80_FR_55451 80 FR 55273 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

80 FR 55273 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 178 (September 15, 2015)

Page Range55273-55275
FR Document2015-22926

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 747-400F series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by an analysis of the production methods used to increase fatigue resistance of the upper closure fittings at the nose cargo door portal's C-3 frame, which indicated that cracking could start too early to be caught in a timely manner by the inspection or maintenance program. This proposed AD would require inspections of the upper closure fitting and connected strap and doubler at the nose cargo door portal for cracking, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct such cracking, which could result in sudden decompression and loss of the airplane's structural integrity.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 178 (Tuesday, September 15, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 178 (Tuesday, September 15, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 55273-55275]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-22926]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 178 / Tuesday, September 15, 2015 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 55273]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-3630; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-253-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
The Boeing Company Model 747-400F series airplanes. This proposed AD 
was prompted by an analysis of the production methods used to increase 
fatigue resistance of the upper closure fittings at the nose cargo door 
portal's C-3 frame, which indicated that cracking could start too early 
to be caught in a timely manner by the inspection or maintenance 
program. This proposed AD would require inspections of the upper 
closure fitting and connected strap and doubler at the nose cargo door 
portal for cracking, and related investigative and corrective actions 
if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct such 
cracking, which could result in sudden decompression and loss of the 
airplane's structural integrity.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 30, 
2015.

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 http://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 proposed AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service information 
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
3630.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
3630; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will 
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Ashforth, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6432; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2015-3630; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-253-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    We have received a report indicating that an analysis of the 
production methods used to increase fatigue resistance of the upper 
closure fittings at the nose cargo door portal's C-3 frame showed that 
cracking could start too early to be caught in a timely manner by the 
inspection or maintenance program. The upper closure fittings used in 
the nose cargo door portal C-3 frame were shot peened to increase 
fatigue resistance. However, an analysis showed that the increase in 
fatigue resistance was still not enough to ensure that cracking would 
be caught by the inspection program specified in the Boeing 747-400 
maintenance planning data (MPD) document. This condition, if not 
detected and corrected, could result in sudden decompression and loss 
of the airplane's structural integrity.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2880, dated 
December 3, 2014. This service information describes procedures for a 
detailed inspection of the upper closure fitting and connected strap 
and doubler, a surface high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection of 
the upper closure fitting for cracking, and related investigative and 
corrective actions. 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 
of this NPRM.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

[[Page 55274]]

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously, except as discussed 
under ``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the Service 
Information.'' Refer to this service information for information on the 
procedures and compliance times. For information on the procedures and 
compliance times, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
3630.
    The phrase ``related investigative actions'' is used in this 
proposed AD. ``Related investigative actions'' are follow-on actions 
that (1) are related to the primary actions, and (2) further 
investigate the nature of any condition found. Related investigative 
actions in an AD could include, for example, inspections.
    The phrase ``corrective actions'' is used in this proposed AD. 
``Corrective actions'' are actions that correct or address any 
condition found. Corrective actions in an AD could include, for 
example, repairs.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2880, dated December 3, 2014, 
specifies to contact the manufacturer for instructions on how to repair 
certain conditions, but this proposed AD would require repairing those 
conditions in one of the following ways:
     In accordance with a method that we approve; or
     Using data that meet the certification basis of the 
airplane, and that have been approved by the Boeing Commercial 
Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) whom we have 
authorized to make those findings.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 38 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                  Cost on U.S.
             Action                     Labor cost           Parts cost     Cost per product       operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections....................  9 work-hours x $85 per               $0   $765 per            $29,070 per
                                  hour = $765 per                           inspection cycle.   inspection
                                  inspection cycle.                                             cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repairs or 
replacements that would be required based on the results of the 
proposed inspection. Parts costs could be up to $42,930 per airplane. 
We have no way of determining the number of work hours (because the 
type of repair will vary depending on findings) or the number of 
aircraft that might need the repairs or replacements.

Explanation of ``RC'' Steps in Service Information

    The FAA worked in conjunction with industry, under the 
Airworthiness Directive Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee 
(ARC), to enhance the AD system. One enhancement was a new process for 
annotating which steps in the service information are required for 
compliance with an AD. Differentiating these steps from other tasks in 
the service information is expected to improve an owner's/operator's 
understanding of crucial AD requirements and help provide consistent 
judgment in AD compliance. The steps identified as Required for 
Compliance (RC) in any service information identified previously have a 
direct effect on detecting, preventing, resolving, or eliminating an 
identified unsafe condition.
    For service information that contains steps that are labeled as RC, 
the following provisions apply: (1) The steps labeled as RC, including 
substeps under an RC step and any figures identified in an RC step, 
must be done to comply with the AD, and an AMOC is required for any 
deviations to RC steps, including substeps and identified figures; and 
(2) steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods 
in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection program 
without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps, including 
substeps and identified figures, can still be done as specified, and 
the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We 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) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

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:

[[Page 55275]]

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):

