Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 10411-10413 [2012-4002]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 35 / Wednesday, February 22, 2012 / Proposed Rules Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057– 3356; telephone (425) 227–2125; fax (425) 227–1149. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. (3) Reporting Requirements: A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120–0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES–200. (l) Related Information Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness Directive 2011–0124, dated June 30, 2011; and the Airbus mandatory service bulletins identified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD; for related information. Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 7, 2012. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–4163 Filed 2–21–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2012–0149; Directorate Identifier 2011–NM–255–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. AGENCY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:14 Feb 21, 2012 Jkt 226001 Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). ACTION: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 777–200 and –300 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of fatigue cracks in the lap joints, which initiated at scribe lines that were made during production when maskant was removed from the affected skin panels. This proposed AD would require repetitive external phased-array ultrasonic inspections to detect cracks of the affected fuselage skin lap splices in Sections 41, 43, and 44, as applicable, and repair if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct such fatigue cracking, which, if not detected and corrected, could grow large and cause sudden decompression and the inability to sustain limit flight and pressure loads. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 9, 2012. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this 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; email 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. SUMMARY: 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 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 10411 received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Sutherland, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; phone: 425– 917–6533; fax: 425–917–6590; email: James.Sutherland@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 2012–0149; Directorate Identifier 2011– NM–255–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 received a report indicating that, on the affected airplanes, scribe lines may have been inadvertently made in the overlapped skin in lap joints if a sharp tool was used to remove the maskant from the aluminum skin panels during assembly of the affected lap joints. During fatigue testing of Model 777 airplanes, lap joint cracks were found, and analysis indicated that those cracks initiated at scribe lines that were made during production when maskant was removed from the affected skin panels. Such fatigue cracking, if not detected and corrected, could grow large and cause sudden decompression and the inability to sustain limit flight and pressure loads. Relevant Service Information We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–53A0043, dated November 9, 2011. For information on the procedures and compliance times, see this service information at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. FAA–2012–0149. E:\FR\FM\22FEP1.SGM 22FEP1 10412 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 35 / Wednesday, February 22, 2012 / Proposed Rules FAA’s Determination We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require repetitive external phased-array ultrasonic inspections to detect cracks of the affected fuselage skin lap splices in Sections 41, 43, and 44, as applicable, and repair if necessary. Difference Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information However, this proposed AD requires that the repair be done using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this proposed AD. Costs of Compliance Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777– 53A0043, dated November 9, 2011, specifies that one way to install a repair is to use ‘‘other approved methods.’’ We estimate that this proposed AD affects 46 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Action Inspections for Group 1 airplanes (25 airplanes). Inspections for Group 2 airplanes (21 airplanes). Labor cost 126 work-hours × $85 per hour = $10,710 per inspection cycle. 50 work-hours × $85 per hour = $4,250 per inspection cycle. We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide cost estimates for the on-condition repair. 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. wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Regulatory Findings 15:14 Feb 21, 2012 Cost per product Jkt 226001 Cost on U.S. operators $0 $10,710 per inspection cycle ... $267,750 per inspection cycle. 0 $4,250 per inspection cycle ..... $89,250 per inspection cycle. (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. (c) Applicability List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 This AD was prompted by reports of fatigue cracks in the lap joints, which initiated at scribe lines that were made during production when maskant was removed from the affected skin panels. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such fatigue cracking, which, if not detected and corrected, could grow large and cause sudden decompression and the inability to sustain limit flight and pressure loads. 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: 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA– 2012–0149; Directorate Identifier 2011– NM–255–AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by April 9, 2012. (b) Affected ADs None. PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777–200 and –300 series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–53A0043, dated November 9, 2011. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/ Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage. (e) Unsafe Condition (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 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, VerDate Mar<15>2010 Parts cost (g) Inspections and Repair Except as provided by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, at the applicable time identified in paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–53A0043, dated November 9, 2011: Do external phased-array ultrasonic inspections to detect cracks of the affected fuselage skin lap splices in Sections 41, 43, and 44, as applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–53A0043, dated November 9, 2011. If any crack is found, before further flight, repair in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–53A0043, dated November 9, 2011; except as required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD. Repeat the inspections of unrepaired areas thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,200 flight cycles. E:\FR\FM\22FEP1.SGM 22FEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 35 / Wednesday, February 22, 2012 / Proposed Rules (h) Exception to Service Information (1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–53A0043, dated November 9, 2011, specifies a compliance time ‘‘after the original issue date on this service bulletin,’’ this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD. (2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–53A0043, dated November 9, 2011, specifies that ‘‘other approved methods’’ can be used to install a repair, this AD requires that the repair be done using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this AD. (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in the Related Information section of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANMSeattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair 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 February 10, 2012. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–4002 Filed 2–21–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2012–0146; Directorate Identifier 2011–NM–115–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL–600–2B16 (CL–601–3A, CL–601–3R, and CL–604 Variants) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of deformation at the neck of the pressure regulator body on the oxygen cylinder and regulator assemblies (CRAs), and an electrical wiring harness in the area of the oxygen cylinder had no protective conduit sleeving. This proposed AD would require inspecting to determine if certain oxygen pressure regulators are installed and replacing oxygen CRAs containing pressure regulators that do not meet the required material properties. This proposed AD would also require inspecting for damaged (j) Related Information wiring and repairing or replacing wiring if necessary. We are proposing this AD (1) For more information about this AD, to prevent rupture of the oxygen contact James Sutherland, Aerospace cylinder, which in the case of cabin Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, depressurization, oxygen would not be FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, available when required; and to detect 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6533; fax: 425– and correct unprotected wiring that 917–6590; email: James.Sutherland@faa.gov. could chafe against the oxygen system (2) For service information identified in components or surrounding structure in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial the area, which could lead to electrical Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services arcing and an oxygen-fed fire. Management, P. O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65, DATES: We must receive comments on Seattle, Washington 98124–2207; telephone this proposed AD by April 9, 2012. 206–544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766– ADDRESSES: You may send comments by 5680; email me.boecom@boeing.com; Internet any of the following methods: https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to also review the referenced service https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the information in the docket at instructions for submitting comments. www.regulations.gov (refer to Docket No. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. FAA–2012–0149). You may review copies of • Mail: U.S. Department of the referenced service information at the Transportation, Docket Operations, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:14 Feb 21, 2012 Jkt 226001 SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 10413 • 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, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Bombardier, ˆ Inc., 400 Cote-Vertu Road West, Dorval, ´ Quebec H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone 514–855–5000; fax 514–855–7401; email thd.crj@aero.bombardier.com; Internet https://www.bombardier.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 Operations office 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 Operations 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: Cesar Gomez, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE–171, FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone (516) 228– 7318; fax (516) 794–5531. 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–2012–0146; Directorate Identifier 2011–NM–115–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 based on 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. E:\FR\FM\22FEP1.SGM 22FEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 35 (Wednesday, February 22, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 10411-10413]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-4002]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0149; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-255-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company 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 The Boeing Company Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes. 
This proposed AD was prompted by reports of fatigue cracks in the lap 
joints, which initiated at scribe lines that were made during 
production when maskant was removed from the affected skin panels. This 
proposed AD would require repetitive external phased-array ultrasonic 
inspections to detect cracks of the affected fuselage skin lap splices 
in Sections 41, 43, and 44, as applicable, and repair if necessary. We 
are proposing this AD to detect and correct such fatigue cracking, 
which, if not detected and corrected, could grow large and cause sudden 
decompression and the inability to sustain limit flight and pressure 
loads.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 9, 2012.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this 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; email 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 (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Sutherland, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6533; fax: 425-917-6590; email: James.Sutherland@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2012-0149; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-255-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 received a report indicating that, on the affected airplanes, 
scribe lines may have been inadvertently made in the overlapped skin in 
lap joints if a sharp tool was used to remove the maskant from the 
aluminum skin panels during assembly of the affected lap joints. During 
fatigue testing of Model 777 airplanes, lap joint cracks were found, 
and analysis indicated that those cracks initiated at scribe lines that 
were made during production when maskant was removed from the affected 
skin panels. Such fatigue cracking, if not detected and corrected, 
could grow large and cause sudden decompression and the inability to 
sustain limit flight and pressure loads.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0043, dated 
November 9, 2011. For information on the procedures and compliance 
times, see this service information at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for Docket No. FAA-2012-0149.

