Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 45762-45765 [2020-16483]
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 147 / Thursday, July 30, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
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 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
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
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§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
2020–15–19 Pacific Aerospace Limited:
Amendment 39–21182; Docket No.
FAA–2019–0566; Product Identifier
2018–CE–035–AD.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:01 Jul 29, 2020
Jkt 250001
(a) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective August 19,
2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Pacific Aerospace
Limited Model 750XL airplanes, serial
numbers up to and including 221,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association of America
(ATA) Code 71: Power Plant.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
originated by an aviation authority of another
country to identify and correct an unsafe
condition on an aviation product. The FAA
is issuing this AD to prevent fire propagation
through the firewall because of ineffective
sealant, which could result in smoke or fire
in the cockpit.
(f) Actions and Compliance
Unless already done, within 3 months after
August 19, 2020 (the effective date of this
AD) or within 300 hours time-in-service after
August 19, 2020 (the effective date of this
AD), whichever occurs first, install new
sealant components into the main loom
firewall penetration hole and the ADAS or
DAAM firewall penetration holes if installed
by following the Accomplishment
Instructions in Pacific Aerospace Mandatory
Service Bulletin PACSB/XL/101, Issue 1,
dated May 9, 2018, except you are not
required to contact Pacific Aerospace Limited
if there is any chafing or damage on a loom.
Instead, your repair must be accomplished
before further flight using a method approved
by the Manager, Small Airplane Standards
Branch, FAA, using the contact information
in paragraph (g) of this AD, or approved by
the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of New
Zealand. For a repair method to be approved
as required by this paragraph, the FAA or
CAA approval letter must specifically refer to
this AD.
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
The Manager, Small Airplane Standards
Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send
information to ATTN: Mike Kiesov,
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane
Standards Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone:
(816) 329–4144; fax: (816) 329–4090; email:
mike.kiesov@faa.gov. Before using any
approved AMOC on any airplane to which
the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate
principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight
Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking
a PI, your local FSDO.
(h) Related Information
Refer to MCAI CAA AD DCA/750XL/31,
dated July 5, 2018, for related information.
The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on
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the internet at: https://www.regulations.gov/
document?D=FAA-2019-0566-0002.
(i) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Pacific Aerospace Mandatory Service
Bulletin PACSB/XL/101, Issue 1, dated May
9, 2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Pacific Aerospace Limited,
Airport Road, Hamilton, Private Bag 3027,
Hamilton 3240, New Zealand; phone: +64
7843 6144; fax: +64 843 6134; email: pacific@
aerospace.co.nz; internet:
www.aerospace.co.nz.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information
on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call (816) 329–4148. In addition, you
can access this service information on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for Docket No. FAA–2019–0566.
(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/
ibr-locations.html.
Issued on July 22, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–16395 Filed 7–29–20; 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; Amendment
39–21177; AD 2020–15–14]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is superseding
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015–13–
06, which applied to certain The Boeing
Company Model 747–400 and 747–400F
series airplanes. AD 2015–13–06
required repetitive inspections of the
longeron extension fittings for cracking;
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 147 / Thursday, July 30, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
repetitive high frequency eddy current
(HFEC) inspections of any modified,
repaired, or replaced longeron extension
fitting for cracking; and applicable oncondition actions. This AD retains the
requirements of AD 2015–13–06. This
AD also requires, for certain additional
airplanes, repetitive inspections of the
longeron extension fittings for cracking
and repair if necessary. This AD was
prompted by the FAA’s determination
that additional airplanes are affected by
the identified unsafe condition. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective September 3,
2020.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of September 3, 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–2020–0208.
