[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 240 (Monday, December 15, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 74038-74042]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-29232]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2014-0921; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-073-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
[[Page 74039]]
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-14-
05, which applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400 and 747-
400F series airplanes. AD 2013-14-05 currently requires repetitive
inspections of the longeron extension fittings for cracking, and
related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. AD 2013-14-
05 also provides optional terminating action for the repetitive
inspections. Since we issued AD 2013-14-05, we determined that more
work is necessary on airplanes on which a terminating action (permanent
repair, longeron extension fitting replacement, or modification) was
accomplished. This proposed AD would continue to require the
requirements of AD 2013-14-05, and would add new repetitive high
frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections of any modified, repaired, or
replaced longeron extension fitting for cracking, and applicable
related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are
proposing 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: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 29,
2015.
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 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 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.
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-
0921; 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: 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:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2014-0921;
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-073-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
On June 25, 2013, we issued AD 2013-14-05, Amendment 39-17510 (78
FR 43763, July 22, 2013), for certain the Boeing Company Model 747-400
and 747-400F series airplanes. AD 2013-14-05 requires repetitive
inspections of the longeron extension fittings for cracking, and
related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. AD 2013-14-
05 also provides for optional terminating action for the repetitive
inspections. AD 2013-14-05 resulted from reports of cracking in the
outboard flange of the longeron extension fittings, which attach to the
wing-to-body fairing support frame. We issued AD 2013-14-05 to detect
and correct cracks in the longeron extension fittings, which can become
large and adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane.
Actions Since AD 2013-14-05, Amendment 39-17510 (78 FR 43763, July 22,
2013) Was Issued
Since we issued AD 2013-14-05, Amendment 39-17510 (78 FR 43763,
July 22, 2013), we determined that more work is necessary on airplanes
that accomplished a permanent repair, longeron extension fitting
replacement, or preventive modification (the terminating actions
specified in AD 2013-14-05).
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, Revision 1,
dated March 18, 2014. For information on the procedures and compliance
times, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by
searching for Docket No. FAA-2014-0921.
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
Although this proposed AD does not explicitly restate the
requirements of AD 2013-14-05, Amendment 39-17510 (78 FR 43763, July
22, 2013), this proposed AD would retain all of the requirements of AD
2013-14-05. Those requirements are referenced in the service
information identified previously, which, in turn, is referenced in
paragraphs (g), (h)(1), and (j) of this proposed AD. This proposed AD
would require additional repetitive HFEC inspections of the left and
right longeron extension fittings for cracking, and applicable related
investigative and corrective actions, for airplanes that have
previously accomplished a permanent repair, longeron extension fitting
replacement, or preventive modification, as identified in Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, dated December 4, 2012.
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.
The phrase ``corrective actions'' is used in this proposed AD.
``Corrective actions'' are actions that correct or
[[Page 74040]]
address any condition found. Corrective actions in an AD could include,
for example, repairs.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, Revision 1, dated March
18, 2014, specifies to contact the manufacturer for instructions on how
to repair certain conditions, 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.
Clarification of Terminating Actions for Certain Inspections
Paragraph (h)(1) of this proposed AD specifies that if the
terminating action is done ``before the effective date of this AD'' in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-53A2860, dated December 4, 2012, it terminates the
inspections in paragraph (g) of this proposed AD. In paragraph (h)(2)
of this proposed AD we specify that the terminating action if done ``on
or after the effective date of this AD'' must be done in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747-53A2860, Revision 1, dated March 18, 2014, except as required by
paragraph (k)(2) of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 41 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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HFEC inspection [retained action 32 work-hours x $85 per $0 $2,720 per $111,520 per
from AD 2013[dash]14[dash]05, hour = $2,720 per inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
Amendment 39[dash]17510 (78 FR inspection cycle.
43763, July 22, 2013)].
Terminating action for certain 479 work-hours x $85 per 0 $40,715............ $1,669,315.
inspections [retained action hour = $40,715.
from AD 2013[dash]14[dash]05,
Amendment 39[dash]17510 (78 FR
43763, July 22, 2013)].
HFEC inspection [new action].... 32 work-hours x $85 per 0 $2,720 per $111,520 per
hour = $2,720 per inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
inspection cycle.
