Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 93585-93589 [2016-29307]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 245 / Wednesday, December 21, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
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.
through 028 inclusive, 030, 034, 040, 050,
and 052.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that 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 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.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by an occurrence
that was reported of rudder pedal restriction
on a SAAB Model 2000 airplane with the
large potable water system installed,
equipped with in-line heaters. We are issuing
this AD to prevent water spray in case of a
failed pipe or coupling during water filling
on the ground. This condition, if not
corrected, could freeze parts of the flight
control system, possibly resulting in reduced
control of the airplane.
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):
■
2016–25–17 Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics
(formerly known as Saab AB, Saab
Aerosystems): Amendment 39–18743;
Docket No. FAA–2016–9056; Directorate
Identifier 2016–NM–007–AD.
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective January 25, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to certain Saab AB, Saab
Aeronautics (formerly known as Saab AB,
Saab Aerosystems) Model SAAB 2000
airplanes, certificated in any category, serial
numbers 017, 019 through 021 inclusive, 027
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:05 Dec 20, 2016
Jkt 241001
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 38, Water/waste.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Repair of Basic Potable Water System
(BPWS)
Within 24 months after the effective date
of this AD, install shrinkable tubes on the
water piping of the BPWS, in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of
SAAB Service Bulletin 2000–38–012, dated
August 20, 2015.
(h) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, International
Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 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 International Branch, send it to ATTN:
Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
telephone 425–227–1112; fax 425–227–1149.
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116AMOC-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.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain corrective
actions from a manufacturer, the action must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, International Branch, ANM–
116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or
the European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA); or Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics’ EASA
Design Organization Approval (DOA). If
approved by the DOA, the approval must
include the DOA-authorized signature.
(i) Related Information
Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2016–0013, dated
January 14, 2016, for related information.
PO 00000
Frm 00015
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
93585
This MCAI may be found in the AD docket
on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2016–9056.
(j) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) SAAB Service Bulletin 2000–38–012,
dated August 20, 2015.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics,
¨
SE–581 88, Linkoping, Sweden; telephone
+46 13 18 5591; fax +46 13 18 4874; email
saab2000.techsupport@saabgroup.com;
Internet https://www.saabgroup.com.
(4) You may view this 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.
(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 Renton, Washington, on
December 1, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016–29509 Filed 12–20–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2015–5816; Directorate
Identifier 2015–NM–029–AD; Amendment
39–18731; AD 2016–25–05]
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 all The
Boeing Company Model 747–100, 747–
100B, 747–100B SUD, 747–200B, 747–
200C, 747–200F, 747–300, 747–400,
747–400D, 747–400F, 747SR, and 747SP
series airplanes. This AD was prompted
by reports of cracking found in the
splice plates, hinge fittings, terminal
fittings, the upper skin of the outboard
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\21DER1.SGM
21DER1
93586
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 245 / Wednesday, December 21, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
and center sections, upper chord, and
rear spar webs before reaching the
inspection interval specified in AD
2006–10–16. Cracked and fractured
Maraging steel fasteners were also
found. This AD requires repetitive
inspections for cracking, an inspection
to determine whether fasteners are
magnetic, repetitive ultrasonic
inspections for cracking and fractures of
affected fasteners, and related
investigative and corrective actions if
necessary. We are issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective January 25,
2017.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of January 25, 2017.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, 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. It is also
available on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–
5816.
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–2015–
5816; 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:
Nathan Weigand, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6428;
fax: 425–917–6590; email:
nathan.p.weigand@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:05 Dec 20, 2016
Jkt 241001
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to supersede AD 2006–10–16,
Amendment 39–14600 (71 FR 28570,
May 17, 2006) (‘‘AD 2006–10–16’’). AD
2006–10–16 applies to all The Boeing
Company Model 747–100, 747–100B,
747–100B SUD, 747–200B, 747–200C,
747–200F, 747–300, 747–400, 747–
400D, 747–400F, 747SR, and 747SP
series airplanes. The NPRM published
in the Federal Register on November 27,
2015 (80 FR 74052) (‘‘the NPRM’’). The
NPRM was prompted by reports of
cracking found in the splice plates,
hinge fittings, terminal fittings, the
upper skin of the outboard and center
sections, upper chord, and rear spar
webs before reaching the inspection
interval specified in AD 2006–10–16.
Cracked and fractured Maraging steel
fasteners were also found. The NPRM
proposed to reduce the compliance time
for certain inspections and add
repetitive inspections for cracking of the
splice plates, hinge fittings, terminal
fittings, upper skin of the outboard and
center sections, and rear spar webs in
Zone B. The NPRM also proposed to
require an inspection to determine
whether fasteners are magnetic in Zone
C, repetitive ultrasonic inspections for
cracking and fractures of affected
fasteners, and related investigative and
corrective actions if necessary. The
NPRM also added an optional
modification, which would terminate
certain repetitive inspections, provided
post-modification inspections and
corrective action are done if necessary.
