[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 140 (Monday, July 22, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43763-43766]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-17137]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0204; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-229-AD;
Amendment 39-17510; AD 2013-14-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
The Boeing Company Model 747-400 and 747-400F series airplanes. This AD
was prompted by reports of cracking in the outboard flange of the
longeron extension fittings, which attach to the wing-to-body fairing
support frame. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the longeron
extension fittings for cracking, and corrective actions if necessary.
We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the longeron
extension fittings, which can become large and adversely affect the
structural integrity of the airplane.
DATES: This AD is effective August 26, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of August 26,
2013.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.
O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-5000,
extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 425-227-1221.
[[Page 43764]]
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; 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 Document 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, Washington 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 include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on March 7, 2013 (78 FR
14731). The NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections of the
longeron extension fittings for cracking, and corrective actions if
necessary.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal
(78 FR 14731, March 7, 2013) and the FAA's response to each comment.
United Airlines (UAL) did not have any technical comments regarding
the NPRM (78 FR 14731, March 7, 2013).
Request to Change Applicability
UPS and Virgin Atlantic Airways (VIR) stated that airplane line
numbers 1199 through 1419 inclusive are included in the effectivity of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, dated December 4, 2012, and
that the applicability of the NPRM (78 FR 14731, March 7, 2013)
includes airplane line numbers 1076 through 1419 inclusive. The
commenters noted that Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, dated
December 4, 2012, does not provide inspection or repair instructions
for airplanes with line numbers prior to 1199. UPS requested that
paragraph (c), ``Applicability,'' in the NPRM be revised to match the
effectivity included in the Boeing service information. We infer that
VIR made the same request.
Boeing requested that changes be made to paragraph (c),
``Applicability,'' and paragraph (i)(3), ``Exceptions to Service
Bulletin Specifications,'' of the NPRM (78 FR 14731, March 7, 2013), in
regard to the applicability. Boeing noted that line number 1076,
included in paragraph (c), ``Applicability,'' does not align with any
production line changes and the line numbers should be changed from
1076 through 1419 inclusive to 1097 through 1419 inclusive.
Boeing stated that paragraph (i)(3) of the NPRM (78 FR 14731, March
7, 2013) should be revised to clearly define the applicable airplanes
because, as written, it could be interpreted to include more than the
appropriate airplanes. Boeing requested that paragraph (i)(3) of the
NPRM be revised to state ``For airplanes not identified in Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, dated December 4, 2012, but are included
in paragraph (c) of this AD: These airplanes are in Group 1 of the
subject service bulletin for the purposes of this AD and are required
to do the applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, dated
December 4, 2012.''
We agree with Boeing's position regarding paragraphs (c) and (i)(3)
of this final rule. We had conservatively established the applicability
as starting at line number 1076 based on the information available at
the time the NPRM (78 FR 14731, March 7, 2013) was issued. Since that
time, Boeing has determined that the manufacturing change started at
line number 1097. Boeing advised that Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747-53A2860, dated December 4, 2012, will be revised and the
effectivity in that service bulletin will be changed to start with line
number 1097. Based on this information, we revised paragraph (c) in
this final rule to include line numbers 1097 through 1419 inclusive. We
revised paragraph (i)(3) in this final rule to include text similar to
that proposed by Boeing.
We do not agree with UPS and VIR that the applicability of this
final rule should match the effectivity in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-53A2860, dated December 4, 2012. As stated previously,
Boeing advised us that Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, dated
December 4, 2012, will be revised and the effectivity in the revised
service bulletin will start with line number 1097. We have not changed
this final rule in this regard.
Request to Clarify the Difference in the Line Numbers Between the
Service Information and the NPRM (78 FR 14731, March 7, 2013)
Boeing requested changes to the Discussion section of the NPRM (78
FR 14731, March 7, 2013) to clarify the differences between the
airplane line numbers (1199 through 1419 inclusive) identified in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, dated December 4, 2012, and
the airplane line numbers (1076 through 1419 inclusive) identified in
paragraph (c) of the NPRM (78 FR 14731, March 7, 2013). Boeing stated
that, after the release of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860,
dated December 4, 2012, a crack was reported on airplane line number
1101 and that the longeron extension fitting had been redesigned at
line number 1097.
Boeing suggested that the text ``. . . Subsequent analysis by
Boeing indicated that the cracks were caused by fatigue combined with
preload stress from improper fit-up during assembly. A manufacturing
process change that began at line number 1199 might have resulted in
preloading the longeron extension fittings . . .'' be changed to
``Subsequent review by Boeing has shown that the reported cracking
correlates with this design change made at line number 1097.''
