Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 37547-37549 [2020-13407]
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37547
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
Vol. 85, No. 121
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains regulatory documents having general
applicability and legal effect, most of which
are keyed to and codified in the Code of
Federal Regulations, which is published under
50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
Examining the AD Docket
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by
the Superintendent of Documents.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2019–0990; Product
Identifier 2019–NM–122–AD; Amendment
39–19919; AD 2020–12–10]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is 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 cracks of the upper splice
fittings. This AD requires repetitive
detailed inspections and open hole high
frequency eddy current (HFEC)
inspections of the upper splice fittings
for cracks and applicable on-condition
actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
SUMMARY:
This AD is effective July 28,
2020.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of July 28, 2020.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, 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,
Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES
DATES:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:24 Jun 22, 2020
Jkt 250001
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–2019–0990.
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2019–
0990; 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 final rule,
any comments received, and other
information. The 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: 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:
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply 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 December 31, 2019 (84 FR
72260). The NPRM was prompted by
reports of cracks of the upper splice
fittings. The NPRM proposed to require
repetitive detailed inspections and open
hole HFEC inspections of the upper
splice fittings for cracks and applicable
on-condition actions.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
fatigue cracking of the body station (BS)
2598 bulkhead structure, which could
adversely affect the structural integrity
of the bulkhead and the horizontal
stabilizer support structure, and result
in loss of controllability of the airplane.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the
opportunity to participate in developing
this final rule. The following presents
the comment received on the NPRM and
the FAA’s response to each comment.
PO 00000
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Request To Clarify the Unsafe
Condition
Boeing requested that the FAA clarify
the unsafe condition statement in the
NPRM, and reword it to read similarly
to the unsafe condition statement in AD
2014–14–03, Amendment 39–17898 (79
FR 41120, July 15, 2014) (‘‘AD 2014–14–
03’’). Boeing pointed out that AD 2014–
14–03 was prompted by reports of
cracking in similar areas of the bulkhead
structure at BS 2598. Boeing also
pointed out that cracking of the
bulkhead splice fitting would not be
expected to result in loss of the
horizontal stabilizer. Boeing also
mentioned that the requested change
would maintain consistent wording
between ADs that are prompted by
cracking in similar areas.
The FAA agrees for the reasons
provided and has reworded the unsafe
condition statement in this AD
accordingly.
Change to the Service Information
Since the NPRM was published, the
manufacturer has published a new
revision to the service information.
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
747–53A2899 RB, Revision 1, dated
April 7, 2020, corrects the bulletin
approval statement and clarifies the
description of Group 2 airplanes. The
FAA has updated this AD to refer to
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
747–53A2899 RB, Revision 1, dated
April 7, 2020, as the appropriate source
of service information for the required
actions, as all substantive requirements
remain unchanged. Additionally, the
FAA has added paragraph (i) to this AD
to provide credit for actions performed
before the effective date of this AD using
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
747–53A2899 RB, dated April 5, 2019.
The FAA has redesignated subsequent
paragraphs accordingly.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data,
considered the comment received, and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this
final rule with the changes described
previously and minor editorial changes.
The FAA has determined that these
minor changes:
• Are consistent with the intent that
was proposed in the NPRM for
addressing the unsafe condition; and
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 121 / Tuesday, June 23, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
• Do not add any additional burden
upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM.
The FAA also determined that these
changes will not increase the economic
burden on any operator or increase the
scope of this final rule.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 747–53A2899
RB, Revision 1, dated April 7, 2020.
This service information describes
procedures for repetitive detailed
inspections and open hole HFEC
inspections of the left and right upper
splice fittings for cracks and applicable
on-condition actions. On-condition
actions include repair. 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
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 125 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs
to comply with this AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Action
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per product
Cost on U.S.
operators
Repetitive detailed inspections
and open hole HFEC inspections.
5 work-hours × $85 per hour
= $425 per inspection cycle.
$0
$425 per inspection cycle ......
$53,125 per inspection cycle.
The FAA has received no definitive
data that would enable the agency to
provide cost estimates for the oncondition 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.
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.