We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct this cracking, which could lead
to reduced structural capability of the
outboard and center sections of the
horizontal stabilizer and could result in
loss of control of the airplane.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. The
following presents the comments
received on the NPRM and the FAA’s
response to each comment.
Request To Clarify Inspections
Atlas Airlines, United Airlines, and
The Boeing Company requested that we
clarify the inspection required by the
proposed AD. Atlas Airlines stated that
the ‘‘Proposed AD Requirements’’
paragraph of the NPRM states that the
proposed AD would retain all the
requirements of AD 2006–10–16. Atlas
Airlines also stated that paragraph (f) of
AD 2006–10–16 is not included in the
proposed AD and noted that paragraph
(g)(3) of the proposed AD identifies only
PO 00000
Frm 00016
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Groups 7 through 9 as the applicable
groups for the Zone A inspections. Atlas
Airlines asked for clarification of the
Zone A inspections.
Boeing noted that AD 2006–10–16
includes Zone C inspections as
specified in Part 5 of Boeing Service
Bulletin 747–55A2050, Revision 1,
dated May 1, 2003, and included Zone
A inspections for Groups 1 through 6.
Boeing noted that these inspections
have not been removed by Boeing
Service Bulletin 747–55A2050, Revision
2, dated January 23, 2015. Boeing also
requested that we revise the proposed
AD to address the Zone C inspections in
Part 5 of Boeing Service Bulletin 747–
55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23,
2015, and the Zone A inspections for
Groups 1 through 6.
United Airlines disagreed with not
restating the requirements of AD 2006–
10–16. United Airlines stated that
operators might miss that Zone A
inspections and Zone C, Part 5,
inspections required by AD 2006–10–16
are intended to be mandated. United
Airlines noted that although the
preamble of the NPRM stated that all
inspections of AD 2006–10–16 are
retained, paragraph (g) of the proposed
AD only specifies new requirements and
does not include certain Zone A
inspections and Zone C, Part 5,
inspections.
We agree that clarification is
necessary. As stated in the preamble to
the NPRM, we intended to retain all
requirements of AD 2006–10–16.
However, the actions specified in the
proposed AD do not include the
inspections referred to by the
commenters. We have determined that
instead of including those actions in
this final rule, we will issue this action
as a stand-alone AD. Thus, AD 2006–
10–16 is not superseded, making it clear
that all actions in AD 2006–10–16
continue to be required. In addition, we
have revised this AD to specify when
accomplishing certain actions in this
AD terminates actions specified in AD
2006–10–16. We have made the
following changes:
• Revised paragraph (g)(1) of this AD
to specify that accomplishing a Zone B
inspection required by paragraph (g)(1)
of this AD terminates the inspections
required by paragraph (g) of AD 2006–
10–16 for the inspected area only.
• Revised paragraph (g)(2) of this AD
to specify that accomplishing a Zone B
inspection required by paragraph (g)(2)
of this AD terminates the inspections
required by paragraph (i) of AD 2006–
10–16 for the inspected area only.
• Revised paragraph (g)(3) of this AD
to specify that accomplishing Zone A
and Zone B inspections required by
E:\FR\FM\21DER1.SGM
21DER1
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 245 / Wednesday, December 21, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
paragraph (g)(3) of this AD terminates
the inspections required by paragraphs
(f), (i), and (l) of AD 2006–10–16 for the
inspected area only.
• Added paragraph (i)(1)(iii) to this
AD to clarify that accomplishing the
actions specified in paragraph (i)(1) of
this AD terminates inspections required
by paragraph (g) of AD 2006–10–16 for
Zone B, as specified in Part 3 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Service Bulletin 747–55A2050, Revision
2, dated January 23, 2015, for the
modified area only.
• Added paragraph (i)(1)(iv) to this
AD to clarify that accomplishing the
actions specified in paragraph (i) of this
AD terminates inspections required by
paragraph (k) of AD 2006–10–16 for
Zone C, as specified in Part 5 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Service Bulletin 747–55A2050, Revision
2, dated January 23, 2015, for the
modified area only.
• Added paragraph (i)(2)(ii) of this
AD to clarify that accomplishing the
actions specified in paragraph (i)(2) of
this AD terminates the repetitive
inspections required by paragraph (k) of
AD 2006–10–16 for Zone C, as specified
in Part 5 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin
747–55A2050, Revision 2, dated January
23, 2015, for the inspected area only.
• Added paragraph (i)(3)(ii) of this
AD to clarify that accomplishing the
actions specified in paragraph (i)(3) of
this AD terminates the repetitive
inspections required by paragraph (i) of
AD 2006–10–16 for Zone B, as specified
in Part 4 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin
747–55A2050, Revision 2, dated January
23, 2015, for the modified area only.
