[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 27 (Monday, February 10, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 7598-7601]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-02717]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2014-0009; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-123-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
The Boeing Company Model 707 airplanes, and Model 720 and 720B series
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of scribe-line-
related fatigue cracks on Model 727 airplanes, which are similar in
design to Model 707 airplanes, and Model 720 and 720B series airplanes.
This proposed AD would require inspections for scribe lines in the skin
lap joints, external approved repairs, external features, skin butt
joints, and decals, and related investigative and corrective actions if
necessary. This proposed AD would also require surface finish
restoration. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct scribe
lines, which can develop into fatigue cracks in the skin and cause
rapid decompression of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 27, 2014.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
[[Page 7599]]
W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this 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.
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-2014-
0009; 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 proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket
Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Berhane Alazar, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6577; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2014-0009;
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-123-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
We have received reports of scribe-line-related fatigue cracks on
two Model 727 airplanes, which are similar in design to Model 707
airplanes, and Model 720 and 720B series airplanes. One report was on a
Model 727-100 airplane with 44,171 total flight cycles. The crack was
near a repaired area and caused rapid decompression of the airplane.
Another report was on a Model 727-100 airplane with 51,195 total flight
cycles. The crack was at station 1090-1110, at the stringer 4L lap
joint. This also resulted in rapid decompression of the airplane.
Scribe lines could result in fatigue cracks developing in the skin at
scribe line locations. Fatigue cracks, if not corrected, could grow
large and cause rapid decompression of the airplane.
Related ADs
This proposed AD is similar to the following four ADs, which
require inspections to detect scribe lines in the fuselage skin at
certain lap joints, around decal locations, external repair doublers,
and other areas, and related investigative and corrective actions if
necessary. Those ADs resulted from reports of fuselage skin cracks
adjacent to the skin lap joints on airplanes that had scribe lines.
AD 2013-07-11, Amendment 39-17415 (78 FR 22185, April 15,
2013), for certain Boeing Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and -300ER
series airplanes.
AD 2010-06-16, Amendment 39-16241 (75 FR 12670, March 17,
2010), for certain Boeing Model 767 series airplanes.
AD 2010-05-13, Amendment 39-16223 (75 FR 10658, March 9,
2010), corrected March 19, 2010 (75 FR 13225) for all Boeing Model 737-
100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes.
AD 2007-19-07, Amendment 39-15198 (72 FR 60244, October
24, 2007), for certain Boeing Model 757-200, -200PF, and -200CB series
airplanes.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3539, dated April
26, 2013. For information on the procedures and compliance times, see
this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for
Docket No. FAA-2014-0009.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in the service information identified previously, except as discussed
under ``Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service
Information.''
The phrase ``related investigative actions'' is used in this
proposed AD. ``Related investigative actions'' are follow-on actions
that: (1) Are related to the primary actions, and (2) further
investigate the nature of any condition found. Related investigative
actions in an AD could include, for example, inspections.
In addition, the phrase ``corrective actions'' is used in this
proposed AD. ``Corrective actions'' are actions that correct or address
any condition found. Corrective actions in an AD could include, for
example, repairs.
Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information
Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3539, dated April 26, 2013,
specifies to contact the manufacturer for instructions on how to
accomplish repairs, but this proposed AD would require repairing those
conditions in one of the following ways:
In accordance with a method that we approve; or
Using data that meet the certification basis of the
airplane, and that have been approved by the Boeing Commercial
Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) whom we have
authorized to make those findings.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 11 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
[[Page 7600]]
Estimated costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspection.......................... 96 work-hours x $85 per $0 $8,160 $89,760
hour = $8,160.
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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 proposed
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 determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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):
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2014-0009; Directorate Identifier
2013-NM-123-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by March 27, 2014.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company airplanes, certificated in
any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
(1) All Model 707-100 long body, -200, -100B long body, and -
100B short body series airplanes; and Model 707-300, -300B, -300C,
and -400 series airplanes.
(2) All Model 720 and 720B series airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of scribe-line-related fatigue
cracks on Model 727 airplanes, which are similar in design to the
Model 707 airplanes, and Model 720 and 720B series airplanes. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct scribe lines, which can
develop into fatigue cracks in the skin and cause rapid
decompression of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Scribe Line Inspection
(1) Except as specified in paragraphs (j)(1) and (j)(2) of this
AD, at the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3539, dated
April 26, 2013: Do a detailed inspection of the fuselage skin for
scribe lines, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3539, dated April 26, 2013. If no
scribe line is found: Before further flight, do surface finish
restoration, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3539, dated April 26, 2013.
(2) The inspection exceptions described in paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3539, dated
April 26, 2013, apply to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
(h) Related Investigative and Corrective Actions
If any scribe line is found during any inspection required by
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD: At the applicable time specified in
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin
A3539, dated April 26, 2013, except as specified in paragraphs
(j)(1) and (j)(2) of this AD, do all applicable related
investigative and corrective actions, by doing all applicable
actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 707
Alert Service Bulletin A3539, dated April 26, 2013, except as
specified in paragraph (j)(3) of this AD.
(i) Surface Finish Restoration
After completing any actions required by paragraph (h) of this
AD: Before further flight, do surface finish restoration, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 707 Alert
Service Bulletin A3539, dated April 26, 2013.
(j) Exceptions to Paragraph (g) of this AD
(1) Where paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing 707 Alert
Service Bulletin A3539, dated April 26, 2013, specifies a compliance
time ``after the original issue date of this service bulletin,''
this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance time
after the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where the Condition column of paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3539, dated
April 26, 2013, refers to total flight cycles ``as of the original
issue date of this service bulletin,'' this AD applies to the
airplanes with the specified total flight cycles as of the effective
date of this AD.
(3) Where Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3539, dated April
26, 2013, specifies to contact Boeing for additional inspections or
repair instructions: Before further flight, repair the scribe line
or cracking using a method approved in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (k) of this AD.
(k) 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
[[Page 7601]]
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 (l)(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 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
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Berhane Alazar,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; phone: 425-917-6577; fax: 425-917-6590; email:
[email protected].
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this 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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 18, 2014.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-02717 Filed 2-7-14; 8:45 am]
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