[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 8 (Monday, January 13, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1528-1530]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-559]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-46-AD; Amendment 39-13018; AD 2003-02-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-400 and -400D Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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[[Page 1529]]

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Boeing Model 747-400 and -400D series airplanes, 
that requires repetitive inspections to detect discrepancies of the 
drip shield and supports located above the rudder pedal mechanisms; 
corrective action, if necessary; and eventual modification of the drip 
shield, which would terminate the repetitive inspections. The actions 
specified by this AD are intended to prevent unrestrained drip shields 
from interfering with the rudder pedal mechanism, which could result in 
reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to 
address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective February 18, 2003.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of February 18, 2003.

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: Clint Jones, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-
4056; telephone (425) 227-1622; 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 747-400 
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on June 28, 2002 
(67 FR 43570). That action proposed to require repetitive inspections 
to detect discrepancies of the drip shield and supports located above 
the rudder pedal mechanisms; corrective action, if necessary; and 
eventual modification of the drip shield, which would terminate the 
repetitive inspections.

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. One commenter concurs with the proposed AD.

Request To Clarify Applicability

    One commenter asks that the applicability in the proposed AD be 
clarified. The commenter suggests adding Model 747-400 series airplanes 
certificated in the ``passenger'' category, in lieu of ``any'' 
category, to the applicability section. The commenter states that the 
drip shields referenced in the proposed AD are not installed on Model 
747-400F (freighter) series airplanes.
    We agree with the commenter that the applicability should be 
clarified; however, not in the manner proposed. Per the 747 Type 
Certificate Data Sheet, which specifies Model 747-400, -400D, and -400F 
series airplanes, we have clarified the applicability throughout this 
final rule to specify Model 747-400 and -400D series airplanes only.

Request To Extend Repetitive Inspection Interval

    One commenter reiterates the statement in the differences section 
of the proposed AD that specifies the repetitive inspection interval 
for the ``C-check'' as every 3,000 flight hours. The commenter asks 
that an interval of 6,000 flight hours or 18 months be allowed as a 
substitute for the ``C-check'' recommended in the referenced service 
bulletin, in that it is a more appropriate interval, and appropriately 
limits both long- and short-haul airplanes. The commenter notes that 
the Boeing 747-400 Maintenance Planning Document recommends 6,000 
flight hours or 18 months as the ``C-check'' interval, and recent data 
indicate that the average inspection interval for the fleet is 5,750 
flight hours. The commenter adds that imposing an interval of 3,000 
flight hours would force some operators to conduct twice as many 
inspections with less time and manpower available, with no apparent 
improvement in airplane safety.
    We agree with the commenter. Substantiating data were submitted 
indicating that an extension of the repetitive inspection interval to 
6,000 flight hours or 18 months, whichever is first, provides an 
acceptable level of safety. We find that such an extension in the 
repetitive inspection interval will allow the inspections to be 
completed during regularly scheduled maintenance visits. Paragraphs 
(a)(1) and (a)(2) of this final rule have been changed accordingly.

Request To Change Certain Wording

    One commenter suggests that certain wording specified in Figure 2 
of the Accomplishment Instructions of the referenced service bulletin 
be changed. The note in Figure 2 states, ``Plate clips found dis-bonded 
from the dripshield should be re-installed with rivets.'' The commenter 
asks that the word ``should'' be changed to ``must.'' The commenter 
does not give a reason for the request.
    We do not agree with the commenter. Although the note in Figure 2 
of the Accomplishment Instructions of the referenced service bulletin 
does not definitively specify that discrepant plate clips must be 
reinstalled with rivets, paragraph (c) of this AD mandates the 
requirements for installing the rivets. No change to the final rule is 
necessary in this regard.

Change to Final Rule

    Because the language in Note 3 of the proposed AD is regulatory in 
nature, that note has been redesignated as paragraph (b) of this final 
rule. Subsequent paragraphs have been reordered accordingly.

Explanation of Editorial Change

    We have changed the service bulletin citation throughout this final 
rule to exclude the Evaluation Form. (The form is intended to be 
completed by operators and submitted to the manufacturer to provide 
input on the quality of the service bulletin; however, this AD does not 
include such a requirement.)

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 previously 
described. 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 498 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 60 airplanes of U.S. registry 
will be affected by this AD.
    It will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish 
the inspection, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the required inspection on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $3,600, or $60 per airplane, per 
inspection cycle.
    It will take approximately 3 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the terminating action, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. 
The cost of required parts will be minimal. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of the required terminating action on U.S.

[[Page 1530]]

operators is estimated to be $10,800, or $180 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are 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. The cost impact figures discussed 
in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform 
the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures 
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to 
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other 
administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    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:

2003-02-02 Boeing: Amendment 39-13018. Docket 2002-NM-46-AD.
    Applicability: Model 747-400 and -400D series airplanes, 
certificated in any category; as listed in Boeing Service Bulletin 
747-25A3271, Revision 1, dated December 19, 2001.

    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 (d) 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 prevent unrestrained drip shields from interfering with the 
rudder pedal mechanism, which could result in reduced 
controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:

Repetitive Inspections

    (a) Within 1,200 flight hours after the effective date of this 
AD: Perform a general visual inspection of the drip shield and 
supports of the forward rudder quadrant to detect discrepancies 
(less than 0.50-inch clearance from the components in the forward 
rudder quadrant, disbonded clip plates, and missing fasteners), in 
accordance with Figure 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25A3271, Revision 1, dated December 19, 
2001, excluding Evaluation Form.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is defined as: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior 
area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, 
or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within 
touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be 
necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the 
inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally 
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, 
flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of 
access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be 
required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''

    (1) If no discrepancy is found: Repeat the inspection thereafter 
at least every 6,000 flight hours or 18 months, whichever is first, 
until the terminating action required by paragraph (c) of this AD 
has been accomplished.
    (2) If any discrepancy is found during any inspection required 
by this paragraph: Before further flight, perform the specified 
corrective actions in accordance with Figure 1 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the service bulletin. Thereafter, repeat the 
inspection at least every 6,000 flight hours or 18 months, whichever 
is first, until the terminating action required by paragraph (c) of 
this AD has been accomplished.
    (b) Accomplishment before the effective date of this AD of an 
inspection and applicable corrective actions in accordance with 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3271, dated April 12, 2001, is 
acceptable for compliance with the initial inspection requirement of 
paragraph (a) of this AD.

Terminating Action

    (c) Within 2 years after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the drip shield by installing blind rivets in each clip plate and 
changing the part numbers of the clip plates and drip shield, in 
accordance with Figure 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25A3271, Revision 1, dated December 19, 
2001, excluding Evaluation Form.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (d) 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. 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

    (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 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

    (f) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be 
done in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25A3271, 
Revision 1, dated December 19, 2001, excluding Evaluation Form. 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.

Effective Date

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on February 18, 2003.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 6, 2003.
Charles D. Huber,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-559 Filed 1-10-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P