Request To Update Terminating Action
Language for Zone C Inspections
Boeing requested that we revise
paragraph (i)(2) of the proposed AD to
clarify which Zone C inspections are
terminated. Boeing noted that paragraph
(i)(2) of the proposed AD specifies that
the actions terminate Zone C
inspections specified in Part 6 of Boeing
Service Bulletin 747–55A2050, Revision
2, dated January 23, 2015, and noted
that Zone C inspections in Part 5 of
Boeing Service Bulletin 747–55A2050,
Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015, are
also terminated.
We agree to clarify the terminating
action for the Zone C inspections, and
have revised paragraph (i)(2) of this AD
accordingly.
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 for
correcting the unsafe condition; and
93587
• Do not add any additional burden
upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM.
We also determined that these
changes will not increase the economic
burden on any operator or increase the
scope of this AD.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin
747–55A2050, Revision 2, dated January
23, 2015. The service information
describes procedures for accomplishing
Zone A, Zone B, and Zone C inspections
for cracking of the upper skin and upper
rear spar chord of the outboard and
center sections of the horizontal
stabilizer, and related investigative and
corrective actions if necessary. The
service information also describes
procedures for a magnetic inspection to
determine the type of fasteners,
ultrasonic inspections for cracking and
fractures of affected fasteners, and
related investigative and corrective
actions if necessary. This service
information is reasonably available
because the interested parties have
access to it through their normal course
of business or by the means identified
in the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 116
airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to
comply with this AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS—REQUIRED ACTIONS
Labor cost
Zone A Inspections (required by AD
2006–10–16).
Zone B Open-hole nondestructive testing (NDT) Inspection (required by AD
2006–10–16 for Groups 3, 4, and 5
airplanes; and for Groups 1, 2, and 3
airplanes, if done).
Zone C Maraging or H–11 Steel Fastener Inspection (required by AD
2006–10–16 for Groups 1, 2, and 3
airplanes).
New Zone B Inspections ........................
8 work-hours × $85 per hour = $680 .....
$0
$680 .......................
Up to $78,880.
30 work-hours × $85 per hour = $2,550
0
2,550 ......................
Up to $295,800.
8 work-hours × $85 per hour = $680 .....
0
680 .........................
Up to $78,880.
248 work-hours × $85 per hour =
$21,080.
26 work-hours × $85 per hour = $2,210
0
21,080 ....................
$2,445,280.
0
2,210 ......................
$256,360.
New Zone C Inspection ..........................
Parts cost
Cost per product
Cost on U.S.
operators
Action
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
ESTIMATED COSTS—OPTIONAL ACTIONS
Action
Labor cost
Parts cost
Open-hole NDT Inspections (high frequency eddy current inspections).
Zone B Modification ....................................
Up to 298 work-hours × $85 per hour = up to
$25,330.
Up to 313 work-hours × $85 per hour = up to
$26,605.
Up to 298 work-hours × $85 per hour = up to
$25,330.
$0 .............................
Up to $25,330.
Up to $3,486 ............
Up to $30,091.
$0 .............................
Up to $25,330.
Post-Modification Inspections ......................
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:05 Dec 20, 2016
Jkt 241001
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
E:\FR\FM\21DER1.SGM
21DER1
Cost per product
93588
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 245 / Wednesday, December 21, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
We have received no definitive data
that would enable us to provide a cost
estimate for the on-condition actions
specified in this AD.
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority for This Rulemaking
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
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.
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
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:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:05 Dec 20, 2016
Jkt 241001
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
2016–25–05 The Boeing Company:
Amendment 39–18731; Docket No.
FAA–2015–5816; Directorate Identifier
2015–NM–029–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective January 25, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2006–10–16,
Amendment 39–14600 (71 FR 28570, May 17,
2006) (‘‘AD 2006–10–16’’).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing
Company Model 747–100, 747–100B, 747–
100B SUD, 747–200B, 747–200C, 747–200F,
747–300, 747–400, 747–400D, 747–400F,
747SR, and 747SP series airplanes;
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 55, Stabilizers.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of
cracking found in the splice plates, hinge
fittings, terminal fittings, the upper skin of
the outboard and center sections, upper
chord, and rear spar webs before reaching the
inspection interval specified in AD 2006–10–
16. Cracked and fractured Maraging steel
fasteners were also found. We are issuing this
AD to detect and correct this cracking, which
could lead to reduced structural capability of
the outboard and center sections of the
horizontal stabilizer and could result in loss
of control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Repetitive Inspections/Investigative and
Corrective Actions
At the applicable time specified in
paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing
Service Bulletin 747–55A2050, Revision 2,
dated January 23, 2015, except as required by
paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD: Do
the applicable actions specified in
paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), (g)(3), and (g)(4) of
this AD, and all applicable related
investigative and corrective actions, in
accordance with the applicable part of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Service Bulletin 747–55A2050, Revision 2,
dated January 23, 2015, except as required by
paragraph (h)(3) of this AD. Do all applicable
related investigative and corrective actions
before further flight. Repeat the applicable
inspections specified in paragraphs (g)(1),
PO 00000
Frm 00018
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
(g)(2), (g)(3), and (g)(4) of this AD at the
applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E.,
‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Service Bulletin
747–55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23,
2015.
