[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 245 (Wednesday, December 21, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 93585-93589]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-29307]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2015-5816; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-029-AD;
Amendment 39-18731; AD 2016-25-05]
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 all The
Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-
200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP
series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking found in
the splice plates, hinge fittings, terminal fittings, the upper skin of
the outboard
[[Page 93586]]
and center sections, upper chord, and rear spar webs before reaching
the inspection interval specified in AD 2006-10-16. Cracked and
fractured Maraging steel fasteners were also found. This AD requires
repetitive inspections for cracking, an inspection to determine whether
fasteners are magnetic, repetitive ultrasonic inspections for cracking
and fractures of affected fasteners, and related investigative and
corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective January 25, 2017.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 25,
2017.
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-
5816.
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-
5816; 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 2006-10-16, Amendment 39-14600 (71 FR 28570,
May 17, 2006) (``AD 2006-10-16''). AD 2006-10-16 applies to all The
Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-
200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP
series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
November 27, 2015 (80 FR 74052) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted
by reports of cracking found in the splice plates, hinge fittings,
terminal fittings, the upper skin of the outboard and center sections,
upper chord, and rear spar webs before reaching the inspection interval
specified in AD 2006-10-16. Cracked and fractured Maraging steel
fasteners were also found. The NPRM proposed to reduce the compliance
time for certain inspections and add repetitive inspections for
cracking of the splice plates, hinge fittings, terminal fittings, upper
skin of the outboard and center sections, and rear spar webs in Zone B.
The NPRM also proposed to require an inspection to determine whether
fasteners are magnetic in Zone C, repetitive ultrasonic inspections for
cracking and fractures of affected fasteners, and related investigative
and corrective actions if necessary. The NPRM also added an optional
modification, which would terminate certain repetitive inspections,
provided post-modification inspections and corrective action are done
if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct this
cracking, which could lead to reduced structural capability of the
outboard and center sections of the horizontal stabilizer and could
result in loss of control 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.
Request To Clarify Inspections
Atlas Airlines, United Airlines, and The Boeing Company requested
that we clarify the inspection required by the proposed AD. Atlas
Airlines stated that the ``Proposed AD Requirements'' paragraph of the
NPRM states that the proposed AD would retain all the requirements of
AD 2006-10-16. Atlas Airlines also stated that paragraph (f) of AD
2006-10-16 is not included in the proposed AD and noted that paragraph
(g)(3) of the proposed AD identifies only Groups 7 through 9 as the
applicable groups for the Zone A inspections. Atlas Airlines asked for
clarification of the Zone A inspections.
Boeing noted that AD 2006-10-16 includes Zone C inspections as
specified in Part 5 of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 1,
dated May 1, 2003, and included Zone A inspections for Groups 1 through
6. Boeing noted that these inspections have not been removed by Boeing
Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015.
Boeing also requested that we revise the proposed AD to address the
Zone C inspections in Part 5 of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050,
Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015, and the Zone A inspections for
Groups 1 through 6.
United Airlines disagreed with not restating the requirements of AD
2006-10-16. United Airlines stated that operators might miss that Zone
A inspections and Zone C, Part 5, inspections required by AD 2006-10-16
are intended to be mandated. United Airlines noted that although the
preamble of the NPRM stated that all inspections of AD 2006-10-16 are
retained, paragraph (g) of the proposed AD only specifies new
requirements and does not include certain Zone A inspections and Zone
C, Part 5, inspections.
We agree that clarification is necessary. As stated in the preamble
to the NPRM, we intended to retain all requirements of AD 2006-10-16.
However, the actions specified in the proposed AD do not include the
inspections referred to by the commenters. We have determined that
instead of including those actions in this final rule, we will issue
this action as a stand-alone AD. Thus, AD 2006-10-16 is not superseded,
making it clear that all actions in AD 2006-10-16 continue to be
required. In addition, we have revised this AD to specify when
accomplishing certain actions in this AD terminates actions specified
in AD 2006-10-16. We have made the following changes:
Revised paragraph (g)(1) of this AD to specify that
accomplishing a Zone B inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this
AD terminates the inspections required by paragraph (g) of AD 2006-10-
16 for the inspected area only.
Revised paragraph (g)(2) of this AD to specify that
accomplishing a Zone B inspection required by paragraph (g)(2) of this
AD terminates the inspections required by paragraph (i) of AD 2006-10-
16 for the inspected area only.
Revised paragraph (g)(3) of this AD to specify that
accomplishing Zone A and Zone B inspections required by
[[Page 93587]]
paragraph (g)(3) of this AD terminates the inspections required by
paragraphs (f), (i), and (l) of AD 2006-10-16 for the inspected area
only.
Added paragraph (i)(1)(iii) to this AD to clarify that
accomplishing the actions specified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD
terminates inspections required by paragraph (g) of AD 2006-10-16 for
Zone B, as specified in Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23,
2015, for the modified area only.
Added paragraph (i)(1)(iv) to this AD to clarify that
accomplishing the actions specified in paragraph (i) of this AD
terminates inspections required by paragraph (k) of AD 2006-10-16 for
Zone C, as specified in Part 5 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23,
2015, for the modified area only.
