Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 17510-17513 [2020-06501]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
17510
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 61 / Monday, March 30, 2020 / Proposed Rules
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2019–0518; Product
Identifier 2019–NM–062–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Proposed rule; withdrawal.
AGENCY:
The FAA is withdrawing a
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
that proposed to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) that would
have applied to certain The Boeing
Company Model 787–8 and 787–9
airplanes. The NPRM was prompted by
a report that a passenger entry door
assist handle became detached during
use. The NPRM would have required a
detailed inspection of all passenger and
service entry door assist handles for
correct installation and applicable oncondition actions. Since issuance of the
NPRM, we determined that the service
information is ineffective in addressing
the unsafe condition and must be
revised. Accordingly, the NPRM is
withdrawn.
SUMMARY:
The FAA is withdrawing the
proposed rule published July 15, 2019
(84 FR 33710), as of March 30, 2020.
ADDRESSES:
DATES:
lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with PROPOSALS
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–2019–
0518; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this AD action,
the regulatory evaluation, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is 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:
Brandon Lucero, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety and Environmental
Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206–
231–3569; email: brandon.lucero@
faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:24 Mar 27, 2020
Jkt 250001
Discussion
The FAA issued an NPRM that
proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by
adding an AD that would apply to the
specified products. The NPRM was
published in the Federal Register on
July 15, 2019 (84 FR 33710). The NPRM
was prompted by a report that a
passenger entry door assist handle
became detached during use. An
investigation found that incorrect
installation of the door assist handle is
possible due to the handle insert giving
a false indication of correct installation.
The NPRM proposed to require a
detailed inspection of all passenger and
service entry door assist handles for
correct installation and applicable oncondition actions. The proposed actions
were intended to address the possibility
of an incorrectly installed door assist
handle becoming detached and
unavailable to use during door
operation or airplane egress, which
could cause injury to passengers,
flightcrew, or maintenance personnel.
Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued
Since issuance of the NPRM, Boeing
has informed the FAA that the root
cause determination has changed. The
unsafe condition still exists but the
proposed service information is
ineffective in correcting it, therefore it is
necessary to completely revise the
service information to address the root
cause.
Withdrawal of the NPRM constitutes
only such action and does not preclude
the FAA from further rulemaking on
this issue, nor does it commit the FAA
to any course of action in the future.
FAA’s Conclusions
Upon further consideration, the FAA
has determined that the NPRM does not
adequately address the identified unsafe
condition. Accordingly, the NPRM is
withdrawn.
Regulatory Findings
Since this action only withdraws an
NPRM, it is neither a proposed nor a
final rule. This action therefore is not
covered under Executive Order 12866,
the Regulatory Flexibility Act, or DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44
FR 11034, February 26, 1979).
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Withdrawal
Accordingly, the notice of proposed
rulemaking, Docket No. FAA–2019–
0518, which was published in the
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Federal Register on July 15, 2019 (84 FR
33710), is withdrawn.
Issued on March 24, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–06503 Filed 3–27–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0208; Product
Identifier 2019–NM–209–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to
supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2015–13–06, which applies to certain
The Boeing Company Model 747–400
and 747–400F series airplanes. AD
2015–13–06 requires repetitive
inspections of the longeron extension
fittings for cracking, repetitive high
frequency eddy current (HFEC)
inspections of any modified, repaired,
or replaced longeron extension fitting
for cracking, and applicable oncondition actions. Since the FAA issued
AD 2015–13–06, the FAA has
determined that additional airplanes are
affected by the identified unsafe
condition. This proposed AD would
retain the requirements of AD 2015–13–
06 and include additional airplanes in
the applicability. For those additional
airplanes, this proposed AD would
require only repetitive inspections of
the longeron extension fittings for
cracking and repair if necessary. The
FAA is proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by May 14, 2020.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\30MRP1.SGM
30MRP1
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 61 / Monday, March 30, 2020 / Proposed Rules
overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of
this NPRM. The FAA will consider all
comments received by the closing date
and may amend this NPRM because of
those comments.
The FAA will post all comments,
without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. The
FAA will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact the agency receives about this
proposed AD.
