Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, and 747SP Series Airplanes, 44933-44935 [E6-12835]
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44933
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
Vol. 71, No. 152
Tuesday, August 8, 2006
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains notices to the public of the proposed
issuance of rules and regulations. The
purpose of these notices is to give interested
persons an opportunity to participate in the
rule making prior to the adoption of the final
rules.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2006–22518; Directorate
Identifier 2006–NM–092–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 747–100B SUD, 747–200B, 747–
300, 747–400, 747–400D, and 747SP
Series Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Boeing Model 747–100B SUD,
747–200B, 747–300, 747–400, 747–
400D, and 747SP series airplanes. This
proposed AD would require repetitive
inspections for cracking of the crease
beam and adjacent intercostals,
stringers, frames, and skin panels; and
related investigative and corrective
actions if cracking is found. This
proposed AD results from a report
indicating that an operator discovered
crease beam cracking on two Model 747
airplanes. We are proposing this AD to
detect and correct cracking of the crease
beam and adjacent structure, which
could become large and result in inflight depressurization and inability of
the airframe structure to sustain flight
loads.
SUMMARY:
We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by September 22,
2006.
DATES:
Use one of the following
addresses to submit comments on this
proposed AD.
• DOT Docket Web site: Go to
https://dms.dot.gov and follow the
instructions for sending your comments
electronically.
• Government-wide rulemaking Web
site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with PROPOSALS
ADDRESSES:
VerDate Aug<31>2005
18:27 Aug 07, 2006
Jkt 208001
and follow the instructions for sending
your comments electronically.
• Mail: Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building,
Room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on
the plaza level of the Nassif Building,
400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington,
DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124–2207, for the service
information identified in this proposed
AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Nicholas Kusz, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone
(425) 917–6432; fax (425) 917–6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant
written data, views, or arguments
regarding this proposed AD. Send your
comments to an address listed in the
ADDRESSES section. Include the docket
number ‘‘FAA–2006–22518; Directorate
Identifier 2006–NM–092–AD’’ at the
beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the
overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of
the proposed AD. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date
and may amend the proposed AD in
light of those comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal
information you provide. We will also
post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD.
Using the search function of that Web
site, anyone can find and read the
comments in any of our dockets,
including the name of the individual
who sent the comment (or signed the
comment on behalf of an association,
business, labor union, etc.). You may
review DOT’s complete Privacy Act
Statement in the Federal Register
published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR
19477–78), or you may visit https://
dms.dot.gov.
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Examining the Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov, or in
person at the Docket Management
Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. The Docket
Management Facility office (telephone
(800) 647–5227) is located on the plaza
level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in
the AD docket shortly after the Docket
Management System receives them.
Discussion
We have received a report indicating
that an operator discovered crease beam
cracking due to fatigue on two Model
747 airplanes during inspections
specified in the 747 Supplemental
Structural Inspection Document. This
condition, if not detected and corrected,
could cause in-flight depressurization
and inability of the structure to sustain
flight loads.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 747–53A2591, dated
April 6, 2006. The service bulletin
describes procedures for performing
repetitive detailed inspections for
cracking of the crease beam and
adjacent intercostals, stringers, frames,
and skin panels; and related
investigative and corrective actions if
cracking is found. Related investigative
actions include performing a surface
high-frequency eddy current (HFEC)
inspection for cracking of the adjacent
skin panel fastener locations, including
all skin fasteners common to the crease
beam in the areas between the next
fuselage frame directly forward and aft
of the crack location. Corrective actions
include repair of any crack before
further flight. If any crack is outside the
limits specified in the Boeing 747
Structural Repair Manual, the service
bulletin specifies to contact the
manufacturer for repair data. The
service bulletin also:
• Describes procedures for submitting
a report if any skin panel or more than
two intercostal webs or skin panel
fastener clips are found to be cracked;
• Specifies a compliance time of
14,000 total flight cycles or 1,500 flight
cycles after the date of the service
bulletin, whichever occurs later; and
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08AUP1
44934
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 152 / Tuesday, August 8, 2006 / Proposed Rules
• Specifies an interval of 6,000 flight
cycles for performing the repetitive
inspections.