Added paragraph (i)(2)(ii) of this AD to clarify that
accomplishing the actions specified in paragraph (i)(2) of this AD
terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (k) of AD
2006-10-16 for Zone C, as specified in Part 5 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated
January 23, 2015, for the inspected area only.
Added paragraph (i)(3)(ii) of this AD to clarify that
accomplishing the actions specified in paragraph (i)(3) of this AD
terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (i) of AD
2006-10-16 for Zone B, as specified in Part 4 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated
January 23, 2015, for the modified area only.
Request To Update Terminating Action Language for Zone C Inspections
Boeing requested that we revise paragraph (i)(2) of the proposed AD
to clarify which Zone C inspections are terminated. Boeing noted that
paragraph (i)(2) of the proposed AD specifies that the actions
terminate Zone C inspections specified in Part 6 of Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015, and noted
that Zone C inspections in Part 5 of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-
55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015, are also terminated.
We agree to clarify the terminating action for the Zone C
inspections, and have revised paragraph (i)(2) of this AD accordingly.
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 previously and minor editorial
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
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 Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated
January 23, 2015. The service information describes procedures for
accomplishing Zone A, Zone B, and Zone C inspections for cracking of
the upper skin and upper rear spar chord of the outboard and center
sections of the horizontal stabilizer, and related investigative and
corrective actions if necessary. The service information also describes
procedures for a magnetic inspection to determine the type of
fasteners, ultrasonic inspections for cracking and fractures of
affected fasteners, and related investigative and corrective actions if
necessary. 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 116 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs--Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zone A Inspections (required by 8 work-hours x $85 per $0 $680.............. Up to $78,880.
AD 2006-10-16). hour = $680.
Zone B Open-hole nondestructive 30 work-hours x $85 per 0 2,550............. Up to $295,800.
testing (NDT) Inspection hour = $2,550.
(required by AD 2006-10-16 for
Groups 3, 4, and 5 airplanes;
and for Groups 1, 2, and 3
airplanes, if done).
Zone C Maraging or H-11 Steel 8 work-hours x $85 per 0 680............... Up to $78,880.
Fastener Inspection (required hour = $680.
by AD 2006-10-16 for Groups 1,
2, and 3 airplanes).
New Zone B Inspections......... 248 work-hours x $85 0 21,080............ $2,445,280.
per hour = $21,080.
New Zone C Inspection.......... 26 work-hours x $85 per 0 2,210............. $256,360.
hour = $2,210.
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Estimated Costs--Optional Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Open-hole NDT Inspections (high Up to 298 work-hours x $85 per $0................... Up to $25,330.
frequency eddy current hour = up to $25,330.
inspections).
Zone B Modification............... Up to 313 work-hours x $85 per Up to $3,486......... Up to $30,091.
hour = up to $26,605.
Post-Modification Inspections..... Up to 298 work-hours x $85 per $0................... Up to $25,330.
hour = up to $25,330.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 93588]]
We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
a cost estimate 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
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):
2016-25-05 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18731; Docket No. FAA-
2015-5816; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-029-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective January 25, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2006-10-16, Amendment 39-14600 (71 FR 28570,
May 17, 2006) (``AD 2006-10-16'').
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-
100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400,
747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes; certificated
in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 55, Stabilizers.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracking found in the splice
plates, hinge fittings, terminal fittings, the upper skin of the
outboard and center sections, upper chord, and rear spar webs before
reaching the inspection interval specified in AD 2006-10-16. Cracked
and fractured Maraging steel fasteners were also found. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct this cracking, which could
lead to reduced structural capability of the outboard and center
sections of the horizontal stabilizer and could result in loss of
control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Repetitive Inspections/Investigative and Corrective Actions
At the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2,
dated January 23, 2015, except as required by paragraphs (h)(1) and
(h)(2) of this AD: Do the applicable actions specified in paragraphs
(g)(1), (g)(2), (g)(3), and (g)(4) of this AD, and all applicable
related investigative and corrective actions, in accordance with the
applicable part of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015, except as
required by paragraph (h)(3) of this AD. Do all applicable related
investigative and corrective actions before further flight. Repeat
the applicable inspections specified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2),
(g)(3), and (g)(4) of this AD at the applicable times specified in
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-
55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015.
(1) For Group 1 through 3 airplanes identified in Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015: Do non-
destructive test (NDT) inspections (ultrasonic, high frequency eddy
current, and low frequency eddy current inspections) or open-hole
NDT inspections (high frequency eddy current inspections) of Zone B
for cracking, in accordance with Part 3 or Part 4 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050,
Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015, as applicable. Accomplishing a
Zone B inspection required by this paragraph terminates the
inspections required by paragraph (g) of AD 2006-10-16 for the
inspected area only.
(2) For Group 4 through 6 airplanes identified in Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015: Do open-
hole NDT inspections (high frequency eddy current inspections) of
Zone B for cracking, in accordance with Part 4 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2,
dated January 23, 2015. Accomplishing a Zone B inspection required
by this paragraph terminates the inspections required by paragraph
(i) of AD 2006-10-16 for the inspected area only.
