[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 147 (Thursday, July 30, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45762-45765]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-16483]
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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; Amendment
39-21177; AD 2020-15-14]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015-13-
06, which applied to certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400 and 747-
400F series airplanes. AD 2015-13-06 required repetitive inspections of
the longeron extension fittings for cracking;
[[Page 45763]]
repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections of any
modified, repaired, or replaced longeron extension fitting for
cracking; and applicable on-condition actions. This AD retains the
requirements of AD 2015-13-06. This AD also requires, for certain
additional airplanes, repetitive inspections of the longeron extension
fittings for cracking and repair if necessary. This AD was prompted by
the FAA's determination that additional airplanes are affected by the
identified unsafe condition. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective September 3, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 3,
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-2020-0208.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.govby 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 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 to supersede AD 2015-13-06, Amendment 39-18193 (80 FR
44835, July 28, 2015) (``AD 2015-13-06''). AD 2015-13-06 applied to
certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400 and 747-400F series airplanes.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on March 30, 2020 (85 FR
17510). The NPRM was prompted by a report that an operator found a
cracked longeron extension fitting on an airplane not included in the
applicability of AD 2015-13-06. The NPRM proposed to continue to
require 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. The NPRM also proposed to add 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, and for those
additional airplanes, repetitive inspections of the longeron extension
fittings for cracking and repair if necessary. 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.
Comments
The FAA 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.
Support for the NPRM
Boeing stated that it had no comment regarding the NPRM and Hasan
Ashour expressed support for the NPRM.
Request To Expand the Applicability of the NPRM
Addison Hull requested that the FAA expand the applicability of the
NPRM to include all airplanes. The commenter expressed concern that the
NPRM only identified 67 affected airplanes. The commenter also pointed
out their belief that all airplanes should have the same minimum
requirements, and that this method would be more efficient compared
with publishing specific rules to mandate the inspection and
maintenance of other types of airplanes that are not affected by the
NPRM.
The FAA disagrees with the request. The FAA issues ADs to address
potential unsafe conditions in airplanes with similar designs. The FAA
has worked closely with the design approval holder (DAH) to determine
the group of affected airplanes that may develop this particular unsafe
condition. The group of affected airplanes for this particular unsafe
condition is an expansion to the group of airplanes addressed by AD
2015-13-06. Therefore, the FAA believes that the entire number of
affected airplanes have been captured by this AD. This AD has not been
changed in this regard.
Conclusion
The FAA 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. 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
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, Revision 3,
dated November 11, 2019. This 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 67 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 45764]]
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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HFEC inspection (retained 32 work-hours x $85 per $0 $2,720 per $111,520 per
actions from AD 2015-13-06) (41 hour = $2,720 per inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
airplanes). inspection cycle.
HFEC inspection (new action) (26 32 work-hours x $85 per 0 2,720 per 70,720 per
airplanes). hour = $2,720 per inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
inspection cycle.
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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
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Replacement, repair, modification, Up to 908 work-hours x $85 Up to $99,950....... Up to $177,130.
or preventative modification. per hour = Up to $77,180.
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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 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2015-13-06, Amendment 39-18193 (80 FR 44835, July 28, 2015), and adding
the following new AD:
2020-15-14 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-21177; Docket No. FAA-
2020-0208; Product Identifier 2019-NM-209-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective September 3, 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,
[[Page 45765]]
dated March 18, 2014, which was incorporated by reference in AD
2015-13-06; 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, 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) 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 Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, Revision 3, dated
November 11, 2019.
(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 July 16, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-16483 Filed 7-29-20; 8:45 am]
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