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES
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) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:24 Jun 22, 2020
Jkt 250001
(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.
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):
■
AD 2020–12–10 The Boeing Company:
Amendment 39–19919; Docket No.
FAA–2019–0990; Product Identifier
2019–NM–122–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective July 28, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(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.
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of
cracking in particular areas of the bulkhead
structure at body station (BS) 2598. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking
of the BS 2598 bulkhead structure, which
could adversely affect the structural integrity
of the bulkhead and the horizontal stabilizer
support structure, and result in loss of
controllability 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 the
‘‘Compliance’’ paragraph of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 747–53A2899 RB,
Revision 1, dated April 7, 2020, do all
applicable actions identified in, and in
accordance with, the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 747–53A2899 RB, Revision 1, dated
April 7, 2020.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for
accomplishing the actions required by this
AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747–53A2899, Revision 1, dated
April 7, 2020, which is referred to in Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 747–53A2899
RB, Revision 1, dated April 7, 2020.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information
Specifications
(1) For purposes of determining
compliance with the requirements of this AD:
Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
747–53A2899 RB, Revision 1, dated April 7,
2020, uses the phrase ‘‘the original issue date
of Requirements Bulletin 747–53A2899 RB,’’
this AD requires using ‘‘the effective date of
this AD.’’
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 747–53A2899 RB, Revision 1, dated
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 121 / Tuesday, June 23, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
April 7, 2020, 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
This paragraph provides credit for the
actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD,
if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 747–53A2899 RB,
dated April 5, 2019.
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
phone: 562–797–1717; internet: https://
www.myboeingfleet.com.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
206–231–3195.
(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,
email fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
(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,
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.
Issued on June 11, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
(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) Service information identified in this
AD that is not incorporated by reference is
available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (l)(3) and (4) of this AD.
SUMMARY:
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
747–53A2899 RB, Revision 1, dated April 7,
2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) 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;
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:24 Jun 22, 2020
Jkt 250001
[FR Doc. 2020–13407 Filed 6–22–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0238; Product
Identifier 2018–SW–072–AD; Amendment
39–21144; AD 2020–12–09]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Helicopters Model EC130B4 and
EC130T2 helicopters. This AD was
prompted by a report that a changed
manufacturing process for the tail rotor
blades (TRB) was implemented,
affecting the structural characteristics of
the blades and generating a new part
number for these blades. This AD
requires re-identifying each affected
TRB having a certain part number and
serial number and establishing a life
limit for the new part numbers. This AD
also prohibits installation of any
affected TRB identified with the old part
number on any helicopter. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 28,
2020.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of July 28, 2020.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
37549
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N. Forum
Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;
telephone 972–641–0000 or 800–232–
0323; fax 972–641–3775; or at https://
www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/
technical-support.html. You may view
this service information at the FAA,
Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX
76177. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA,
call 817–222–5110. It is also available
on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
0238.
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–
0238; 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 final rule,
any comments received, and other
information. The 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:
Kristi Bradley, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft
Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone 817–222–5485; email
Kristin.Bradley@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to all Airbus Helicopters Model
EC130B4 and EC130T2 helicopters. The
NPRM published in the Federal
Register on March 11, 2020 (85 FR
14180). The NPRM was prompted by a
report that a changed manufacturing
process for the TRB was implemented,
affecting the structural characteristics of
the blades and generating a new part
number for these blades. The NPRM
proposed to require re-identifying each
affected TRB having a certain part
number and serial number and
establishing a life limit for the new part
numbers. The NPRM also proposed to
prohibit installation of any affected TRB
identified with the old part number on
any helicopter. The FAA is issuing this
AD to ensure the new part number (P/
N) TRBs do not exceed their life limit,
which could lead to loss of the TRB and
E:\FR\FM\23JNR1.SGM
23JNR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 121 (Tuesday, June 23, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 37547-37549]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-13407]
========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 121 / Tuesday, June 23, 2020 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 37547]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0990; Product Identifier 2019-NM-122-AD; Amendment
39-19919; AD 2020-12-10]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is 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 cracks of
the upper splice fittings. This AD requires repetitive detailed
inspections and open hole high frequency eddy current (HFEC)
inspections of the upper splice fittings for cracks and applicable on-
condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 28, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 28,
2020.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
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, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 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-2019-0990.
