[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 218 (Wednesday, November 12, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67048-67052]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-26536]



[[Page 67048]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0289; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-146-AD; 
Amendment 39-18016; AD 2014-22-11]
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) 2012-13-08 for 
certain the Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-200B, 747-200C, 
747-200F, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes, without a 
stretched upper deck or stretched upper deck modification. AD 2012-13-
08 required inspections of tension ties and surrounding structure for 
cracking, and related investigative and corrective actions if 
necessary; modification of tension tie structure or tension tie and 
frame structure at specified stations; and post-modification 
inspections of some modified and unmodified areas, and repair if 
necessary. This new AD adds inspections in unmodified center section 
tension ties, and repair if necessary; post-modification inspections of 
modified and unmodified areas, and repair if necessary; a new 
modification of tension tie and frame structures; and inspections of 
tension ties and surrounding structure, and related investigative and 
corrective actions if necessary. This new AD reduces an inspection 
interval. This AD was prompted by widespread fatigue damage analysis 
that resulted in a determination that more inspections are necessary. 
We are issuing this AD to prevent tension ties from becoming severed or 
disconnected from the frames, which could lead to reduced structural 
integrity and sudden decompression of the airplane in flight.

DATES: This AD is effective December 17, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 17, 
2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of August 
14, 2012 (77 FR 40481, July 10, 2012).
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of 
February 16, 2006 (71 FR 1947, January 12, 2006).

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.govby searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0289; 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, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, 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 2012-13-08, Amendment 39-17110 (77 FR 40481, 
July 10, 2012). AD 2012-13-08 applied to certain The Boeing Company 
Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-400F, 747SR, 
and 747SP series airplanes, without a stretched upper deck or stretched 
upper deck modification. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
May 29, 2014 (79 FR 30756). The NPRM was prompted by a widespread 
fatigue damage analysis conducted by Boeing that resulted in a 
determination that additional inspections are needed. The NPRM proposed 
to continue to require repetitive inspections of tension ties and 
surrounding structure for cracking, additional inspections for certain 
airplanes, and related investigative and corrective actions if 
necessary. The NPRM also proposed to continue to require modification 
of tension tie structure or tension tie and frame structure at 
specified stations, a post-modification inspection of any modified area 
for cracking, repetitive inspections for cracking in the unmodified 
areas of the tension tie structure and frame structure at certain 
stations, and repair if necessary. The NPRM proposed to add, for 
certain airplanes, surface HFEC inspections for cracking in unmodified 
center section tension ties, and repair if necessary; repetitive post-
modification eddy current inspections for cracking of modified and 
unmodified areas, and repair if necessary; a new modification 
(replacement) of tension tie and frame structures; and repetitive 
inspections of tension ties and surrounding structure for cracking, and 
related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. The NPRM 
also proposed to reduce an inspection interval. We are issuing this AD 
to prevent tension ties from becoming severed or disconnected from the 
frames, which could lead to reduced structural integrity and sudden 
decompression of the airplane in flight.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We have considered the comment received. Boeing stated that it 
concurred with the contents of the NPRM (79 FR 30756, May 29, 2014).

