[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 61 (Monday, March 30, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 17510-17513]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-06501]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2020-0208; Product Identifier 2019-NM-209-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: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2015-13-06, which applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400 
and 747-400F series airplanes. AD 2015-13-06 requires repetitive 
inspections of the longeron extension fittings for cracking, repetitive 
high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections of any modified, 
repaired, or replaced longeron extension fitting for cracking, and 
applicable on-condition actions. Since the FAA issued AD 2015-13-06, 
the FAA has determined that additional airplanes are affected by the 
identified unsafe condition. This proposed AD would retain the 
requirements of AD 2015-13-06 and include additional airplanes in the 
applicability. For those additional airplanes, this proposed AD would 
require only repetitive inspections of the longeron extension fittings 
for cracking and repair if necessary. The FAA is proposing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 14, 
2020.

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 https://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

[[Page 17511]]

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 NPRM, contact Boeing 
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 
2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-5600; phone: 
562-797-1717; internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view 
this service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available on 
the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0208.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0208; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric Lin, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe 
Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 
98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3523; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2020-0208; 
Product Identifier 2019-NM-209-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. The FAA will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
NPRM because of those comments.
    The FAA will post all comments, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. 
The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact the agency receives about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The FAA issued AD 2015-13-06, Amendment 39-18193 (80 FR 44835, July 
28, 2015) (``AD 2015-13-06''), for certain The Boeing Company Model 
747-400 and 747-400F series airplanes. AD 2015-13-06 requires 
repetitive inspections of the longeron extension fittings for cracking, 
repetitive HFEC inspections of any modified, repaired, or replaced 
longeron extension fitting for cracking, and applicable on-condition 
actions. AD 2015-13-06 resulted from reports of cracking in the 
outboard flange of the longeron extension fittings, and the FAA's 
determination that more work is necessary on airplanes on which a 
permanent repair, longeron extension fitting replacement, or 
modification was accomplished. The FAA issued AD 2015-13-06 to address 
cracks in the longeron extension fittings, which can become large and 
adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane.

Actions Since AD 2015-13-06 Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2015-13-06, Boeing reported that an 
operator found a cracked longeron extension fitting on an airplane not 
included in the applicability of AD 2015-13-06. Based on that report, 
the FAA has determined that additional airplanes are likely affected by 
the identified unsafe condition. The FAA has therefore added Model 747-
100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 
747-400D, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes to the applicability of 
this proposed AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, Revision 3, 
dated November 11, 2019. The service information describes procedures 
for repetitive inspections of the longeron extension fittings for 
cracking, repetitive HFEC inspections of any modified, repaired, or 
replaced longeron extension fitting for cracking, and applicable on-
condition actions. On-condition actions include replacement, repair, 
and modification. 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.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is proposing this AD because the FAA 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 2015-13-06, this proposed AD would retain all of the 
requirements of AD 2015-13-06. 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 
include additional airplanes in the applicability. This proposed AD 
would also require accomplishing the actions specified in the service 
information described previously. For information on the procedures and 
compliance times, see this service information at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0208.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 67 airplanes of 
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with 
this proposed AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost      Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HFEC inspection (retained actions  32 work-hours x $85              $0  $2,720 per           $111,520 per
 from AD 2015[dash]13[dash]06)      per hour = $2,720                    inspection cycle.    inspection cycle.
 (41 airplanes).                    per inspection
                                    cycle.
HFEC inspection (new proposed      32 work-hours x $85              $0  $2,720 per           $70,720 per
 action) (26 airplanes).            per hour = $2,720                    inspection cycle.    inspection cycle.
                                    per inspection
                                    cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 17512]]

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required. The FAA has no way of 
determining the number of aircraft that might need these on-condition 
actions:

                                      Estimated Costs of On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Action                        Labor cost               Parts cost            Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement, Repair, Modification, or  Up to 908 work-hours x   Up to $99,950..........  Up to $177,130.
 Preventative Modification.             $85 per hour = Up to
                                        $77,180.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    The FAA is 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

    The FAA has 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) 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) 
2015-13-06, Amendment 39-18193 (80 FR 44835, July 28, 2015), and adding 
the following new AD:

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2020-0208; Product Identifier 
2019-NM-209-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by May 14, 2020.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2015-13-06, Amendment 39-18193 (80 FR 44835, 
July 28, 2015) (``AD 2015-13-06'').

(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 Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, 
Revision 3, dated November 11, 2019.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the outboard 
flange of the longeron extension fittings and the FAA's 
determination that additional airplanes are affected by the 
identified unsafe condition. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
cracks in the longeron extension fittings, which can become large 
and adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the 
applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of 
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, Revision 3, dated November 11, 
2019, do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance 
with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 
747-53A2860, Revision 3, dated November 11, 2019.

(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    (1) Where Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, Revision 3, dated 
November 11, 2019, uses the phrase ``the Revision 3 date of this 
service bulletin,'' this AD requires using ``the effective date of 
this AD.''
    (2) Where Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, Revision 3, dated 
November 11, 2019, specifies contacting Boeing for repair 
instructions: This AD requires doing the 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 the actions required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2860, Revision 1, dated March 18, 2014, which was incorporated by 
reference in AD 2015-13-06, Amendment 39-18193 (80 FR 44835, July 
28, 2015); or Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, Revision 2, dated 
July 12, 2016, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for the repetitive 
inspections, and inspection of temporary repair and corrective 
actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before September 1, 2015 (the effective date of AD 2015-
13-06) using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, dated 
December 4, 2012, which was incorporated by reference in AD 2013-14-
05, Amendment 39-17510, (78 FR 43763, July 22, 2013).

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, 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 certification office, 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,

[[Page 17513]]

modification, or alteration required by this AD if it is approved by 
The Boeing Company Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that 
has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, 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) AMOCs approved previously for the actions specified in 
paragraphs (g), (h), (i), and (j) of AD 2015-13-06 are approved as 
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of Boeing Service Bulletin 
747-53A2860, Revision 3, dated November 11, 2019, that are required 
by paragraph (g) of this AD.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Eric Lin, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3523; 
email: [email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services 
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-
5600; phone: 562-797-1717; internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com. 
You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, 
Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA.
    For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 206-231-3195.

    Issued on March 22, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-06501 Filed 3-27-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P