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-
0990; 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 final rule, any comments received, and other information. The
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: 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:
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply 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 December 31,
2019 (84 FR 72260). The NPRM was prompted by reports of cracks of the
upper splice fittings. The NPRM proposed to require repetitive detailed
inspections and open hole HFEC inspections of the upper splice fittings
for cracks and applicable on-condition actions.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking of the body
station (BS) 2598 bulkhead structure, which could adversely affect the
structural integrity of the bulkhead and the horizontal stabilizer
support structure, and result in loss of controllability of the
airplane.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The following presents the comment received
on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
Request To Clarify the Unsafe Condition
Boeing requested that the FAA clarify the unsafe condition
statement in the NPRM, and reword it to read similarly to the unsafe
condition statement in AD 2014-14-03, Amendment 39-17898 (79 FR 41120,
July 15, 2014) (``AD 2014-14-03''). Boeing pointed out that AD 2014-14-
03 was prompted by reports of cracking in similar areas of the bulkhead
structure at BS 2598. Boeing also pointed out that cracking of the
bulkhead splice fitting would not be expected to result in loss of the
horizontal stabilizer. Boeing also mentioned that the requested change
would maintain consistent wording between ADs that are prompted by
cracking in similar areas.
The FAA agrees for the reasons provided and has reworded the unsafe
condition statement in this AD accordingly.
Change to the Service Information
Since the NPRM was published, the manufacturer has published a new
revision to the service information. Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
747-53A2899 RB, Revision 1, dated April 7, 2020, corrects the bulletin
approval statement and clarifies the description of Group 2 airplanes.
The FAA has updated this AD to refer to Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 747-53A2899 RB, Revision 1, dated April 7, 2020, as the
appropriate source of service information for the required actions, as
all substantive requirements remain unchanged. Additionally, the FAA
has added paragraph (i) to this AD to provide credit for actions
performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 747-53A2899 RB, dated April 5, 2019. The FAA has
redesignated subsequent paragraphs accordingly.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest
require adopting this final rule with the changes described previously
and minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor
changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
[[Page 37548]]
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
The FAA also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final
rule.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-53A2899 RB,
Revision 1, dated April 7, 2020. This service information describes
procedures for repetitive detailed inspections and open hole HFEC
inspections of the left and right upper splice fittings for cracks and
applicable on-condition actions. On-condition actions include repair.
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
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 125 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repetitive detailed inspections 5 work-hours x $85 $0 $425 per inspection $53,125 per
and open hole HFEC inspections. per hour = $425 cycle. inspection cycle.
per inspection
cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the
agency to provide cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified
in this AD.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
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
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) 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.
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):
AD 2020-12-10 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-19919; Docket No.
FAA-2019-0990; Product Identifier 2019-NM-122-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective July 28, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(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 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in particular areas
of the bulkhead structure at body station (BS) 2598. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address fatigue cracking of the BS 2598 bulkhead
structure, which could adversely affect the structural integrity of
the bulkhead and the horizontal stabilizer support structure, and
result in loss of controllability 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 the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-53A2899 RB, Revision 1, dated April
7, 2020, do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance
with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 747-53A2899 RB, Revision 1, dated April 7, 2020.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747-53A2899, Revision 1, dated April 7, 2020, which is referred to
in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-53A2899 RB, Revision 1,
dated April 7, 2020.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements
of this AD: Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-53A2899 RB,
Revision 1, dated April 7, 2020, uses the phrase ``the original
issue date of Requirements Bulletin 747-53A2899 RB,'' this AD
requires using ``the effective date of this AD.''
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-53A2899 RB,
Revision 1, dated
[[Page 37549]]
April 7, 2020, 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
This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
747-53A2899 RB, dated April 5, 2019.
(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, 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.
(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) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (l)(3) and (4) of this AD.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-53A2899 RB, Revision
1, dated April 7, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) 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.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability
of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
(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, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on June 11, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-13407 Filed 6-22-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