(1) For Group 1 through 3 airplanes
identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747–
55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015:
Do non-destructive test (NDT) inspections
(ultrasonic, high frequency eddy current, and
low frequency eddy current inspections) or
open-hole NDT inspections (high frequency
eddy current inspections) of Zone B for
cracking, in accordance with Part 3 or Part
4 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 747–55A2050,
Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015, as
applicable. Accomplishing a Zone B
inspection required by this paragraph
terminates the inspections required by
paragraph (g) of AD 2006–10–16 for the
inspected area only.
(2) For Group 4 through 6 airplanes
identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747–
55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015:
Do open-hole NDT inspections (high
frequency eddy current inspections) of Zone
B for cracking, in accordance with Part 4 of
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Service Bulletin 747–55A2050, Revision 2,
dated January 23, 2015. Accomplishing a
Zone B inspection required by this paragraph
terminates the inspections required by
paragraph (i) of AD 2006–10–16 for the
inspected area only.
(3) For Group 7 through 9 airplanes
identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747–
55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015:
Do inspections of Zone A (detailed or high
frequency eddy current inspections) and
Zone B (open-hole high frequency eddy
current inspections) for cracking, in
accordance with Part 1, Part 2, or Part 4 of
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Service Bulletin 747–55A2050, Revision 2,
dated January 23, 2015, as applicable.
Accomplishing Zone A and Zone B
inspections required by this paragraph
terminates the inspections required by
paragraphs (f), (i), and (l) of AD 2006–10–16
for the inspected area only.
(4) For Group 1 through 3 airplanes
identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747–
55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015:
Do an inspection of Zone C Maraging or H–
11 steel fasteners to determine whether
fasteners are magnetic, in accordance with
Part 6 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 747–55A2050,
Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015.
(h) Exceptions to Service Bulletin
Specifications
(1) Where Boeing Service Bulletin 747–
55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015,
specifies a compliance time ‘‘after the
Revision 2 date of this service bulletin,’’ this
AD requires compliance within the specified
compliance time after the effective date of
this AD.
(2) The Condition column of Table 1 of
paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing
Service Bulletin 747–55A2050, Revision 2,
dated January 23, 2015, refers to airplanes
with certain total flight cycles and total flight
hours. This AD, however, applies to the
E:\FR\FM\21DER1.SGM
21DER1
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 245 / Wednesday, December 21, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
airplanes with the specified total flight cycles
and total flight hours as of the effective date
of this AD.
(3) Where Boeing Service Bulletin 747–
55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015,
specifies to contact Boeing for repair
instructions: Before further flight, repair
using a method approved in accordance with
the procedures specified in paragraph (l) of
this AD.
(i) Optional Terminating Action
(1) For Group 1 through 3 airplanes
identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747–
55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015:
Accomplishing the Zone B modification,
including all applicable related investigative
and corrective actions, specified in Part 7 of
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Service Bulletin 747–55A2050, Revision 2,
dated January 23, 2015, except as required by
paragraph (h)(3) of this AD, terminates the
repetitive inspections specified in paragraphs
(i)(1)(i) through (i)(1)(iv) of this AD for the
modified area only.
(i) Inspections required by paragraph (g)(1)
of this AD for Zone B, as specified in Part
3 and Part 4 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747–
55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015.
(ii) Inspections required by paragraph (g)(4)
of this AD for Zone C, as specified in Part
6 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 747–55A2050,
Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015.
(iii) Inspections required by paragraph (g)
of AD 2006–10–16 for Zone B, as specified
in Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions
of Boeing Service Bulletin 747–55A2050,
Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015.
(iv) Inspections required by paragraph (k)
of AD 2006–10–16 for Zone C, as specified
in Part 5 of the Accomplishment Instructions
of Boeing Service Bulletin 747–55A2050,
Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015.
(2) For Group 1 through 3 airplanes
identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747–
55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015:
Accomplishing the Zone B open-hole NDT
inspection, repairing any cracking as
applicable, and replacing fasteners as
specified in Part 4 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747–
55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015,
terminates the actions specified in
paragraphs (i)(2)(i) and (i)(2)(ii) of this AD for
the inspected area only.
