Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, and 747-400D Series Airplanes, 25997-25999 [E8-9894]
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 90 / Thursday, May 8, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
25997
TABLE 1.—INITIAL INSPECTIONS—Continued
AWL No.
Compliance time
(whichever occurs later)
Description
Threshold
28–AWL–10 .......
A special detailed inspection of the fault
current bond of the fueling shutoff
valve actuator of the center wing tank
to verify electrical bond.
Incorporation of Additional AWLs for
Certain Airplanes
(i) For Model 747–400 series airplanes
equipped with an auxiliary fuel tank: Before
December 16, 2008, revise the FAA-approved
maintenance program by incorporating AWLs
No. 28–AWL–30, No. 28–AWL–31, and No.
28–AWL–32 of Subsection D of Revision
March 2008 of the MPD. Accomplishing the
revision in accordance with a later revision
of the MPD is an acceptable method of
compliance if the revision is approved by the
Manager, Seattle ACO.
No Alternative Inspections, Inspection
Intervals, or Critical Design Configuration
Control Limitations (CDCCLs)
(j) After accomplishing the applicable
actions specified in paragraphs (g), (h), and
(i) of this AD, no alternative inspections,
inspection intervals, or CDCCLs may be used
unless the inspections, intervals, or CDCCLs
are part of a later revision of Revision March
2008 of the MPD that is approved by the
Manager, Seattle ACO; or unless the
inspections, intervals, or CDCCLs are
approved as an AMOC in accordance with
the procedures specified in paragraph (l) of
this AD.
Credit for Actions Done According to
Previous Revisions of the MPD
(k) Actions done before the effective date
of this AD in accordance with Section 9 of
the Boeing 747–400 MPD Document,
D621U400–9, Revision 23, dated March 2006;
Revision 24, dated June 2006; Revision
November 2006; Revision December 2006;
Revision December 2006 R1; Revision May
2007; Revision October 2007; or Revision
November 2007; are acceptable for
compliance with the corresponding
requirements of paragraphs (g) and (h) of this
AD.
pwalker on PROD1PC71 with RULES
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(l)(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
requested in accordance with the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(2) To request a different method of
compliance or a different compliance time
for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR
39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on
any airplane to which the AMOC applies,
notify your appropriate principal inspector
(PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District
Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:31 May 07, 2008
Jkt 214001
Grace period
Within 144 months since the date of
issuance of the original standard airworthiness certificate or the date of
issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness.
Within 60 months after the effective
date of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(m) You must use Boeing Temporary
Revision 09–010, dated March 2008, to the
Boeing 747–400 Maintenance Planning Data
(MPD) Document, D621U400–9, to do the
actions required by this AD, unless the AD
specifies otherwise. Boeing Temporary
Revision 09–010 is published as Section 9 of
the Boeing 747–400 Maintenance Planning
Data (MPD) Document, D621U400–9,
Revision March 2008.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
this service information under 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124–2207.
(3) You may review copies of the service
information incorporated by reference at the
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington; or at
the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal_register/
code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 28,
2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–9897 Filed 5–7–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2007–0045; Directorate
Identifier 2007–NM–169–AD; Amendment
39–15501; AD 2008–09–20]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 747–200F, 747–300, 747–400,
and 747–400D Series Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
PO 00000
Frm 00037
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Boeing Model 747–200F, 747–300, 747–
400, and 747–400D series airplanes.
This AD requires a detailed inspection
to detect missing fasteners from the
shear clip at a certain stub frame to
auxiliary sill joint, and applicable
related investigative and corrective
actions. This AD results from reports of
missing fasteners from the shear clip of
the stub frame to auxiliary sill joint and
cracking of the adjacent exterior skin
and internal doubler. We are issuing
this AD to ensure that fasteners are
installed in the shear clip of the stub
frame to auxiliary sill joint. Missing
fasteners could result in cracks in the
adjacent exterior skin and internal
doubler, which can propagate and result
in loss of structural integrity and
sudden in-flight decompression of the
airplane.
