[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 121 (Tuesday, June 23, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 37547-37549]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-13407]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 121 / Tuesday, June 23, 2020 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 37547]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0990; Product Identifier 2019-NM-122-AD; Amendment
39-19919; AD 2020-12-10]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
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 cracks of
the upper splice fittings. This AD requires repetitive detailed
inspections and open hole high frequency eddy current (HFEC)
inspections of the upper splice fittings for cracks and applicable on-
condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 28, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 28,
2020.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
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, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 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-2019-0990.
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-2019-
0990; 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 final rule, any comments received, and other information. The
address for Docket Operations is 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: 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:
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all 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 December 31,
2019 (84 FR 72260). The NPRM was prompted by reports of cracks of the
upper splice fittings. The NPRM proposed to require repetitive detailed
inspections and open hole HFEC inspections of the upper splice fittings
for cracks and applicable on-condition actions.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking of the body
station (BS) 2598 bulkhead structure, which could adversely affect the
structural integrity of the bulkhead and the horizontal stabilizer
support structure, and result in loss of controllability of the
airplane.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The following presents the comment received
on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
Request To Clarify the Unsafe Condition
Boeing requested that the FAA clarify the unsafe condition
statement in the NPRM, and reword it to read similarly to the unsafe
condition statement in AD 2014-14-03, Amendment 39-17898 (79 FR 41120,
July 15, 2014) (``AD 2014-14-03''). Boeing pointed out that AD 2014-14-
03 was prompted by reports of cracking in similar areas of the bulkhead
structure at BS 2598. Boeing also pointed out that cracking of the
bulkhead splice fitting would not be expected to result in loss of the
horizontal stabilizer. Boeing also mentioned that the requested change
would maintain consistent wording between ADs that are prompted by
cracking in similar areas.
The FAA agrees for the reasons provided and has reworded the unsafe
condition statement in this AD accordingly.
Change to the Service Information
Since the NPRM was published, the manufacturer has published a new
revision to the service information. Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
747-53A2899 RB, Revision 1, dated April 7, 2020, corrects the bulletin
approval statement and clarifies the description of Group 2 airplanes.
The FAA has updated this AD to refer to Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 747-53A2899 RB, Revision 1, dated April 7, 2020, as the
appropriate source of service information for the required actions, as
all substantive requirements remain unchanged. Additionally, the FAA
has added paragraph (i) to this AD to provide credit for actions
performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 747-53A2899 RB, dated April 5, 2019. The FAA has
redesignated subsequent paragraphs accordingly.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest
require adopting this final rule with the changes described previously
and minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor
changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
[[Page 37548]]
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
The FAA also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final
rule.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-53A2899 RB,
Revision 1, dated April 7, 2020. This service information describes
procedures for repetitive detailed inspections and open hole HFEC
inspections of the left and right upper splice fittings for cracks and
applicable on-condition actions. On-condition actions include repair.
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
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 125 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repetitive detailed inspections 5 work-hours x $85 $0 $425 per inspection $53,125 per
and open hole HFEC inspections. per hour = $425 cycle. inspection cycle.
per inspection
cycle.
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The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the
agency 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.
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
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) 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.
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):
AD 2020-12-10 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-19919; Docket No.
FAA-2019-0990; Product Identifier 2019-NM-122-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective July 28, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all 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.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in particular areas
of the bulkhead structure at body station (BS) 2598. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking of the BS 2598 bulkhead
structure, which could adversely affect the structural integrity of
the bulkhead and the horizontal stabilizer support structure, and
result in loss of controllability 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 the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-53A2899 RB, Revision 1, dated April
7, 2020, do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance
with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 747-53A2899 RB, Revision 1, dated April 7, 2020.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747-53A2899, Revision 1, dated April 7, 2020, which is referred to
in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-53A2899 RB, Revision 1,
dated April 7, 2020.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements
of this AD: Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-53A2899 RB,
Revision 1, dated April 7, 2020, uses the phrase ``the original
issue date of Requirements Bulletin 747-53A2899 RB,'' this AD
requires using ``the effective date of this AD.''
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-53A2899 RB,
Revision 1, dated
[[Page 37549]]
April 7, 2020, 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
This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
747-53A2899 RB, dated April 5, 2019.
(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, 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.
(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) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (l)(3) and (4) of this AD.
(l) 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 Requirements Bulletin 747-53A2899 RB, Revision
1, dated April 7, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) 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.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability
of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
(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, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on June 11, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-13407 Filed 6-22-20; 8:45 am]
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