[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 28 (Friday, February 11, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7174-7176]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-2578]



[[Page 7174]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2004-19446; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-130-AD; 
Amendment 39-13967; AD 2005-03-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-200 and -300 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), which applies to certain Boeing Model 767 series airplanes. That 
AD currently requires repetitive detailed and eddy current inspections 
of the aft pressure bulkhead for damage and cracking, and repair if 
necessary. This new AD also requires one-time detailed and high 
frequency eddy current inspections of any ``oil-can'' located on the 
aft pressure bulkhead, and related corrective actions if necessary. An 
``oil-can'' is an area on a pressure dome web that moves when pushed 
from the forward side. This AD is prompted by reports of cracking at 
``oil-can'' boundaries on the aft pressure bulkhead. We are issuing 
this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the aft pressure 
bulkhead, which could result in rapid depressurization of the airplane 
and possible damage or interference with the airplane control systems 
that penetrate the bulkhead, and consequent loss of controllability of 
the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 18, 2005.
    On March 22, 2004 (69 FR 10321, March 5, 2004), the Director of the 
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0026, Revision 5, dated January 29, 2004.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-
2207. You can examine this information at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of 
this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://
www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_
locations.html.

DOCKET: The AD docket contains the proposed AD, comments, and any final 
disposition. You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://
dms.dot.gov, or 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 U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401, 
Washington, DC. This docket number is FAA-2004-19446; the directorate 
identifier for this docket is 2004-NM-130-AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne Masterson, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
917-6441; fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA proposed to amend part 39 of the 
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR Part 39) with an AD to supersede 
AD 2004-05-10, amendment 39-13505 (69 FR 10321, March 5, 2004). The 
existing AD applies to certain Boeing Model 767 series airplanes. The 
proposed AD was published in the Federal Register on October 26, 2004 
(69 FR 62421), to continue to require repetitive detailed and eddy 
current inspections of the aft pressure bulkhead for damage and 
cracking, and repair if necessary, and to require one-time detailed and 
high frequency eddy current inspections of any ``oil-can'' located on 
the aft pressure bulkhead, and related corrective actions if necessary.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. No comments have been submitted on the proposed 
AD or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Clarification of Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC) Language in 
the Proposed AD

    We have revised paragraph (l)(3) of the AD to clarify which 
portions of the AD the previously approved AMOC applies to. We have 
replaced ``* * * with this AD.'' with ``* * * for the corresponding 
requirements of this AD.''

Changes to Delegation Authority

    Boeing has received a Delegation Option Authorization (DOA). We 
have revised this final rule to delegate authority to approve an 
alternative method of compliance for any repair required by this AD to 
the Authorized Representative for the Boeing DOA Organization rather 
than the Designated Engineering Representative (DER).

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data and determined that 
air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD with the 
changes described previously. We have determined that these changes 
will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase 
the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 162 airplanes worldwide of the affected design. 
This new AD affects about 99 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The actions that are required by AD 2004-05-10 and retained in this 
new AD take about 22 work hours per airplane, at an average labor rate 
of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the 
currently required actions is $1,430 per airplane, per inspection 
cycle.
    The new actions take about 2 work hours per ``oil-can,'' at an 
average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
estimated cost of the new actions specified in this new AD for U.S. 
operators is $130 per ``oil-can.'' The number of ``oil cans'' varies 
per airplane, so an estimate per airplane or for the U.S. registered 
fleet is not available.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a 
substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between

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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 this AD:
    (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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this 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, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing amendment 39-13505 (69 FR 
10321, March 5, 2004), and by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2005-NM-03-11 Boeing: Amendment 39-13967. Docket No. FAA-2004-19446; 
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-130-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective March 18, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2004-05-10, amendment 39-13505.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 767-200 and -300 series 
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 767-53A0026, Revision 5, dated January 
29, 2004.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by reports of cracking at ``oil-can'' 
boundaries on a Boeing Model 747 series airplane's aft pressure 
bulkhead, which is similar to the aft pressure bulkheads on Boeing 
Model 767 series airplanes. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct fatigue cracking of the aft pressure bulkhead, which could 
result in rapid depressurization of the airplane and possible damage 
or interference with the airplane control systems that penetrate the 
bulkhead, and consequent loss of 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.

