Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 12375-12378 [2014-04547]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 43 / Wednesday, March 5, 2014 / Rules and Regulations 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); (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent that it justifies making a regulatory distinction; 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. We prepared an economic evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it 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 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: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 2014–04–11 Airbus Helicopters (Type Certificate Previously Held by Eurocopter France): Amendment 39– 17770; Docket No. FAA–2013–0351; Directorate Identifier 2009–SW–049–AD. (a) Applicability This AD applies to Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, B3, D; and AS355E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters with a tail rotor (T/R) blade, part number (P/N) 355A12–0040–00, 355A–12– 0040–01, 355A12–0040–02, 355A12–0040– 03, 355A–12–0040–04, 355A12–0040–05, 355A–12–0040–07, 355A–12–0040–08, all serial numbers (S/N); or P/N 355A12–0050– 04, with a S/N 8400 through 9224, certificated in any category. (b) Unsafe Condition This AD defines the unsafe condition as T/R blade trailing edge tab (tab) debonding. This condition could result in excessive vibration of the helicopter and loss of control of the helicopter. VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:46 Mar 04, 2014 Jkt 232001 (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective April 9, 2014. (d) Compliance You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time. (e) Required Actions Within 100 hours time-in-service, install additional rivets on the trailing edge tab of each T/R blade, according to the following procedures, referencing Figure 1 of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 64.00.05, Revision 2, dated February 15, 2007, or ASB No. 64.00.04, Revision 2, dated February 15, 2007, whichever is applicable to your model helicopter: (1) Lightly sand the area to be drilled, using No. 80 then No. 220 sandpaper. (2) Locate and drill eight 2.5 mm-diameter holes (T): 4 holes (T) 12 mm from the existing rivets (E) and on the centerline of the existing rivets (E), then 4 holes (T) 24 mm from the existing rivets (E) and on the centerline of the existing rivets (E). (3) Deburr and clean the area around the drilled holes. (4) Install 8 rivets (1) on tab (L). Any installation direction of the rivets is permissible (pressure face or suction face of the T/R blade). (5) Inspect the tab for debonding. (i) If there is no debonding, paint the area. (ii) If there is debonding, replace the tab. (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Gary Roach, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email gary.b.roach@faa.gov. (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate holding district office, before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC. (g) Additional Information The subject of this AD is addressed in the Direction Generale de l’Aviation Civile (DGAC) AD No. F–2004–176 and AD No. F– 2004–178, both dated November 10, 2004. You may view the DCAG ADs on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA–2013–0351. (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6410, Tail rotor blades. (i) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 12375 (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin 64.00.05, Revision 2, dated February 15, 2007. (ii) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin 64.00.04, Revision 2, dated February 15, 2007. (3) For Eurocopter service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus Helicopters, Inc., 2701 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052; telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–0323; fax (972) 641– 3775; or at https:// www.airbushelicopters.com/techpub. (4) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference 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/cfr/ibrlocations.html. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 19, 2014. Lance T. Gant, Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2014–04285 Filed 3–4–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2013–0830; Directorate Identifier 2013–NM–128–AD; Amendment 39–17776; AD 2014–05–03] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of cracking in the fuselage skin underneath the satellite communication (SATCOM) antenna adapter. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the visible fuselage skin and doubler if installed, for cracking, corrosion, and any indication of contact of a certain fastener to a bonding jumper, and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking and corrosion in the fuselage skin, which could lead to rapid decompression and SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\05MRR1.SGM 05MRR1 12376 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 43 / Wednesday, March 5, 2014 / Rules and Regulations loss of structural integrity of the airplane. DATES: This AD is effective April 9, 2014. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 9, 2014. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65, Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone 206–544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766–5680; Internet https:// www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425 227–1221. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2013– 0830; 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 (phone: 800–647–5527) is Docket 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: Melanie Violette, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; phone: (425) 917–6422; fax: (425) 917–6590; email: melanie.violette@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 26, 2013 (78 FR 59293). The NPRM was prompted by a report of cracking in the fuselage skin underneath the satellite communication (SATCOM) antenna adapter. The NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections of the visible fuselage skin and doubler if installed, for cracking, corrosion, and any indication of contact of a certain VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:46 Mar 04, 2014 Jkt 232001 fastener to a bonding jumper, and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking and corrosion in the fuselage skin, which could lead to rapid decompression and loss of structural integrity of the airplane. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal (78 FR 59293, September 26, 2013) and the FAA’s response to each comment. Request To Revise Paragraph (h)(1) of the NPRM (78 FR 59293, September 26, 2013) To Include Footnotes Boeing requested that paragraph (h)(1) of the NPRM (78 FR 59293, September 26, 2013) be revised to include the footnotes to Tables 1, 5, and 9 of paragraph 1.E. ‘‘Compliance,’’ in addition to the ‘‘Questionnaire Column,’’ specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–53A0068, dated June 12, 2013. Boeing stated that the statement, ‘‘at the time of the original issue date of this service bulletin’’ is not only used in the ‘‘Condition Questionnaire’’ column of Tables 1, 5, and 9 of paragraph 1.E. ‘‘Compliance,’’ but it is also used in the footnotes. We agree with Boeing’s request. We have revised paragraph (h)(1) of this final rule by removing the phrase ‘‘the ‘Condition Questionnaire’ column in’’ so that the exception applies to the entire table including the footnotes. Request To Revise Paragraph (h)(1) of the NPRM (78 FR 59293, September 26, 2013) To Include the Compliance Time Column of Tables 2 Through 12 American Airlines (AA) requested that paragraph (h)(1) of the NPRM (78 FR 59293, September 26, 2013) be revised to include exceptions for the footnotes in Tables 1, 5, and 9, and the compliance times in Tables 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, and 12, as specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–53A0068, dated June 12, 2013. AA stated that paragraph (h)(1) of the NPRM creates exceptions to the service information in the ‘‘Condition Questionnaire’’ column in Tables 1, 5, and 9 of paragraph 1.E. ‘‘Compliance’’ of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–53A0068, dated June 12, 2013, in that it allows a change in wording from ‘‘. . . at the time of the original issue of this service bulletin’’ to ‘‘. . . as of the effective date of this AD.’’ AA stated that this exception should be allowed for Tables 2 through 12 of paragraph 1.E. ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777– 53A0068, dated June 12, 2013. PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 We partially agree with AA’s request. As stated previously, we have revised paragraph (h)(1) of this final rule to address the footnotes in Tables 1, 5, and 9, of paragraph 1.E. ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777– 53A0068, dated June 12, 2013. However, paragraph (h)(2) of this final rule already provides the exception for certain compliance times for Tables 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, and 12, of paragraph 1.E. ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–53A0068, dated June 12, 2013. Therefore, no change is necessary to the final rule in this regard. Request To Add a Terminating Action FedEx requested that a terminating action be added prior to the release of the final rule. FedEx stated that Boeing should revise Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–53A0068, dated June 12, 2013, to include a terminating action. FedEx stated that although the initial inspection can be planned during a scheduled maintenance visit, the repetitive inspections will require additional, unscheduled, and out of service time. FedEx also stated that the terminating action would alleviate any additional maintenance, scheduled or otherwise. We disagree. We do not consider that delaying this action until after the release of new service information is warranted. We do not agree to delay this final rule while a terminating action is being developed due to the unsafe condition that exists. However, under the provisions of paragraph (i)(1) of this final rule, we will consider alternative methods of compliance if sufficient data are submitted to substantiate that the change would provide an acceptable level of safety. We have not changed this final rule in this regard. Conclusion We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this AD with the change described previously, and minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes: • Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 59293, September 26, 2013) for correcting the unsafe condition; and • Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 59293, September 26, 2013). We also determined that these changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD. E:\FR\FM\05MRR1.SGM 05MRR1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 43 / Wednesday, March 5, 2014 / Rules and Regulations Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 120 airplanes of U.S. registry. 12377 We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Action Labor cost Parts cost Inspection ..... Up to 36 work-hours × $85 per hour = $3,060 per inspection cycle. $0 Cost per product Up to $3,060 per inspection cycle We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Authority for This Rulemaking Adoption of the Amendment 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. Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES 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), (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. 15:46 Mar 04, 2014 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. [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ 2014–05–03 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39–17776; Docket No. FAA–2013–0830; Directorate Identifier 2013–NM–128–AD. (a) Effective Date This AD is effective April 9, 2014. (b) Affected ADs None. Regulatory Findings VerDate Mar<15>2010 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. § 39.13 Jkt 232001 (c) Applicability This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777–200, –200LR, –300, –300ER, and –777F series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–53A0068, dated June 12, 2013. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of cracking in the fuselage skin underneath the satellite communication (SATCOM) antenna adapter. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking and corrosion in the fuselage skin, which could lead to rapid decompression and loss of structural integrity of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. PO 00000 Frm 00025 Cost on U.S. operators Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Up to $367,200 per inspection cycle. (g) Repetitive Inspections (1) For Groups 1–4 airplanes, and Group 5, Configurations 3 and 4 airplanes, identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777– 53A0068, dated June 12, 2013: Except as required by paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD, within the applicable compliance times specified in paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–53A0068, dated June 12, 2013, do internal detailed and surface high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections of the visible fuselage skin, and doubler if installed, for cracking; do external detailed and surface HFEC inspections of the visible fuselage skin, and doubler if installed, for cracking, corrosion, and any indication that shows a contact of a certain fastener to a bonding jumper; and do all applicable repairs; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–53A0068, dated June 12, 2013, except as required by paragraph (h)(3) of this AD. Thereafter, repeat the inspections at the applicable intervals specified in paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–53A0068, dated June 12, 2013. Do all applicable repairs before further flight. (2) For Group 5, Configurations 1, 2, and 5 airplanes, identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–53A0068, dated June 12, 2013: No action is required by this AD. (h) Exceptions to the Service Information (1) Tables 1, 5, and 9 of paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–53A0068, dated June 12, 2013, refer to airplanes with certain conditions ‘‘at the time of the original issue date of this service bulletin.’’ For this AD, use ‘‘as of the effective date of this AD’’ instead of ‘‘at the time of the original issue date of this service bulletin.’’ (2) Where paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–53A0068, dated June 12, 2013, specifies a compliance time ‘‘after the original issue date of this service bulletin,’’ this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD. (3) If any crack, corrosion, or indication that shows a contact of the fastener attaching the SATCOM lug adapter plate to the bonding plate is found during any inspection required by this AD, and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–53A0068, dated June 12, 2013, specifies to contact Boeing for repair instructions: Before further flight, repair using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this AD. E:\FR\FM\05MRR1.SGM 05MRR1 12378 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 43 / Wednesday, March 5, 2014 / Rules and Regulations (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 paragraph (i) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOCRequests@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 For more information about this AD, contact Melanie Violette, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM 120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057 3356; phone: (425) 917–6422; fax: (425) 917–6590; email: melanie.violette@faa.gov. sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES (k) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777– 53A0068, dated June 12, 2013. (ii) Reserved. (3) For Boeing service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65, Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone 206–544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766– 5680; Internet https:// www.myboeingfleet.com. (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425 227–1221. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference 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/cfr/ibrlocations.html. VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:46 Mar 04, 2014 Jkt 232001 Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 18, 2014. Ross Landes, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2014–04547 Filed 3–4–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 97 [Docket No. 30944; Amdt. No. 3578] Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Miscellaneous Amendments Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: This rule amends, suspends, or revokes Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and associated Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures for operations at certain airports. These regulatory actions are needed because of the adoption of new or revised criteria, or because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System, such as the commissioning of new navigational facilities, adding new obstacles, or changing air traffic requirements. These changes are designed to provide safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace and to promote safe flight operations under instrument flight rules at the affected airports. DATES: This rule is effective March 5, 2014. The compliance date for each SIAP, associated Takeoff Minimums, and ODP is specified in the amendatory provisions. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of March 5, 2014. ADDRESSES: Availability of matter incorporated by reference in the amendment is as follows: For Examination— 1. FAA Rules Docket, FAA Headquarters Building, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; 2. The FAA Regional Office of the region in which the affected airport is located; 3. The National Flight Procedures Office, 6500 South MacArthur Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73169 or, 4. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 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. Availability—All SIAPs are available online free of charge. Visit nfdc.faa.gov to register. Additionally, individual SIAP and Takeoff Minimums and ODP copies may be obtained from: 1. FAA Public Inquiry Center (APA– 200), FAA Headquarters Building, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; or 2. The FAA Regional Office of the region in which the affected airport is located. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard A. Dunham III, Flight Procedure Standards Branch (AFS–420)Flight Technologies and Programs Division, Flight Standards Service, Federal Aviation Administration, Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, 6500 South MacArthur Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73169 (Mail Address: P.O. Box 25082 Oklahoma City, OK 73125) telephone: (405) 954–4164. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This rule amends Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 97 (14 CFR part 97) by amending the referenced SIAPs. The complete regulatory description of each SIAP is listed on the appropriate FAA Form 8260, as modified by the National Flight Data Center (FDC)/Permanent Notice to Airmen (P–NOTAM), and is incorporated by reference in the amendment under 5 U.S.C. 552(a), 1 CFR part 51, and § 97.20 of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The large number of SIAPs, their complex nature, and the need for a special format make their verbatim publication in the Federal Register expensive and impractical. Further, airmen do not use the regulatory text of the SIAPs, but refer to their graphic depiction on charts printed by publishers of aeronautical materials. Thus, the advantages of incorporation by reference are realized and publication of the complete description of each SIAP contained in FAA form documents is unnecessary. This amendment provides the affected CFR sections and specifies the types of SIAP and the corresponding effective dates. This amendment also identifies the airport and its location, the procedure and the amendment number. The Rule This amendment to 14 CFR part 97 is effective upon publication of each separate SIAP as amended in the transmittal. For safety and timeliness of change considerations, this amendment E:\FR\FM\05MRR1.SGM 05MRR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 5, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12375-12378]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-04547]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0830; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-128-AD; 
Amendment 39-17776; AD 2014-05-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a 
report of cracking in the fuselage skin underneath the satellite 
communication (SATCOM) antenna adapter. This AD requires repetitive 
inspections of the visible fuselage skin and doubler if installed, for 
cracking, corrosion, and any indication of contact of a certain 
fastener to a bonding jumper, and repair if necessary. We are issuing 
this AD to detect and correct cracking and corrosion in the fuselage 
skin, which could lead to rapid decompression and