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this NPRM, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster
Blvd., MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA
90740–5600; phone: 562–797–1717;
internet: https://
www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view
this service information at the FAA,
Transport Standards Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
It is also available on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–0208.
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–2020–
0208; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this NPRM, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is
listed above. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric
Lin, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe
Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
phone and fax: 206–231–3523; email:
eric.lin@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send
your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include
‘‘Docket No. FAA–2020–0208; Product
Identifier 2019–NM–209–AD’’ at the
beginning of your comments. The FAA
specifically invites comments on the
Discussion
The FAA issued AD 2015–13–06,
Amendment 39–18193 (80 FR 44835,
July 28, 2015) (‘‘AD 2015–13–06’’), for
certain The Boeing Company Model
747–400 and 747–400F series airplanes.
AD 2015–13–06 requires repetitive
inspections of the longeron extension
fittings for cracking, repetitive HFEC
inspections of any modified, repaired,
or replaced longeron extension fitting
for cracking, and applicable oncondition actions. AD 2015–13–06
resulted from reports of cracking in the
outboard flange of the longeron
extension fittings, and the FAA’s
determination that more work is
necessary on airplanes on which a
permanent repair, longeron extension
fitting replacement, or modification was
accomplished. The FAA issued AD
2015–13–06 to address cracks in the
longeron extension fittings, which can
become large and adversely affect the
structural integrity of the airplane.
Actions Since AD 2015–13–06 Was
Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2015–13–
06, Boeing reported that an operator
found a cracked longeron extension
fitting on an airplane not included in
the applicability of AD 2015–13–06.
Based on that report, the FAA has
determined that additional airplanes are
likely affected by the identified unsafe
condition. The FAA has therefore added
Model 747–100, 747–100B, 747–100B
SUD, 747–200B, 747–200C, 747–200F,
747–300, 747–400D, 747SR, and 747SP
series airplanes to the applicability of
this proposed AD.
17511
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Service
Bulletin 747–53A2860, Revision 3,
dated November 11, 2019. The service
information describes procedures for
repetitive inspections of the longeron
extension fittings for cracking, repetitive
HFEC inspections of any modified,
repaired, or replaced longeron extension
fitting for cracking, and applicable oncondition actions. On-condition actions
include replacement, repair, and
modification. 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.
FAA’s Determination
The FAA is proposing this AD
because the FAA evaluated all the
relevant information and determined
the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop
in other products of the same type
design.
Proposed AD Requirements
Although this proposed AD does not
explicitly restate the requirements of AD
2015–13–06, this proposed AD would
retain all of the requirements of AD
2015–13–06. Those requirements are
referenced in the service information
identified previously, which, in turn, is
referenced in paragraph (g) of this
proposed AD. This proposed AD would
include additional airplanes in the
applicability. This proposed AD would
also require accomplishing the actions
specified in the service information
described previously. For information
on the procedures and compliance
times, see this service information at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–0208.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed
AD affects 67 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs
to comply with this proposed AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with PROPOSALS
Action
Labor cost
Parts cost
HFEC inspection (retained ac- 32 work-hours × $85 per hour
tions from AD 2015-13-06)
= $2,720 per inspection
(41 airplanes).
cycle.
HFEC inspection (new pro32 work-hours × $85 per hour
posed action) (26 airplanes).
= $2,720 per inspection
cycle.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:24 Mar 27, 2020
Jkt 250001
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 4702
Cost per product
Cost on U.S. operators
$0
$2,720 per inspection cycle ...
$111,520 per inspection
cycle.
$0
$2,720 per inspection cycle ...
$70,720 per inspection cycle.
Sfmt 4702
E:\FR\FM\30MRP1.SGM
30MRP1
17512
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 61 / Monday, March 30, 2020 / Proposed Rules
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary on-condition
actions that would be required. The
FAA has no way of determining the
number of aircraft that might need these
on-condition actions:
ESTIMATED COSTS OF ON-CONDITION COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Parts cost
Replacement, Repair, Modification,
or Preventative Modification.
Up to 908 work-hours × $85 per
hour = Up to $77,180.
Up to $99,950 ...............................
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.
