[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 67 (Thursday, April 7, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 19278-19280]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-8276]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 67 / Thursday, April 7, 2011 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 19278]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0303; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-214-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-
100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 
747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD) that applies to the products listed above. The existing AD 
currently requires an inspection of the No. 2 and No. 3 windows on the 
left and right sides of the airplane to determine their part numbers, 
related investigative and corrective actions if necessary, and 
repetitive inspections of single pane windows. Since we issued that AD, 
we have determined that terminating action for the repetitive 
inspections is necessary. This proposed AD would add a requirement to 
install dual pane No. 2 and No. 3 windows. This proposed AD also 
removes certain airplanes from the applicability. We are proposing this 
AD to detect and correct cracking in the fail-safe interlayer of 
certain No. 2 and No. 3 glass windows, which could result in loss of 
the window and consequent rapid loss of cabin pressure. Loss of the 
window could also result in crew communication difficulties or 
incapacitation of the crew.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 23, 2011.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     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.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing 
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 
3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; phone: 206-544-5000, 
extension 1; fax: 206-766-5680; e-mail: [email protected]; Internet: 
https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the referenced 
service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Fox, Senior Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-
917-6425; fax: 425-917-6590; e-mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2011-0303; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-214-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    On July 18, 2007, we issued AD 2007-15-10, Amendment 39-15139 (72 
FR 41438, July 30, 2007), for all Boeing Model 747 airplanes. A 
correction of that AD was published in the Federal Register on 
September 21, 2007 (72 FR 53923), which corrected a typographical error 
in paragraph (g) compliance times of flight cycles to flight hours. 
That AD requires an inspection of the No. 2 and No. 3 windows on the 
left and right sides of the airplane to determine their part numbers, 
and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary; and 
repetitive inspections of single pane windows. That AD resulted from 
loss of a No. 3 window in-flight. We issued that AD to detect and 
correct cracking in the fail-safe interlayer of certain No. 2 and No. 3 
glass windows, which could result in loss of the window and consequent 
rapid loss of cabin pressure. Loss of the window could also result in 
crew communication difficulties or incapacitation of the crew.

Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued

    The preamble of the original NPRM for AD 2007-15-10 (Docket Number 
FAA-2006-26441, Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-204-AD) specifies that 
we consider the actions an ``interim action until final action is 
identified, at which time we may consider further rulemaking''. We have 
determined that further rulemaking is indeed necessary; this proposed 
AD follows from that determination.

Relevant Service Information

    AD 2007-15-10 cited Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-56A2012, 
dated August 24, 2006, as the relevant source of service information. 
Since we issued AD 2007-15-10, Boeing has issued Service Bulletin 747-
56A2012, Revision 1, dated August 12, 2010. Boeing Service Bulletin 
747-56A2012, Revision

[[Page 19279]]

1, dated August 12, 2010, describes essentially the same actions 
described in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-56A2012, dated August 
24, 2006, and also describes procedures for replacing single pane No. 2 
and No. 3 windows with dual pane windows. Boeing Service Bulletin 747-
56A2012, Revision 1, dated August 12, 2010, also removes airplanes line 
numbers 1418 and on from the effectivity. The inspections in Boeing 
Service Bulletin 747-56A2012, Revision 1, dated August 12, 2010, are 
not necessary on airplanes having line numbers 1418 and on, which have 
the new dual structural glass pane windows installed in production. 
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-56A2012, Revision 1, dated August 12, 2010, 
specifies that installation of the new dual structural glass pane 
windows ends the repetitive inspections specified in Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-56A2012, dated August 24, 2006.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would retain certain requirements of AD 2007-15-
10. This proposed AD would also require accomplishing the actions 
specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-56A2012, Revision 1, dated 
August 12, 2010, except as discussed under ``Differences Between the 
Proposed AD and the Service Information.'' This proposed AD also 
removes airplanes having line numbers 1418 and on from the 
applicability.

Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information

    This AD proposes to prohibit installed dual structural glass pane 
windows from being replaced with single structural glass pane windows. 
This proposed AD would also add a definition of ``non-clear damage'', 
which the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-
56A2012, Revision 1, dated August 12, 2010, use as criteria for window 
replacement.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 144 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                       Cost per    Cost on U.S.
                  Action                            Labor cost           Parts cost    product       operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection to determine window part        4 work-hours x $85 per hour           $0         $340         $48,960
 numbers; retained from existing AD.        = $340.
Detailed inspection, if necessary;         1 work-hour x $85 per hour             0           85          12,240
 retained from existing AD.                 = $85.
Dual pane window replacement; new          16 work-hours x $85 per           44,014       45,374       6,533,856
 proposed action.                           hour = $1,360.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. 
We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need 
these replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Window replacement............................  16 work-hours x $85 per hour =           $44,014         $45,374
                                                 $1,360.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, 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.

