[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 121 (Wednesday, June 24, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 36255-36258]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-15400]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-1984; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-022-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 Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2005-01-
09, which applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-
100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 
747-400D, 747-400F, and 747SR series airplanes. AD 2005-01-09 requires 
a one-time detailed inspection for discrepancies of the frame web and 
inner chords on the forward edge frame of the number 5 main entry door 
cutout, and corrective action if necessary. Since we issued AD 2005-01-
09, additional cracking was found in the same area after completion of 
the one-time detailed inspection. This proposed AD would add repetitive 
high frequency eddy current inspections for cracking of the frame inner 
chords (forward and aft), and corrective action if necessary. We are 
proposing this AD to detect and correct discrepancies of the frame web 
and inner chords, which could result in cracking, subsequent severing 
of the frame, and consequent rapid depressurization of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 10, 2015.

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 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,

[[Page 36256]]

call 425-227-1221. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
1984.

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-2015-
1984; 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: Nathan Weigand, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6428; 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-2015-1984; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-022-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 December 27, 2004, we issued AD 2005-01-09, Amendment 39-13933 
(70 FR 1340, January 7, 2005), for certain The Boeing Company Model 
747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 
747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, and 747SR series airplanes. AD 2005-01-09 
requires a one-time inspection for discrepancies of the frame web and 
inner chords on the forward edge frame of the number 5 main entry door 
cutout, and corrective action if necessary. AD 2005-01-09 resulted from 
a report of cracking of the frame web and inner chords on the forward 
edge frame of the number 5 main entry door. We issued AD 2005-01-09 to 
find and fix discrepancies of the frame web and inner chords, which 
could result in cracking, subsequent severing of the frame, and 
consequent rapid depressurization of the airplane.

Actions Since AD 2005-01-09, Amendment 39-13933 (70 FR 1340, January 7, 
2005), Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2005-01-09, Amendment 39-13933 (70 FR 1340, 
January 7, 2005), additional cracking was found in the same area after 
completion of the one-time detailed inspection required by AD 2005-01-
09.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed and approved Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2494, 
Revision 1, dated January 9, 2015. The service information describes 
procedures for a one-time detailed inspection and repetitive surface 
high frequency eddy current inspections of the Station 2231 frame inner 
chords (forward and aft), and repair of discrepancies. This service 
information is reasonably available because the interested parties have 
access to it through their normal course of business or by the means 
identified in the ADDRESSES section of this NPRM.

Related AD

    On August 16, 2013, we issued AD 2013-17-08, Amendment 39-17572 (78 
FR 57053, September 17, 2013), for certain The Boeing Company Model 
747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 
747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, and 747SR series airplanes. AD 2013-17-08 
requires repetitive inspections to find cracking of the web, strap, 
inner chords, inner chord angle of the forward edge frame of the number 
5 main entry door cutouts; the frame segment between stringers 16 and 
31; repair if necessary; and repetitive inspections for cracking of 
repairs. AD 2013-17-08 resulted from multiple reports of cracking 
outside of the previous inspection areas and a report of a crack that 
initiated at the aft edge of the inner chord rather than initiating at 
a fastener location. We issued AD 2013-17-08 to detect and correct such 
cracks, which could cause damage to the adjacent body structure and 
could result in depressurization of the airplane in flight.

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

    Although this proposed AD does not explicitly restate the 
requirements of AD 2005-01-09, Amendment 39-13933 (70 FR 1340, January 
7, 2005), this proposed AD would retain all of the requirements. Those 
requirements are referenced in the service information identified 
previously, which, in turn, is referenced in paragraph (g) of this 
proposed AD. This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions 
specified in the service information described previously, except as 
discussed under ``Difference Between this Proposed AD and the Service 
Bulletin.'' Refer to this service information for information on the 
procedures and compliance times.

Difference Between This Proposed AD and the Service Bulletin

    Although Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2494, Revision 1, 
dated January 9, 2015, specifies that operators may contact the 
manufacturer for disposition of certain repair conditions, 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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 174 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

[[Page 36257]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
             Action                     Labor cost          Parts cost     Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detailed inspection............  2 work-hours x $85 per               $0  $170..............  $29,580.
                                  hour = $170.
HFEC inspections...............  4 work-hours x $85 per                0  $340 per            $59,160 per
                                  hour = $340.                             inspection cycle.   inspection cycle.
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    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
a cost estimate 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

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) 
2005-01-09, Amendment 39-13933 (70 FR 1340, January 7, 2005), and 
adding the following new AD:

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2015-1984; Directorate Identifier 
2015-NM-022AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by August 10, 
2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2005-01-09, Amendment 39-13933 (70 FR 1340, 
January 7, 2005).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-100, -100B, 747-
100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 
747-400F, and 747SR series airplanes; certificated in any category; 
as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2494, Revision 
1, dated January 9, 2015.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of additional cracking found in 
the same area after completion of the one-time detailed inspection. 
We are issuing this AD to detect and correct discrepancies of the 
frame web and inner chords, which could result in cracking, 
subsequent severing of the frame, and consequent rapid 
depressurization of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspections

    Do the applicable actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1), 
(g)(2), (g)(3), and (g)(4) of this AD, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2494, Revision 1, dated January 9, 2015, except as required by 
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.
    (1) At the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2494, 
Revision 1, dated January 9, 2015, do a detailed inspection for 
nicks, scratches, or gouges of the Station 2231 frame inner chords, 
forward and aft, at stringer 26 at the edge and side of the inner 
chords.
    (2) At the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2494, 
Revision 1, dated January 9, 2015, except as required by paragraph 
(h)(1) of this AD: Do a surface high frequency eddy current (HFEC) 
inspection for cracks of the frame inner chords, forward and aft.
    (3) Based on the findings from the inspections specified in 
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, do all applicable 
corrective actions, before further flight.
    (4) Repeat the HFEC inspection specified in paragraph (g)(2) of 
this AD at the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2494, 
Revision 1, dated January 9, 2015.

(h) Exceptions to Service Bulletin Specifications

    (1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2494, Revision 1, 
dated January 9, 2015, specifies a compliance time ``after the 
release of Revision 1 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 747-53A2494, Revision 1, 
dated January 9, 2015, specifies to contact Boeing for repair 
instructions: Before further flight, repair using a method approved 
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this 
AD.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for inspections required by 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if those inspections were performed 
before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-53A2494, dated September 18, 2003, which was 
incorporated by reference in AD 2005-01-09, Amendment 39-13933 (70 
FR 1340, January 7, 2005).

[[Page 36258]]

    (2) This paragraph provides credit for inspections required by 
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, if those inspections were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-53A2450, Revision 7, dated November 2, 2011, 
which was incorporated by reference in AD 2013-17-08, Amendment 39-
17572 (78 FR 57053, September 17, 2013).

(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 paragraph (k)(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 2005-01-09, Amendment 39-13933 (70 FR 
1340, January 7, 2005), are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding 
provisions of paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Nathan Weigand, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; 
phone: 425-917-6428; 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 view this 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 June 12, 2015.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-15400 Filed 6-23-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P