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments 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 (79 FR 30756, May 29, 2014) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 30756, May 29, 2014).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 86 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 67049]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
             Action                   Labor cost          Parts cost       Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection (retained from AD      8 work-hours per    $0................  Between $5,440 and  Between $467,840
 2012-13-08, Amendment 39-17110    tension tie                             $8,160 per          and $701,760, per
 (77 FR 40481, July 10, 2012)).    location, between                       inspection cycle.   inspection cycle.
                                   8 and 12 tension
                                   tie locations per
                                   airplane,
                                   depending on
                                   airplane
                                   configuration x
                                   $85 per hour =
                                   between $5,440
                                   and $8,160.
One-time inspection for Group 2   6 work-hours x $85  None..............  $510..............  $43,860.
 airplanes, (retained from AD      per hour = $510.
 2012-13-08, Amendment 39-17110
 (77 FR 40481, July 10, 2012)).
Modification (retained from AD    Between 24 and 130  Between $18,657     Between $20,697     Between $1,779,942
 2012-13-08, Amendment 39-17110    work-hours,         and $658,423.       and $669,473.       and $57,574,678.
 (77 FR 40481, July 10, 2012)).    depending on
                                   station location
                                   x $85 per hour =
                                   between $2,040
                                   and 11,050.
Inspection for unmodified area    2 work-hours per    None..............  Between $1,360 and  Between $116,960
 (retained from AD 2012-13-08,     tension tie                             $2,040, per         and $175,440.
 Amendment 39-17110 (77 FR         location, between                       inspection cycle.
 40481, July 10, 2012)).           8 and 12 tension
                                   tie locations per
                                   airplane,
                                   depending on
                                   airplane
                                   configuration x
                                   $85 per hour =
                                   between $1,360
                                   and $2,040.
Inspection for modified area      2 work-hours per    None..............  Between $1,360 and  Between $116,960
 (retained from AD 2012-13-08,     tension tie                             $2,040.             and $175,440.
 Amendment 39-17110 (77 FR         location, between
 40481, July 10, 2012)).           8 and 12 tension
                                   tie locations per
                                   airplane,
                                   depending on
                                   airplane
                                   configuration x
                                   $85 per hour =
                                   between $1,360
                                   and $2,040.
Modification (new action; 1 U.S.  Up to 387 work-     Up to $658,423....  Up to $691,318....  Up to $691,318.
 -registered airplane).            hours, depending
                                   on station
                                   location x $85
                                   per hour = up to
                                   $32,895.
Post-modification eddy current    18 work-hours x     None..............  $1,530 for each     $131,580 for each
 inspection of all areas (new      $85 per hour =                          tension tie, per    tension tie, per
 action).                          $1,530 for each                         inspection cycle.   inspection cycle.
                                   tension tie.
Surface high frequency eddy       Up to 120 work-     None..............  Up to $10,200.....  Up to $877,200.
 current inspection of             hours, depending
 unmodified tension tie center     on airplane
 sections (new action).            configuration x
                                   $85 per hour = Up
                                   to $10,200.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

[[Page 67050]]

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) 
2012-13-08, Amendment 39-17110 (77 FR 40481, July 10, 2012), and adding 
the following new AD:

2014-22-11 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18016; Docket No. FAA-
2014-0289; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-146-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective December 17, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2012-13-08, Amendment 39-17110 (77 FR 40481, 
July 10, 2012).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B, 
747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series 
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by an analysis by the manufacturer 
indicating that tension ties are susceptible to widespread fatigue 
damage. The actions were developed to support the airplane's limit 
of validity of the engineering data that support the established 
structural maintenance program. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
tension ties from becoming severed or disconnected from the frames, 
which could lead to reduced structural integrity and sudden 
decompression of the airplane in flight.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Actions for Group 1 and Groups 3 Through 6 Airplanes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2012-13-08, Amendment 39-17110 (77 FR 40481, July 10, 2012). For 
Group 1, and Groups 3 through 6 airplanes identified in Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-53-2502, dated April 21, 
2005: At the applicable time in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this 
AD, do detailed and high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections 
for cracking of each affected tension tie and of the surrounding 
structure. If any cracking is found: Before further flight, do all 
applicable corrective and related investigative actions. Do all 
actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-53-2502, dated April 21, 
2005; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2502, Revision 1, 
dated June 17, 2010. Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 
747-53-2502, dated April 21, 2005; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
747-53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010; specifies to contact 
Boeing for repair instructions: Before further flight, repair the 
area using a method approved in accordance with the procedures 
specified in paragraph (n) of this AD. As of August 14, 2012 (the 
effective date of AD 2012-13-08), only Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
747-53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010, may be used to 
accomplish the actions required in this paragraph.
    (1) For airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 747-53-2502, dated April 21, 2005, as Groups 1, 3, and 6 
airplanes: Do the first inspections before the accumulation of 
20,000 total flight cycles, or within 1,000 flight cycles after 
February 16, 2006 (the effective date of AD 2006-01-07, Amendment 
39-14446 (71 FR 1947, January 12, 2006)), whichever occurs later; 
and repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
4,000 flight cycles until the modification required by paragraph (j) 
of this AD is accomplished.
    (2) For airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 747-53-2502, dated April 21, 2005, as Groups 4 and 5 
airplanes: Do the first inspections before the accumulation of 
17,000 total flight cycles, or within 1,000 flight cycles after 
February 16, 2006 (the effective date of AD 2006-01-07, Amendment 
39-14446 (71 FR 1947, January 12, 2006)), whichever occurs later; 
and repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
3,000 flight cycles until the modification required by paragraph (j) 
of this AD is accomplished.