Accomplishing the actions specified
in the service information is intended to
adequately address the unsafe
condition.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of the Proposed AD
We have evaluated all pertinent
information and identified an unsafe
condition that is likely to exist or
develop on other airplanes of this same
type design. For this reason, we are
proposing this AD, which would require
accomplishing the actions specified in
the service information described
previously, except as discussed under
‘‘Differences Between the Proposed AD
and Service Bulletin.’’
Differences Between the Proposed AD
and Service Bulletin
The service bulletin specifies to
contact the manufacturer for
instructions on how to repair certain
conditions, but this proposed AD would
require repairing those conditions in
one of the following ways:
• Using a method that we approve; or
• Using data that meet the
certification basis of the airplane, and
that have been approved by an
Authorized Representative for the
Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Delegation Option Authorization
Organization whom we have authorized
to make those findings.
Although the Accomplishment
Instructions of the service bulletin
describe procedures for submitting
certain information to the manufacturer,
this proposed AD would not require
those actions.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 615 airplanes of the
affected design in the worldwide fleet.
This proposed AD would affect about 65
airplanes of U.S. registry. The proposed
detailed inspection would take about 8
work hours per airplane, per inspection
cycle, at an average labor rate of $80 per
work hour. Based on these figures, the
estimated cost of the proposed AD for
U.S. operators is $41,600, or $640 per
airplane, per inspection cycle.
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with PROPOSALS
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.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
18:27 Aug 07, 2006
Jkt 208001
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 have 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. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this proposed AD and placed it in the
AD docket. See the ADDRESSES section
for a location to examine the regulatory
evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, 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
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13
by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
Boeing: Docket No. FAA–2006–22518;
Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–092–AD.
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on
this AD action by September 22, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 747–
100B SUD, 747–200B, 747–300, 747–400,
747–400D, and 747SP series airplanes,
certificated in any category; as identified in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747–53A2591,
dated April 6, 2006 (referred to after this
paragraph as ‘‘the service bulletin’’).
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report indicating
that an operator discovered crease beam
cracking on two Model 747 airplanes. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking
of the crease beam and adjacent structure,
which could become large and result in inflight depressurization and inability of the
airframe structure to sustain flight loads.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the
actions required by this AD performed within
the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Repetitive Detailed Inspections and Related
Investigative and Corrective Actions
(f) Perform a detailed inspection for
cracking of the crease beam and adjacent
intercostals, stringers, frames, and skin
panels at the applicable initial and repetitive
compliance times specified in Table 1 of
paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of the service
bulletin; except, where the service bulletin
specifies an initial compliance time after the
date on the service bulletin, this AD requires
compliance within the specified compliance
time after the effective date of this AD. Do
all applicable related investigative and
corrective actions before further flight if any
cracking is found. Do all applicable actions
in and in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the service
bulletin, except as provided by paragraphs
(f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD.
(1) Where the service bulletin specifies to
contact the manufacturer for instructions on
how to repair certain conditions, before
further flight, repair those conditions using a
method approved in accordance with
paragraph (g) of this AD.
(2) Where the service bulletin specifies to
report certain information to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(g)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
requested in accordance with the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in
accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to
which the AMOC applies, notify the
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA
Flight Standards Certificate Holding District
Office.
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 152 / Tuesday, August 8, 2006 / Proposed Rules
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
level of safety may be used for any repair
required by this AD, if it is approved by an
Authorized Representative for the Boeing
Commercial Airplanes Delegation Option
Authorization Organization who has been
authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to
make those findings. For a repair method to
be approved, the repair must meet the
certification basis of the airplane, and the
approval must specifically refer to this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 27,
2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E6–12835 Filed 8–7–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
[Docket No. FAA–2006–24440; Directorate
Identifier 2006–NM–058–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Empresa
Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A.
(EMBRAER) Model EMB–145XR
Airplanes
Comments Invited
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Supplemental notice of
proposed rulemaking (NPRM);
reopening of comment period.
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with PROPOSALS
SUMMARY: The FAA is revising an earlier
NPRM for an airworthiness directive
(AD) that applies to certain EMBRAER
Model EMB–145XR airplanes. The
original NPRM would have required
replacement of certain segments of the
passenger seat tracks with new,
improved seat tracks. The original
NPRM resulted from instances where
the shear plungers of the passenger seat
legs were not adequately fastened. This
action revises the original NPRM by
requiring new service information. We
are proposing this supplemental NPRM
to prevent inadequate fastening of the
seat leg shear plungers, which could
result in failure of the passenger seat
tracks during emergency landing
conditions and consequent injury to
passengers.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this supplemental NPRM by September
5, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following
addresses to submit comments on this
supplemental NPRM.