[[Page 19280]]

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing airworthiness directive 
(AD) 2007-15-10, Amendment 39-15139 (72 FR 41438, July 30, 2007), 
corrected at 72 FR 53923, September 21, 2007, and adding the following 
new AD:

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2011-0303; Directorate Identifier 
2010-NM-214-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by May 23, 
2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2007-15-10, Amendment 39-15139.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-
100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 
747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP Series Airplanes, certificated 
in any category, as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-
56A2012, Revision 1, dated August 12, 2010.

Subject

    (d) Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport 
Association (ATA) of America Code 56, Windows.

Unsafe Condition

    (e) This AD was prompted by loss of a No. 3 window in-flight. We 
are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking in the fail-safe 
interlayer of certain No. 2 and No. 3 glass windows, which could 
result in loss of the window and consequent rapid loss of cabin 
pressure. Loss of the window could also result in crew communication 
difficulties or incapacitation of the crew.

Compliance

    (f) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

Restatement of Requirements of AD 2007-15-10, With New Service 
Information

Inspection, Related Investigative Actions, and Corrective Action

    (g) Inspect the No. 2 and No. 3 windows on the left and right 
sides of the airplane to determine their part numbers, and do all 
the applicable related investigative and corrective actions, by 
accomplishing all of the actions specified in the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-56A2012, dated 
August 24, 2006; or Boeing Service Bulletin 747-56A2012, Revision 1, 
dated August 12, 2010; except as required by paragraph (j) of this 
AD; as applicable. Do all of these actions at the compliance times 
specified in Tables 1, 2, and 3 of paragraph 1.E. of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-56A2012, dated August 24, 2006, as applicable, 
except as provided by paragraph (h) of this AD. A review of airplane 
maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of the inspection if the 
part numbers of the windows can be conclusively determined from that 
review. Repeat the related investigative and corrective actions 
thereafter at the interval specified in Table 2 or 3 of paragraph 
1.E. of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-56A2012, dated August 24, 
2006, as applicable. As of the effective date of this AD, do the 
actions specified in this paragraph, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-56A2012, 
Revision 1, dated August 12, 2010, except as required by (j) of this 
AD. Replacing a window in accordance with paragraph (i) of this AD 
terminates the requirements of this paragraph for that window.

Exception to Compliance Times

    (h) Where Tables 1, 2, and 3 of paragraph 1.E. of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-56A2012, dated August 24, 2006, specify 
counting the compliance time from ``* * * after the date on this 
service bulletin,'' this AD requires counting the compliance time 
from September 4, 2007 (the effective date of AD 2007-15-10). After 
replacing a discrepant window with a new window, having part number 
(P/N) 65B27042-(), 65B27043-(), 65B27046-(), or 65B27047-(), do the 
initial detailed inspection of the new window at the applicable 
compliance time: (1) Within 5,500 flight hours after installing P/N 
65B27042-() or 65B27043-(), or (2) Within 22,000 flight hours after 
installing P/N 65B27046-() or 65B27047-().

New Requirements of This AD

    (i) Within 6 years after the effective date of this AD, replace 
all No. 2 windows having P/N 65B27042-() or 65B27046-(), with 
windows having P/N 141U4821-() or 141U4822-(), and replace all No. 3 
windows having P/N 65B27043-() or 65B27047-() with windows having P/
N 141U4831-() or 141U4832-(), in accordance with Part 3--Window 
Replacement of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin 747-56A2012, Revision 1, dated August 12, 2010. Doing this 
replacement for all windows terminates the actions required by 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD.
    (j) Where Step 4.e. of Part 2 of the Work Instructions of Boeing 
Service Bulletin 747-56A2012, Revision 1, dated August 12, 2010, 
specifies ``non-clear damage'' as a criteria for window replacement, 
this AD defines non-clear damage to be any degradation of the 
transparency of the window, which would hinder the internal or 
external detailed inspections for fail-safe interlayer cracks, glass 
pane cracks and chips, and indications of arcing. Replacement for 
non-clear damage is required by this AD only if the non-clear damage 
hinders the inspection for fail-safe interlayer cracks, glass pane 
cracks and chips, or indications of arcing.

Parts Installation

    (k) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install any No. 
2 or No. 3 window having P/N 65B27042-(), 65B27043-(), 65B27046-(), 
or 65B27047-() that is not new or on which the window flight hours 
are not known, on any airplanes, unless the actions specified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD are done.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (l)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using 
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 
39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in the Related Information section of this AD. 
Information may be e-mailed to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.
    (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 the 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization 
(ODA) that 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.
    (4) AMOCs previously approved in accordance with AD 2007-15-10, 
Amendment 39-15139, are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding 
provisions of this AD except previous AMOCs approving window 
replacement that do not specify installing dual structural glass 
pane windows are not considered approved for corresponding 
inspection methods required by this AD.

Related Information

    (m) For more information about this AD, contact Steven Fox, 
Senior Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM120S, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6425; fax: 425-917-
6590; e-mail: [email protected]. You may review copies of the 
referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 23, 2011.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-8276 Filed 4-6-11; 8:45 am]
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