[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]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U