• DOT Docket Web site: Go to
https://dms.dot.gov and follow the
18:27 Aug 07, 2006
Jkt 208001
Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–1175;
fax (425) 227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
AGENCY:
VerDate Aug<31>2005
instructions for sending your comments
electronically.
• Government-wide rulemaking Web
site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending
your comments electronically.
• Mail: Docket Management Facility;
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building,
Room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on
the plaza level of the Nassif Building,
400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington,
DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Contact Empresa Brasileira de
Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER), P.O. Box
343—CEP 12.225, Sao Jose dos
Campos—SP, Brazil, for service
information identified in this proposed
AD.
We invite you to submit any relevant
written data, views, or arguments
regarding this supplemental NPRM.
Send your comments to an address
listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include
the docket number ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
2006–24440; Directorate Identifier
2006–NM–058–AD’’ at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this supplemental NPRM. We
will consider all comments received by
the closing date and may amend this
supplemental NPRM in light of those
comments.
We will post all comments submitted,
without change, to https://dms.dot.gov,
including any personal information you
provide. We will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact with FAA personnel concerning
this supplemental NPRM. Using the
search function of that Web site, anyone
can find and read the comments in any
of our dockets, including the name of
the individual who sent the comment
(or signed the comment on behalf of an
association, business, labor union, etc.).
You may review the DOT’s complete
Privacy Act Statement in the Federal
Register published on April 11, 2000
(65 FR 19477–78), or you may visit
https://dms.dot.gov.
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
44935
Examining the Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov, or in
person at the Docket Management
Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. The Docket
Management Facility office (telephone
(800) 647–5227) is located on the plaza
level in the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in ADDRESSES.
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after the Docket
Management System receives them.
Discussion
We proposed to amend 14 CFR part
39 with a notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM) for an airworthiness directive
(AD) (the ‘‘original NPRM’’). The
original NPRM applies to certain
EMBRAER Model EMB–145XR
airplanes. The original NPRM was
published in the Federal Register on
April 13, 2006 (71 FR 19142). The
original NPRM proposed to require
replacement of certain segments of the
passenger seat tracks with new,
improved seat tracks.
Since the original NPRM was issued,
the Departamento de Aviacao Civil
¸˜
(DAC), which is the airworthiness
authority for Brazil, has issued Brazilian
airworthiness directive 2006–01–01R1,
effective May 23, 2006. (We referenced
Brazilian airworthiness directive 2006–
01–01, effective February 2, 2006, as
related information in the original
NPRM.) The DAC issued Brazilian
airworthiness directive 2006–01–01R1
to correct the airplane model
designation and typographical error to a
certain part number (P/N). Therefore,
we have revised paragraph (i) of this
supplemental NPRM to reference
Brazilian airworthiness directive 2006–
01–01R1 as related information.
However, no change to the airplane
model designation in this supplemental
NPRM is necessary, since we differed
from Brazilian airworthiness directive
2006–01–01, as explained in the original
NPRM.
In addition, EMBRAER has published
Revision 01 of EMBRAER Service
Bulletin 145–53–0059, dated March 9,
2006, to correct the typographical error
to a P/N in Figure 4 of the original issue
of the service bulletin. (We referenced
the original issue, dated July 1, 2005, in
the original NPRM as the appropriate
source of service information.) The
procedures in Revision 01 of the service
bulletin are essentially the same as
those in the original issue, except that
Figure 4 of Revision 01 specifies
removing P/N 145–53769–007 at
fuselage location x=14,827.8 and
E:\FR\FM\08AUP1.SGM
08AUP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 152 (Tuesday, August 8, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 44933-44935]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-12835]
========================================================================
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 71 , No. 152 / Tuesday, August 8, 2006 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 44933]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-22518; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-092-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-100B SUD, 747-200B,
747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, and 747SP Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Boeing Model 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-300, 747-400, 747-
400D, and 747SP series airplanes. This proposed AD would require
repetitive inspections for cracking of the crease beam and adjacent
intercostals, stringers, frames, and skin panels; and related
investigative and corrective actions if cracking is found. This
proposed AD results from a report indicating that an operator
discovered crease beam cracking on two Model 747 airplanes. We are
proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the crease beam and
adjacent structure, which could become large and result in in-flight
depressurization and inability of the airframe structure to sustain
flight loads.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 22,
2006.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124-2207, for the service information identified in this
proposed AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nicholas Kusz, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
917-6432; fax (425) 917-6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ``FAA-2006-
22518; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-092-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD.
