Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 4826-4828 [2022-01860]

Download as PDF 4826 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 20 / Monday, January 31, 2022 / Proposed Rules even if new, unless the actions required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD have been accomplished. (2) For any post-HG mod 20–040 helicopter: As of the effective date of this AD, do not install an MRH or swashplate guide, with rotating or non-rotating scissor fitting P/N G12–00–200 installed, respectively, on any helicopter. (i) Credit for Previous Actions (1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD if you accomplished Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 20–012, Revision A, dated September 1, 2020, before February 22, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021–02–20). (2) This paragraph provides credit for the first instance of the actions required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD if you accomplished Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 20–011, Revision B, dated September 1, 2020, before February 22, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021–02–20). (3) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD if you accomplished Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 20–011, Revision C, dated October 5, 2020, before the effective date of this AD. (4) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by paragraph (g)(3) of this AD if you accomplished Guimbal Service Bulletin SB 21–007, Revision B, dated April 4, 2021, before the effective date of this AD. (j) Special Flight Permits A special flight permit may be permitted provided that there are no passengers onboard, and the flight is operating under day Visual Flight Rules, for the purpose of ferrying the helicopter to an authorized maintenance facility. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS (k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, International Validation 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 International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (l)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-AVS-AIR730-AMOC@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. (l) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Darren Gassetto, Aerospace Engineer, COS Program Management Section, Operational Safety Branch, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, FAA, 1600 Stewart Ave., Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228–7323; email Darren.Gassetto@faa.gov. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact He´licopte`res Guimbal, 1070, rue du Lieutenant Parayre, Ae´rodrome d’Aix- VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:17 Jan 28, 2022 Jkt 256001 en-Provence, 13290 Les Milles, France; telephone 33–04–42–39–10–88; email support@guimbal.com; web https:// www.guimbal.com. You may view this referenced 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. (3) The subject of this AD is addressed in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021–0155, dated July 2, 2021. You may view the EASA AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA–2022–0020. Issued on January 25, 2022. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022–01829 Filed 1–28–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2021–1173; Project Identifier AD–2021–00917–T] 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 adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 747–8F series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of fuselage crown stringer cracking between station (STA) 740 and STA 1000, stringer (S)–7 to S– 12. This proposed AD would require repetitive detailed inspections for cracking of fuselage crown stringers and applicable on-condition actions. 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 March 17, 2022. 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. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 • 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; telephone 562–797–1717; internet https:// www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced 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 at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021– 1173. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–1173; 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, any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stefanie Roesli, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206– 231–3964; email: stefanie.n.roesli@ 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 ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2021–1173; Project Identifier AD– 2021–00917–T’’ at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposal because of those comments. Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) 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 agency will also post a report E:\FR\FM\31JAP1.SGM 31JAP1 4827 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 20 / Monday, January 31, 2022 / Proposed Rules summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM. 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 Stefanie Roesli, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206–231–3964; email: stefanie.n.roesli@faa.gov. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking. Background The FAA has received reports of fuselage crown stringer cracking located on the left and right sides at S–7, S–8, S–9, S–10, S–11, and S–12, between STA 740 and STA 1000. Some of these reports were made during airplane production, and others were found on airplanes currently in operation. The existing maintenance inspections cannot reliably detect cracking at multiple stringers and bay frames. Any crack in these locations must be found and repaired before reaching a critical length. Without an inspection, any crack may grow in length and go undetected. This condition, if not addressed, could result in the inability of a structural element to sustain limit load, and could adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane. FAA’s Determination The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747–53A2906 RB, dated July 16, 2021. This service information specifies procedures for repetitive detailed inspections for cracking of fuselage crown stringers, repair of cracks, and a high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection for cracking of repaired areas. 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 ADDRESSES. Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service information already described, except as discussed under ‘‘Difference Between this Proposed AD and the Service Information’’ and except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD. 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–2021– 1173. Clarification of Proposed Inspection Requirements Table 1 of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747–53A2906 RB, dated July 16, 2021, specifies repetitive detailed inspections to detect cracking of the side crown stringers on all airplanes. Table 1 of the service information does not specifically state that airplanes with no crack found (‘‘Condition 1’’) may have additional work. However, for airplanes with Condition 1 that have any repairs in the inspection area, the HFEC inspection specified in Table 2 of the service information would also be required. Difference Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information The applicability in this proposed AD does not refer to paragraph 1., ‘‘Effectivity,’’ of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747–53A2906 RB, dated July 16, 2021, because this service information does not contain a comprehensive list of the airplanes affected by the identified unsafe condition. Therefore, the applicability of this proposed AD is all Model 747– 8F series airplanes. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would affect 33 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Action Labor cost Repetitive detailed inspections. 84 work-hours × $85 per hour = $7,140 per inspection cycle. The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary repairs that Parts cost Cost per product $0 $7,140 per inspection cycle. would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. The agency Cost on U.S. operators $235,620 per inspection cycle. has no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these repairs: khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS ON-CONDITION COSTS Action Labor cost HFEC inspection ... Repair .................... 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ................................................................................ Up to 550 work-hours × $85 per hour = $46,750 (per repaired area) .......................... The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of this proposed AD may be VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:17 Jan 28, 2022 Jkt 256001 Parts cost covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected operators. PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 $0 2,400 Cost per product $85. Up to $49,150. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue E:\FR\FM\31JAP1.SGM 31JAP1 4828 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 20 / Monday, January 31, 2022 / Proposed Rules 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 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 this proposed regulation: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (3) Would 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 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS ■ 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: ■ The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA– 2021–1173; Project Identifier AD–2021– 00917–T. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:17 Jan 28, 2022 Jkt 256001 (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by March 17, 2022. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 747–8F 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 fuselage crown stringer cracking between STA 740 and STA 1000, S–7 to S–12. The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracking in fuselage crown stringers. This condition, if not addressed, could result in the inability of a structural element to sustain limit load, and could 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 the ‘‘Compliance’’ paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747–53A2906 RB, dated July 16, 2021, do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747–53A2906 RB, dated July 16, 2021. Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747–53A2906, dated July 16, 2021, which is referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747–53A2906 RB, dated July 16, 2021. (h) Exception to Service Information Specifications Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the ‘‘Compliance’’ paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747– 53A2906 RB, dated July 16, 2021, use the phrase ‘‘the original issue date of Requirements Bulletin 747–53A2906 RB,’’ this AD requires using ‘‘the effective date of this AD.’’ (i) 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 responsible Flight Standards 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 (j)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards 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. (j) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Stefanie Roesli, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206–231–3964; email: stefanie.n.roesli@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; telephone 562–797–1717; internet https:// www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced 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. Issued on December 29, 2021. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022–01860 Filed 1–28–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2021–1177; Project Identifier AD–2021–00570–T] 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 adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 767–200, –300, –300F, and –400ER airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of burned Boeing Material Specification (BMS) 8–39 urethane foam, which is a material with fire-retardant properties that deteriorate with age. This proposed AD would SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\31JAP1.SGM 31JAP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 20 (Monday, January 31, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 4826-4828]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-01860]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-1173; Project Identifier AD-2021-00917-T]
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 adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for all The Boeing Company Model 747-8F series airplanes. This proposed 
AD was prompted by reports of fuselage crown stringer cracking between 
station (STA) 740 and STA 1000, stringer (S)-7 to S-12. This proposed 
AD would require repetitive detailed inspections for cracking of 
fuselage crown stringers and applicable on-condition actions. 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 March 17, 
2022.

