[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 105 (Thursday, May 31, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 32057-32060]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-13169]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0497; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-140-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD) that applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, 
-300, and -300ER series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires 
inspecting for scribe lines in the skin along lap joints, butt joints, 
certain external doublers, and the large cargo door hinges, and related 
investigative and corrective actions if necessary. Since we issued that 
AD, we have determined that scribe lines could occur where external 
decals are installed or removed across lap joints, large cargo door 
hinges, or external doublers. This proposed AD would add inspecting for 
scribe lines where external decals have been applied or removed across 
lap joints, large cargo door hinges, and external doublers, and related 
investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing 
this AD to detect and correct scribe lines which can develop into 
fatigue cracks in the skin. Undetected fatigue cracks can grow and 
cause sudden decompression of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 16, 2012.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, 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

[[Page 32058]]

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 proposed 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; email: [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: Berhane Alazar, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-
917-6577; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [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-2012-0497; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-140-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 November 12, 2009, we issued AD 2009-24-08, Amendment 39-16096 
(74 FR 62217, November 27, 2009), for certain Model 777-200, -200LR, -
300, and -300ER series airplanes. That AD requires inspections for 
scribe lines in the skin along lap joints, butt joints, certain 
external doublers, and the large cargo door hinges, and related 
investigative and corrective actions if necessary. That AD resulted 
from reports of scribe lines found at lap joints and butt joints, 
around external doublers, and at locations where external decals had 
been removed. We issued that AD to detect and correct scribe lines, 
which can develop into fatigue cracks in the skin. Undetected fatigue 
cracks can grow and cause sudden decompression of the airplane.

Actions Since Existing AD 2009-24-08, Amendment 39-16096 (74 FR 62217, 
November 27, 2009) Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2009-24-08, Amendment 39-16096 (74 FR 62217, 
November 27, 2009), we have determined that scribe lines could occur 
where external decals are installed or removed across lap joints, large 
cargo door hinges, and external doublers. AD 2009-24-08 had exempted 
those areas from the required inspections. Those areas need to be 
inspected in order to address the identified unsafe condition.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 777-53A0054, Revision 1, dated 
November 4, 2010. We referred to Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-
53A0054, dated August 7, 2008, as the appropriate source of service 
information for accomplishing the required actions of AD 2009-24-08, 
Amendment 39-16096 (74 FR 62217, November 27, 2009). Boeing Service 
Bulletin 777-53A0054, Revision 1, dated November 4, 2010, describes an 
additional inspection to determine where external decals have been 
applied or removed across lap joints, large cargo door hinges, and 
external doublers on airplanes and areas that were previously 
determined to not require inspections as specified by the original 
issue of this service information (because the airplane had never been 
stripped or repainted). Where external decals have been applied or 
removed, Boeing Service Bulletin 777-53A0054, Revision 1, dated 
November 4, 2010, describes inspecting for scribe lines, and related 
investigative and corrective actions previously specified in the 
original issue of this service information.

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 all requirements of AD 2009-24-08, 
Amendment 39-16096 (74 FR 62217, November 27, 2009). This proposed AD 
would add an inspection to determine where external decals have been 
applied or removed across affected lap joints, large cargo door hinges, 
and external doublers. For locations where the inspections determine 
that external decals have been applied or removed, this proposed AD 
would require inspecting for scribe lines, and related investigative 
and corrective actions as described in AD 2009-24-08.

Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Where Boeing Service Bulletin 777-53A0054, Revision 1, dated 
November 4, 2010, specifies contacting the manufacturer for 
instructions on how to repair certain conditions, 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 Organization Designation 
Authorization (ODA) whom we have authorized to make those findings.
    Boeing Service Bulletin 777-53A0054, Revision 1, dated November 4, 
2010, does not specify a compliance time for doing the Part 11 actions 
of the Accomplishment Instructions. This proposed AD would require 
doing the Part 11 actions within 24 months after the effective date of 
the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 163 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

[[Page 32059]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
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            Action                Labor cost      Parts cost     Cost per product      Cost on U.S.  operators
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Exploratory inspection         Up to 1,234 work-          $0  Up to $104,890.......  Up to $17,097,070.
 [retained action from AD       hours x $85 per
 2009-24-08, Amendment 39-      hour = $104,890.
 16096 (74 FR 62217, November
 27, 2009)].
Inspection for decals [new     Up to 4 work-               0  Up to $340...........  Up to $55,420.
 proposed action].              hours x $85 per
                                hour = $340.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed 
AD.

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.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing airworthiness directive 
(AD) 2009-24-08, Amendment 39-16096 (74 FR 62217, November 27, 2009), 
and adding the following new AD:

The Boeing Company:
     Docket No. FAA-2012-0497; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-140-
AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by July 16, 
2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2009-24-08, Amendment 39-16096 (74 FR 
62217, November 27, 2009).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -
300, and -300ER series airplanes; certificated in any category; as 
identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-53A0054, Revision 1, dated 
November 4, 2010.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of scribe lines found at lap 
joints and butt joints, around external doublers, at locations where 
external decals had been cut, and at locations where external decals 
have been installed or removed. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct scribe lines which can develop into fatigue cracks in the 
skin. Undetected fatigue cracks can grow and cause sudden 
decompression of the airplane.

