[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 106 (Thursday, June 3, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 29783-29785]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-13874]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-223-AD; Amendment 39-11186; AD 99-11-15]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Boeing Model 747 series airplanes, that requires
a one-time detailed visual inspection to detect improperly installed or
frayed aileron cables, and a one-time detailed visual inspection to
detect improper identification or location of the cable markers, and
corrective actions, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by a
report that an aileron cable failed, due to improper installation onto
the wrong groove of an aileron cable drum. The actions specified by
this AD are intended to detect and correct an improperly installed
aileron cable; such installation could lead to the failure of the
aileron cable, and consequent reduced lateral control capability of the
airplane.
DATES: Effective July 8, 1999.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of July 8, 1999.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124-2207. This information may be examined at the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules
Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of
the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700,
Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tamara L. Anderson, Aerospace
Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington;
telephone (425) 227-2771; fax (425) 227-1181.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Boeing Model 747 series
airplanes was published in the Federal Register on September 8, 1998
(63 FR 47447). That action proposed to require a one-time detailed
visual inspection to detect improperly installed or frayed aileron
cables, and a one-time detailed visual inspection to detect improper
identification or location of the cable markers, and corrective
actions, if necessary.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the comments received.
Support for the Proposal
Two commenters support the proposed rule, and two commenters
offered no objection to the proposed rule.
Request To Reference Revised Service Information
One commenter requests that the FAA revise the proposed rule to add
references to Revision 1 of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-27-2367, dated
December 17, 1998, as an appropriate source of service information for
accomplishment of the actions specified by the proposal. The proposed
AD referenced only the original issue of the service bulletin, dated
June 25, 1998.
The FAA concurs with the commenter's request. The FAA has reviewed
and approved Boeing Service Bulletin 747-27-2367, Revision 1. The
instructions contained in Revision 1 of the service bulletin are
substantially similar to those in the original issue of the service
bulletin. Therefore, paragraph (a) of this final rule has been revised
to state that the inspections are to be accomplished in accordance with
either the original issue or Revision 1 of the service bulletin.
However, among other things, Revision 1 removes airplanes from the
effectivity listing of the original service bulletin, and revises
certain illustrations to clarify the accomplishment instructions.
Therefore, the applicability statement of this final rule has been
revised to make this AD applicable to, ``Model 747 series airplanes, as
listed in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-27-2367, Revision 1. . . .'' In
addition, the cost impact section has been revised in this final rule
to reflect the reduction in the number of affected airplanes.
Request To Increase Compliance Threshold
One commenter requests that the compliance threshold for
accomplishment of the one-time detailed visual inspections be increased
from 18 months to 36 months. The commenter states that the inspections
must be accomplished during a heavy maintenance check, and that a
similar maintenance task is scheduled for every 2C-check on Model 747
series airplanes. The commenter further states that increasing the
compliance threshold would allow operators to accomplish the
inspections specified in this AD concurrently with that similar task.
The commenter justifies its request for an increased inspection
threshold by stating that a failure effects assessment indicates that,
in the event of failure of two cables about a cable drum, the handling
qualities of Model 747 series airplanes would be ``adequate.''
The FAA does not concur with the commenter's request to increase
the compliance threshold. Service history has indicated that many
aileron cable markers are located incorrectly, which may lead to a
greater exposure to failures of the aileron cables and possible
mishandling of the airplane. The FAA has determined that a compliance
time of 18 months is adequate to allow operators to
[[Page 29784]]
accomplish the actions required by this AD, while not adversely
affecting the safety of the transport airplane fleet. In support of
this determination, the FAA has received information indicating that
certain operators presently perform a detailed inspection of the
aileron cables during every C-check. No change to the final rule is
necessary in this regard.
Request To Revise Compliance Time for Replacement of Discrepant
Marker
One commenter requests that the FAA revise the proposed compliance
time for the replacement of an aileron cable marker that is found to be
improperly identified or located. Paragraph (a)(4) of the proposed AD
states that any aileron cable marker that is found to be improperly
identified or located must be replaced with a new marker prior to
further flight. The commenter states that an improperly installed
aileron cable marker does not affect the functionality of the aileron
control system, and requests that the proposed rule be revised to
require replacement of a discrepant cable marker, ``at the earliest
maintenance opportunity,'' rather than, ``prior to further flight.''
The operator also points out that if an operator needs to replace or
re-route an aileron cable prior to replacement of an improperly
installed marker, the cable can be replaced or rerouted in accordance
with the Airplane Maintenance Manual (AMM) instead of the aileron cable
marker.
The FAA does not concur with the commenter's request. The FAA finds
that revising the compliance time from ``prior to further flight'' to
``at the earliest maintenance opportunity'' would permit each operator
to determine when a discrepant aileron cable marker is replaced. In
light of the identified unsafe condition, the FAA has determined that
allowing this degree of operator discretion is not appropriate.