The FAA is 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.
lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with PROPOSALS
Regulatory Findings
The FAA has determined that this
proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the
States, on the relationship between the
national Government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that the proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:24 Mar 27, 2020
Jkt 250001
Cost per product
Up to $177,130.
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Service Bulletin 747–53A2860, Revision 3,
dated November 11, 2019.
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
(h) Exceptions to Service Information
Specifications
(1) Where Boeing Service Bulletin 747–
53A2860, Revision 3, dated November 11,
2019, uses the phrase ‘‘the Revision 3 date of
this service bulletin,’’ this AD requires using
‘‘the effective date of this AD.’’
(2) Where Boeing Service Bulletin 747–
53A2860, Revision 3, dated November 11,
2019, specifies contacting Boeing for repair
instructions: This AD requires doing the
repair using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (j) of this AD.
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by
removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2015–13–06, Amendment 39–18193 (80
FR 44835, July 28, 2015), and adding the
following new AD:
■
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA–
2020–0208; Product Identifier 2019–
NM–209–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
AD action by May 14, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2015–13–06,
Amendment 39–18193 (80 FR 44835, July 28,
2015) (‘‘AD 2015–13–06’’).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to 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, as identified in Boeing Service
Bulletin 747–53A2860, Revision 3, dated
November 11, 2019.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of
cracking in the outboard flange of the
longeron extension fittings and the FAA’s
determination that additional airplanes are
affected by the identified unsafe condition.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracks
in the longeron extension fittings, which can
become large and adversely affect the
structural integrity of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this
AD: At the applicable times specified in
paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing
Service Bulletin 747–53A2860, Revision 3,
dated November 11, 2019, do all applicable
actions identified in, and in accordance with,
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
(1) This paragraph provides credit for the
actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD,
if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 747–53A2860, Revision 1,
dated March 18, 2014, which was
incorporated by reference in AD 2015–13–06,
Amendment 39–18193 (80 FR 44835, July 28,
2015); or Boeing Service Bulletin 747–
53A2860, Revision 2, dated July 12, 2016,
which is not incorporated by reference in this
AD.
(2) This paragraph provides credit for the
repetitive inspections, and inspection of
temporary repair and corrective actions
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if those
actions were performed before September 1,
2015 (the effective date of AD 2015–13–06)
using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747–
53A2860, dated December 4, 2012, which
was incorporated by reference in AD 2013–
14–05, Amendment 39–17510, (78 FR 43763,
July 22, 2013).
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch,
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
certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9ANM-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,
E:\FR\FM\30MRP1.SGM
30MRP1
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 61 / Monday, March 30, 2020 / Proposed Rules
modification, or alteration required by this
AD if it is approved by The Boeing Company
Organization Designation Authorization
(ODA) that has been authorized by the
Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, to make
those findings. To be approved, the repair
method, modification deviation, or alteration
deviation must meet the certification basis of
the airplane, and the approval must
specifically refer to this AD.
(4) AMOCs approved previously for the
actions specified in paragraphs (g), (h), (i),
and (j) of AD 2015–13–06 are approved as
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 747–53A2860,
Revision 3, dated November 11, 2019, that
are required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Eric Lin, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone and fax: 206–231–3523; email:
eric.lin@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd.,
MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600;
phone: 562–797–1717; internet: https://
www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this
referenced service information at the FAA,
Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA.
For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
Issued on March 22, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–06501 Filed 3–27–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
manufacturing, which could result in air
leakage through the low-pressure
turbine (LPT) rear support seal panel
assembly (‘‘LPT seal panel’’). This
proposed AD would require
replacement of the LPT seal panel. The
FAA is proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by May 14, 2020.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this NPRM, contact Rolls-Royce
Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG, Eschenweg
11, 15827 Blankenfelde-Mahlow,
Germany; phone: +49 (0) 33 708 6 0;
email: https://www.rolls-royce.com/
contact-us.aspx. You may view this
service information at the FAA, Engine
and Propeller Standards Branch, 1200
District Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803.
For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 781–238–
7759.
Examining the AD Docket
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0265; Project
Identifier MCAI–2019–00131–E]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce
Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (Type
Certificate Previously Held by RollsRoyce plc) Turbofan Engines.
