[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 154 (Wednesday, August 10, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52755-52758]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-18487]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-8429; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-122-AD; 
Amendment 39-18608; AD 2016-16-10]
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 adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) 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, 747SR, and 
747SP series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of fatigue 
cracks in the station 320 crown frame and in window post number 3. This 
AD requires repetitive inspections for cracks and missing fasteners of 
the station 320 crown frame, cracks in the web and flange surfaces of 
the forward segment of window post number 3, and missing fasteners and 
cracks of the window upper sill; post-modification inspections for 
cracks of the window upper sill; a one-time fastener rework; and 
related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking and missing 
fasteners of the station 320 crown frame, cracking of the window post 
number 3, and cracking of the window upper sill, which could result in 
an in-flight decompression and a loss of structural integrity of the 
fuselage.

DATES: This AD is effective September 14, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 
14, 2016.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
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. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
8429.

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-
8429; 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: Bill Ashforth, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6432; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply 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, 747SR, and 747SP series 
airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on January 13, 
2016 (81 FR 1577) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted by reports of 
fatigue cracks in the station 320 crown frame and in window post number 
3. The NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections for cracks and 
missing fasteners of the station 320 crown frame, cracks in the web and 
flange surfaces of the forward segment of window post number 3, and 
missing fasteners and cracks of the window upper sill; post-
modification inspections for cracks of the window upper sill; a one-
time fastener rework; and related investigative and corrective actions 
if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue 
cracking and

[[Page 52756]]

missing fasteners of the station 320 crown frame, cracking of the 
window post number 3, and cracking of the window upper sill, which 
could result in an in-flight decompression and a loss of structural 
integrity of the fuselage.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and 
the FAA's response to each comment.

Request for Restoration Procedures

    United Airlines (UAL) requested that figure 21 in Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-53A2862, Revision 1, dated July 24, 2015, be 
revised to provide airplane maintenance manual references on 
reinstallation of the panels and all disturbed air conditioning 
systems, and to include operational check procedures of all the 
disturbed systems.
    We partially agree with UAL's comment. We agree that figure 21 in 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2862, Revision 1, dated July 24, 
2015, should provide robust access/restoration procedures. We disagree 
with delaying this AD until any needed changes to figure 21 have been 
incorporated. Figure 21 is not a ``Required for Compliance'' (RC) 
section of the service information and is not mandated by this AD. 
Therefore, operators can deviate from these instructions, as specified 
in paragraph (k)(4)(ii) of this AD. We have not changed this AD in this 
regard.

Request To Revise Discussion Section of the NPRM

    Boeing requested that we revise the second sentence in the 
Discussion section of the NPRM, which states: ``Other Model 747 
airplanes, except Model 747-8F and 747-8 airplanes, are of a similar 
station 320 crown frame configuration.'' Boeing asked that the 
reference to Model 747-8F and Model 747-8 airplanes be removed. Boeing 
stated that although having a different design, Model 747-8F and Model 
747-8 airplanes have a similar station 320 crown frame configuration as 
the other Model 747 airplanes. Boeing explained that, for Model 747-8F 
and Model 747-8 airplanes, it has issued service information that 
specifies repetitive inspections for cracking of the station 320 crown 
frame and is mandated by certain airworthiness limitations (AWLs).
    We agree to clarify the Discussion section of the NPRM. We agree 
that Boeing Model 747-100, -200, -300, and -400 airplanes, and Model 
747-8F and Model 747-8 airplanes, have similar station 320 crown frame 
configurations. However, we cannot revise the second sentence in the 
Discussion section of the NPRM because that particular sentence is not 
restated in the Discussion section of this AD. Also, as Boeing stated, 
the identified condition on Model 747-8F and Model 747-8 airplanes is 
addressed with AWLs. This AD addresses the identified unsafe condition 
on Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 
747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series 
airplanes. We have not changed this AD in this regard.

Clarification of Repetitive Inspections Required by Paragraph (h) of 
This AD

    We revised paragraph (h) of this AD, which refers to inspections 
specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(5) of this AD, by removing 
the text ``for cracking in the window upper sill.'' That text only 
applies to the inspection specified in paragraph (g)(5) of this AD and 
not to the inspections specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(4) of 
this AD.