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 Boeing 
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 
2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-5600; 
telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may 
view this referenced 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 at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
1173.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1173; 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, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for Docket 
Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stefanie Roesli, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3964; 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 ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-1173; Project Identifier 
AD-2021-00917-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposal because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) 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 agency will also post a report

[[Page 4827]]

summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.

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 
Stefanie Roesli, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO 
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-
231-3964; email: [email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA 
receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in 
the public docket for this rulemaking.

Background

    The FAA has received reports of fuselage crown stringer cracking 
located on the left and right sides at S-7, S-8, S-9, S-10, S-11, and 
S-12, between STA 740 and STA 1000. Some of these reports were made 
during airplane production, and others were found on airplanes 
currently in operation. The existing maintenance inspections cannot 
reliably detect cracking at multiple stringers and bay frames. Any 
crack in these locations must be found and repaired before reaching a 
critical length. Without an inspection, any crack may grow in length 
and go undetected. This condition, if not addressed, could result in 
the inability of a structural element to sustain limit load, and could 
adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-53A2906 RB, 
dated July 16, 2021. This service information specifies procedures for 
repetitive detailed inspections for cracking of fuselage crown 
stringers, repair of cracks, and a high frequency eddy current (HFEC) 
inspection for cracking of repaired areas. 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 
ADDRESSES.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information already described, except as discussed under 
``Difference Between this Proposed AD and the Service Information'' and 
except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory 
text of this proposed AD. 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-2021-
1173.

Clarification of Proposed Inspection Requirements

    Table 1 of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-53A2906 RB, dated 
July 16, 2021, specifies repetitive detailed inspections to detect 
cracking of the side crown stringers on all airplanes. Table 1 of the 
service information does not specifically state that airplanes with no 
crack found (``Condition 1'') may have additional work. However, for 
airplanes with Condition 1 that have any repairs in the inspection 
area, the HFEC inspection specified in Table 2 of the service 
information would also be required.

Difference Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    The applicability in this proposed AD does not refer to paragraph 
1., ``Effectivity,'' of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-53A2906 
RB, dated July 16, 2021, because this service information does not 
contain a comprehensive list of the airplanes affected by the 
identified unsafe condition. Therefore, the applicability of this 
proposed AD is all Model 747-8F series airplanes.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 33 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following 
costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost      Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repetitive detailed inspections..  84 work-hours x $85              $0  $7,140 per           $235,620 per
                                    per hour = $7,140                    inspection cycle.    inspection cycle.
                                    per inspection
                                    cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary repairs 
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. 
The agency has no way of determining the number of aircraft that might 
need these repairs:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Action                         Labor cost             Parts cost            Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HFEC inspection.................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour =               $0  $85.
                                   $85.
Repair..........................  Up to 550 work-hours x $85              2,400  Up to $49,150.
                                   per hour = $46,750 (per
                                   repaired area).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of 
this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the 
cost impact on affected operators.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue

[[Page 4828]]

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 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 this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would 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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2021-1173; Project Identifier AD-
2021-00917-T.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by March 17, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 747-8F 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 fuselage crown stringer 
cracking between STA 740 and STA 1000, S-7 to S-12. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address cracking in fuselage crown stringers. 
This condition, if not addressed, could result in the inability of a 
structural element to sustain limit load, and could 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 the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing 
Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-53A2906 RB, dated July 16, 2021, do 
all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 
747-53A2906 RB, dated July 16, 2021.
    Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions 
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
747-53A2906, dated July 16, 2021, which is referred to in Boeing 
Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-53A2906 RB, dated July 16, 2021.

(h) Exception to Service Information Specifications

    Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the 
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-
53A2906 RB, dated July 16, 2021, use the phrase ``the original issue 
date of Requirements Bulletin 747-53A2906 RB,'' this AD requires 
using ``the effective date of this AD.''

(i) 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 responsible Flight Standards 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 (j)(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 responsible Flight Standards 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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Stefanie Roesli, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3964; 
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; telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced 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.

    Issued on December 29, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-01860 Filed 1-28-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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