[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 151 (Friday, August 6, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 47811-47813]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-17989]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2004-18728; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-176-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Boeing Model 747-400 and -400F series airplanes. This 
proposed AD would require a detailed inspection(s) for cracks and 
fractures of the side guide support fittings in the lower lobe cargo 
compartments; and applicable investigative/corrective actions and 
operational limitations, if necessary. This proposed AD also would 
require a terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This 
proposed AD is prompted by reports of cracked/fractured side guide 
support fittings in the aft, lower lobe cargo compartment. We are 
proposing this AD to prevent cracked/fractured side guide support 
fittings in the lower lobe cargo compartments, which could result in 
unrestrained cargo shifting in flight and damaging the airplane 
structure or systems, and consequent reduced controllability of the 
airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 20, 
2004.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this proposed AD.
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.
     By fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    You can get the service information identified in this proposed AD 
from Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 
98124-2207.
    You may examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at 
http://dms.dot.gov, or at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL-401, on 
the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ivan Li, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, 
FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 917-6437; fax (425) 917-
6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

[[Page 47812]]

Docket Management System (DMS)

    The FAA has implemented new procedures for maintaining AD dockets 
electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new AD actions are posted on DMS 
and assigned a docket number. We track each action and assign a 
corresponding directorate identifier. The DMS AD docket number is in 
the form ``Docket No. FAA-2004-99999.'' The Transport Airplane 
Directorate identifier is in the form ``Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
999-AD.'' Each DMS AD docket also lists the directorate identifier 
(``Old Docket Number'') as a cross-reference for searching purposes.

Comments Invited

    We invite you to submit any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2004-18728; 
Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-176-AD'' in the subject line of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will 
consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the 
proposed AD in light of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of 
that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our 
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or 
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, 
etc.). You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you 
may visit http://dms.dot.gov.
    We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory 
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of 
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of 
our communications that affect you. You can get more information about 
plain language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the AD docket in person at the Docket Management 
Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office 
(telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif 
Building at the DOT street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS 
receives them.

Discussion

    We have received two reports indicating that cracked/fractured side 
guide support fittings were found in the aft, lower lobe cargo 
compartment on Boeing Model 747-400F series airplanes that had been in 
service less than 16 months. One airplane had a total of 16 cracked/
fractured side guide support fittings and the other airplane had 4. The 
side guide support fittings provide lateral and vertical restraint for 
cargo in the lower lobe cargo compartments.
    Investigation revealed that failed roller assemblies in the 
outboard roller trays caused the conveyor plane of the unit load device 
(ULD) to drop and allowed the ULD to impact the side guide support 
fittings. Repeated impacts by the ULD can result in fatigue and 
consequent cracked/fractured side guide support fittings. The roller 
assembly failures were caused by a manufacturing defect in the bearings 
that resulted in the separation of the bearing's inner and outer race.
    Cracked/fractured side guide support fittings in the lower lobe 
cargo compartments, if not corrected, could result in unrestrained 
cargo shifting in flight and damaging the airplane structure or systems 
and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3335, dated 
July 3, 2003. The service bulletin describes procedures for a detailed 
inspection(s) for cracks and fractures of the side guide support 
fittings in the lower lobe cargo compartments, and applicable 
investigative/corrective actions and operational limitations, if 
necessary. The applicable investigative actions include a general 
visual inspection of the cargo compartment for damage, and repair if 
necessary. The corrective actions include replacing cracked or 
fractured side guide support fittings with new fittings; and replacing 
all outboard roller assemblies with new assemblies, which would 
eliminate the need for repetitive detailed inspections. The service 
bulletin also describes operational limitations for missing restraints 
until replacement of cracked or fractured side guide support fittings. 
We have determined that accomplishing of the actions specified in the 
service bulletin will adequately address the unsafe condition.
    Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3335 refers to Goodrich Alert 
Service Bulletin 65B60176-25-A01, dated March 3, 2003, as an additional 
source of service information for doing the replacement of the outboard 
roller assemblies.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an 
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes 
of this same type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which 
would require a detailed inspection(s) of the side guide support 
fittings in the lower lobe cargo compartments for cracks and fractures; 
and applicable investigative/corrective actions and operational 
limitations, if necessary. This proposed AD also would require a 
terminating action for the repetitive inspections. The proposed AD 
would require you to use the service information described previously 
to perform these actions, except as discussed under ``Difference 
Between the Proposed AD and Service Bulletin.''