(i) The inspections required by paragraph
(g)(4) of this AD for Zone C, as specified in
Part 6 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 747–55A2050,
Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015.
(ii) The repetitive inspections required by
paragraph (k) of AD 2006–10–16 for Zone C,
as specified in Part 5 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747–
55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015.
(3) For Group 4 through 9 airplanes
identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747–
55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015:
Accomplishing the Zone B modification,
including all applicable related investigative
and corrective actions, specified in Part 7 of
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Service Bulletin 747–55A2050, Revision 2,
dated January 23, 2015, except as required by
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:05 Dec 20, 2016
Jkt 241001
paragraph (h)(3) of this AD, terminates the
actions specified in paragraphs (i)(3)(i) and
(i)(3)(ii) of this AD for the modified area only.
(i) The repetitive inspections required by
paragraph (g)(2) or (g)(3) of this AD, as
applicable, only for Zone B, as specified in
Part 4 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 747–55A2050,
Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015.
(ii) The repetitive inspections required by
paragraph (i) of AD 2006–10–16 for Zone B,
as specified in Part 4 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747–
55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015.
(j) Repetitive Post-Modification Inspections
and Corrective Actions
At the applicable time specified in
paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing
Service Bulletin 747–55A2050, Revision 2,
dated January 23, 2015: Do the applicable
inspections specified in paragraphs (j)(1) and
(j)(2) of this AD, and all applicable corrective
actions, in accordance with Part 8 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Service Bulletin 747–55A2050, Revision 2,
dated January 23, 2015, except as required by
paragraph (h)(3) of this AD. Do all applicable
corrective actions before further flight.
Repeat the applicable inspections at the
applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E.,
‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Service Bulletin
747–55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23,
2015.
(1) For Group 1 through 3 airplanes
identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747–
55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015,
on which the Zone B modification specified
in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD is done: Do
non-destructive test (NDT) inspections
(ultrasonic, high frequency eddy current, and
low frequency eddy current inspections) or
open-hole NDT inspections (high frequency
eddy current inspections) of Zone B for
cracking.
(2) For Group 4 through 9 airplanes
identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747–
55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015,
on which the Zone B modification specified
in paragraph (i)(3) of this AD is done: Do
open-hole NDT inspections (high frequency
eddy current inspections) of Zone B for
cracking.
(k) Parts Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, no
person may install any Maraging or H–11
steel fasteners in the locations specified in
this AD. Where Boeing Service Bulletin 747–
55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015,
specifies to install H–11 bolts (kept
fasteners), this AD requires installation of
Inconel bolts.
(l) 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 (m) of this AD. Information may be
PO 00000
Frm 00019
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 9990
93589
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.
(4) AMOCs approved for AD 2006–10–16,
are approved as AMOCs for the
corresponding provisions of paragraph (g) of
this AD, except for approved AMOCs that
allow installation of Maraging or H–11 steel
fasteners.
(m) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Nathan Weigand, Aerospace
Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120S,
FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
Renton, WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–
6428; fax: 425–917–6590; email:
nathan.p.weigand@faa.gov.
(n) 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 Service Bulletin 747–55A2050,
Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) 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.
(4) You may view this 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.
(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 Renton, Washington, on
November 25, 2016.
John P. Piccola, Jr.,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016–29307 Filed 12–20–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
E:\FR\FM\21DER1.SGM
21DER1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 245 (Wednesday, December 21, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 93585-93589]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-29307]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2015-5816; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-029-AD;
Amendment 39-18731; AD 2016-25-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The
Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-
200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP
series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking found in
the splice plates, hinge fittings, terminal fittings, the upper skin of
the outboard
[[Page 93586]]
and center sections, upper chord, and rear spar webs before reaching
the inspection interval specified in AD 2006-10-16. Cracked and
fractured Maraging steel fasteners were also found. This AD requires
repetitive inspections for cracking, an inspection to determine whether
fasteners are magnetic, repetitive ultrasonic inspections for cracking
and fractures of affected fasteners, and related investigative and
corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective January 25, 2017.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 25,
2017.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
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. It is also available on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
5816.
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-2015-
5816; 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: Nathan Weigand, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6428; fax: 425-917-6590; email: nathan.p.weigand@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to supersede AD 2006-10-16, Amendment 39-14600 (71 FR 28570,
May 17, 2006) (``AD 2006-10-16''). AD 2006-10-16 applies to all The
Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-
200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP
series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
November 27, 2015 (80 FR 74052) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted
by reports of cracking found in the splice plates, hinge fittings,
terminal fittings, the upper skin of the outboard and center sections,
upper chord, and rear spar webs before reaching the inspection interval
specified in AD 2006-10-16. Cracked and fractured Maraging steel
fasteners were also found. The NPRM proposed to reduce the compliance
time for certain inspections and add repetitive inspections for
cracking of the splice plates, hinge fittings, terminal fittings, upper
skin of the outboard and center sections, and rear spar webs in Zone B.