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2015-3630; Directorate Identifier 
2014-NM-253-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by October 30, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 747-400F series 
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in paragraph 
1.A., ``Effectivity,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2880, 
dated December 3, 2014.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report that an analysis of the 
production methods used to increase fatigue resistance of the upper 
closure fittings at the nose cargo door portal's C-3 frame showed 
that cracking could still start too early to be caught in a timely 
manner by the inspection or maintenance program. We are issuing this 
AD to detect and correct such cracking, which could result in sudden 
decompression and loss of the airplane's structural integrity.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Inspections and Corrective Actions

    Except as required by paragraph (h) of this AD, at the 
applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2880, dated December 3, 2014: 
Do a detailed inspection of the upper closure fitting, strap, and 
doubler and a surface high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection 
of the upper closure fitting at the nose cargo door portal for 
cracking, and do all applicable related investigative and corrective 
actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2880, dated December 3, 2014. 
Repeat the inspections at the time specified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2880, dated 
December 3, 2014. Do the applicable investigative and corrective 
actions at the times specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2880, dated December 3, 2014.

(h) Exceptions to the Service Information

    (1) Where paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-53A2880, dated December 3, 2014, refers to a 
compliance time ``after the original issue date of this service 
bulletin,'' this AD requires compliance within the specific 
compliance time after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) If any crack is found during any inspection required by this 
AD, and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2880, dated December 3, 
2014, specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate action: Before 
further flight, repair the cracking using a method approved in 
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this 
AD.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested 
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 
CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local 
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending 
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (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 local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.
    (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair required by this AD if it is approved by the 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization 
(ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make 
those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must 
meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must 
specifically refer to this AD.
    (4) Except as required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD: For 
service information that contains steps that are labeled as Required 
for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (i)(4)(i) and 
(i)(4)(ii) apply.
    (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step 
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply 
with the AD. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps, 
including substeps and identified figures.
    (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted 
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection 
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC 
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done 
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Bill Ashforth, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; phone: 425-917-6432; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 2, 2015.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-22926 Filed 9-14-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                                                                                                                                                                     55273

                                                    Proposed Rules                                                                                                Federal Register
                                                                                                                                                                  Vol. 80, No. 178