Difference Between the Proposed AD and Service Bulletin

    Figures 1 and 2 of the referenced Boeing service bulletin specify a 
general visual inspection of the cargo compartment for damage, and 
repair if necessary. We have determined that those actions are not 
necessary to adequately address the identified unsafe condition of this 
AD. Therefore, this proposed AD would not require operators to do that 
inspection and repair.

Costs of Compliance

    This proposed AD would affect about 22 airplanes worldwide. The 
following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to 
comply with this proposed AD.

[[Page 47813]]



                                                                     Estimated Costs
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                                                                                                                          Number of U.S.-
                         Action                              Work hours    Average labor       Parts         Cost per       registered      Fleet cost
                                                                           rate per hour                     airplane        airplanes
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Inspection, per inspection cycle........................               5             $65            None           $325*               3           $975*
Assembly replacement....................................              25             $65          $3,402          $5,027               3        $15,081
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* Per inspection cycle.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 the proposed 
regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location 
to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive (AD):

Boeing: Docket No. FAA-2004-18728; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-
176-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive 
comments on this AD action by September 20, 2004.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.
    Applicability: (c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 747-400 and 
``400F series airplanes, certificated in any category; as listed in 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3335, dated July 3, 2003.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by reports of cracked/fractured side 
guide support fittings in the aft, lower lobe cargo compartment. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent cracked/fractured side guide support 
fittings in the lower lobe cargo compartments, which could result in 
unrestrained cargo shifting in flight and damaging the airplane 
structure or systems, and consequent reduced controllability of the 
airplane.
    Compliance: (e) You are responsible for having the actions 
required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, 
unless the actions have already been done.

Inspection, Investigative/Corrective Actions, and Operational 
Limitations

    (f) At the applicable time(s) specified in Table 1 of this AD, 
do a detailed inspection(s) of the side guide support fittings in 
the lower lobe cargo compartments for cracks and fractures, and 
before further flight, do all applicable investigative/corrective 
actions and operational limitations, if necessary, by accomplishing 
all the actions specified in Work Package 1 and Work Package 2 of 
the Work Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3335, 
dated July 3, 2003; except as required by paragraph (g) of this AD. 
Replacement of all outboard roller assemblies with new assemblies in 
accordance with Work Package 2 of the service bulletin ends the 
repetitive inspections required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD (Work 
Package 1).

                       Table 1.--Compliance Times
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Initial compliance      Repetitive
              For--                      time--            interval--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Work Package 1...............  Within 180 days     At intervals not
                                    after the           to exceed 180
                                    effective date of   days, until all
                                    this AD.            outboard roller
                                                        assemblies have
                                                        been replaced
                                                        per Work Package
                                                        2 of the service
                                                        bulletin.
(2) Work Package 2...............  Within 18 months    None.
                                    after the
                                    effective date of
                                    this AD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is 
``an intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or 
assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available 
lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good 
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as 
mirrors magnifying lenses, etc. may be necessary. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate procedures may be required.''


    Note 2: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3335 refers to 
Goodrich Alert Service Bulletin 65B60176-25-A01, dated March 3, 
2003, as an additional source of service information for replacing 
the outboard roller assemblies.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (g) The Manager, Seattle ACO, has the authority to approve AMOCs 
for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 
14 CFR 39.19.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 29, 2004.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-17989 Filed 8-5-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P