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with PROPOSALS
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG
Trent XWB–75, Trent XWB–79, Trent
XWB–79B, and Trent XWB–84 model
turbofan engines. This proposed AD was
prompted by reports of a lack of weld
fusion on the resistance welding during
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:24 Mar 27, 2020
Jkt 250001
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
0265; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this NPRM, the
mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is
listed above. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Stephen Elwin, Aerospace Engineer,
ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803; phone:
781–238–7236; fax: 781–238–7199;
email: stephen.l.elwin@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written relevant data, views, or
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
17513
arguments about this proposal. Send
your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include
‘‘Docket No. FAA–2020–0265; Project
Identifier MCAI–2019–00131–E’’ at the
beginning of your comments. The FAA
specifically invites comments on the
overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of
this NPRM. The FAA will consider all
comments received by the closing date
and may amend this NPRM because of
those comments.
Except for Confidential Business
Information as described in the
following paragraph, and other
information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments
received, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. The
FAA will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
Confidential Business Information
(CBI) is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and
actually treated as private by its owner.
Under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt
from public disclosure. If your
comments responsive to this NPRM
contain commercial or financial
information that is customarily treated
as private, that you actually treat as
private, and that is relevant or
responsive to this NPRM, it is important
that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each
page of your submission containing CBI
as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such
marked submissions as confidential
under the FOIA, and they will not be
placed in the public docket of this
NPRM. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to Stephen Elwin,
Aerospace Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA,
1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA,
01803. Any commentary that the FAA
receives which is not specifically
designated as CBI will be placed in the
public docket for this rulemaking.
Discussion
The European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Community, has issued EASA
AD 2019–0071, dated March 28, 2019
(referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to
address the unsafe condition on these
products. The MCAI states:
The affected parts, as defined in this
[EASA] AD, are static parts, located behind
the intermediate pressure (IP) turbine 2 disc,
forming a seal between the IP and LP cavities
through an interface with the rotating IP
E:\FR\FM\30MRP1.SGM
30MRP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 61 (Monday, March 30, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 17510-17513]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-06501]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0208; Product Identifier 2019-NM-209-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2015-13-06, which applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400
and 747-400F series airplanes. AD 2015-13-06 requires repetitive
inspections of the longeron extension fittings for cracking, repetitive
high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections of any modified,
repaired, or replaced longeron extension fitting for cracking, and
applicable on-condition actions. Since the FAA issued AD 2015-13-06,
the FAA has determined that additional airplanes are affected by the
identified unsafe condition. This proposed AD would retain the
requirements of AD 2015-13-06 and include additional airplanes in the
applicability. For those additional airplanes, this proposed AD would
require only repetitive inspections of the longeron extension fittings
for cracking and repair if necessary. The FAA is proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 14,
2020.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
[[Page 17511]]
W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS),
2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-5600; phone:
562-797-1717; internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view
this service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available on
the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0208.
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-2020-
0208; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric Lin, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe
Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3523; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2020-0208;
Product Identifier 2019-NM-209-AD'' at the beginning of your comments.
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. The FAA will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this
NPRM because of those comments.
The FAA will post all comments, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide.
The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact the agency receives about this proposed AD.
Discussion
The FAA issued AD 2015-13-06, Amendment 39-18193 (80 FR 44835, July
28, 2015) (``AD 2015-13-06''), for certain The Boeing Company Model
747-400 and 747-400F series airplanes. AD 2015-13-06 requires
repetitive inspections of the longeron extension fittings for cracking,
repetitive HFEC inspections of any modified, repaired, or replaced
longeron extension fitting for cracking, and applicable on-condition
actions. AD 2015-13-06 resulted from reports of cracking in the
outboard flange of the longeron extension fittings, and the FAA's
determination that more work is necessary on airplanes on which a
permanent repair, longeron extension fitting replacement, or
modification was accomplished. The FAA issued AD 2015-13-06 to address
cracks in the longeron extension fittings, which can become large and
adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane.
