[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 55 (Friday, March 21, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15671-15673]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-06153]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-1023; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-042-AD; 
Amendment 39-17797; AD 2014-05-24]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 84-19-01 for 
certain The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-200B, and 747-200F series 
airplanes. AD 84-19-01 required repetitive inspections for cracking of 
certain tension ties, and repair and certain modifications if 
necessary. This new AD requires, for certain airplanes, additional 
inspections for cracking of the tension tie at body station (BS) 760 or 
780, corrective action if necessary, and eventual modification of the 
tension ties. For all airplanes, this new AD requires repetitive post-
modification inspections for cracking of the tension tie at BS 760 or 
780, and corrective action if necessary. This AD was prompted by 
reports of cracking in the BS 760 tension tie as a result of bending 
due to cabin pressurization. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct tension tie cracking, which could eventually result in in-
flight depressurization of the airplane and the inability to withstand 
current regulatory failsafe loads.

DATES: This AD is effective April 25, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 25, 
2014.

ADDRESSES: 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 view this 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2013-
1023; 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nathan Weigand, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6428; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to supersede AD 84-19-01, Amendment 39-4913 (Docket No. 84-NM-
10-AD; 49 FR 36365, September 17, 1984). AD 84-19-01 applied to certain 
Boeing Model 747-100, 747-200B, and 747-200F series airplanes. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on December 6, 2013 (78 FR 73457). 
The NPRM was prompted by reports of cracking in the BS 760 tension tie 
as a result of bending due to cabin pressurization. The NPRM proposed 
to continue to require repetitive inspections for cracking of certain 
tension ties, and repair and certain modifications if necessary. The 
NPRM also proposed to require, for certain airplanes, additional 
inspections for cracking of the tension tie at BS 760 or 780, 
corrective action if necessary, and eventual modification of the 
tension ties. For all airplanes, the NPRM also proposed to require 
repetitive post-modification inspections for cracking of the tension 
tie at BS 760 or 780, and corrective action if necessary. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct tension tie cracking, which could 
eventually result in in-flight depressurization of the airplane and the 
inability to withstand current regulatory failsafe loads.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We have considered the comment received. Boeing supported the 
NPRM (78 FR 73457, December 6, 2013).

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have 
determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (78 FR 73457, December 6, 2013) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 73457, December 6, 2013).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 24 airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 15672]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   Cost per      Number of U.S.    Cost on U.S.
           Action                Labor cost      Parts cost        product         airplanes        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection..................  3 work-hours x               $0  $255 per         Up to 24.......  $6,120 per
                               $85 per hour =                   inspection                        inspection
                               $255 per                         cycle.                            cycle.
                               inspection
                               cycle.
Modification................  32 work-hours x             672  $3,392.........  Up to 24.......  $81,408.
                               $85 per hour =
                               $2,720.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.
    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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 
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),
    (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.

Adoption of the Amendment

    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 Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
84-19-01, Amendment 39-4913 (Docket No. 84-NM-10-AD; 49 FR 36365, 
September 17, 1984), and adding the following new AD:

2014-05-24 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-17797; Docket No. FAA-
2013-1023; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-042-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective April 25, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 84-19-01, Amendment 39-4913 (Docket No. 
84-NM-10-AD; 49 FR 36365, September 17, 1984).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-200B, 
and 747-200F series airplanes, certificated in any category, as 
identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2088, Revision 4, 
dated January 11, 2013.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the body station 
(BS) 760 tension tie as a result of bending due to cabin 
pressurization. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct tension 
tie cracking, which could eventually result in in-flight 
depressurization of the airplane and the inability to withstand 
current regulatory failsafe loads.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Repetitive Inspections: Unmodified Airplanes

    For airplanes that have not been modified as specified in Boeing 
Service Bulletin 747-53-2088: At the applicable time specified in 
Table 1 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-53A2088, Revision 4, dated January 11, 2013, except as 
required by paragraph (j)(1) of this AD, do detailed (close visual) 
and surface high frequency eddy current inspections for cracking of 
the tension tie at BS 760 or 780, as applicable, and do all 
applicable corrective actions, in accordance with Part I of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2088, Revision 4, dated January 11, 2013, except as required by 
paragraph (j)(2) of this AD. Do all applicable corrective actions 
before further flight. Repeat the inspections thereafter at the 
applicable time specified in Table 1 or Table 2 of paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2088, 
Revision 4, dated January 11, 2013, until accomplishment of the 
requirements of paragraph (h) of this AD.

(h) Modification

    For airplanes that have not been modified as specified in Boeing 
Service Bulletin 747-53-2088: At the applicable time specified in 
Table 1 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-53A2088, Revision 4, dated January 11, 2013, except as 
required by paragraph (j)(1) of this AD, modify the tension ties, 
including doing an open-hole high frequency eddy current inspection 
for cracks, as applicable, and all applicable corrective actions, in 
accordance with Part III of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2088, Revision 4, dated January 
11, 2013, except as required by paragraph (j)(2) of this AD. All 
applicable corrective actions must be done before further flight. 
This modification terminates the repetitive inspection requirements 
of paragraph (g) of this AD.

(i) Post-modification Repetitive Inspections

    For airplanes that have been modified as specified in Boeing 
Service Bulletin 747-53-

[[Page 15673]]

2088: At the applicable time specified in Table 2 of paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2088, 
Revision 4, dated January 11, 2013, do a detailed inspection for 
cracking of the tension tie at BS 760 or 780, and do all applicable 
corrective actions, in accordance with Part I of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2088, Revision 
4, dated January 11, 2013, except as required by paragraph (j)(2) of 
this AD. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight. 
Repeat the inspection thereafter at the applicable time specified in 
Table 2 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-53A2088, Revision 4, dated January 11, 2013. Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2088, Revision 4, dated January 11, 
2013, notes that additional post-modification inspections are 
specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53A2502; those post-
modification inspections are required by AD 2006-01-07, Amendment 
39-14446 (71 FR 1947, January 12, 2006).

(j) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    (1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2088, Revision 4, 
dated January 11, 2013, specifies a compliance time ``after the 
Revision 4 date of this service bulletin,'' this AD requires 
compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective 
date of this AD.
    (2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2088, Revision 4, 
dated January 11, 2013, specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate 
action: Before further flight, repair using a method approved in 
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (m) of this 
AD.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in this 
AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of 
this AD using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2088, Revision 3, 
dated September 8, 1994, which is not incorporated by reference in 
this AD.

(l) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and 
Section 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 
and 21.199), are not allowed.

(m) 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 paragraph (n)(1) 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 84-19-01, Amendment 39-4913 (Docket 
No. 84-NM-10-AD; 49 FR 36365, September 17, 1984), are approved as 
AMOCs for the corresponding requirements of paragraph (g) (the 
retained detailed inspections) and paragraph (i) of this AD, but not 
as AMOCs for the high frequency eddy current inspections required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD.

(n) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Nathan Weigand, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; phone: 425-917-6428; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference in this AD may be obtained at the 
addresses specified in paragraphs (o)(3) and (o)(4) of this AD.

(o) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2088, Revision 4, dated 
January 11, 2013.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) 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.
    (4) You may view this service information at 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.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference 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 February 26, 2014.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-06153 Filed 3-20-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P