[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 155 (Monday, August 13, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45151-45153]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-15582]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-28940; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-131-AD; 
Amendment 39-15158; AD 2007-16-19]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-200B, 747-300, and 
747-400 Series Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Boeing Model 747-200B, 747-300, and 747-400 series airplanes. 
This AD requires doing repetitive detailed inspections for cracking of 
the aft tension tie channels from body station (BS) 1120 to BS 1220 and 
from BS 880 to BS 1100, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD 
results from cracks found in the aft tension tie channels at four 
station locations, on a Model 747-200B series airplane that had been 
modified to a special freighter. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct cracking of the aft tension tie channels; failure of more than 
one tension tie could result in rapid depressurization of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective August 28, 2007.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of August 28, 
2007.
    We must receive comments on this AD by October 12, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this 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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the 
West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, 
Washington 98124-2207, for service information identified in this AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ivan Li, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe 
Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6437; 
fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We have received a report indicating that cracks were found in the 
aft tension tie channels at four station locations, on a Model 747-200B 
series airplane that

[[Page 45152]]

had been modified to a special freighter. The cracks were found near 
the body frames at a location where the flanges of the aft tension tie 
channels are machined down to a flat plate in order to attach to the 
body frames. The largest crack was approximately 0.5 inch in length. 
The airplane had accumulated 4,856 flight cycles since modification to 
special freighter. Tension ties are considered to be structurally 
significant, in that they are critical to airplane structural 
integrity. Failure of more than one tension tie, if not corrected, 
could result in rapid depressurization of the airplane.
    The upper deck tension ties on Model 747-300 and -400 series 
airplanes that have been modified to a special freighter configuration 
are similar to those on the affected Model 747-200B series airplanes 
that have been modified to a special freighter configuration. 
Therefore, all of these airplanes are subject to the same unsafe 
condition.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2610, dated 
May 10, 2007. The service bulletin describes procedures for doing 
repetitive detailed inspections for cracking of the aft tension tie 
channels from body station (BS) 1120 to BS 1220 and from BS 880 to BS 
1100, and doing corrective actions as applicable. The corrective 
actions include repairing any crack found in a tension tie, and 
contacting Boeing for repair instructions if any crack is found in a 
bolt hole. The service bulletin specifies that, as an option to 
accomplishing the repetitive detailed inspections, accomplishing the 
repairs at all tension tie locations can be done as a preventive 
modification.
    The service bulletin specifies accomplishing the initial inspection 
from BS 1120 to BS 1220 before the accumulation of 4,000 flight cycles 
since modification to special freighter or converted freighter, or 
within 1,000 flight cycles after the date on the service bulletin, 
whichever occurs later. The service bulletin specifies accomplishing 
the initial inspection from BS 880 to BS 1100 before the accumulation 
of 8,000 flight cycles since modification to special freighter or 
converted freighter, or within 1,000 flight cycles after the date on 
the service bulletin, whichever occurs later. The service bulletin also 
specifies repeating the inspections at intervals not to exceed 4,000 
flight cycles. The service bulletin also specifies repairing any crack 
before further flight.
    Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is 
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or 
develop on other airplanes of the same type design that may be 
registered in the U.S. at some time in the future. Therefore, we are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the aft tension tie 
channels; failure of more than one tension tie could result in rapid 
depressurization of the airplane. This AD requires accomplishing the 
actions specified in the service information described previously, 
except as discussed under ``Difference Between the AD and Service 
Bulletin.''

Difference Between the AD and Service Bulletin

    The service bulletin specifies to contact the manufacturer for 
instructions on how to repair certain conditions, but this proposed AD 
would require repairing those conditions in one of the following ways:
     Using a method that we approve; or
     Using data that meet the certification basis of the 
airplane, and that have been approved by an Authorized Representative 
for the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Delegation Option Authorization 
Organization whom we have authorized to make those findings.

Costs of Compliance

    If an affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register 
in the future, the required inspections would take about 4 work hours 
per airplane, at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. Based on 
these figures, the estimated cost of the AD would be $320 per airplane, 
per inspection cycle.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    No airplane affected by this AD is currently on the U.S. Register. 
Therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment is 
unnecessary before this AD is issued, and this AD may be made effective 
in less than 30 days after it is published in the Federal Register.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect 
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for 
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any relevant written 
data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an 
address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-
2007-28940; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-131-AD'' at the beginning of 
your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD that 
might suggest a need to modify it.
    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 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 the 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.

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The 
Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is located on the 
ground level of the West Building at the DOT street address stated in 
the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket 
shortly after the Docket Management System receives them.

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.

[[Page 45153]]

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 
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 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 AD and placed it in the AD docket. 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2007-16-19 Boeing: Amendment 39-15158. Docket No. FAA-2007-28940; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-131-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective August 28, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 747-200B, 747-300, and 747-
400 series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2610, dated May 10, 2007.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from cracks found in the aft tension tie 
channels at four station locations, on a Model 747-200B series 
airplane that had been modified to a special freighter. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the aft tension 
tie channels; failure of more than one tension tie could result in 
rapid depressurization 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.

Repetitive Inspections

    (f) At the applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E. of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2610, dated May 10, 2007, 
except as provided by paragraph (g) of this AD: Do repetitive 
detailed inspections for cracking of the aft tension tie channels 
from body station (BS) 1120 to BS 1220 and from BS 880 to BS 1100, 
and do all applicable corrective actions, by accomplishing all of 
the applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2610, dated May 10, 2007, 
except as provided by paragraph (h) of this AD.

Exception to Compliance Times

    (g) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2610, dated May 
10, 2007, specifies counting the compliance time from ``* * * after 
the date on this service bulletin,'' this AD requires counting the 
compliance time from the effective date of this AD.

Exception for Bolt Hole Cracks

    (h) If any crack is found in a bolt hole during any inspection 
required by this AD, and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2610, 
dated May 10, 2007, specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate 
action: Before further flight, repair the crack using a method 
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph 
(j) of this AD.

Optional Terminating Action

    (i) Except as provided by paragraph (h) of this AD, 
accomplishing the applicable repairs or modifications at all tension 
tie locations, in accordance with Part 3 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2610, dated May 
10, 2007, terminates the repetitive inspections required by 
paragraph (f) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (j)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (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) To request a different method of compliance or a different 
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. 
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC 
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA 
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local 
FSDO.
    (3) 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 
Authorized Representative for the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 
Delegation Option Authorization Organization who has been authorized 
by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. For a repair 
method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis 
of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this 
AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (k) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2610, 
dated May 10, 2007, to perform the actions that are required by this 
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal 
Register approved the incorporation by reference of this document in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Boeing 
Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207, 
for a copy of this service information. You may review copies at the 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 2, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-15582 Filed 8-10-07; 8:45 am]
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