[[Page 12376]]

loss of structural integrity of the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective April 9, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 9, 
2014.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service information 
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 425 227-1221.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2013-
0830; 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 (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket 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: Melanie Violette, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: (425) 917-6422; 
fax: (425) 917-6590; email: melanie.violette@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing Company 
Model 777 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
September 26, 2013 (78 FR 59293). The NPRM was prompted by a report of 
cracking in the fuselage skin underneath the satellite communication 
(SATCOM) antenna adapter. The NPRM proposed to require repetitive 
inspections of the visible fuselage skin and doubler if installed, for 
cracking, corrosion, and any indication of contact of a certain 
fastener to a bonding jumper, and repair if necessary. We are issuing 
this AD to detect and correct cracking and corrosion in the fuselage 
skin, which could lead to rapid decompression and loss of structural 
integrity of the airplane.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal 
(78 FR 59293, September 26, 2013) and the FAA's response to each 
comment.

Request To Revise Paragraph (h)(1) of the NPRM (78 FR 59293, September 
26, 2013) To Include Footnotes

    Boeing requested that paragraph (h)(1) of the NPRM (78 FR 59293, 
September 26, 2013) be revised to include the footnotes to Tables 1, 5, 
and 9 of paragraph 1.E. ``Compliance,'' in addition to the 
``Questionnaire Column,'' specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
777-53A0068, dated June 12, 2013. Boeing stated that the statement, 
``at the time of the original issue date of this service bulletin'' is 
not only used in the ``Condition Questionnaire'' column of Tables 1, 5, 
and 9 of paragraph 1.E. ``Compliance,'' but it is also used in the 
footnotes.
    We agree with Boeing's request. We have revised paragraph (h)(1) of 
this final rule by removing the phrase ``the `Condition Questionnaire' 
column in'' so that the exception applies to the entire table including 
the footnotes.

Request To Revise Paragraph (h)(1) of the NPRM (78 FR 59293, September 
26, 2013) To Include the Compliance Time Column of Tables 2 Through 12

    American Airlines (AA) requested that paragraph (h)(1) of the NPRM 
(78 FR 59293, September 26, 2013) be revised to include exceptions for 
the footnotes in Tables 1, 5, and 9, and the compliance times in Tables 
2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, and 12, as specified in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 777-53A0068, dated June 12, 2013. AA stated that paragraph 
(h)(1) of the NPRM creates exceptions to the service information in the 
``Condition Questionnaire'' column in Tables 1, 5, and 9 of paragraph 
1.E. ``Compliance'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0068, dated 
June 12, 2013, in that it allows a change in wording from ``. . . at 
the time of the original issue of this service bulletin'' to ``. . . as 
of the effective date of this AD.'' AA stated that this exception 
should be allowed for Tables 2 through 12 of paragraph 1.E. 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0068, dated 
June 12, 2013.
    We partially agree with AA's request. As stated previously, we have 
revised paragraph (h)(1) of this final rule to address the footnotes in 
Tables 1, 5, and 9, of paragraph 1.E. ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 777-53A0068, dated June 12, 2013. However, paragraph 
(h)(2) of this final rule already provides the exception for certain 
compliance times for Tables 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, and 12, of 
paragraph 1.E. ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-
53A0068, dated June 12, 2013. Therefore, no change is necessary to the 
final rule in this regard.