We agree that the suggestions made by Boeing provide a more
accurate description of how the affected line numbers were determined;
however, this information is not restated in the Discussion section of
this final rule, so no change is needed. The line numbers were changed
from 1076 through 1419 inclusive to 1097 through 1419 inclusive in
paragraph (c), ``Applicability,'' of this final rule, as explained
previously.
Concern Regarding Parts Availability
UAL stated that Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, dated
December 4, 2012, does not include price and supply data for
replacement longeron fittings. UAL asked if operators are expected to
fabricate these replacement fittings. UAL noted that, if operators do
not have the capabilities to fabricate fittings, it could be difficult
for those operators to get parts.
We acknowledge the commenter's concern regarding the availability
of replacement longeron fittings. Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2860, dated December 4, 2012, lists other available options as
alternatives to replacing longeron extension fittings. The availability
of required parts was considered when developing the compliance time
for this AD. We have
[[Page 43765]]
contacted Boeing regarding parts availability and Boeing responded that
parts are available. Longeron extension fittings are a one piece
forging and operators are not expected to fabricate these fittings. 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:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (78 FR 14731, March 7, 2013) for correcting the unsafe condition;
and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 14731, March 7, 2013).
We also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 41 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product Cost on U.S. operators
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High frequency eddy current 32 work-hours x $85 $0 $2,720 $111,520, per inspection
inspection for cracking in per hour = $2,720, cycle.
longeron extension fittings. per inspection cycle.
Option to do preventative 479 work-hours x $85 0 40,715 $1,669,315.
modification instead of per hour = $40,715.
repetitive inspections.
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements
that would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have
no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need this
replacement:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Replacement........... 464 work-hours x $0 $39,440
$85 per hour =
$39,440.
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We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.
According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost
estimate.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
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):
2013-14-05 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-17510; Docket No. FAA-
2013-0204; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-229-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective August 26, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-400 and 747-400F
series airplanes, certificated in any category, line numbers 1097
through 1419 inclusive.
[[Page 43766]]
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the outboard
flange of the longeron extension fittings, which attach to the wing-
to-body fairing support frame. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct cracks in the longeron extension fittings, which can become
large and adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspection of Longeron Extension Fitting
For all airplanes: Except as required by paragraphs (i)(1) and
(i)(4) of this AD, at the time specified in table 1 of paragraph
1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860,
dated December 4, 2012, do a surface high frequency eddy current
(HFEC) inspection of the left and right longeron extension fittings
for cracking, and do all applicable corrective actions, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, dated December 4, 2012, except as
required by paragraphs (i)(2) and (i)(3) of this AD. Do all
applicable corrective actions before further flight. If no cracking
is found, repeat the inspection thereafter at the intervals
specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-53A2860, dated December 4, 2012, until a permanent
repair, longeron extension fitting replacement, or preventative
modification is done, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, dated
December 4, 2012.
(h) Inspection of Temporary Repair and Corrective Actions
For airplanes on which a temporary repair as specified in Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860 has been done: At the times
specified in table 2 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, dated December 4, 2012, do a
surface HFEC inspection of the temporary repair of the longeron
extension fittings for cracking, and do all applicable corrective
actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, dated December 4, 2012,
except as required by paragraph (i)(3) of this AD. Do all applicable
corrective actions before further flight.
(i) Exceptions to Service Information
(1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, dated
December 4, 2012, specifies a compliance time relative to the issue
date of that service bulletin, this AD requires compliance within
the specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, dated
December 4, 2012, specifies to contact Boeing for repair
information: Before further flight, repair using a method approved
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (k) of this
AD.
(3) For airplanes not identified in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-53A2860, dated December 4, 2012, but included in
paragraph (c) of this AD: These airplanes are in Group 1 for the
purposes of this AD. This AD requires that the applicable actions
specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-53A2860, dated December 4, 2012, be accomplished on
these airplanes.
(4) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, dated
December 4, 2012, specifies ``all airplanes,'' this means all
airplanes identified in paragraph (c) of this AD.
(j) Optional Terminating Action
Doing the permanent repair, longeron extension fitting
replacement, or preventative modification, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2860, dated December 4, 2012, terminates the repetitive
inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 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 the Related Information section of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used for any repair required by this AD if it is approved by the
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization
(ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make
those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must
meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must
specifically refer to this AD.
(l) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Nathan Weigand,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington
98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6428; fax: 425-917-6590; email:
[email protected].
(m) 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 747-53A2860, dated December 4,
2012.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
P. O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
(4) You may view this service information at 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 June 25, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-17137 Filed 7-19-13; 8:45 am]
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