[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 211 (Thursday, October 31, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65166-65169]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-25307]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0625; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-013-AD;
Amendment 39-17638; AD 2013-22-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 94-13-06 for
certain The Boeing Company Model 747 series airplanes. AD 94-13-06
required repetitive detailed inspections to detect cracking in certain
fuselage upper deck tension ties, repair or modification of any cracked
tension ties, and repetitive inspections of repaired and modified
tension ties and repair or modification if necessary. AD 94-13-06 also
provided for optional terminating action for the repetitive detailed
inspections of tension ties that had not been repaired or modified.
This new AD retains the repetitive inspections, mandates the previously
optional terminating modification, and adds, for tension ties that have
not been repaired or modified, repetitive inspections that must be done
concurrently with the existing repetitive inspections. This AD was
prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder indicating that
the upper deck tension ties of the fuselage are subject to widespread
fatigue damage. We are issuing this AD to prevent widespread fatigue
damage of certain fuselage upper deck tension ties, which could result
in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
DATES: This AD is effective December 5, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 5,
2013.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact,
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 Ave. SW., Renton,
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 425-227-1221.
[[Page 65167]]
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 supersede AD 94-13-06, Amendment 39-8946 (59 FR 32879, June
27, 1994). AD 94-13-06 applied to the specified products. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on July 22, 2013 (78 FR 43839). The
NPRM proposed to continue to require repetitive detailed inspections to
detect cracking in certain fuselage upper deck tension ties, repair or
modification of any cracked tension ties, and repetitive inspections of
repaired and modified tension ties and repair or modification if
necessary. The NPRM also proposed to mandate the previously optional
terminating modification, and add, for tension ties that have not been
repaired or modified, repetitive inspections that must be done
concurrently with the existing repetitive inspections.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We have considered the comment received. Boeing supported the
NPRM (78 FR 43839, July 22, 2013).
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this AD as proposed.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 113 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
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Detailed inspections [retained 5 work-hours x $85 $0 $425 per inspection $48,025 per
action from AD 94-13-06, per hour = $425. cycle. inspection cycle.
Amendment 39-8946 (59 FR 32879,
June 27, 1994)].
Post-mod/repair inspections [new 1 work-hour x $85 0 $85................ $9,605.
proposed action]. per hour = $85.
Modification [new proposed Up to 112 0 Up to $9,520....... Up to $1,075,760.
action]. work[dash]hours x
$85 per hour = up
to $9,520.
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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.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between
the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power
and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
94-13-06, Amendment 39-8946 (59 FR 32879, June 27, 1994), and adding
the following new AD:
2013-22-06 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-17638; Docket No. FAA-
2013-0625; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-013-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective December 5, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD supersedes AD 94-13-06, Amendment 39-8946 (59 FR 32879,
June 27, 1994).
[[Page 65168]]
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-200B,
and 747-200F series airplanes, certificated in any category, as
listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2371, Revision 2,
dated December 11, 2012.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/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 the upper deck tension ties of the fuselage
are subject to widespread fatigue damage. We are issuing this AD to
prevent widespread fatigue damage of certain fuselage upper deck
tension ties, which could result in reduced structural integrity of
the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspections and Repair/Modification
Except as required by paragraph (k)(3) of this AD, at the
applicable time specified in Tables 1 and 3 of paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2371,
Revision 2, dated December 11, 2012: Do detailed and surface high
frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections for cracks in the tension
ties, as applicable, and do all applicable corrective actions, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 747-53A2371, Revision 2, dated December 11, 2012,
except as required by paragraph (k)(2) of this AD. The effective
date of AD 94-13-06, Amendment 39-8946 (59 FR 32879, June 27, 1994)
is July 27, 1994. Do all applicable corrective actions before
further flight. Repeat the detailed and HFEC inspections thereafter
at the time specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2371, Revision 2, dated December 11,
2012, except as specified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. Repair of
a tension tie, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2371, Revision 2, dated
December 11, 2012, except as required by paragraph (k)(2) of this
AD, terminates the requirements of this paragraph for that tension
tie only.
(h) Modification
Except as provided by paragraph (k)(3) of this AD, at the
applicable time specified in Table 3 of paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2371,
Revision 2, dated December 11, 2012: Modify the tension ties,
including doing an open-hole HFEC inspection for cracks before
enlarging the hole, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2371, Revision
2, dated December 11, 2012. Modification of the tension ties
terminates the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD. If any
cracking is found, before further flight, do the repair using a
method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (l) of this AD.
(i) Post-Repair/Modification Inspections
At the applicable time specified in Table 2 of paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2371,
Revision 2, dated December 11, 2012: Do a detailed inspection of all
repaired and modified tension ties, and do all applicable corrective
actions, except as required by paragraph (k)(2) of this AD, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 747-53A2371, Revision 2, dated December 11, 2012,
except as required by paragraph (k)(2) of this AD. Repeat the
inspection thereafter at the times specified in paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2371,
Revision 2, dated December 11, 2012. Do all applicable corrective
actions before further flight.
(j) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the modification required by
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD if that modification was done
before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Service Bulletin
747-53-2371, dated July 29, 1993; or Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53-
2371, Revision 1, dated April 27, 1995; which are not incorporated
by reference in this AD. Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53-2371, dated
July 29, 1993, was incorporated by reference in AD 94-13-06,
Amendment 39-8946 (59 FR 32879, June 27, 1994).
(k) Exception to Service Information
(1) Where Row 2 of Table 3 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2371, Revision 2, dated
December 11, 2012, specifies repeating a ``detailed'' inspection,
``as given in Part 4'' of this service information, the repetitive
inspections required by this AD are ``HFEC'' inspections, done in
accordance with Part 4 and Figure 8 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747-53A2371, Revision 2, dated December 11, 2012.
(2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2371, Revision 2,
dated December 11, 2012, specifies contacting Boeing for repair
instructions, or does not include repair instructions for a crack
found in an area other than the aft tension tie area: Before further
flight, do the repair using a method approved in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this AD.
(3) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2371, Revision 2,
dated December 11, 2012, specifies a compliance time of ``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.
(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
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 (m)(1) 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 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.
(4) AMOCs approved for AD 94-13-06, Amendment 39-8946 (59 FR
32879, June 27, 1994), are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding
actions required by paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD.
(m) 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, Washington
98057-3356; phone: (425) 917-6428; fax: (425) 917-6590; email:
[email protected].
(2) Service information in this AD that is not incorporated by
reference may be obtained at the addresses specified in paragraphs
(n)(3) and (n)(4) of this AD.
(n) 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 747-53A2371, Revision 2, dated
December 11, 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 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.
(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.
[[Page 65169]]
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 15, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-25307 Filed 10-30-13; 8:45 am]
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