Actions Since AD 2015-13-06 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2015-13-06, Boeing reported that an
operator found a cracked longeron extension fitting on an airplane not
included in the applicability of AD 2015-13-06. Based on that report,
the FAA has determined that additional airplanes are likely affected by
the identified unsafe condition. The FAA has therefore added Model 747-
100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300,
747-400D, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes to the applicability of
this proposed AD.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, Revision 3,
dated November 11, 2019. The service information describes procedures
for repetitive inspections of the longeron extension fittings for
cracking, repetitive HFEC inspections of any modified, repaired, or
replaced longeron extension fitting for cracking, and applicable on-
condition actions. On-condition actions include replacement, repair,
and modification. 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.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is proposing this AD because the FAA evaluated all the
relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same
type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
Although this proposed AD does not explicitly restate the
requirements of AD 2015-13-06, this proposed AD would retain all of the
requirements of AD 2015-13-06. Those requirements are referenced in the
service information identified previously, which, in turn, is
referenced in paragraph (g) of this proposed AD. This proposed AD would
include additional airplanes in the applicability. This proposed AD
would also require accomplishing the actions specified in the service
information described previously. For information on the procedures and
compliance times, see this service information at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0208.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 67 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HFEC inspection (retained actions 32 work-hours x $85 $0 $2,720 per $111,520 per
from AD 2015[dash]13[dash]06) per hour = $2,720 inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
(41 airplanes). per inspection
cycle.
HFEC inspection (new proposed 32 work-hours x $85 $0 $2,720 per $70,720 per
action) (26 airplanes). per hour = $2,720 inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
per inspection
cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 17512]]
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required. The FAA has no way of
determining the number of aircraft that might need these on-condition
actions:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement, Repair, Modification, or Up to 908 work-hours x Up to $99,950.......... Up to $177,130.
Preventative Modification. $85 per hour = Up to
$77,180.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
The FAA is 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
The FAA has determined that this proposed AD would not have
federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD
would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the
relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of
government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2015-13-06, Amendment 39-18193 (80 FR 44835, July 28, 2015), and adding
the following new AD:
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2020-0208; Product Identifier
2019-NM-209-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by May 14, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2015-13-06, Amendment 39-18193 (80 FR 44835,
July 28, 2015) (``AD 2015-13-06'').
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to 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, as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53A2860,
Revision 3, dated November 11, 2019.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the outboard
flange of the longeron extension fittings and the FAA's
determination that additional airplanes are affected by the
identified unsafe condition. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
cracks in the longeron extension fittings, which can become large
and adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the
applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, Revision 3, dated November 11,
2019, do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance
with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin
747-53A2860, Revision 3, dated November 11, 2019.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) Where Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, Revision 3, dated
November 11, 2019, uses the phrase ``the Revision 3 date of this
service bulletin,'' this AD requires using ``the effective date of
this AD.''
(2) Where Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, Revision 3, dated
November 11, 2019, specifies contacting Boeing for repair
instructions: This AD requires doing the repair using a method
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph
(j) of this AD.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
(1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2860, Revision 1, dated March 18, 2014, which was incorporated by
reference in AD 2015-13-06, Amendment 39-18193 (80 FR 44835, July
28, 2015); or Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, Revision 2, dated
July 12, 2016, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
(2) This paragraph provides credit for the repetitive
inspections, and inspection of temporary repair and corrective
actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were
performed before September 1, 2015 (the effective date of AD 2015-
13-06) using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, dated
December 4, 2012, which was incorporated by reference in AD 2013-14-
05, Amendment 39-17510, (78 FR 43763, July 22, 2013).
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. Information may be
emailed to: [email protected].
(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,
[[Page 17513]]
modification, or alteration required by this AD if it is approved by
The Boeing Company Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that
has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, to make
those findings. To be approved, the repair method, modification
deviation, or alteration deviation must meet the certification basis
of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this
AD.
(4) AMOCs approved previously for the actions specified in
paragraphs (g), (h), (i), and (j) of AD 2015-13-06 are approved as
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of Boeing Service Bulletin
747-53A2860, Revision 3, dated November 11, 2019, that are required
by paragraph (g) of this AD.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Eric Lin,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3523;
email: [email protected].
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-
5600; phone: 562-797-1717; internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
You may view this referenced service information at the FAA,
Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA.
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA,
call 206-231-3195.
Issued on March 22, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-06501 Filed 3-27-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