The NPRM also proposed to require an inspection to determine whether
fasteners are magnetic in Zone C, repetitive ultrasonic inspections for
cracking and fractures of affected fasteners, and related investigative
and corrective actions if necessary. The NPRM also added an optional
modification, which would terminate certain repetitive inspections,
provided post-modification inspections and corrective action are done
if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct this
cracking, which could lead to reduced structural capability of the
outboard and center sections of the horizontal stabilizer and could
result in loss of control of the airplane.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and
the FAA's response to each comment.
Request To Clarify Inspections
Atlas Airlines, United Airlines, and The Boeing Company requested
that we clarify the inspection required by the proposed AD. Atlas
Airlines stated that the ``Proposed AD Requirements'' paragraph of the
NPRM states that the proposed AD would retain all the requirements of
AD 2006-10-16. Atlas Airlines also stated that paragraph (f) of AD
2006-10-16 is not included in the proposed AD and noted that paragraph
(g)(3) of the proposed AD identifies only Groups 7 through 9 as the
applicable groups for the Zone A inspections. Atlas Airlines asked for
clarification of the Zone A inspections.
Boeing noted that AD 2006-10-16 includes Zone C inspections as
specified in Part 5 of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 1,
dated May 1, 2003, and included Zone A inspections for Groups 1 through
6. Boeing noted that these inspections have not been removed by Boeing
Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015.
Boeing also requested that we revise the proposed AD to address the
Zone C inspections in Part 5 of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050,
Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015, and the Zone A inspections for
Groups 1 through 6.
United Airlines disagreed with not restating the requirements of AD
2006-10-16. United Airlines stated that operators might miss that Zone
A inspections and Zone C, Part 5, inspections required by AD 2006-10-16
are intended to be mandated. United Airlines noted that although the
preamble of the NPRM stated that all inspections of AD 2006-10-16 are
retained, paragraph (g) of the proposed AD only specifies new
requirements and does not include certain Zone A inspections and Zone
C, Part 5, inspections.
We agree that clarification is necessary. As stated in the preamble
to the NPRM, we intended to retain all requirements of AD 2006-10-16.
However, the actions specified in the proposed AD do not include the
inspections referred to by the commenters. We have determined that
instead of including those actions in this final rule, we will issue
this action as a stand-alone AD. Thus, AD 2006-10-16 is not superseded,
making it clear that all actions in AD 2006-10-16 continue to be
required. In addition, we have revised this AD to specify when
accomplishing certain actions in this AD terminates actions specified
in AD 2006-10-16. We have made the following changes:
Revised paragraph (g)(1) of this AD to specify that
accomplishing a Zone B inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this
AD terminates the inspections required by paragraph (g) of AD 2006-10-
16 for the inspected area only.
Revised paragraph (g)(2) of this AD to specify that
accomplishing a Zone B inspection required by paragraph (g)(2) of this
AD terminates the inspections required by paragraph (i) of AD 2006-10-
16 for the inspected area only.
Revised paragraph (g)(3) of this AD to specify that
accomplishing Zone A and Zone B inspections required by
[[Page 93587]]
paragraph (g)(3) of this AD terminates the inspections required by
paragraphs (f), (i), and (l) of AD 2006-10-16 for the inspected area
only.
Added paragraph (i)(1)(iii) to this AD to clarify that
accomplishing the actions specified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD
terminates inspections required by paragraph (g) of AD 2006-10-16 for
Zone B, as specified in Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23,
2015, for the modified area only.
Added paragraph (i)(1)(iv) to this AD to clarify that
accomplishing the actions specified in paragraph (i) of this AD
terminates inspections required by paragraph (k) of AD 2006-10-16 for
Zone C, as specified in Part 5 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23,
2015, for the modified area only.
Added paragraph (i)(2)(ii) of this AD to clarify that
accomplishing the actions specified in paragraph (i)(2) of this AD
terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (k) of AD
2006-10-16 for Zone C, as specified in Part 5 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated
January 23, 2015, for the inspected area only.
Added paragraph (i)(3)(ii) of this AD to clarify that
accomplishing the actions specified in paragraph (i)(3) of this AD
terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (i) of AD
2006-10-16 for Zone B, as specified in Part 4 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated
January 23, 2015, for the modified area only.
Request To Update Terminating Action Language for Zone C Inspections
Boeing requested that we revise paragraph (i)(2) of the proposed AD
to clarify which Zone C inspections are terminated. Boeing noted that
paragraph (i)(2) of the proposed AD specifies that the actions
terminate Zone C inspections specified in Part 6 of Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015, and noted
that Zone C inspections in Part 5 of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-
55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015, are also terminated.