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Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.govby 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 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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:01 Jul 29, 2020
Jkt 250001
to mandate the inspection and
maintenance of other types of airplanes
that are not affected by the NPRM.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to supersede AD 2015–13–06,
Amendment 39–18193 (80 FR 44835,
July 28, 2015) (‘‘AD 2015–13–06’’). AD
2015–13–06 applied to certain The
Boeing Company Model 747–400 and
747–400F series airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
March 30, 2020 (85 FR 17510). The
NPRM was prompted by a report that an
operator found a cracked longeron
extension fitting on an airplane not
included in the applicability of AD
2015–13–06. The NPRM proposed to
continue to require 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. The NPRM also
proposed to add 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, and for those additional
airplanes, repetitive inspections of the
longeron extension fittings for cracking
and repair if necessary. 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.
Comments
The FAA 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.
Support for the NPRM
Boeing stated that it had no comment
regarding the NPRM and Hasan Ashour
expressed support for the NPRM.
Request To Expand the Applicability of
the NPRM
Addison Hull requested that the FAA
expand the applicability of the NPRM to
include all airplanes. The commenter
expressed concern that the NPRM only
identified 67 affected airplanes. The
commenter also pointed out their belief
that all airplanes should have the same
minimum requirements, and that this
method would be more efficient
compared with publishing specific rules
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The FAA disagrees with the request.
The FAA issues ADs to address
potential unsafe conditions in airplanes
with similar designs. The FAA has
worked closely with the design approval
holder (DAH) to determine the group of
affected airplanes that may develop this
particular unsafe condition. The group
of affected airplanes for this particular
unsafe condition is an expansion to the
group of airplanes addressed by AD
2015–13–06. Therefore, the FAA
believes that the entire number of
affected airplanes have been captured
by this AD. This AD has not been
changed in this regard.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data,
considered the comments received, and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this AD
as proposed, except for 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
• Do not add any additional burden
upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Service
Bulletin 747–53A2860, Revision 3,
dated November 11, 2019. This 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 67 airplanes of U.S. registry. The
FAA estimates the following costs to
comply with this AD:
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 147 / Thursday, July 30, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Action
Labor cost
HFEC inspection (retained actions from
AD 2015–13–06) (41 airplanes).
HFEC inspection (new action) (26 airplanes).
32 work-hours × $85 per hour = $2,720
per inspection cycle.
32 work-hours × $85 per hour = $2,720
per inspection cycle.
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary on-condition
actions that would be required. The
Parts cost
Cost on U.S.
operators
Cost per product
$0
0
$2,720 per inspection cycle.
2,720 per inspection
cycle.
$111,520 per inspection cycle.
70,720 per inspection cycle.
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
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
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.
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
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Regulatory Findings
The FAA has 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) 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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:01 Jul 29, 2020
Jkt 250001
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
removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2015–13–06, Amendment 39–18193 (80
FR 44835, July 28, 2015), and adding the
following new AD:
■
2020–15–14 The Boeing Company:
Amendment 39–21177; Docket No.
FAA–2020–0208; Product Identifier
2019–NM–209–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective September 3, 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.
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Cost per product
Up to $177,130.
(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,
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dated March 18, 2014, which was
incorporated by reference in AD 2015–13–06;
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,
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.
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(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.
(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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:01 Jul 29, 2020
Jkt 250001
(i) Boeing Service Bulletin 747–53A2860,
Revision 3, dated November 11, 2019.
(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 fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued on July 16, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–16483 Filed 7–29–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0214; Product
Identifier 2018–SW–039–AD; Amendment
39–21178; AD 2020–15–15]
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 EC225LP
helicopters. This AD was prompted by
a mechanical deformation found on the
protective cover of the ‘‘SHEAR’’ control
pushbutton installed on a copilot
collective stick. This AD requires
modification of the helicopter by
replacing the protective cover and reidentifying the part number of the pilot
and copilot collective sticks. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective September 3,
2020.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of September 3, 2020.
SUMMARY:
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45765
For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
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–
0214.