(h) Retained Inspections for Group 2 Airplanes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2012-13-08, Amendment 39-17110 (77 FR 40481, July 10, 2012). For 
Group 2 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747 
53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010: At the applicable times 
specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD, do detailed 
and HFEC inspections for cracking of each affected tension tie and 
of the surrounding structure, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-53-
2502, dated April 21, 2005; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010. If any cracking is found: 
Before further flight, do all applicable corrective and related 
investigative actions. Do all actions in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 747-53-2502, dated April 21, 2005; or Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010. Where Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-53-2502, dated April 21, 
2005; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2502, Revision 1, 
dated June 17, 2010; specify to contact Boeing for repair 
instructions: Before further flight, repair the area using a method 
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph 
(n) of this AD. As of August 14, 2012 (the effective date of AD 
2012-13-08, Amendment 39-17110 (77 FR 40481, July 10, 2012)), only 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 
17, 2010, may be used to accomplish the actions required by this 
paragraph. Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 3,000 flight cycles until the modification required by 
paragraph (j) of this AD is accomplished.
    (1) For stations (STA) 780 through 940: Before the accumulation 
of 17,000 total flight cycles, or within 1,000 flight cycles after 
February 16, 2006 (the effective date of AD 2006-01-07, Amendment 
39-14446 (71 FR 1947, January 12, 2006)), whichever occurs later.
    (2) For STA 720, 740, and 760: At the earlier of the times 
specified in paragraph (h)(2)(i) or (h)(2)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Before the accumulation of 17,000 total flight cycles, or 
within 1,000 flight cycles after February 16, 2006 (the effective 
date of AD 2006-01-07, Amendment 39-14446 (71 FR 1947, January 12, 
2006)), whichever occurs later.
    (ii) Before the accumulation of 8,000 total flight cycles, or 
within 1,000 flight cycles after August 14, 2012 (the effective date 
of AD 2012-13-08, Amendment 39-17110 (77 FR 40481, July 10, 2012)), 
whichever occurs later.

(i) Retained One-Time Inspection for Group 2 Airplanes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2012-13-08, Amendment 39-17110 (77 FR 40481, July 10, 2012). For 
airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2502, 
Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010, as Group 2 airplanes: Before the 
accumulation of 8,000 total flight cycles, or within 1,000 flight 
cycles after August 14, 2012 (the effective date of AD 2012-13-08), 
whichever occurs later, do a general visual inspection for correct 
configuration, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010, of each affected tension 
tie and of the surrounding structure, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010.
    (1) If all tension ties match the correct configurations 
specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010, no further 
work is required by this paragraph.
    (2) If any incorrect configuration is found, before further 
flight, do detailed and open fastener-hole HFEC inspections for 
cracking in the tension tie and frame, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010.

[[Page 67051]]

    (i) If no crack is found during the inspections required by 
paragraph (i)(2) of this AD: Before further flight, install the 
correct configuration for the tension ties at locations where the 
incorrect configuration was found, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010; except where Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010, 
specifies to contact Boeing for installation instructions, use a 
method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (n) of this AD.
    (ii) If any crack is found during the inspections required by 
paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, before further flight, do the actions 
specified in paragraphs (i)(2)(ii)(A) and (i)(2)(ii)(B) of this AD.
    (A) Repair the crack in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2502, Revision 
1, dated June 17, 2010; except where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
747-53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010, 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 (n) of this AD.
    (B) Install the correct configuration for the tension ties at 
locations where the incorrect configuration was found, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010; except where 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 
17, 2010, specifies to contact Boeing for installation instructions, 
use a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (n) of this AD.

(j) New Tension Tie and Frame Modification and Inspections

    (1) For Groups 1 through 16, Configuration 1, airplanes 
identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, 
dated July 10, 2013: At the applicable compliance time specified in 
table 1 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013, except as 
required by paragraph (l)(1) of this AD, do tension tie and frame 
modifications, in accordance with Part 1, and surface HFEC 
inspections for cracks, in accordance with Part 4, of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013. Accomplishment of these 
modifications terminates the repetitive inspections required by 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD. If any crack is found, before 
further flight, repair the crack using a method approved in 
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (n) of this 
AD.
    (2) For Groups 17 and 18 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013: At 
the applicable time specified in table 6 or table 7, as applicable, 
of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013, do a tension tie and 
frame modification (replacement of tension ties and frame 
structure), in accordance with Part 5 or Part 6, as applicable, of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013. Accomplishment of 
these modifications terminates the repetitive inspections required 
by paragraph (g) of this AD.