We agree to clarify the terminating action for the Zone C
inspections, and have revised paragraph (i)(2) of this AD accordingly.
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 for correcting the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
We also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated
January 23, 2015. The service information describes procedures for
accomplishing Zone A, Zone B, and Zone C inspections for cracking of
the upper skin and upper rear spar chord of the outboard and center
sections of the horizontal stabilizer, and related investigative and
corrective actions if necessary. The service information also describes
procedures for a magnetic inspection to determine the type of
fasteners, ultrasonic inspections for cracking and fractures of
affected fasteners, and related investigative and corrective actions if
necessary. This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 116 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs--Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zone A Inspections (required by 8 work-hours x $85 per $0 $680.............. Up to $78,880.
AD 2006-10-16). hour = $680.
Zone B Open-hole nondestructive 30 work-hours x $85 per 0 2,550............. Up to $295,800.
testing (NDT) Inspection hour = $2,550.
(required by AD 2006-10-16 for
Groups 3, 4, and 5 airplanes;
and for Groups 1, 2, and 3
airplanes, if done).
Zone C Maraging or H-11 Steel 8 work-hours x $85 per 0 680............... Up to $78,880.
Fastener Inspection (required hour = $680.
by AD 2006-10-16 for Groups 1,
2, and 3 airplanes).
New Zone B Inspections......... 248 work-hours x $85 0 21,080............ $2,445,280.
per hour = $21,080.
New Zone C Inspection.......... 26 work-hours x $85 per 0 2,210............. $256,360.
hour = $2,210.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated Costs--Optional Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Open-hole NDT Inspections (high Up to 298 work-hours x $85 per $0................... Up to $25,330.
frequency eddy current hour = up to $25,330.
inspections).
Zone B Modification............... Up to 313 work-hours x $85 per Up to $3,486......... Up to $30,091.
hour = up to $26,605.
Post-Modification Inspections..... Up to 298 work-hours x $85 per $0................... Up to $25,330.
hour = up to $25,330.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 93588]]
We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
a cost estimate 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):
2016-25-05 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18731; Docket No. FAA-
2015-5816; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-029-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective January 25, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2006-10-16, Amendment 39-14600 (71 FR 28570,
May 17, 2006) (``AD 2006-10-16'').
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-
100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400,
747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes; certificated
in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 55, Stabilizers.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracking found in the splice
plates, hinge fittings, terminal fittings, the upper skin of the
outboard and center sections, upper chord, and rear spar webs before
reaching the inspection interval specified in AD 2006-10-16. Cracked
and fractured Maraging steel fasteners were also found. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct this cracking, which could
lead to reduced structural capability of the outboard and center
sections of the horizontal stabilizer and could result in loss of
control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Repetitive Inspections/Investigative and Corrective Actions
At the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2,
dated January 23, 2015, except as required by paragraphs (h)(1) and
(h)(2) of this AD: Do the applicable actions specified in paragraphs
(g)(1), (g)(2), (g)(3), and (g)(4) of this AD, and all applicable
related investigative and corrective actions, in accordance with the
applicable part of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015, except as
required by paragraph (h)(3) of this AD. Do all applicable related
investigative and corrective actions before further flight. Repeat
the applicable inspections specified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2),
(g)(3), and (g)(4) of this AD at the applicable times specified in
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-
55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015.
(1) For Group 1 through 3 airplanes identified in Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015: Do non-
destructive test (NDT) inspections (ultrasonic, high frequency eddy
current, and low frequency eddy current inspections) or open-hole
NDT inspections (high frequency eddy current inspections) of Zone B
for cracking, in accordance with Part 3 or Part 4 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050,
Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015, as applicable. Accomplishing a
Zone B inspection required by this paragraph terminates the
inspections required by paragraph (g) of AD 2006-10-16 for the
inspected area only.
(2) For Group 4 through 6 airplanes identified in Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015: Do open-
hole NDT inspections (high frequency eddy current inspections) of
Zone B for cracking, in accordance with Part 4 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2,
dated January 23, 2015. Accomplishing a Zone B inspection required
by this paragraph terminates the inspections required by paragraph
(i) of AD 2006-10-16 for the inspected area only.
(3) For Group 7 through 9 airplanes identified in Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015: Do
inspections of Zone A (detailed or high frequency eddy current
inspections) and Zone B (open-hole high frequency eddy current
inspections) for cracking, in accordance with Part 1, Part 2, or
Part 4 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin
747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015, as applicable.
Accomplishing Zone A and Zone B inspections required by this
paragraph terminates the inspections required by paragraphs (f),
(i), and (l) of AD 2006-10-16 for the inspected area only.