 (f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Inspection With New Service Information and Additional 
Reporting

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2009-24-08, Amendment 39-16096 (74 FR 62217, November 27, 2009), 
with new service information and additional reporting. At the 
applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0054, dated August 7, 2008, 
except as provided in paragraphs (h) and (j) of this AD: Do detailed 
exploratory inspections for scribe lines in the skin along lap 
joints, butt joints, certain external doublers, and the large cargo 
door hinges. Do all applicable related investigative and corrective 
actions at the times specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-
53A0054, dated August 7, 2008, by accomplishing all actions 
specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 777-53A0054, dated August 7, 2008; or Boeing Service 
Bulletin 777-53A0054, Revision 1, dated November 4, 2010; except as 
provided by paragraph (i) of this AD. As of the effective date of 
this AD, use only Boeing Service Bulletin 777-53A0054, Revision 1, 
dated November 4, 2010, to do the actions required by this 
paragraph.

    Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD:  The inspection exceptions 
described in NOTES 1.-5. in Paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0054, dated August 7, 2008, 
apply to paragraph (g) of this AD.

(h) Retained Exception to Service Bulletin Specifications, Compliance 
Time

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2009-24-08, Amendment 39-16096 (74 FR 62217, November 27, 2009). 
Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0054, dated August 7, 
2008, specifies a compliance time after the date on that service 
bulletin, paragraph (g) of this AD requires compliance within the 
specified compliance time after January 4, 2010 (the effective date 
of AD 2009-24-08).

(i) Retained Exception to Service Bulletin Specifications, Contact for 
Appropriate Action With New Service Information

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2009-24-08, Amendment 39-16096 (74 FR 62217, November 27, 2009), 
with new service information. Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
777-53A0054, dated August 7, 2008; and Boeing Service Bulletin

[[Page 32060]]

777-53A0054, Revision 1, dated November 4, 2010; specify to contact 
Boeing for appropriate action, accomplish applicable actions using a 
method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (q) of this AD.

(j) Retained Exception to Service Bulletin Specifications, Contact for 
Inspection Requirements

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (j) of AD 
2009-24-08, Amendment 39-16096 (74 FR 62217, November 27, 2009). 
Where paragraph 1.E. ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 777-53A0054, dated August 7, 2008, specifies to ``contact 
Boeing for inspection requirements for operation beyond 60,000 total 
flight-cycles after first repaint,'' for those airplanes, this AD 
requires contacting the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), for all inspection requirements of this AD and doing 
the requirements.

(k) Retained Reporting

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (k) of AD 
2009-24-08, Amendment 39-16096 (74 FR 62217, November 27, 2009). At 
the applicable time specified in paragraph (k)(1) or (k)(2) of this 
AD: Submit a report of positive findings of cracks found during the 
inspection required by paragraphs (g) and (m) of this AD to the 
Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 
98124-2207. Alternatively, operators may submit reports to their 
Boeing field service representatives. The report must contain, at a 
minimum, the inspection results, a description of any discrepancies 
found, the airplane serial number, and the number of flight cycles 
and flight hours on the airplane. Under the provisions of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection 
requirements contained in this AD and has assigned OMB Control 
Number 2120-0056.
    (1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
    (2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this 
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of 
this AD.

(l) New Inspection for External Decals

    Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD: Inspect to 
determine the locations where external decals have been applied or 
removed across affected lap joints, large cargo door hinges, and 
external doublers, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-53A0054, Revision 1, 
dated November 4, 2010.

(m) New Inspection for Scribe Lines and Related Investigative and 
Corrective Actions

    If, during the inspection required by paragraph (l) of this AD, 
any location is found where external decals have been applied or 
removed across lap joints, large cargo door hinges, or external 
doublers: Before further flight, do a detailed exploratory 
inspection for scribe lines at all affected locations, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-
53A0054, Revision 1, dated November 4, 2010. Do all applicable 
related investigative and corrective actions at the times specified 
in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-53A0054, Revision 1, dated November 
4, 2010, by accomplishing all actions specified in the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-53A0054, 
Revision 1, dated November 4, 2010, except as provided by paragraph 
(i) of this AD.

 (n) Exceptions to Service Information

    (1) Where Boeing Service Bulletin 777-53A0054, Revision 1, dated 
November 4, 2010, specifies a compliance time after the date on that 
service bulletin, paragraphs (l) and (m) of this AD require 
compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective 
date of this AD.
    (2) Where paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Service 
Bulletin 777-53A0054, Revision 1, dated November 4, 2010, specifies 
to ``contact Boeing for inspection requirements for operation beyond 
60,000 total flight-cycles after first repaint,'' for those 
airplanes, this AD requires contacting the Manager, Seattle ACO, for 
all inspection requirements of this AD and doing the requirements.

(o) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (m) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-
53A0054, dated August 7, 2008.

(p) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty 
for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to 
the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that 
collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this 
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to 
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

(q) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle ACO, 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 emailed 
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 approved for AD 2009-24-08, Amendment 39-16096 (74 FR 
62217, November 27, 2009), are approved as AMOCs for the 
corresponding provisions of this AD, except that AMOCs approved for 
AD 2009-24-08 are not approved for fuselage areas where any decals 
may have been installed or removed on airplanes that have never been 
stripped or repainted since they left the factory.

(r) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Berhane Alazar, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle ACO, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6577; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].
    (2) 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; email: 
[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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 21, 2012.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.

[FR Doc. 2012-13169 Filed 5-30-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P