(k) New Repetitive Post-Modification Detailed Inspections of Unmodified 
Areas; Repetitive Post-Modification HFEC Inspections of Modified and 
Unmodified Areas

    (1) For Groups 1 through 16 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013: At 
the applicable time specified in table 2 or table 3 of paragraph 
1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, 
Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013, do a detailed inspection for 
cracking in the unmodified areas of the tension ties, in accordance 
with Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013. If 
any cracking is found, before further flight, repair using a method 
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph 
(n) of this AD. Repeat the detailed inspection thereafter at the 
applicable time specified in table 2 or table 3 of paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, 
Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013.
    (2) For Groups 1 through 16 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013: At 
the applicable time specified in table 4 of paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, 
Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013, do eddy current inspections for 
cracking in all areas of the tension ties (modified and unmodified), 
in accordance with Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 
10, 2013. If any cracking is found, before further flight, repair 
using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified 
in paragraph (n) of this AD. Repeat the eddy current inspections 
thereafter at the time specified in table 4 of paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, 
Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013.
    (3) For Groups 1 through 16, Configuration 2, airplanes 
identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, 
dated July 10, 2013: At the applicable time specified in table 5 of 
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013, except as provided by 
paragraph (l)(1) of this AD, do surface HFEC inspections for 
cracking in the unmodified tension tie center sections, in 
accordance with Part 4 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013. 
If any cracking is found, before further flight, repair using a 
method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (n) of this AD. If no cracking is found, no further action 
is required until the repetitive inspections required by paragraphs 
(k)(1) and (k)(2) begin.
    (4) For Groups 17 and 18 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013: At 
the applicable time specified in table 6 or table 7 of paragraph 
1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, 
Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013, do detailed and HFEC inspections of 
the modified tension tie and frame structure for cracking, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-53A2502, Revision 1, dated June 17, 2010. 
Except as required by paragraph (l)(4) of this AD, if any cracking 
is found, before further flight, repair using a method approved in 
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (n) of this 
AD. Repeat the detailed and HFEC inspections thereafter at the times 
specified in table 6 or table 7, as applicable, of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013.

(l) Service Information Clarifications and Exceptions

    (1) Where paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013, 
specifies a compliance time ``after the revision 3 date of this 
service bulletin,'' this AD requires compliance within the specified 
time after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, 
dated July 10, 2013, specifies to contact Boeing for repair 
instructions, this AD requires repair before further flight using a 
method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (n) of this AD.
    (3) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated 
July 10, 2013, refers to Section 51-10-02 of the Boeing 747-400F 
Structural Repair Manual (SRM) and Section 51-10-01 of the Boeing 
747-100/200/300 SRM as additional sources of guidance for removing 
small cracks and fatigue damage material from the existing holes in 
the unmodified center section of the tension tie channels. Where 
those SRM sections state that ``zero-timing must only be used where 
specifically permitted in an SRM chapter-section-repair,'' this AD 
allows the zero-timing procedures specified in those SRM sections.
    (4) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, 
dated July 10, 2013, specifies to contact Boeing for repair 
instructions, this AD requires repair before further flight using a 
method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (n) of this AD.

(m) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph restates the credit provided in paragraph (m) 
of AD 2012-13-08, Amendment 39-17110 (77 FR 40481, July 10, 2012). 
This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraphs (j)(1) and(k)(1) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before August 14, 2012 (the effective date of AD 2012-13-
08) using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, dated December 
8, 2009, which was incorporated by reference in AD 2012-13-08.
    (2) For Groups 1 through 16 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin

[[Page 67052]]

747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated July 10, 2013: This paragraph 
provides credit for the actions required by paragraphs (j)(1) and 
(k)(1) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2605, Revision 2, dated December 9, 2011, which is not 
incorporated by reference in this AD.

(n) 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 (o)(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.
    (4) AMOCs approved for inspections required by AD 2012-13-08, 
Amendment 39-17110 (77 FR 40481, July 10, 2012) are approved as 
AMOCs for the corresponding inspection provisions of paragraphs (g), 
(h), and (i) of this AD.
    (5) AMOCs approved for AD 2012-13-08, Amendment 39-17110 (77 FR 
40481, July 10, 2012) that granted modification deviations are 
approved as AMOCs for the corresponding modification required by 
paragraph (j)(1) of this AD.

(o) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Nathan Weigand, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 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 is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (p)(6) and (p)(7) of this AD.

(p) 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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
December 17, 2014.
    (i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2605, Revision 3, dated 
July 10, 2013.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
August 14, 2012 (77 FR 40481, July 10, 2012).
    (i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2502, Revision 1, dated 
June 17, 2010.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (5) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
February 16, 2006 (71 FR 1947, January 12, 2006).
    (i) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-53-2502, dated 
April 21, 2005.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (6) 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.
    (7) 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.
    (8) 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 October 28, 2014.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-26536 Filed 11-10-14; 8:45 am]
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