Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 767-300 Series Airplanes, 48623-48625 [2010-19832]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 154 / Wednesday, August 11, 2010 / Proposed Rules (2) Revise the Emergency Procedures Section of the applicable Boeing 737 AFM by doing the actions specified in paragraphs (i)(2)(i), (i)(2)(ii), (i)(2)(iii), and (i)(2)(iv) of this AD. (i) Delete the procedure ‘‘WARNING HORN—CABIN ALTITUDE OR CONFIGURATION’’ added by AD 2006–13– 13. (ii) Delete the procedure entitled ‘‘CABIN ALTITUDE WARNING OR RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION’’ added by AD 2006– 13–13. (iii) If the procedure entitled ‘‘CABIN ALTITUDE (Airplanes with the CABIN ALTITUDE lights installed)’’ is currently contained in the applicable Boeing 737 AFM, delete the procedure entitled ‘‘CABIN ALTITUDE (Airplanes with the CABIN ALTITUDE lights installed).’’ (iv) Add the following statement. This may be done by inserting a copy of this AD into the applicable AFM. ‘‘CABIN ALTITUDE WARNING OR RAPID DEPRESSURIZATION (required by this ad) Condition: The CABIN ALTITUDE warning light illuminates or the intermittent warning horn sounds in flight above 10,000 ft MSL. RECALL: Oxygen Masks and Regulators. Crew Communications ....... REFERENCE: Pressurization Mode Selector. Outflow Valve Switch ........ Passenger Oxygen (If Required). Descent (If Required) .......... On, 100% Establish Manual Close On jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 28, 2010. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Terminating Action for Affected ADs (j) Accomplishment of the requirements of this AD terminates the specified requirements of the ADs identified in paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), and (j)(3) of this AD, for only the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD. (1) AD 2008–23–07: All requirements of that AD. (2) AD 2006–13–13: All requirements of that AD. (3) AD 2003–03–15 R1: The requirements specified in paragraph (a), Table 2, and Figures 2 and 3 of that AD. 16:23 Aug 10, 2010 Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (l)(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. Send information to ATTN: Jeffrey W. Palmer, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM–130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 917–6472; fax (425) 917–6590. Information may be e-mailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOCRequests@faa.gov. (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 principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. [FR Doc. 2010–19834 Filed 8–10–10; 8:45 am] Initiate (3) Revise the Normal Procedures Section of the applicable Boeing 737 AFM by doing the actions specified in paragraphs (i)(3)(i) and (i)(3)(ii) of this AD. (i) Delete the ‘‘CABIN ALTITUDE WARNING TAKEOFF BRIEFING’’ procedure added by AD 2008–23–07. (ii) Add the following statement. This may be done by inserting a copy of this AD into the applicable AFM. ‘‘For normal operations, the pressurization mode selector should be in AUTO prior to takeoff. (Required by this AD)’’ Note 1: When statements identical to those specified in paragraphs (i)(1)(ii), (i)(2)(iv), and (i)(3)(ii) of this AD have been included in the general revisions of the AFM, the general revisions may be inserted into the AFM, and the copies of this AD may be removed from the AFM. VerDate Mar<15>2010 Special Flight Permit (k) Special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and Section 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199), are not allowed. Jkt 220001 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2010–0796; Directorate Identifier 2010–NM–007–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 767–300 Series Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Model 767–300 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for cracks in the fuselage skin and backup structure at the lower very high frequency (VHF) antenna cutout at station 1197 + 99 between stringers 39L and 39R, and corrective actions if necessary. Certain repairs would terminate certain inspection requirements. This proposed AD results SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 48623 from reports of cracking found in the section 46 fuselage lower skin around the periphery of the VHF antenna baseplate at station 1197 + 99. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracks in the fuselage skin and internal backup structure, which could result in rapid decompression of the airplane. We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 27, 2010. DATES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65, Seattle, Washington 98124– 2207; telephone 206–544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766–5680; e-mail me.boecom@boeing.com; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227– 1221. ADDRESSES: 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 proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Berhane Alazar, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, E:\FR\FM\11AUP1.SGM 11AUP1 48624 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 154 / Wednesday, August 11, 2010 / Proposed Rules Washington 98057–3356; telephone 425–917–6577; fax 425–917–6590. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2010–0796; Directorate Identifier 2010–NM–007–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 https:// 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 have been advised that two operators reported cracks found in the section 46 fuselage lower skin around the periphery of the VHF antenna baseplate at station 1197 + 99. One operator reported 5 cracks, with a maximum length of 11 inches, found on an airplane that had accumulated 38,804 total flight hours and 34,929 total flight cycles. Another operator reported a maximum crack length of 9.5 inches found on an airplane that had accumulated 60,467 total flight hours and 29,185 total flight cycles. Boeing investigation has revealed that the fuselage skin and internal backup structural cracks are attributed to fatigue. This fatigue is the result of bending loads in the skin caused by vibration of the antenna in flight. No operator reported crack findings for the backup structure. Fatigue cracks in the fuselage skin and internal backup structure, if not corrected, could result in rapid decompression of the airplane. Relevant Service Information We have reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767–53– 0207, dated December 17, 2009. The service bulletin describes procedures for repetitive inspections for cracks in the fuselage skin and backup structure at the lower VHF antenna cutout at station 1197 + 99, between stringers 39L and 39R. The inspections include an external detailed inspection of the fuselage skin at the lower aft VHF antenna cutout, and an internal detailed inspection of the backup structure. Corrective actions include repairing fuselage skin cracks, which would eliminate the need to repeat the external detailed inspection; and repairing or replacing cracked backup structure parts. In the service bulletin, the compliance time for the external detailed inspection is before the accumulation of 25,000 total flight cycles, or within 3,000 flight cycles after the date on the service bulletin, whichever occurs later. The compliance time for the internal detailed inspection is before the accumulation of 25,000 total flight cycles, or within 3,000 flight cycles after the date on the service bulletin, whichever occurs later; or the inspection may be deferred for an additional 6,000 flight cycles if no fuselage skin cracks are found during the external detailed inspection. FAA’s Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all relevant information and determined that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service information described previously. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 93 airplanes of U.S. registry. The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to comply with this proposed AD. ESTIMATED COSTS Action Work hours Average labor rate per hour Cost per product Number of U.S.-registered airplanes Fleet cost Inspections ........................................................................... 3 $85 $255 93 $23,715 jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD 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. 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 VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:23 Aug 10, 2010 Jkt 220001 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), and PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: E:\FR\FM\11AUP1.SGM 11AUP1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 154 / Wednesday, August 11, 2010 / Proposed Rules 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 FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA– 2010–0796; Directorate Identifier 2010– NM–007–AD. Comments Due Date (a) We must receive comments by September 27, 2010. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 767–300 series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767–53–0207, dated December 17, 2009. Subject (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53: Fuselage. Unsafe Condition (e) This AD results from reports of cracking found in the section 46 fuselage lower skin around the periphery of the very high frequency (VHF) antenna baseplate at station 1197 + 99. The Federal Aviation Administration is issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracks in the fuselage skin and internal backup structure, which could result in rapid decompression of the airplane. jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS Compliance (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Inspections (g) Inspect for cracks in the fuselage skin and backup structure at the lower VHF antenna cutout at station 1197 + 99, between stringers 39L and 39R, by doing an external detailed inspection, with the antenna removed, of the fuselage structure at the lower aft VHF antenna cutout, and an internal detailed inspection of the backup structure. Do the inspections in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767–53–0207, dated December 17, 2009 (‘‘the service bulletin’’). Do the inspections at the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of the service bulletin, except, where the service bulletin specifies a compliance after the date on the service bulletin, this AD requires compliance within the specified time after the effective date of this AD. (1) If no crack is found, repeat the external detailed inspection, without removing the antenna, at intervals not to exceed 3,000 flight cycles. (2) If any crack is found in the fuselage, repair before further flight, in accordance VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:23 Aug 10, 2010 Jkt 220001 with the service bulletin. Accomplishment of this repair terminates the repetitive external detailed inspections of the fuselage skin required by this AD. (3) If any crack is found in the backup structure, before further flight, repair or replace the cracked part(s), in accordance with the service bulletin. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (h)(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. Send information to ATTN: Berhane Alazar, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057– 3356; telephone 425–917–6577; fax 425–917– 6590. Information may be e-mailed to 9ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. (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 principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically refer to this AD. (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 the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that 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 August 4, 2010. Stephen P. Boyd, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2010–19832 Filed 8–10–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF STATE 22 CFR Parts 124 and 126 [Public Notice: 7116] RIN 1400–AC68 Amendment to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations: Dual Nationals and Third-Country Nationals Employed by End-Users Department of State. Proposed rule. AGENCY: ACTION: The Department of State is proposing to amend the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) to update the policies regarding end-user employment of dual nationals and thirdcountry nationals. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 48625 Comment Due Date: The Department of State will accept comments on this proposed rule until September 10, 2010. ADDRESSES: Interested parties may submit comments within 30 days of the date of the publication by any of the following methods: • E-mail: DDTCResponseTeam@state.gov with an appropriate subject line. • Mail: PM/DDTC, SA–1, 12th Floor, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, Office of Defense Trade Controls Policy, ATTN: Regulatory Change—Nationals, Bureau of Political Military Affairs, U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC 20522–0112. • Persons with access to the Internet may also view this notice by searching for its RIN on the U.S. Government regulations Web site at https:// regulations.gov/index.cfm. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Director Charles B. Shotwell, Office of Defense Trade Controls Policy, Department of State, Telephone (202) 663–1282 or Fax (202) 261–8199; E-mail DDTCResponseTeam@state.gov. ATTN: Regulatory Change, Nationals. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is part of the President’s Export Control Reform effort. The Department of State is amending Parts 124 and 126 of the ITAR to reflect new policy regarding end-user employment of dual-nationals and third-country nationals. As a result of the President’s Task Force on Export Control Reform, the previous policy regarding the treatment of dual nationals and foreign nationals was reconsidered. The current requirement for the provision of additional information within a license to cover dual national and third-country national foreign employees has created a tremendous administrative burden on approved end-users and has evolved into a human rights issue, which has become a focus of contention between the U.S. and allies and friends without a commensurate gain in national security. Based on available intelligence and law enforcement information, and given the current licensing requirements regarding access by dual or third country national employees, most diversions of U.S. Munitions List (USML) items appears to occur outside the scope of approved licenses, not within foreign companies or organizations providing access to properly screened dual national or third country national employees. This amendment will place the affirmative responsibility upon the foreign company, government, or international organization, with the understanding DATES: E:\FR\FM\11AUP1.SGM 11AUP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 154 (Wednesday, August 11, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 48623-48625]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-19832]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0796; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-007-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 767-300 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Model 767-300 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require 
repetitive inspections for cracks in the fuselage skin and backup 
structure at the lower very high frequency (VHF) antenna cutout at 
station 1197 + 99 between stringers 39L and 39R, and corrective actions 
if necessary. Certain repairs would terminate certain inspection 
requirements. This proposed AD results from reports of cracking found 
in the section 46 fuselage lower skin around the periphery of the VHF 
antenna baseplate at station 1197 + 99. We are proposing this AD to 
detect and correct fatigue cracks in the fuselage skin and internal 
backup structure, which could result in rapid decompression of the 
airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 27, 
2010.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone 206-
544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; e-mail me.boecom@boeing.com; 
Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the 
referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