ADDRESSES:
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–
0214; 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:
Clark Davenport, Flight Test Analyst,
Flight Test Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone 817–222–5151; email
clark.davenport@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
EC225LP helicopters. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
April 8, 2020 (85 FR 19707). The NPRM
was prompted by a mechanical
deformation found on the protective
cover of the ‘‘SHEAR’’ control
pushbutton installed on a copilot
collective stick. The NPRM proposed to
require modification of the helicopter by
replacing the protective cover and reidentifying the part number of the pilot
and copilot collective sticks. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address mechanical
deformation on the protective cover of
the ‘‘SHEAR’’ control pushbutton
installed on a copilot collective stick,
which could lead to unintended
shearing of the hoist cable, possibly
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 147 (Thursday, July 30, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45762-45765]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-16483]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0208; Product Identifier 2019-NM-209-AD; Amendment
39-21177; AD 2020-15-14]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015-13-
06, which applied to certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400 and 747-
400F series airplanes. AD 2015-13-06 required repetitive inspections of
the longeron extension fittings for cracking;
[[Page 45763]]
repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections of any
modified, repaired, or replaced longeron extension fitting for
cracking; and applicable on-condition actions. This AD retains the
requirements of AD 2015-13-06. This AD also requires, for certain
additional airplanes, repetitive inspections of the longeron extension
fittings for cracking and repair if necessary. This AD was prompted by
the FAA's determination that additional airplanes are affected by the
identified unsafe condition. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective September 3, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 3,
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-2020-0208.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.govby 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 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 to supersede AD 2015-13-06, Amendment 39-18193 (80 FR
44835, July 28, 2015) (``AD 2015-13-06''). AD 2015-13-06 applied to
certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400 and 747-400F series airplanes.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on March 30, 2020 (85 FR
17510). The NPRM was prompted by a report that an operator found a
cracked longeron extension fitting on an airplane not included in the
applicability of AD 2015-13-06. The NPRM proposed to continue to
require 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. The NPRM also proposed to add 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, and for those
additional airplanes, repetitive inspections of the longeron extension
fittings for cracking and repair if necessary. 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.
Comments
The FAA 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.
Support for the NPRM
Boeing stated that it had no comment regarding the NPRM and Hasan
Ashour expressed support for the NPRM.
Request To Expand the Applicability of the NPRM
Addison Hull requested that the FAA expand the applicability of the
NPRM to include all airplanes. The commenter expressed concern that the
NPRM only identified 67 affected airplanes. The commenter also pointed
out their belief that all airplanes should have the same minimum
requirements, and that this method would be more efficient compared
with publishing specific rules to mandate the inspection and
maintenance of other types of airplanes that are not affected by the
NPRM.
The FAA disagrees with the request. The FAA issues ADs to address
potential unsafe conditions in airplanes with similar designs. The FAA
has worked closely with the design approval holder (DAH) to determine
the group of affected airplanes that may develop this particular unsafe
condition. The group of affected airplanes for this particular unsafe
condition is an expansion to the group of airplanes addressed by AD
2015-13-06. Therefore, the FAA believes that the entire number of
affected airplanes have been captured by this AD. This AD has not been
changed in this regard.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest
require adopting this AD as proposed, except for 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
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, Revision 3,
dated November 11, 2019. This 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 67 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 45764]]
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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HFEC inspection (retained 32 work-hours x $85 per $0 $2,720 per $111,520 per
actions from AD 2015-13-06) (41 hour = $2,720 per inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
airplanes). inspection cycle.
HFEC inspection (new action) (26 32 work-hours x $85 per 0 2,720 per 70,720 per
airplanes). hour = $2,720 per inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
inspection cycle.
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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
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Replacement, repair, modification, Up to 908 work-hours x $85 Up to $99,950....... Up to $177,130.
or preventative modification. per hour = Up to $77,180.
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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 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2015-13-06, Amendment 39-18193 (80 FR 44835, July 28, 2015), and adding
the following new AD:
2020-15-14 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-21177; Docket No. FAA-
2020-0208; Product Identifier 2019-NM-209-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective September 3, 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,
[[Page 45765]]
dated March 18, 2014, which was incorporated by reference in AD
2015-13-06; 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, 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) 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 Service Bulletin 747-53A2860, Revision 3, dated
November 11, 2019.
(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 July 16, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-16483 Filed 7-29-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