[[Page 10412]]

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require repetitive external phased-array 
ultrasonic inspections to detect cracks of the affected fuselage skin 
lap splices in Sections 41, 43, and 44, as applicable, and repair if 
necessary.

Difference Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0043, dated November 9, 2011, 
specifies that one way to install a repair is to use ``other approved 
methods.'' However, this proposed AD requires that the repair be done 
using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (i) of this proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 46 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Cost per
            Action                Labor cost      Parts cost      product            Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections for Group 1        126 work-hours x           $0  $10,710 per      $267,750 per inspection cycle.
 airplanes (25 airplanes).      $85 per hour =                 inspection
                                $10,710 per                    cycle.
                                inspection
                                cycle.
Inspections for Group 2        50 work-hours x             0  $4,250 per       $89,250 per inspection cycle.
 airplanes (21 airplanes).      $85 per hour =                 inspection
                                $4,250 per                     cycle.
                                inspection
                                cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition repair.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    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 
airworthiness directive (AD):

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2012-0149; Directorate Identifier 
2011-NM-255-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by April 9, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200 and -300 
series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0043, dated November 9, 2011.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of fatigue cracks in the lap 
joints, which initiated at scribe lines that were made during 
production when maskant was removed from the affected skin panels. 
We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such fatigue cracking, 
which, if not detected and corrected, could grow large and cause 
sudden decompression and the inability to sustain limit flight and 
pressure loads.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Inspections and Repair

    Except as provided by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, at the 
applicable time identified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0043, dated November 9, 2011: 
Do external phased-array ultrasonic inspections to detect cracks of 
the affected fuselage skin lap splices in Sections 41, 43, and 44, 
as applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0043, dated November 9, 2011. 
If any crack is found, before further flight, repair in accordance 
with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0043, dated November 9, 
2011; except as required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD. Repeat the 
inspections of unrepaired areas thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 4,200 flight cycles.

[[Page 10413]]

(h) Exception to Service Information

    (1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0043, dated 
November 9, 2011, specifies a compliance time ``after the original 
issue date on this service bulletin,'' this AD requires compliance 
within the specified compliance time after the effective date of 
this AD.
    (2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0043, dated 
November 9, 2011, specifies that ``other approved methods'' can be 
used to install a repair, this AD requires that the repair be done 
using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified 
in paragraph (i) of this AD.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested 
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 
CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local 
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending 
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in the Related Information 
section of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.
    (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair 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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact James 
Sutherland, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, 
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6533; fax: 425-917-6590; 
email: James.Sutherland@faa.gov.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P. O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone 
206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; email 
me.boecom@boeing.com; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You 
may also review the referenced service information in the docket at 
www.regulations.gov (refer to Docket No. FAA-2012-0149). 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 10, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-4002 Filed 2-21-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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