DATES: This AD is effective June 12,
2008.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of June 12, 2008.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this AD, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707,
Seattle, Washington 98124–2207.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov; 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 AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for the
Docket Office (telephone 800–647–5527)
is the Document Management Facility,
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: Ivan
Li, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe
Branch, ANM–120S, FAA, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind
E:\FR\FM\08MYR1.SGM
08MYR1
25998
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 90 / Thursday, May 8, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
Avenue SW., Renton, Washington
98057–3356; telephone (425) 917–6437;
fax (425) 917–6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
We also determined that these changes
will not increase the economic burden
on any operator or increase the scope of
the AD.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that would apply to
certain Boeing Model 747–200F, 747–
300, 747–400, and 747–400D series
airplanes. That NPRM was published in
the Federal Register on October 17,
2007 (72 FR 58768). That NPRM
proposed to require a detailed
inspection to detect missing fasteners
from the shear clip at a certain stub
frame to auxiliary sill joint, and
applicable related investigative and
corrective actions.
Costs of Compliance
Adoption of the Amendment
There are about 98 airplanes of the
affected design in the worldwide fleet.
This AD affects about 8 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The required actions take about
1 work hour per airplane, at an average
labor rate of $80 per work hour. Based
on these figures, the estimated cost of
the AD for U.S. operators is $640, or $80
per airplane.
I
New Service Bulletin Revision
Since we issued the NPRM, we have
reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 747–
53A2685, Revision 1, dated March 13,
2008. Revision 1 clarifies certain figures
and part and material content. No
additional work is necessary for
airplanes on which the actions have
been done in accordance with Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 747–53A2685,
dated May 31, 2007 (referred to as the
appropriate source of service
information for accomplishing the
actions specified in the NPRM). We
have revised paragraphs (c), (f), and (g)
of this AD to refer to Boeing Service
Bulletin 747–53A2685, Revision 1,
dated March 13, 2008. We have added
a new paragraph (h) of this AD to give
credit for actions done before the
effective date of this AD according to
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747–
53A2685, dated May 31, 2007, and
redesignated subsequent paragraphs of
the AD accordingly.
pwalker on PROD1PC71 with RULES
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. We
considered the comments received from
two commenters. Boeing requested that
Boeing Service Bulletin 747–53A2685,
Revision 1, dated March 13, 2008, be
used instead of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747–53A2685, dated May 31,
2007. All Nippon Airways requested
clarification of technical information in
the NPRM. These requests have been
addressed in Revision 1 of the service
bulletin, which is cited in the final rule.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data,
considered the comments received, and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting the AD
with the changes described previously.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:31 May 07, 2008
Jkt 214001
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
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) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
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.
You can find our regulatory
evaluation and the estimated costs of
compliance in the AD Docket.
PO 00000
Frm 00038
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
I
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new AD:
I
2008–09–20 Boeing: Amendment 39–15501.
Docket No. FAA–2007–0045; Directorate
Identifier 2007–NM–169–AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective June 12, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 747–
200F, 747–300, 747–400, and 747–400D
series airplanes, certificated in any category;
as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747–
53A2685, Revision 1, dated March 13, 2008.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from two reports of
cracks found in the exterior skin and internal
doubler adjacent to the shear clip at the stub
frame to auxiliary sill joint at stringer 30 (left
and right sides), body station (BS) 488. In
addition, on one of the airplanes, seven
fasteners were missing from the shear clip on
the left side of the airplane. The cause of the
missing fasteners has been attributed to a
manufacturing process error. We are issuing
this AD to ensure fasteners in the shear clip
of the stub frame to auxiliary sill joints (left
and right sides) are installed. Missing
fasteners could result in cracks in the
adjacent exterior skin and internal doubler,
which can propagate and result in loss of
structural integrity and sudden in-flight
decompression of the airplane.
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.
Inspection and Applicable Related
Investigative and Corrective Actions
(f) At the applicable compliance time and
repeat intervals listed in Tables 1 and 2 of
paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing
Service Bulletin 747–53A2685, Revision 1,
dated March 13, 2008; except where the
service bulletin specifies a compliance time
E:\FR\FM\08MYR1.SGM
08MYR1
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 90 / Thursday, May 8, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
after the date on the service bulletin, this AD
requires compliance within the specified
compliance time after the effective date of
this AD: Do the inspection and applicable
related investigative and corrective actions
by accomplishing all the applicable actions
specified in the Accomplishment
Instructions of the service bulletin, except as
provided by paragraph (g) of this AD.
code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.