Request To Add a Terminating Action

    FedEx requested that a terminating action be added prior to the 
release of the final rule. FedEx stated that Boeing should revise 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0068, dated June 12, 2013, to 
include a terminating action. FedEx stated that although the initial 
inspection can be planned during a scheduled maintenance visit, the 
repetitive inspections will require additional, unscheduled, and out of 
service time. FedEx also stated that the terminating action would 
alleviate any additional maintenance, scheduled or otherwise.
    We disagree. We do not consider that delaying this action until 
after the release of new service information is warranted. We do not 
agree to delay this final rule while a terminating action is being 
developed due to the unsafe condition that exists. However, under the 
provisions of paragraph (i)(1) of this final rule, we will consider 
alternative methods of compliance if sufficient data are submitted to 
substantiate that the change would provide an acceptable level of 
safety. We have not changed this final rule in this regard.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the change described previously, and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (78 FR 59293, September 26, 2013) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 59293, September 26, 2013).
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

[[Page 12377]]

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 120 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Action                Labor cost           Parts cost       Cost per product     Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection.............  Up to 36 work-hours x               $0   Up to $3,060 per        Up to $367,200 per
                          $85 per hour = $3,060                    inspection cycle.       inspection cycle.
                          per inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.

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),
    (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.

Adoption of the Amendment

    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 airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2014-05-03 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-17776; Docket No. FAA-
2013-0830; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-128-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective April 9, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -
300, -300ER, and -777F series airplanes, certificated in any 
category, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-
53A0068, dated June 12, 2013.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of cracking in the fuselage 
skin underneath the satellite communication (SATCOM) antenna 
adapter. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking and 
corrosion in the fuselage skin, which could lead to rapid 
decompression and loss of structural integrity of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Repetitive Inspections

    (1) For Groups 1-4 airplanes, and Group 5, Configurations 3 and 
4 airplanes, identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-
53A0068, dated June 12, 2013: Except as required by paragraphs 
(h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD, within the applicable compliance times 
specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 777-53A0068, dated June 12, 2013, do internal detailed and 
surface high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections of the 
visible fuselage skin, and doubler if installed, for cracking; do 
external detailed and surface HFEC inspections of the visible 
fuselage skin, and doubler if installed, for cracking, corrosion, 
and any indication that shows a contact of a certain fastener to a 
bonding jumper; and do all applicable repairs; in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
777-53A0068, dated June 12, 2013, except as required by paragraph 
(h)(3) of this AD. Thereafter, repeat the inspections at the 
applicable intervals specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0068, dated June 12, 2013. Do 
all applicable repairs before further flight.
    (2) For Group 5, Configurations 1, 2, and 5 airplanes, 
identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0068, dated June 
12, 2013: No action is required by this AD.

(h) Exceptions to the Service Information

    (1) Tables 1, 5, and 9 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0068, dated June 12, 2013, 
refer to airplanes with certain conditions ``at the time of the 
original issue date of this service bulletin.'' For this AD, use 
``as of the effective date of this AD'' instead of ``at the time of 
the original issue date of this service bulletin.''
    (2) Where paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 777-53A0068, dated June 12, 2013, specifies a 
compliance time ``after the original issue date of this service 
bulletin,'' this AD requires compliance within the specified 
compliance time after the effective date of this AD.
    (3) If any crack, corrosion, or indication that shows a contact 
of the fastener attaching the SATCOM lug adapter plate to the 
bonding plate is found during any inspection required by this AD, 
and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0068, dated June 12, 2013, 
specifies to contact Boeing for repair instructions: Before further 
flight, repair using a method approved in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.

[[Page 12378]]

 (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 paragraph (i) 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

    For more information about this AD, contact Melanie Violette, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM 120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057 3356; 
phone: (425) 917-6422; fax: (425) 917-6590; email: 
melanie.violette@faa.gov.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0068, dated June 12, 
2013.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Boeing service information identified in this AD, 
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services 
Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; 
telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet 
https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425 227-1221.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 18, 2014.
Ross Landes,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-04547 Filed 3-4-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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