However, under the provisions of paragraph (c) of the final rule,
operators may request approval of an alternative method of compliance
that would allow extension of the compliance time for replacement of a
discrepant marker. Therefore, no change to the final rule is necessary
in this regard.
With regard to the use of the procedures specified in the AMM,
rather than the aileron cable marker, to replace or reroute an aileron
cable: As pointed out in the ``Discussion'' section of the proposal,
the FAA has received many reports of misrouted aileron cables. These
incidents of misrouted aileron cables have occurred in spite of the
fact that the AMM specifies procedures for routing the aileron cables
that do not rely on the aileron cable markers. For this reason, the FAA
finds it likely that the misrouted aileron cables are due to improperly
identified or located cable markers. No change to the final rule is
necessary in this regard.
Request To Revise the Compliance Time for Reporting Adverse Results
Two commenters request that the FAA increase the proposed
compliance time for reporting adverse inspection results from 10 days
after the inspection to 30 days after the inspection. One of the
commenters states that a 30-day compliance time would allow the
paperwork to be handled according to normal, rather than special,
procedures. The commenter states that such special handling procedures
as would be necessary with a 10-day compliance time often result in
lost or incomplete information. The commenter asserts that a 30-day
compliance time would allow an affected operator to submit ``a concise
and accurate report to the FAA.''
The FAA concurs with the commenters' request to increase the
compliance time for reporting adverse inspection results. The FAA finds
that an increase in the compliance time from 10 days after
accomplishment of the inspection to 30 days after accomplishment of the
inspection would not have an adverse effect on the safety of the
transport airplane fleet. Paragraph (b) of this final rule has been
revised accordingly.
Explanation of Change Made to the Proposal
The FAA has added a ``Note 2'' to the final rule to clarify the
definition of a detailed visual inspection.
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comments
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public
interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes described
previously. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of
the AD.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 1,023 Boeing Model 747 series airplanes of
the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 224
airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.
It will take approximately 9 work hours per airplane to accomplish
the required detailed visual inspections, at an average labor rate of
$60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on
U.S. operators is estimated to be $120,960, or $540 per airplane.
The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that
no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD
action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the
future if this AD were not adopted.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct
effects 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. Therefore, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action: (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); and (3) 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
99-11-15 Boeing: Amendment 39-11186. Docket 98-NM-223-AD.
Applicability: Model 747 series airplanes, as listed in Boeing
Service Bulletin 747-27-
[[Page 29785]]
2367, Revision 1, dated December 17, 1998; certificated in any
category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified,
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To detect and correct an improperly installed aileron cable,
which could lead to the failure of the aileron cable, and consequent
reduced lateral control capability of the airplane, accomplish the
following:
One-Time Inspections and Corrective Actions
(a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD,
perform a one-time detailed visual inspection to detect improper
installation or fraying of the aileron cables on both wings. In
addition, perform a one-time detailed visual inspection of the
aileron cable markers on both wings to detect improper
identification or location. Perform both inspections in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-
27-2367, dated June 25, 1998, or Revision 1, dated December 17,
1998.
Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual
inspection is defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a
specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to
detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is
normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at
intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such
as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning
and elaborate access procedures may be required.''
(1) If no improperly installed or frayed aileron cable is found,
and if no aileron cable marker is improperly identified or located,
no further action is required by this AD.
(2) If any aileron cable is found to be improperly installed
(but not frayed), prior to further flight, reroute the discrepant
aileron cable in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
the service bulletin.
(3) If any aileron cable is found to be frayed, prior to further
flight, replace the discrepant aileron cable with a new aileron
cable in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the
service bulletin.
(4) If any aileron cable marker is found to be improperly
identified or located, prior to further flight, replace the
discrepant aileron cable marker with a new aileron cable marker in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the service
bulletin.
Reporting Requirement
(b) Within 30 days after accomplishing the detailed visual
inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD, submit a report of
the inspection results (adverse findings only) to the Manager,
Boeing Certificate Management Office, FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 2500 East Valley Road, Suite C2, Renton, Washington
98055; fax (425) 227-1159. Required information for each report must
include the following: description of the adverse finding, airplane
serial number, and total flight cycles and flight hours accumulated
at the time of the inspection. Information collection requirements
contained in this regulation have been approved by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been
assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall
submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the
Manager, Seattle ACO.
Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Seattle ACO.
Special Flight Permits
(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
Secs. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the
requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
Incorporation by Reference
(e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-27-2367, dated June 25, 1998; or Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-27-2367, Revision 1, dated December 17, 1998. This
incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part
51. Copies may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group,
P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. Copies may be
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on July 8, 1999.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 21, 1999.
D.L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-13874 Filed 6-2-99; 8:45 am]
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