Repair of Cracks
(g) If any crack is found during any
inspection required by this AD, and Boeing
Service Bulletin 747–53A2685, Revision 1,
dated March 13, 2008, specifies to contact
Boeing for appropriate action: Before further
flight, repair the crack using a method
approved in accordance with the procedures
specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Credit for Actions Done Using the Previous
Service Information
(h) Actions accomplished before the
effective date of this AD in accordance with
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747–53A2685,
dated May 31, 2007, are considered
acceptable for compliance with the
corresponding actions specified in paragraph
(f) of this AD.
pwalker on PROD1PC71 with RULES
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(i)(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) To request a different method of
compliance or a different compliance time
for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR
39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on
any airplane to which the AMOC applies,
notify your appropriate principal inspector
(PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District
Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
(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.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(j) You must use Boeing Service Bulletin
747–53A2685, Revision 1, dated March 13,
2008, to do the actions required by this AD,
unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
this service information under 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124–2207.
(3) You may review copies of the service
information incorporated by reference at the
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington; or at
the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal_register/
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:31 May 07, 2008
Jkt 214001
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 23,
2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–9894 Filed 5–7–08; 8:45 am]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
[Docket No. FAA–2008–0067; Airspace
Docket No. 08–ANE–98]
Establishment of Class E Airspace;
Rockport, ME
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule, confirmation of
effective date.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This action confirms the
effective date of a direct final rule
published in the Federal Register (73
FR 9442) that establishes Class E
Airspace at Rockport, ME to support a
new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global
Positioning System (GPS) Special
Instrument Approach Procedure (IAP)
that has been developed for medical
flight operations into the Penobscot Bay
Medical Center.
DATES: Effective 0901 UTC, June 5,
2008. The Director of the Federal
Register approves this incorporation by
reference action under title 1, Code of
Federal Regulations, part 51, subject to
the annual revision of FAA Order
7400.9 and publication of conforming
amendments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Melinda Giddens, System Support
Group, Eastern Service Center, Federal
Aviation Administration, P.O. Box
20636, Atlanta, Georgia 30320;
telephone (404) 305–5610.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Confirmation of Effective Date
The FAA published this direct final
rule with a request for comments in the
Federal Register on February 21, 2008
(73 FR 9442), Docket No. FAA–2008–
0067; Airspace Docket No. 08–ANE–98.
The FAA uses the direct final
rulemaking procedure for a noncontroversial rule where the FAA
believes that there will be no adverse
public comment. This direct final rule
advised the public that no adverse
comments were anticipated, and that
unless a written adverse comment, or a
Frm 00039
Fmt 4700
written notice of intent to submit such
an adverse comment, were received
within the comment period, the
regulation would become effective on
June 5, 2008. No adverse comments
were received, and thus this notice
confirms that effective date.
Issued in College Park, Georgia, on April
18, 2008.
John D. Haley,
Acting Manager, System Support Group,
Eastern Service Center, Air Traffic
Organization.
[FR Doc. E8–9848 Filed 5–7–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–M
14 CFR Part 71
PO 00000
25999
Sfmt 4700
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2008–0060; Airspace
Docket No. 08–ANE–91]
Establishment of Class E Airspace;
Swans Island, ME
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule, confirmation of
effective date.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This action confirms the
effective date of a direct final rule
published in the Federal Register (73
FR 9183) that establishes Class E
Airspace at Swans Island, ME to support
a new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global
Positioning System (GPS) Special
Instrument Approach Procedure (IAP)
that has been developed for medical
flight operations into the Swans Island
Heliport.
DATES: Effective 0901 UTC, June 5,
2008. The Director of the Federal
Register approves this incorporation by
reference action under title 1, Code of
Federal Regulations, part 51, subject to
the annual revision of FAA Order
7400.9 and publication of conforming
amendments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Melinda Giddens, System Support
Group, Eastern Service Center, Federal
Aviation Administration, P. O. Box
20636, Atlanta, Georgia 30320;
telephone (404) 305–5610.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Confirmation of Effective Date
The FAA published this direct final
rule with a request for comments in the
Federal Register on February 20, 2008
(73 FR 9183), Docket No. FAA–2008
0060; Airspace Docket No. 08–ANE–91.
The FAA uses the direct final
rulemaking procedure for a non-
E:\FR\FM\08MYR1.SGM
08MYR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 90 (Thursday, May 8, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 25997-25999]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-9894]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-0045; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-169-AD;
Amendment 39-15501; AD 2008-09-20]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-200F, 747-300, 747-
400, and 747-400D Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Boeing Model 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, and 747-400D series airplanes.
