also revised paragraph (m)(4) 
of this AD by removing the reference to Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
747-53A2688, Revision 1, dated September 19, 2012, because this AD only 
refers to Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated 
August 21, 2014, for compliance times.

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 change described and 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.
    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 Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, 
dated August 21, 2014. The service information describes procedures for 
upper deck floor beam upper chord inspection and repair at floor panel 
attachment fastener holes in section 41 and section 42. 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 84 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 actions from  Up to 309 work-                  $0  Up to $26,265 per    Up to $2,206,260
 AD 2013-22-11).                    hours x $85 per                      inspection cycle.    per inspection
                                    hour = $26,265 per                                        cycle.
                                    inspection cycle.
New inspections..................  Up to 241 work-                   0  Up to $20,485 per    Up to $1,720,740
                                    hours x $85 per                      inspection cycle.    per inspection
                                    hour = $20,485.                                           cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that will enable us to provide 
a cost estimate for the repair or modification 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

[[Page 21728]]

is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe 
condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in 
this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a 
substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between 
the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2013-22-11, Amendment 39-17643 (78 FR 66254, November 5, 2013), and 
adding the following new AD:

2016-07-31 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18476; Docket No. FAA-
2015-2464; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-195-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective May 18, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2013-22-11, Amendment 39-17643 (78 FR 66254, 
November 5, 2013) (``AD 2013-22-11'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-400 and -400D 
series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 
21, 2014.

(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 indicating that certain upper chords of the upper deck floor 
beam are subject to widespread fatigue damage. This AD was also 
prompted by reports that certain fastener holes in the upper deck 
floor beam upper chords in Section 41, may not have been inspected 
in accordance with AD 2013-22-11. We are issuing this AD to detect 
and correct fatigue cracking in certain upper chords of the upper 
deck floor beam, which could become large and cause the floor beams 
to become severed and result in rapid decompression or reduced 
controllability of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Section 41--Repetitive Inspections, and Corrective Actions

    At the applicable time specified in table 1 of paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, 
Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014, do open hole or surface high 
frequency eddy current inspections (HFEC) for cracking of the floor 
panel attachment holes in the upper deck floor beam upper chords, in 
accordance with Part 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 
2014. If any crack is found during any inspection, before further 
flight, repair in accordance with Part 2 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 
2, dated August 21, 2014, or repair using a method approved in 
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (o) of this 
AD. Repeat the inspections thereafter at the applicable time 
specified in table 1 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 
2014, until an action specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of 
this AD is done.
    (1) Doing a repair as a hole modification in accordance with 
Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014, except as 
required by paragraph (m)(2) of this AD, terminates the inspections 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD for the modified hole only.
    (2) Doing a modification in accordance with Figure 5 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014, except as required by 
paragraph (m)(2) of this AD, terminates the inspections required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD for the modification only.

(h) Section 41--Repetitive Inspection of Repaired or Modified Holes, 
and Corrective Actions

    For airplanes on which a repair specified in Part 2 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014, is done, or a 
modification specified in Figure 5 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 
2, dated August 21, 2014, is done: At the applicable time specified 
in table 2 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014, 
except as required by paragraph (m)(3) of this AD, do open hole or 
surface HFEC for cracking of repaired or modified floor panel 
attachment holes in the upper deck floor beam upper chords, in 
accordance with Part 1 or Part 3, as applicable, of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014. If any crack is found 
during any inspection required by this paragraph, before further 
flight, repair using a method approved in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (o) of this AD. Repeat the 
inspections thereafter at the applicable time specified in table 2 
of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014.

(i) Section 44--Repetitive Inspection, and Corrective Actions

    For airplanes identified in Group 1 in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014: At the 
applicable time specified in table 3 of paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, 
Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014, except as required by paragraph 
(m)(4) of this AD, do open hole or surface HFEC inspections of the 
floor panel attachment holes in the upper deck floor beam upper 
chords, in accordance with Part 4 of the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated 
August 21, 2014. If any crack is found during any inspection 
required by this paragraph, before further flight, repair in 
accordance with Part 5 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 
2014, except as required by paragraph (m)(2) of this AD. Repeat the 
inspections thereafter at the applicable time specified in table 3 
of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014, until an action 
specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD is done.
    (1) Doing a repair as a hole modification in accordance with 
Part 5 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014, except as 
required by paragraph (m)(2) of this AD, terminates the inspections 
required by paragraph (i) of this AD for that modified hole only.
    (2) Doing a modification in accordance with Figure 21 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21,

[[Page 21729]]

2014, except as required by paragraph (m)(2) of this AD, terminates 
the inspections required by paragraph (i) of this AD for that 
modified hole only.