Requirements of AD 2004-05-10

Detailed Inspections and Eddy Current Inspections

    (f) Perform a detailed inspection for damage and cracking of the 
aft side of the aft pressure bulkhead and perform high frequency and 
low frequency eddy current inspections for cracking of the aft 
pressure bulkhead, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing ASB 767-53A0026, Revision 5, dated January 
29, 2004, at the later of the times specified in paragraph (f)(1) or 
(f)(2) of this AD. Thereafter, repeat these inspections at intervals 
not to exceed 1,800 flight cycles.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: 
``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) Prior to the accumulation of 25,000 total flight cycles, or 
within 1,800 flight cycles after the most recent inspection done in 
accordance with AD 88-19-03 R1, amendment 39-6532, whichever occurs 
later; or
    (2) Within 90 days after March 22, 2004 (the effective date of 
AD 2004-05-10).

Repair Requirements

    (g) If any damage or cracking is detected during any inspections 
required by paragraph (f) of this AD: Before further flight 
accomplish the requirements of paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this 
AD, as applicable:
    (1) For repairs within the limits of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing ASB 767-53A0026, Revision 5, dated January 
29, 2004, repair in accordance with the ASB.
    (2) For any repairs outside the limits, repair in accordance 
with a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or in accordance with data meeting 
the type certification basis of the airplane approved by an 
Authorized Representative (AR) for the Boeing Delegation Option 
Authorization (DOA) Organization who has been authorized by the FAA 
to make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, as 
required by this paragraph, the approval must specifically reference 
this AD.

New Requirements of This AD

``Oil-Can'' Inspection and Repair

    (h) Before the accumulation of 37,500 total flight cycles, or 
within 1,800 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later: Do a one-time detailed and surface high 
frequency eddy current inspections at all ``oil-can'' locations of 
the aft pressure bulkhead web for damage and cracks, in accordance 
with Figure 4 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the Boeing ASB 
767-53A0026, Revision 5, dated January 29, 2004. All ``oil-cans'' 
must meet the limits specified in the service bulletin.

    Note 2: An ``oil-can'' is an area on a pressure dome web that 
moves when pushed from the forward side.

    (1) If no damage and no crack are found, no further action is 
required by this paragraph.
    (2) If any damage or crack is found, before further flight, 
repair in accordance with the service bulletin, except as required 
by paragraph (i) of this AD.
    (3) If any ``oil can'' does not meet the limits specified in the 
service bulletin, before further flight, repair the ``oil can'' in 
accordance with the service bulletin, except as required by 
paragraph (i) of this AD.
    (i) Where the service bulletin specifies to contact Boeing for 
repair data, before further flight, repair the damage or crack in 
accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA; 
or in accordance with data meeting the type certification basis of 
the airplane approved by an AR for the Boeing DOA Organization who 
has been authorized by the FAA to make those findings. For a repair 
method to be approved, as required by this paragraph, the approval 
must specifically reference this AD.
    (j) Inspections and repairs accomplished before the effective 
date of this AD in accordance with Boeing ASB 767-53A0026, Revision 
4, dated March 27, 2003, are considered acceptable for compliance 
with paragraph (h) of this AD.

Determining the Number of Flight Cycles for Compliance Time

    (k) For the purposes of calculating the compliance threshold for 
the actions required by paragraph (f) and (h) of this AD, the number 
of flight cycles in which cabin differential pressure is at 2.0 
pounds per square inch (psi) or less must be counted when 
determining the number of flight cycles that have occurred on the 
airplane. Where the service bulletins and this AD differ, the AD 
prevails.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (l)(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA, has the authority to 
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
    (2) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair required by this AD, if it is approved by an AR 
for the Boeing DOA Organization who has been authorized by the FAA 
to make those findings.
    (3) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in 
accordance with AD

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2004-05-10, are approved as alternative methods of compliance for 
the corresponding requirements of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (m) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0026, 
Revision 5, dated January 29, 2004, to perform the actions that are 
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director 
of the Federal Register previously approved the incorporation by 
reference of this document on March 22, 2004 (69 FR 10321, March 5, 
2004). For copies of the service information, contact Boeing 
Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. 
For information on the availability of this material at the National 
Archives and Records Administration (NARA), call (202) 741-6030, or 
go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_
regulations/ibr_locations.html. You may view the AD docket at the 
Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 
Seventh Street SW., room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 31, 2005.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-2578 Filed 2-10-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P