(3) For Group 7 through 9 airplanes identified in Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015: Do
inspections of Zone A (detailed or high frequency eddy current
inspections) and Zone B (open-hole high frequency eddy current
inspections) for cracking, in accordance with Part 1, Part 2, or
Part 4 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin
747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015, as applicable.
Accomplishing Zone A and Zone B inspections required by this
paragraph terminates the inspections required by paragraphs (f),
(i), and (l) of AD 2006-10-16 for the inspected area only.
(4) For Group 1 through 3 airplanes identified in Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015: Do an
inspection of Zone C Maraging or H-11 steel fasteners to determine
whether fasteners are magnetic, in accordance with Part 6 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050,
Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015.
(h) Exceptions to Service Bulletin Specifications
(1) Where Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated
January 23, 2015, 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) The Condition column of Table 1 of paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2,
dated January 23, 2015, refers to airplanes with certain total
flight cycles and total flight hours. This AD, however, applies to
the
[[Page 93589]]
airplanes with the specified total flight cycles and total flight
hours as of the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated
January 23, 2015, specifies to contact Boeing for repair
instructions: Before further flight, repair using a method approved
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this
AD.
(i) Optional Terminating Action
(1) For Group 1 through 3 airplanes identified in Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015:
Accomplishing the Zone B modification, including all applicable
related investigative and corrective actions, specified in Part 7 of
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-
55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015, except as required by
paragraph (h)(3) of this AD, terminates the repetitive inspections
specified in paragraphs (i)(1)(i) through (i)(1)(iv) of this AD for
the modified area only.
(i) Inspections required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD for Zone
B, as specified in Part 3 and Part 4 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2,
dated January 23, 2015.
(ii) Inspections required by paragraph (g)(4) of this AD for
Zone C, as specified in Part 6 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23,
2015.
(iii) Inspections required by paragraph (g) of AD 2006-10-16 for
Zone B, as specified in Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23,
2015.
(iv) Inspections required by paragraph (k) of AD 2006-10-16 for
Zone C, as specified in Part 5 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23,
2015.
(2) For Group 1 through 3 airplanes identified in Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015:
Accomplishing the Zone B open-hole NDT inspection, repairing any
cracking as applicable, and replacing fasteners as specified in Part
4 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-
55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015, terminates the actions
specified in paragraphs (i)(2)(i) and (i)(2)(ii) of this AD for the
inspected area only.
(i) The inspections required by paragraph (g)(4) of this AD for
Zone C, as specified in Part 6 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23,
2015.
(ii) The repetitive inspections required by paragraph (k) of AD
2006-10-16 for Zone C, as specified in Part 5 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2,
dated January 23, 2015.
(3) For Group 4 through 9 airplanes identified in Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015:
Accomplishing the Zone B modification, including all applicable
related investigative and corrective actions, specified in Part 7 of
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-
55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015, except as required by
paragraph (h)(3) of this AD, terminates the actions specified in
paragraphs (i)(3)(i) and (i)(3)(ii) of this AD for the modified area
only.
(i) The repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g)(2) or
(g)(3) of this AD, as applicable, only for Zone B, as specified in
Part 4 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin
747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015.
(ii) The repetitive inspections required by paragraph (i) of AD
2006-10-16 for Zone B, as specified in Part 4 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2,
dated January 23, 2015.
(j) Repetitive Post-Modification Inspections and Corrective Actions
At the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2,
dated January 23, 2015: Do the applicable inspections specified in
paragraphs (j)(1) and (j)(2) of this AD, and all applicable
corrective actions, in accordance with Part 8 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2,
dated January 23, 2015, except as required by paragraph (h)(3) of
this AD. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight.
Repeat the applicable inspections at the applicable times specified
in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-
55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015.
(1) For Group 1 through 3 airplanes identified in Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015, on which
the Zone B modification specified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD is
done: Do non-destructive test (NDT) inspections (ultrasonic, high
frequency eddy current, and low frequency eddy current inspections)
or open-hole NDT inspections (high frequency eddy current
inspections) of Zone B for cracking.
(2) For Group 4 through 9 airplanes identified in Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015, on which
the Zone B modification specified in paragraph (i)(3) of this AD is
done: Do open-hole NDT inspections (high frequency eddy current
inspections) of Zone B for cracking.
(k) Parts Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install any
Maraging or H-11 steel fasteners in the locations specified in this
AD. Where Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated
January 23, 2015, specifies to install H-11 bolts (kept fasteners),
this AD requires installation of Inconel bolts.
(l) 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) 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 for AD 2006-10-16, are approved as AMOCs for
the corresponding provisions of paragraph (g) of this AD, except for
approved AMOCs that allow installation of Maraging or H-11 steel
fasteners.
(m) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Nathan Weigand,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle ACO,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6428;
fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].
(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 Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated
January 23, 2015.
(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 November 25, 2016.
John P. Piccola, Jr.,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-29307 Filed 12-20-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P