(j) Section 44--Repetitive Inspection of Repaired or Modified Holes, 
and Corrective Actions

    For airplanes identified in Group 1 in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014, on which a 
repair specified in Part 5 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014, is done or the 
modification specified in Figure 21 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 
2, dated August 21, 2014, is done: At the applicable time specified 
in table 4 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014, 
except as required by paragraph (m)(3) of this AD, do open hole or 
surface HFEC inspections of repaired or modified floor panel 
attachment holes in the upper deck floor beam upper chords, in 
accordance with Part 4 or Part 6, as applicable, of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014. If any crack is found 
during any inspection by this paragraph, before further flight, 
repair using a method approved in accordance with the procedures 
specified in paragraph (o) of this AD. Repeat the inspections 
thereafter at the applicable time specified in table 4 of paragraph 
1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, 
Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014.

(k) Sections 41 and 44--Replacement and Post-Replacement Repetitive 
Inspections

    At the applicable time specified in table 5 of paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, 
Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014: Replace all upper deck floor beam 
upper chords, in accordance with Part 7 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 
2, dated August 21, 2014. Within 20,000 flight cycles after doing 
the replacement, do the inspections specified in paragraphs (g) and 
(i) of this AD, as applicable. Thereafter, repeat the inspections 
required by paragraphs (g) and (i) of this AD, as applicable, at the 
times specified in paragraphs (g) and (i) of this AD.

(l) Section 41--Repetitive Inspection of Plugged or Re-Used Holes, and 
Corrective Actions

    For airplanes identified in Group 2 in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014: At the 
applicable time specified in table 6 of paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, 
Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014, except as required by paragraph 
(m)(1) of this AD, at all plugged or reused floor panel attachment 
holes in the affected floor beam upper chords, do a surface HFEC 
inspection of the upper deck floor beam upper chords and detailed 
inspection for cracks on the vertical flange, in accordance with 
Part 8 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014. If any 
crack is found during any inspection required by this paragraph, 
before further flight, repair using a method approved in accordance 
with the procedures specified in paragraph (o) of this AD. Repeat 
the inspections thereafter at the applicable time specified in table 
6 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated August 21, 2014.

(m) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    (1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, 
dated August 21, 2014, specifies a compliance time ``after the 
Revision 2 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 747-53A2688, Revision 2, 
dated August 21, 2014; specifies to contact Boeing for certain 
procedures: Do the specified actions before further flight using a 
method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (o) of this AD.
    (3) Where table 2 or table 4 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' 
of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated 
August 21, 2014, specifies to contact Boeing for inspections and 
compliance times: Before further flight, contact the Manager, 
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, for inspections 
and compliance times and accomplish the inspections at the given 
times.
    (4) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 2, 
dated August 21, 2014, specifies a compliance time ``after the 
Revision 1 date of this service bulletin,'' this AD requires 
compliance within the specified compliance time after December 10, 
2013 (the effective date of AD 2013-22-11).

(n) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (o) of 
AD 2013-22-11, with new reference to paragraph (h) of this AD. This 
paragraph provides credit for the actions required by paragraphs (g) 
and (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before December 
10, 2013 (the effective date of AD 2013-22-11), using Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, dated August 21, 2008, which was 
incorporated by reference in AD 2009-10-16, Amendment 39-15901 (74 
FR 22424, May 13, 2009).
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraphs (g) through (k) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-53A2688, Revision 1, dated September 19, 2012, 
which was incorporated by reference in AD 2013-22-11.

(o) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle 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.
    (4) AMOCs approved for AD 2013-22-11 are approved as AMOCs for 
the corresponding provisions of paragraphs (g) through (k) of this 
AD.

(p) Related Information

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

(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 747-53A2688, Revision 2, dated 
August 21, 2014.
    (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; phone: 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax: 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (4) You may view this 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.
    (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 30, 2016.
Victor Wicklund,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-08271 Filed 4-12-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


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