[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.
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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]
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