Using the search function of that Web site, anyone can find and
read the comments in any of our dockets, including the name of the
individual who sent the comment (or signed the comment on behalf of an
association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT's
complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on
April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you may visit https://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System
receives them.
Discussion
We have received a report indicating that an operator discovered
crease beam cracking due to fatigue on two Model 747 airplanes during
inspections specified in the 747 Supplemental Structural Inspection
Document. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could cause
in-flight depressurization and inability of the structure to sustain
flight loads.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2591, dated
April 6, 2006. The service bulletin describes procedures for performing
repetitive detailed inspections for cracking of the crease beam and
adjacent intercostals, stringers, frames, and skin panels; and related
investigative and corrective actions if cracking is found. Related
investigative actions include performing a surface high-frequency eddy
current (HFEC) inspection for cracking of the adjacent skin panel
fastener locations, including all skin fasteners common to the crease
beam in the areas between the next fuselage frame directly forward and
aft of the crack location. Corrective actions include repair of any
crack before further flight. If any crack is outside the limits
specified in the Boeing 747 Structural Repair Manual, the service
bulletin specifies to contact the manufacturer for repair data. The
service bulletin also:
Describes procedures for submitting a report if any skin
panel or more than two intercostal webs or skin panel fastener clips
are found to be cracked;
Specifies a compliance time of 14,000 total flight cycles
or 1,500 flight cycles after the date of the service bulletin,
whichever occurs later; and
[[Page 44934]]
Specifies an interval of 6,000 flight cycles for
performing the repetitive inspections.
Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes
of this same type design. For this reason, we are proposing this AD,
which would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service
information described previously, except as discussed under
``Differences Between the Proposed AD and Service Bulletin.''
Differences Between the Proposed AD and Service Bulletin
The service bulletin specifies to contact the manufacturer for
instructions on how to repair certain conditions, but this proposed AD
would require repairing those conditions in one of the following ways:
Using a method that we approve; or
Using data that meet the certification basis of the
airplane, and that have been approved by an Authorized Representative
for the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Delegation Option Authorization
Organization whom we have authorized to make those findings.
Although the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin
describe procedures for submitting certain information to the
manufacturer, this proposed AD would not require those actions.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 615 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 65 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The proposed detailed inspection would take about 8 work
hours per airplane, per inspection cycle, at an average labor rate of
$80 per work hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the
proposed AD for U.S. operators is $41,600, or $640 per airplane, per
inspection cycle.
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 have 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. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the
ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 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
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]
2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
Boeing: Docket No. FAA-2006-22518; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-
092-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by September
22, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-
300, 747-400, 747-400D, and 747SP series airplanes, certificated in
any category; as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2591, dated April 6, 2006 (referred to after this paragraph as
``the service bulletin'').
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report indicating that an operator
discovered crease beam cracking on two Model 747 airplanes. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the crease beam
and adjacent structure, which could become large and result in in-
flight depressurization and inability of the airframe structure to
sustain flight loads.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Repetitive Detailed Inspections and Related Investigative and
Corrective Actions
(f) Perform a detailed inspection for cracking of the crease
beam and adjacent intercostals, stringers, frames, and skin panels
at the applicable initial and repetitive compliance times specified
in Table 1 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of the service
bulletin; except, where the service bulletin specifies an initial
compliance time after the date on the service bulletin, this AD
requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the
effective date of this AD. Do all applicable related investigative
and corrective actions before further flight if any cracking is
found. Do all applicable actions in and in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin, except as
provided by paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD.
(1) Where the service bulletin specifies to contact the
manufacturer for instructions on how to repair certain conditions,
before further flight, repair those conditions using a method
approved in accordance with paragraph (g) of this AD.
(2) Where the service bulletin specifies to report certain
information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(g)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards
Certificate Holding District Office.
[[Page 44935]]
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used for any repair required by this AD, if it is approved by an
Authorized Representative for the Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Delegation Option Authorization Organization who has been authorized
by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. For a repair
method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis
of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this
AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 27, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-12835 Filed 8-7-06; 8:45 am]
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