(4) For Group 1 through 3 airplanes identified in Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015: Do an
inspection of Zone C Maraging or H-11 steel fasteners to determine
whether fasteners are magnetic, in accordance with Part 6 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050,
Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015.
(h) Exceptions to Service Bulletin Specifications
(1) Where Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated
January 23, 2015, specifies a compliance time ``after the Revision 2
date of this service bulletin,'' this AD requires compliance within
the specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD.
(2) The Condition column of Table 1 of paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2,
dated January 23, 2015, refers to airplanes with certain total
flight cycles and total flight hours. This AD, however, applies to
the
[[Page 93589]]
airplanes with the specified total flight cycles and total flight
hours as of the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated
January 23, 2015, specifies to contact Boeing for repair
instructions: Before further flight, repair using a method approved
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this
AD.
(i) Optional Terminating Action
(1) For Group 1 through 3 airplanes identified in Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015:
Accomplishing the Zone B modification, including all applicable
related investigative and corrective actions, specified in Part 7 of
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-
55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015, except as required by
paragraph (h)(3) of this AD, terminates the repetitive inspections
specified in paragraphs (i)(1)(i) through (i)(1)(iv) of this AD for
the modified area only.
(i) Inspections required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD for Zone
B, as specified in Part 3 and Part 4 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2,
dated January 23, 2015.
(ii) Inspections required by paragraph (g)(4) of this AD for
Zone C, as specified in Part 6 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23,
2015.
(iii) Inspections required by paragraph (g) of AD 2006-10-16 for
Zone B, as specified in Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23,
2015.
(iv) Inspections required by paragraph (k) of AD 2006-10-16 for
Zone C, as specified in Part 5 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23,
2015.
(2) For Group 1 through 3 airplanes identified in Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015:
Accomplishing the Zone B open-hole NDT inspection, repairing any
cracking as applicable, and replacing fasteners as specified in Part
4 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-
55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015, terminates the actions
specified in paragraphs (i)(2)(i) and (i)(2)(ii) of this AD for the
inspected area only.
(i) The inspections required by paragraph (g)(4) of this AD for
Zone C, as specified in Part 6 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23,
2015.
(ii) The repetitive inspections required by paragraph (k) of AD
2006-10-16 for Zone C, as specified in Part 5 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2,
dated January 23, 2015.
(3) For Group 4 through 9 airplanes identified in Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015:
Accomplishing the Zone B modification, including all applicable
related investigative and corrective actions, specified in Part 7 of
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-
55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015, except as required by
paragraph (h)(3) of this AD, terminates the actions specified in
paragraphs (i)(3)(i) and (i)(3)(ii) of this AD for the modified area
only.
(i) The repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g)(2) or
(g)(3) of this AD, as applicable, only for Zone B, as specified in
Part 4 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin
747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015.
(ii) The repetitive inspections required by paragraph (i) of AD
2006-10-16 for Zone B, as specified in Part 4 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2,
dated January 23, 2015.
(j) Repetitive Post-Modification Inspections and Corrective Actions
At the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2,
dated January 23, 2015: Do the applicable inspections specified in
paragraphs (j)(1) and (j)(2) of this AD, and all applicable
corrective actions, in accordance with Part 8 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2,
dated January 23, 2015, except as required by paragraph (h)(3) of
this AD. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight.
Repeat the applicable inspections at the applicable times specified
in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-
55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015.
(1) For Group 1 through 3 airplanes identified in Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015, on which
the Zone B modification specified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD is
done: Do non-destructive test (NDT) inspections (ultrasonic, high
frequency eddy current, and low frequency eddy current inspections)
or open-hole NDT inspections (high frequency eddy current
inspections) of Zone B for cracking.
(2) For Group 4 through 9 airplanes identified in Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2015, on which
the Zone B modification specified in paragraph (i)(3) of this AD is
done: Do open-hole NDT inspections (high frequency eddy current
inspections) of Zone B for cracking.
(k) Parts Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install any
Maraging or H-11 steel fasteners in the locations specified in this
AD. Where Boeing Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated
January 23, 2015, specifies to install H-11 bolts (kept fasteners),
this AD requires installation of Inconel bolts.
(l) 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 (m) 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.
(4) AMOCs approved for AD 2006-10-16, are approved as AMOCs for
the corresponding provisions of paragraph (g) of this AD, except for
approved AMOCs that allow installation of Maraging or H-11 steel
fasteners.
(m) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Nathan Weigand,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle ACO,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6428;
fax: 425-917-6590; email: nathan.p.weigand@faa.gov.
(n) 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 Service Bulletin 747-55A2050, Revision 2, dated
January 23, 2015.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) 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.
(4) You may view this 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.
(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 November 25, 2016.
John P. Piccola, Jr.,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-29307 Filed 12-20-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
