Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 168 (Tuesday, August 30, 2016)
Federal Register Volume 81, Number 168 (Tuesday, August 30, 2016)
Proposed Rules
Pages 59532-59535
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov
FR Doc No: 2016-20683
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Docket No. FAA-2016-9050; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-086-AD
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
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ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400, -400D, and -400F series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by widespread corrosion damage that was found on the skin inner surface along the upper bulkhead at certain stations between certain stringers. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the fuselage crown skin inner surface, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD would also allow for terminating actions for some of the repetitive inspections. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracks and corrosion on the crown skin inner surface. If the cracks or corrosion are not repaired, the cracks can rapidly join together and can cause a sudden decompression and loss of structural integrity of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 14, 2016.
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 http://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 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: 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-2016-9050.
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-2016-
9050; 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 proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nathan Weigand, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6428; fax: 425-917-6590; email: nathan.p.weigand@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite 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-2016-9050; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-086-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
We received a report indicating that operators have experienced widespread corrosion damage that was found on the skin inner surface along the upper bulkhead at station (STA) 1480 between stringers S-15L and S-16R, on the fuselage skin inner surface aft of the STA 1350 frame between stringers S-15 and S-16R and between stringers S-17 and S-18R, and on the skin inner surface aft of the STA 1283 frame between stringers S-5L and S-8L. This condition, if not corrected, could result in cracks that could rapidly join together and can cause a sudden decompression and loss of structural integrity of the airplane.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2878, dated May 19, 2016. The service information describes procedures for inspecting the fuselage crown skin inner surface body at affected stations, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. 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
We are proposing this AD because we 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
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service information described previously, except as discussed under ``Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information.'' For information on the procedures and compliance times, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-9050.
The phrase ``related investigative actions'' is used in this proposed AD. Related investigative actions are follow-on actions that (1) are related to the primary action, and (2) further investigate the nature of any condition found. Related investigative actions in an AD could include, for example, inspections.
The phrase ``corrective actions'' is used in this proposed AD. Corrective actions correct or address any condition found. Corrective actions in an AD could include, for example, repairs.
Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2878, dated May 19, 2016, specifies to contact the manufacturer for certain instructions, but this proposed AD would require accomplishment of repair methods, modification deviations, and alteration deviations in one of the following ways:
In accordance with a method that we approve; or
Using data that meet the certification basis of the airplane, and that have been approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) whom we have authorized to make those findings.
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Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 53 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
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Action Labor cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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Inspections and access............... Up to 815 Up to $69,275.......... Up to $3,671,575.
workdashhours x $85
per hour = $69,275.
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repairs that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these repairs and on-condition inspections:
On-Condition Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Repairs and ondashcondition Up to 1,820 N/A.................... Up to $154,700.
inspections. workdashhours x $85
per hour = $154,700.
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According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost estimate.
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
We 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 this proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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.
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
-
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
-
The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2016-9050; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-086-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by October 14, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-400, -400D, and -400F series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2878, dated May 19, 2016.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by widespread corrosion damage that was found on the skin inner surface along the upper bulkhead at certain stations between certain stringers. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks and corrosion on the crown skin inner surface. If the cracks or corrosion are not repaired, the cracks can rapidly join together and can cause a sudden decompression and loss of structural integrity of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.
(g) Inspection of the Skin Inner Surface
At the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2878, dated May 19, 2016, except as required by paragraph (k)(1) of this AD: Do a detailed inspection of the skin inner surface for any missing or degraded finish, sign of corrosion, or crack, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2878, dated May 19, 2016. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2878, dated May 19, 2016, until the actions specified in paragraph (i) of this AD have been done.
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(h) Repair of the Skin Inner Surface
If any damage is found during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, do all applicable related investigative and correction actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2878, dated May 19, 2016, except as required by paragraph (k)(2) of this AD.
(i) Terminating Action
Modification or repair of the inner skin surfaces in accordance with Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2878, May 19, 2016, terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
(j) Post Repair Inspection and Repairs
For airplanes on which a repair or modification has been done in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2878, dated May 19, 2016: Except as required by paragraph (k)(1) of this AD, at the applicable time specified in table 3 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2878, dated May 19, 2016, do detailed inspections to detect damage of the repaired or modified areas, and do all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with Part 5 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2878, May 19, 2016, except as required by paragraph (k)(2) of this AD. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight. Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2878, dated May 19, 2016.
(k) Exceptions
(1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2878, May 19, 2016, specifies a compliance time ``after the original issue date of this service bulletin,'' this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD.
(2) If any cracking or corrosion is found during any inspection required by this AD, and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2878, May 19, 2016, specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate action: Before further flight, repair the cracking or corrosion using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this AD.
(l) 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 (m)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(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 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 paragraph (k)(1) and (k)(2) of this AD: For service information that contains steps that are labeled as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (l)(4)(i) and (l)(4)(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. 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.
(m) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Nathan Weigand, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6428; fax: 425-917-6590; email: nathan.p.weigand@faa.gov.
(2) For 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. 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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 18, 2016.
Dorr M. Anderson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
FR Doc. 2016-20683 Filed 8-29-16; 8:45 am
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
