[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 60 (Thursday, March 28, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 18917-18920]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-07205]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0211; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-230-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 adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain The Boeing Company Model 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B, -
200C, -200F, -300, -400, -400D, -400F, and 747SR series airplanes. This 
proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracking at the aft upper corner 
of the main entry door (MED) 5 cutout. This proposed AD would require 
inspecting for the presence of repairs and measuring the edge margin at 
certain fastener locations around the upper aft corner of the door 
cutout, inspecting for any cracking of the fuselage skin assembly and 
bear strap in the aft upper corner area of the door cutout, and 
repairing or modifying the fuselage skin assembly and bear strap if 
necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking of 
the skin and bear straps at the aft upper corner of the MED 5 cutout, 
which could result in in-flight depressurization.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 13, 2013.

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 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, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may

[[Page 18918]]

review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, Transport Airplane Directorate; 1601 
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 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: Bill Ashforth, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: (425) 917-6432; 
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 proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2013-0211; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-230-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

    We received a report of a 3.65-inch-long crack that was found at 
the aft upper corner of the right MED 5 cutout on an airplane with 
11,047 total flight cycles. The skin (including the bonded doubler and 
tripler) and bear strap were found to be cracked. This crack extended 
up to the door edge frame. That report also stated that cracks that did 
not extend up to the door edge frame were found on more than 30 
airplanes. Those affected airplanes had flown between 10,042 and 31,140 
total flight cycles. This condition, if not detected and corrected, 
could result in in-flight depressurization.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2839, dated 
November 6, 2012. For information on the procedures and compliance 
times, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for Docket No. FAA-2013-0211.

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 require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously, except as discussed 
under ``Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service 
Information.''
    The phrase ``related investigative actions'' might be used in this 
proposed AD. ``Related investigative actions'' are follow-on actions 
that: (1) are related to the primary actions, and (2) are actions that 
further investigate the nature of any condition found. Related 
investigative actions in an AD could include, for example, inspections.
    In addition, the phrase ``corrective actions'' might be used in 
this proposed AD. ``Corrective actions'' are actions that correct or 
address any condition found. Corrective actions in an AD could include, 
for example, repairs.

Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2839, dated November 6, 2012, 
specifies to contact the manufacturer for disposition of certain repair 
conditions, but this proposed AD would require repairing those 
conditions in one of the following ways:
     In accordance with a method that we approve; or
     Using data that meet the certification basis of the 
airplane, and that have been approved by the Boeing Commercial 
Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) whom we have 
authorized to make those findings.
    Table 3 in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-53A2839, dated November 6, 2012, specifies post-
modification inspections at the aft corner of the MED 5 cutouts, which 
may be used in support of compliance with section 121.1109(c)(2) or 
129.109(b)(2) of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
121.1109(c)(2) or 129.109(b)(2)). However, this NPRM does not propose 
to require those post-modification inspections. This difference has 
been coordinated with Boeing.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 246 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
             Action                   Labor cost          Parts cost       Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect for repair and measure    1 work-hour x $85   None..............  Up to $170........  Up to $41,820.
 edge margin.                      per hour = $85
                                   per door (up to 2
                                   doors per
                                   airplane).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repetitive 
inspections, repairs or modifications 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 inspections, repairs or 
modification:

[[Page 18919]]



                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Action                        Labor cost               Parts cost            Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repetitive inspection of un-repaired   6 work-hours x $85 per   None...................  $510 per door, per
 area.                                  hour = $510 per door,                             inspection cycle.
                                        per inspection cycle.
Repair or modification...............  10 work-hours x $85 per  Between $7,654 and       Between $8,504 and
                                        hour = $850 per door.    $17,426 per door.        $18,276 per door.
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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 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 this 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

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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2013-0211; Directorate Identifier 
2012-NM-230-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by May 13, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-100, -100B, -
100B SUD, -200B, -200C, -200F, -300, -400, -400D, -400F, and 747SR 
series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2839, dated November 6, 2012.

(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 cracking at the aft upper 
corner of the main entry door (MED) 5 cutout. We are issuing this AD 
to detect and correct cracking of the skin and bear straps at the 
aft upper corner of the MED 5 cutout, which could result in in-
flight depressurization.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspections and Measurement

    Except as specified in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, at the 
applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2839, dated November 6, 2012; 
Do a detailed inspection for the presence of repairs at the aft 
upper corner of the MED 5 cutout, and measure the edge margin at 
certain fastener locations around the corner of the door cutout, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-53A2839, dated November 6, 2012.
    (1) If a repair is found: Before further flight, inspect or 
change the repair, using a method approved in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.
    (2) If no repair is found, except as specified in paragraph 
(h)(1) of this AD, at the applicable time specified in paragraph 
1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2839, 
dated November 6, 2012, do detailed and high frequency eddy current 
(HFEC) inspections for any cracking of the fuselage skin assembly 
and bear strap in the aft upper corner area of the door cutout, as 
applicable, and do all applicable corrective actions, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-53A2839, dated November 6, 2012, except as required by 
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD. Do all applicable corrective actions 
before further flight. Options provided in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-53A2839, dated November 6, 2012, for accomplishing the 
corrective action are acceptable for the corresponding requirements 
of this paragraph, provided that the inspections and preventative 
modification are done at the applicable times in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2839, dated 
November 6, 2012.

(h) Exceptions to the Service Information

    (1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2839, dated 
November 6, 2012, specifies compliance times ``after the original 
issue date of this service bulletin,'' this AD requires compliance 
within the specified compliance times ``after the effective date of 
this AD.''
    (2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2839, dated 
November 6, 2012, specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate 
action: Before further flight, do the action using a method approved 
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this 
AD.

(i) Post-Repair/Post-Modification Inspections

    The post-repair or post-modification inspections specified in 
Table 3 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-53A2839, dated November 6, 2012, are not required by 
this AD.

    Note 1 to paragraph (i) of this AD: The post-repair or post-
modification inspection specified in Table 3 of paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2839, dated 
November 6, 2012, may be used in support of compliance with section 
121.1109(c)(2) or 129.109(b)(2)

[[Page 18920]]

of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 121.1109(c)(2) or 14 CFR 
129.109(b)(2)). The corresponding actions specified in the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2839, dated November 6, 2012, are not required by this AD.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Bill Ashforth, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; 
phone: (425) 917-6432; 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, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; 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, WA. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 20, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-07205 Filed 3-27-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P