[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 85 (Monday, May 5, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 18913-18916]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-07885]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-0746; Project Identifier AD-2025-00674-T;
Amendment 39-23029; AD 2025-09-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
The Boeing Company Model 747 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a
report that a right-hand outboard elevator was received and installed
without balance weights. This AD requires doing a maintenance records
check to determine if certain outboard elevators are installed or an
inspection to determine if outboard elevators have balance weights, and
applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective May 5, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 5, 2025.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by June 20, 2025.
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 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.
[[Page 18914]]
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2025-0746; 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 street address for Docket
Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
For Boeing material 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;
telephone 562-797-1717; website myboeingfleet.com.
You may view this material 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 at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2025-0746.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Taylor Stanley, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 407-
852-7677; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments
about this final rule. Send your comments using a method listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include Docket No. FAA-2025-0746 and Project
Identifier AD-2025-00674-T at the beginning of your comments. The most
helpful comments reference a specific portion of the final rule,
explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting
data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date
and may amend this final rule because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this final rule.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Taylor
Stanley, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone: 407-852-7677; email: [email protected].
Any commentary that the FAA receives that is not specifically
designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this
rulemaking.
Background
The FAA has received a report that a Model 747-8F series airplane
operated with a right-hand outboard elevator that was received and
installed without balance weights. The operator ordered left- and
right-side outboard elevators, part number (P/N) 183U3300-13 and P/N
183U3300-14 respectively, and received outboard elevators, P/N
654U6625-2411 and P/N 654U6625-2412, with associated paperwork that
identified the parts were interchangeable with P/N 183U3300-13 and P/N
183U3300-14 and included balance weights. However, P/N 654U6625-2411
and P/N 654U6625-2412 do not contain balance weights. Therefore, the
parts are not directly interchangeable and must be balanced prior to
installation and flight. A total of 10 spare assemblies, P/N 654U6625-
2411 and P/N 654U6625-2412 (5 each), have been delivered to operators
since 2022.
Outboard elevators without balance weights, if not addressed, could
result in abnormal vibration, buffeting, flutter, or oscillation that
could result in loss of continued safe flight and landing. Further,
outboard elevators without balance weights could result in personal
injury to maintenance personnel during installation or removal of the
outboard elevators.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this AD because the agency has determined the
unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in
other products of the same type design.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Safety Advisory 747-BSA-55-001, dated
April 24, 2025. The material specifies procedures for a maintenance
records check to determine if outboard elevators, P/N 654U6625-2411 and
P/N 654U6625-2412, are installed, a general visual inspection of the
outboard elevators to determine if balance weights are installed, and
applicable on-conditions actions. On-condition actions include a
maintenance records check to determine if the balance procedure of the
outboard elevator was done, a general visual inspection of the outboard
elevator for the installation of the balance weights, and corrective
action instructions. This material 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.
AD Requirements
This AD requires accomplishing the actions identified as ``RC''
(required for compliance) in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Alert Safety Advisory 747-BSA-55-001, dated April 24, 2025, already
described, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this AD. See ``Differences Between this AD and the
Referenced Material'' for a discussion of the general differences
included in this AD.
For information on the procedures and compliance times, see Boeing
Alert Safety Advisory 747-BSA-55-001, dated April 24, 2025, at
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-0746.
Differences Between This AD and the Referenced Material
The effectivity of Boeing Alert Safety Advisory 747-BSA-55-001,
dated April 24, 2025, is limited to Model 747-400, -400D, -400F, -8,
and -8F series airplanes. However, the applicability of this AD
includes all The Boeing Company Model 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B,
-200C, -200F, -300, -400, -400D, -400F, -8, -8F, 747SR, and 747SP
series airplanes. Because the affected elevators are rotable parts, the
FAA has determined that these parts could later be installed on
airplanes that were initially delivered with acceptable parts, thereby
subjecting those airplanes to the unsafe condition. The FAA has
confirmed with Boeing that the Accomplishment Instructions in Boeing
Alert Safety Advisory 747-BSA-55-001, dated April 24, 2025, can be used
for the
[[Page 18915]]
expanded group of airplanes to address the unsafe condition.
Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective
Date
Section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C.
551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment
procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds that
those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the
public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days,
upon a finding of good cause.
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public
justifies forgoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule
because left-hand and right-hand outboard elevators installed without
balance weights, if not addressed, could result in abnormal vibration,
buffeting, flutter, or oscillation that could result in loss of
continued safe flight and landing. Further, outboard elevators without
balance weights could result in personal injury to maintenance
personnel during installation or removal of the outboard elevators.
Additionally, the compliance time in this AD is shorter than the time
necessary for the public to comment and for publication of the final
rule. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are
impracticable and contrary to the public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
553(b).
In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days,
for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forgo notice and
comment.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment,
RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 170 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parts
Action Labor cost cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Records check to determine Up to 4 work- $0 Up to $340.............. Up to $57,800.
part number or inspection to hours x $85 per
determine if balance weights hour = $340.
are installed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required based on the results of the
records check or inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the
number of aircraft that might need these actions:
On-Condition Costs *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Records check to determine if balance 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 $0 $85
procedure was done.
Inspection to determine if balance weights are 4 work-hours x $85 per hour = 0 340
installed. $340.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost estimates for the corrective action
instructions 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, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
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:
[[Page 18916]]
2025-09-08 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-23029; Docket No.
FAA-2025-0746; Project Identifier AD-2025-00674-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 5, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 747-100, -100B,
-100B SUD, -200B, -200C, -200F, -300, -400, -400D, -400F, -8, -8F,
747SR, and 747SP series airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 55, Stabilizers.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that a right-hand outboard
elevator was received and installed without balance weights. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address left-hand and right-hand outboard
elevators delivered without balance weights. The unsafe condition,
if not addressed, could result in abnormal vibration, buffeting,
flutter, or oscillation that could result in loss of continued safe
flight and landing. Further, outboard elevators without balance
weights could result in personal injury to maintenance personnel
during installation or removal of the outboard elevators.
(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 Alert Safety Advisory 747-BSA-55-001, dated April 24, 2025,
do all applicable actions identified as ``RC'' (required for
compliance) in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Safety Advisory 747-BSA-55-001, dated
April 24, 2025. For airplanes not identified in Boeing Alert Safety
Advisory 747-BSA-55-001, dated April 24, 2025, do the actions for
Group 1 airplanes specified in Boeing Alert Safety Advisory 747-BSA-
55-001, dated April 24, 2025.
(h) Exceptions to Safety Advisory Specifications
(1) Where the ``Boeing Recommended Compliance Time'' columns of
the tables in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Safety
Advisory 747-BSA-55-001, dated April 24, 2025, refer to ``the
Original Issue date of this safety advisory,'' this AD requires
using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where Boeing Alert Safety Advisory 747-BSA-55-001, dated
April 24, 2025, specifies contacting Boeing for corrective action
instructions: This AD requires doing the instructions using a method
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph
(j) of this AD.
(i) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a location where the
actions required by this AD can be performed, provided the Manager,
AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, FAA, concurs with
issuance of the special flight permit. Send requests for concurrence
by email to [email protected].
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety 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
responsible Flight Standards 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)
of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before
using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the
responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) 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, AIR-
520, Continued Operational Safety 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.
(3) Except as required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD: For
material that contains steps that are labeled as Required for
Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (j)(3)(i) and (ii) of
this AD 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. If a step or substep is labeled ``RC Exempt,'' then the
RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. 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, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy
condition.
(k) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Taylor Stanley,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone: 407-852-7677; email: [email protected].
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Alert Safety Advisory 747-BSA-55-001, dated April 24,
2025.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Boeing material 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;
telephone 562-797-1717; website myboeingfleet.com.
(4) You may view this material 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 material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].
Issued on April 25, 2025.
John P. Piccola, Jr.,
Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-07885 Filed 5-2-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P