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 proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Berhane Alazar, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,

[[Page 48624]]

Washington 98057-3356; telephone 425-917-6577; fax 425-917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2010-0796; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-007-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 https://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 have been advised that two operators reported cracks found in 
the section 46 fuselage lower skin around the periphery of the VHF 
antenna baseplate at station 1197 + 99. One operator reported 5 cracks, 
with a maximum length of 11 inches, found on an airplane that had 
accumulated 38,804 total flight hours and 34,929 total flight cycles. 
Another operator reported a maximum crack length of 9.5 inches found on 
an airplane that had accumulated 60,467 total flight hours and 29,185 
total flight cycles. Boeing investigation has revealed that the 
fuselage skin and internal backup structural cracks are attributed to 
fatigue. This fatigue is the result of bending loads in the skin caused 
by vibration of the antenna in flight. No operator reported crack 
findings for the backup structure. Fatigue cracks in the fuselage skin 
and internal backup structure, if not corrected, could result in rapid 
decompression of the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-53-
0207, dated December 17, 2009. The service bulletin describes 
procedures for repetitive inspections for cracks in the fuselage skin 
and backup structure at the lower VHF antenna cutout at station 1197 + 
99, between stringers 39L and 39R. The inspections include an external 
detailed inspection of the fuselage skin at the lower aft VHF antenna 
cutout, and an internal detailed inspection of the backup structure.
    Corrective actions include repairing fuselage skin cracks, which 
would eliminate the need to repeat the external detailed inspection; 
and repairing or replacing cracked backup structure parts.
    In the service bulletin, the compliance time for the external 
detailed inspection is before the accumulation of 25,000 total flight 
cycles, or within 3,000 flight cycles after the date on the service 
bulletin, whichever occurs later. The compliance time for the internal 
detailed inspection is before the accumulation of 25,000 total flight 
cycles, or within 3,000 flight cycles after the date on the service 
bulletin, whichever occurs later; or the inspection may be deferred for 
an additional 6,000 flight cycles if no fuselage skin cracks are found 
during the external detailed inspection.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all relevant 
information and determined that the unsafe condition described 
previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same 
type design. This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions 
specified in the service information described previously.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 93 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. 
operators to comply with this proposed AD.

                                                                     Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                        Number of U.S.-
                               Action                                   Work hours     Average labor       Cost per        registered       Fleet cost
                                                                                       rate per hour       product         airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections........................................................               3              $85             $255               93          $23,715
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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), 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.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

[[Page 48625]]

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 FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2010-0796; Directorate Identifier 
2010-NM-007-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by September 27, 2010.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 767-300 series 
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-53-0207, dated December 17, 
2009.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53: 
Fuselage.

Unsafe Condition

    (e) This AD results from reports of cracking found in the 
section 46 fuselage lower skin around the periphery of the very high 
frequency (VHF) antenna baseplate at station 1197 + 99. The Federal 
Aviation Administration is issuing this AD to detect and correct 
fatigue cracks in the fuselage skin and internal backup structure, 
which could result in rapid decompression of the airplane.

Compliance

    (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Inspections

    (g) Inspect for cracks in the fuselage skin and backup structure 
at the lower VHF antenna cutout at station 1197 + 99, between 
stringers 39L and 39R, by doing an external detailed inspection, 
with the antenna removed, of the fuselage structure at the lower aft 
VHF antenna cutout, and an internal detailed inspection of the 
backup structure. Do the inspections in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 767-53-0207, dated December 17, 2009 (``the service 
bulletin''). Do the inspections at the applicable time specified in 
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of the service bulletin, except, 
where the service bulletin specifies a compliance after the date on 
the service bulletin, this AD requires compliance within the 
specified time after the effective date of this AD.
    (1) If no crack is found, repeat the external detailed 
inspection, without removing the antenna, at intervals not to exceed 
3,000 flight cycles.
    (2) If any crack is found in the fuselage, repair before further 
flight, in accordance with the service bulletin. Accomplishment of 
this repair terminates the repetitive external detailed inspections 
of the fuselage skin required by this AD.
    (3) If any crack is found in the backup structure, before 
further flight, repair or replace the cracked part(s), in accordance 
with the service bulletin.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (h)(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. Send information to 
ATTN: Berhane Alazar, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, 
FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue, 
SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone 425-917-6577; fax 425-
917-6590. Information may be e-mailed to 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
    (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 principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or 
principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a 
principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. 
The AMOC approval letter must specifically refer to this AD.
    (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 the 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization 
(ODA) that 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 August 4, 2010.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-19832 Filed 8-10-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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