This AD requires a detailed inspection to detect missing fasteners from
the shear clip at a certain stub frame to auxiliary sill joint, and
applicable related investigative and corrective actions. This AD
results from reports of missing fasteners from the shear clip of the
stub frame to auxiliary sill joint and cracking of the adjacent
exterior skin and internal doubler. We are issuing this AD to ensure
that fasteners are installed in the shear clip of the stub frame to
auxiliary sill joint. Missing fasteners could result in cracks in the
adjacent exterior skin and internal doubler, which can propagate and
result in loss of structural integrity and sudden in-flight
decompression of the airplane.
DATES: This AD is effective June 12, 2008.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 12,
2008.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-
2207.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov; 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The address for the
Docket Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is the Document Management
Facility, 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: Ivan Li, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe
Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind
[[Page 25998]]
Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6437;
fax (425) 917-6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to
certain Boeing Model 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, and 747-400D series
airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on October
17, 2007 (72 FR 58768). That NPRM proposed to require a detailed
inspection to detect missing fasteners from the shear clip at a certain
stub frame to auxiliary sill joint, and applicable related
investigative and corrective actions.
New Service Bulletin Revision
Since we issued the NPRM, we have reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin
747-53A2685, Revision 1, dated March 13, 2008. Revision 1 clarifies
certain figures and part and material content. No additional work is
necessary for airplanes on which the actions have been done in
accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2685, dated May
31, 2007 (referred to as the appropriate source of service information
for accomplishing the actions specified in the NPRM). We have revised
paragraphs (c), (f), and (g) of this AD to refer to Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-53A2685, Revision 1, dated March 13, 2008. We have added a
new paragraph (h) of this AD to give credit for actions done before the
effective date of this AD according to Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747-53A2685, dated May 31, 2007, and redesignated subsequent paragraphs
of the AD accordingly.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We considered the comments received from two commenters.
Boeing requested that Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53A2685, Revision 1,
dated March 13, 2008, be used instead of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747-53A2685, dated May 31, 2007. All Nippon Airways requested
clarification of technical information in the NPRM. These requests have
been addressed in Revision 1 of the service bulletin, which is cited in
the final rule.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
the AD with the changes described previously. We also determined that
these changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or
increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 98 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. This AD affects about 8 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The required actions take about 1 work hour per airplane, at an average
labor rate of $80 per work hour. Based on these figures, the estimated
cost of the AD for U.S. operators is $640, or $80 per airplane.
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
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) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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.
You can find our regulatory evaluation and the estimated costs of
compliance in the AD Docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
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 AD:
2008-09-20 Boeing: Amendment 39-15501. Docket No. FAA-2007-0045;
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-169-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 12,
2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400,
and 747-400D series airplanes, certificated in any category; as
identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53A2685, Revision 1, dated
March 13, 2008.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from two reports of cracks found in the
exterior skin and internal doubler adjacent to the shear clip at the
stub frame to auxiliary sill joint at stringer 30 (left and right
sides), body station (BS) 488. In addition, on one of the airplanes,
seven fasteners were missing from the shear clip on the left side of
the airplane. The cause of the missing fasteners has been attributed
to a manufacturing process error. We are issuing this AD to ensure
fasteners in the shear clip of the stub frame to auxiliary sill
joints (left and right sides) are installed. Missing fasteners could
result in cracks in the adjacent exterior skin and internal doubler,
which can propagate and result in loss of structural integrity and
sudden in-flight decompression of the airplane.
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.
Inspection and Applicable Related Investigative and Corrective Actions
(f) At the applicable compliance time and repeat intervals
listed in Tables 1 and 2 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53A2685, Revision 1, dated March 13,
2008; except where the service bulletin specifies a compliance time
[[Page 25999]]
after the date on the service bulletin, this AD requires compliance
within the specified compliance time after the effective date of
this AD: Do the inspection and applicable related investigative and
corrective actions by accomplishing all the applicable actions
specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of the service
bulletin, except as provided by paragraph (g) of this AD.
Repair of Cracks
(g) If any crack is found during any inspection required by this
AD, and Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53A2685, Revision 1, dated March
13, 2008, specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate action: Before
further flight, repair the crack using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this
AD.
Credit for Actions Done Using the Previous Service Information
(h) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2685, dated May
31, 2007, are considered acceptable for compliance with the
corresponding actions specified in paragraph (f) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(i)(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) To request a different method of compliance or a different
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19.
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
(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.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(j) You must use Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53A2685, Revision
1, dated March 13, 2008, to do the actions required by this AD,
unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington
98124-2207.
(3) You may review copies of the service information
incorporated by reference at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington; or at the
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information
on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or
go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_
regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 23, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-9894 Filed 5-7-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