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements
that would be required based on the results of the proposed 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 $85 per hour = $39,440. $0 $39,440
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According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed
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
We have 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 that the 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:
[[Page 74041]]
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)
2013-14-05, Amendment 39-17510 (78 FR 43763, July 22, 2013), and adding
the following new AD:
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2014-0921; Directorate Identifier
2014-NM-073-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by January 29,
2015.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2013-14-05, Amendment 39-17510 (78 FR 43763,
July 22, 2013).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-400 and -400F
series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, Revision 1, dated March
18, 2014.
(d) Subject
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, and we determined that
more work is necessary on airplanes on which a permanent repair,
longeron extension fitting replacement, or modification was
accomplished, as required by AD 2013-14-05, Amendment 39-17510 (78
FR 43763, July 22, 2013) could crack. 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) Repetitive Inspections
At the applicable time specified in table 1 of paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860,
Revision 1, dated March 18, 2014: Do surface high frequency eddy
current (HFEC) inspections for cracking of the left and right
longeron extension fittings, and all applicable corrective actions,
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, Revision 1, dated March 18, 2014,
except as required by paragraph (k)(2) of this AD. Do all applicable
corrective actions at the applicable time specified in table 1 of
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747-53A2860, Revision 1, dated March 18, 2014. If no cracking is
found, repeat the inspection thereafter at the intervals specified
in table 1 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, Revision 1, dated March 18, 2014,
until a terminating action specified in paragraph (h) of this AD is
done.
(h) Terminating Actions for the Inspections Required by Paragraph (g)
of This AD
(1) Doing the permanent repair, longeron extension fitting
replacement, or preventative modification before the effective date
of this AD, 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. Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, dated December
4, 2012, was incorporated by reference in AD 2013-14-05, Amendment
39-17510 (78 FR 43763, July 22, 2013). After accomplishing the
actions specified in this paragraph, the actions specified in
paragraph (i) of this AD must be done at the times specified in
paragraph (i) of this AD.
(2) Doing the repair (PART 4 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747-53A2860, Revision 1, dated March 18, 2014), longeron extension
fitting replacement, or modification on or after the effective date
of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, Revision 1, dated March
18, 2014, except as required by paragraph (k)(2) of this AD,
terminates the repetitive inspection requirements of paragraph (g)
of this AD. After accomplishing the actions specified in this
paragraph, the actions specified in paragraph (i) of this AD must be
done at the times specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
(i) Post-Modification/Repair/Replacement Inspections
For airplanes on which any action identified in paragraph (h) of
this AD has been accomplished (including if done as a corrective
action required by paragraph (g) or (j) of this AD): At the
applicable time specified in table 3 of paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860,
Revision 1, dated March 18, 2014, except as required by paragraph
(k)(1) of this AD, do a HFEC inspection of the left and right
longeron extension fittings for cracking, as applicable, and do all
applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, Revision
1, dated March 18, 2014. Do all applicable corrective actions at the
applicable time specified in table 3 of paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860,
Revision 1, dated March 18, 2014, except as required by paragraph
(k)(2) of this AD. If no cracking is found, repeat the inspection
thereafter at the interval specified in table 3 of paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860,
Revision 1, dated March 18, 2014.
(j) 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, Revision 1, dated March 18,
2014, 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, Revision
1, dated March 18, 2014, except as required by paragraph (k)(2) of
this AD. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight.
(k) Exceptions to the Service Information
(1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, Revision 1,
dated March 18, 2014, specifies a compliance time ``after the
Revision 1 date of this service bulletin,'' this AD requires
compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective
date of this AD.
(2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, Revision 1,
dated March 18, 2014, specifies to contact Boeing for repair
information: Before further flight, repair using a method approved
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (m) of this
AD.
(l) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in
paragraphs (g) and (j) of this AD, if those actions were performed
before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-53A2860, dated December 4, 2012, which was incorporated
by reference in AD 2013-14-05, Amendment 39-17510 (78 FR 43763, July
22, 2013).
(m) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14
CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in paragraph (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 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.
(4) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2013-14-05, Amendment 39-
17510 (78 FR 43763, July 22, 2013), are approved as AMOCs for the
corresponding provisions of paragraphs (g), (h), and (j) of this AD.
[[Page 74042]]
(n) Related Information
(1) 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].
(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 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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 5, 2014.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-29232 Filed 12-12-14; 8:45 am]
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