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 for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2862, Revision 1, 
dated July 24, 2015. The service information describes procedures for 
inspections and corrective actions for cracks and missing fasteners in 
the inner chord and outboard webs of the station 320 crown frame, in 
the left and right side window post number 3, and in the window upper 
sill structure. 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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 165 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
             Action                    Labor cost         Parts cost      Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections.....................  Up to 193                        $0   Up to $16,405 per    Up to $2,706,825
                                   work[dash]hours x                     inspection cycle.    per inspection
                                   $85 per hour =                                             cycle.
                                   $16,405 per
                                   inspection cycle.
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    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

    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

[[Page 52757]]

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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2016-16-10 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18608; Docket No. FAA-
2015-8429; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-122-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective September 14, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to 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, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes, certificated in 
any category, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2862, Revision 1, dated July 24, 2015.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of fatigue cracks in the station 
320 crown frame in window post number 3. We are issuing this AD to 
detect and correct fatigue cracking and missing fasteners of the 
station 320 crown frame, cracking of the window post number 3, and 
cracking of the window upper sill, which could result in an in-
flight decompression and a loss of structural integrity of the 
fuselage.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Initial Inspections, Related Investigative Actions, and Corrective 
Actions

    At the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2862, 
Revision 1, dated July 24, 2015, except as provided by paragraphs 
(j)(1) and (j)(2) of this AD: Do the actions specified in paragraphs 
(g)(1) through (g)(5) of this AD; and do all applicable related 
investigative and corrective actions; in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2862, Revision 1, dated July 24, 2015, except as required by 
paragraph (j)(3) of this AD. Do all applicable related investigative 
and corrective actions before further flight.
    (1) Do a detailed inspection for cracks and missing fasteners of 
the station 320 crown frame.
    (2) Do a surface high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection 
for cracks of the station 320 crown frame.
    (3) Do a surface HFEC inspection for cracks in the web and 
flange surfaces of the forward segment of window post number 3.
    (4) Do a detailed inspection for missing fasteners of the window 
upper sill.
    (5) Do a surface HFEC inspection for cracks of the window upper 
sill.

(h) Repetitive Inspections and Post-Repair Inspections, Related 
Investigative Actions, and Corrective Actions

    Do applicable repetitive post-repair inspections and repeat the 
inspections specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(5) of this AD 
thereafter at the applicable compliance time and intervals specified 
in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
747-53A2862, Revision 1, dated July 24, 2015; and do all applicable 
related investigative and corrective actions; in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2862, Revision 1, dated July 24, 2015, except as required by 
paragraph (j)(3) of this AD. Do all applicable related investigative 
and corrective actions before further flight.

(i) Fastener Rework, Related Investigative Actions, and Corrective 
Actions

    At the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2862, 
Revision 1, dated July 24, 2015: Do the applicable actions 
(including fastener rework and a detailed inspection of the 
condition of the fastener hole) specified in Part 11 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2862, Revision 1, dated July 24, 2015; and do all applicable 
related investigative and corrective actions; in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2862, Revision 1, dated July 24, 2015, except as specified in 
paragraph (j)(3) of this AD. Do all applicable related investigative 
and corrective actions before further flight.

(j) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    (1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2862, Revision 1, 
dated July 24, 2015, specifies a compliance time ``after the 
original 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 747-53A2862, Revision 1, 
dated July 24, 2015, specifies a compliance time ``after the 
Revision 1 date of this service bulletin,'' this AD requires 
compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective 
date of this AD.
    (3) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2862, Revision 1, 
dated July 24, 2015, specifies to contact Boeing for repairs: Before 
further flight, repair, using a method approved in accordance with 
the procedures specified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD.

(k) 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 (l)(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, modification, or alteration required by this AD 
if it is approved the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization 
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the 
Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. To be approved, the 
repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must 
meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must 
specifically refer to this AD.
    (4) Except as required by paragraphs (g), (h), and (j)(3) of 
this AD: For service information that contains steps that are 
labeled as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of 
paragraphs (k)(4)(i) and (k)(4)(ii) apply.
    (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step 
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply 
with the AD. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps, 
including substeps and identified figures.
    (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted 
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection 
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC 
steps,

[[Page 52758]]

including substeps and identified figures, can still be done as 
specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition.

(l) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Bill Ashforth, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle ACO, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6432; 
fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].

(m) 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 747-53A2862, Revision 1, dated 
July 24, 2015.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Boeing 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 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.
    (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 July 27, 2016.
Victor Wicklund,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-18487 Filed 8-9-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P