                                                                                                                                                                  Tuesday, September 15, 2015



                                                    This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER                       • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail                   closing date and may amend this
                                                    contains notices to the public of the proposed          address above between 9 a.m. and                      proposed AD because of those
                                                    issuance of rules and regulations. The                  5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except                 comments.
                                                    purpose of these notices is to give interested          Federal holidays.
                                                    persons an opportunity to participate in the                                                                    We will post all comments we
                                                                                                               For service information identified in              receive, without change, to http://
                                                    rule making prior to the adoption of the final
                                                    rules.
                                                                                                            this proposed AD, contact Boeing                      www.regulations.gov, including any
                                                                                                            Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data
                                                                                                                                                                  personal information you provide. We
                                                                                                            & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707,
                                                                                                                                                                  will also post a report summarizing each
                                                    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                            MC 2H–65, Seattle, WA 98124–2207;
                                                                                                                                                                  substantive verbal contact we receive
                                                                                                            telephone 206–544–5000, extension 1;
                                                                                                                                                                  about this proposed AD.
                                                    Federal Aviation Administration                         fax 206–766–5680; Internet https://
                                                                                                            www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view                   Discussion
                                                    14 CFR Part 39                                          this referenced service information at
                                                                                                            the FAA, Transport Airplane                             We have received a report indicating
                                                    [Docket No. FAA–2015–3630; Directorate                                                                        that an analysis of the production
                                                    Identifier 2014–NM–253–AD]                              Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
                                                                                                            Renton, WA. For information on the                    methods used to increase fatigue
                                                    RIN 2120–AA64                                           availability of this material at the FAA,             resistance of the upper closure fittings at
                                                                                                            call 425–227–1221. It is also available               the nose cargo door portal’s C–3 frame
                                                    Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing                    on the Internet at http://                            showed that cracking could start too
                                                    Company Airplanes                                       www.regulations.gov by searching for                  early to be caught in a timely manner by
                                                    AGENCY: Federal Aviation                                and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–                     the inspection or maintenance program.
                                                    Administration (FAA), DOT.                              3630.                                                 The upper closure fittings used in the
                                                    ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking                                                                         nose cargo door portal C–3 frame were
                                                                                                            Examining the AD Docket
                                                    (NPRM).                                                                                                       shot peened to increase fatigue
                                                                                                               You may examine the AD docket on                   resistance. However, an analysis
                                                    SUMMARY:    We propose to adopt a new                   the Internet at http://                               showed that the increase in fatigue
                                                    airworthiness directive (AD) for all The                www.regulations.gov by searching for                  resistance was still not enough to ensure
                                                    Boeing Company Model 747–400F                           and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–                     that cracking would be caught by the
                                                    series airplanes. This proposed AD was                  3630; or in person at the Docket                      inspection program specified in the
                                                    prompted by an analysis of the                          Management Facility between 9 a.m.                    Boeing 747–400 maintenance planning
                                                    production methods used to increase                     and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,                    data (MPD) document. This condition, if
                                                    fatigue resistance of the upper closure                 except Federal holidays. The AD docket                not detected and corrected, could result
                                                    fittings at the nose cargo door portal’s                contains this proposed AD, the                        in sudden decompression and loss of
                                                    C–3 frame, which indicated that                         regulatory evaluation, any comments                   the airplane’s structural integrity.
                                                    cracking could start too early to be                    received, and other information. The
                                                    caught in a timely manner by the                        street address for the Docket Office                  Related Service Information Under 1
                                                    inspection or maintenance program.                      (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the                       CFR Part 51
                                                    This proposed AD would require                          ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
                                                    inspections of the upper closure fitting                available in the AD docket shortly after                 We reviewed Boeing Alert Service
                                                    and connected strap and doubler at the                  receipt.                                              Bulletin 747–53A2880, dated December
                                                    nose cargo door portal for cracking, and                                                                      3, 2014. This service information
                                                                                                            FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill
                                                    related investigative and corrective                                                                          describes procedures for a detailed
                                                                                                            Ashforth, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe
                                                    actions if necessary. We are proposing                  Branch, ANM–120S, FAA, Seattle                        inspection of the upper closure fitting
                                                    this AD to detect and correct such                      Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601             and connected strap and doubler, a
                                                    cracking, which could result in sudden                  Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–                    surface high frequency eddy current
                                                    decompression and loss of the airplane’s                3356; phone: 425–917–6432; fax: 425–                  (HFEC) inspection of the upper closure
                                                    structural integrity.                                   917–6590; email: bill.ashforth@faa.gov.               fitting for cracking, and related
                                                                                                                                                                  investigative and corrective actions.
                                                    DATES: We must receive comments on                      SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                                                                                                                                  This service information is reasonably
                                                    this proposed AD by October 30, 2015.
                                                                                                            Comments Invited                                      available because the interested parties
                                                    ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
                                                                                                              We invite you to send any written                   have access to it through their normal
                                                    using the procedures found in 14 CFR                                                                          course of business or by the means
                                                    11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following                relevant data, views, or arguments about
                                                                                                            this proposal. Send your comments to                  identified in the ADDRESSES section of
                                                    methods:
                                                                                                                                                                  this NPRM.
                                                       • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to                  an address listed under the ADDRESSES
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                    http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the                  section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–                    FAA’s Determination
                                                    instructions for submitting comments.                   2015–3630; Directorate Identifier 2014–
                                                       • Fax: 202–493–2251.                                 NM–253–AD’’ at the beginning of your                    We are proposing this AD because we
                                                       • Mail: U.S. Department of                           comments. We specifically invite                      evaluated all the relevant information
                                                    Transportation, Docket Operations, M–                   comments on the overall regulatory,                   and determined the unsafe condition
                                                    30, West Building Ground Floor, Room                    economic, environmental, and energy                   described previously is likely to exist or
                                                    W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,                    aspects of this proposed AD. We will                  develop in other products of the same
                                                    Washington, DC 20590.                                   consider all comments received by the                 type design.


                                               VerDate Sep<11>2014   18:46 Sep 14, 2015   Jkt 235001   PO 00000   Frm 00001   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\15SEP1.SGM   15SEP1


                                                    55274                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 178 / Tuesday, September 15, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                    Proposed AD Requirements                                  follow-on actions that (1) are related to             conditions, but this proposed AD would
                                                                                                              the primary actions, and (2) further                  require repairing those conditions in
                                                       This proposed AD would require                         investigate the nature of any condition               one of the following ways:
                                                    accomplishing the actions specified in                    found. Related investigative actions in
                                                    the service information described                                                                                  • In accordance with a method that
                                                                                                              an AD could include, for example,                     we approve; or
                                                    previously, except as discussed under                     inspections.
                                                    ‘‘Differences Between this Proposed AD                      The phrase ‘‘corrective actions’’ is                   • Using data that meet the
                                                    and the Service Information.’’ Refer to                   used in this proposed AD. ‘‘Corrective                certification basis of the airplane, and
                                                    this service information for information                  actions’’ are actions that correct or                 that have been approved by the Boeing
                                                    on the procedures and compliance                          address any condition found. Corrective               Commercial Airplanes Organization
                                                    times. For information on the                             actions in an AD could include, for                   Designation Authorization (ODA) whom
                                                    procedures and compliance times, see                      example, repairs.                                     we have authorized to make those
                                                    this service information at http://                                                                             findings.
                                                    www.regulations.gov by searching for                      Differences Between This Proposed AD
                                                                                                              and the Service Information                           Costs of Compliance
                                                    and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–
                                                    3630.                                                       Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747–                     We estimate that this proposed AD
                                                       The phrase ‘‘related investigative                     53A2880, dated December 3, 2014,                      affects 38 airplanes of U.S. registry. We
                                                    actions’’ is used in this proposed AD.                    specifies to contact the manufacturer for             estimate the following costs to comply
                                                    ‘‘Related investigative actions’’ are                     instructions on how to repair certain                 with this proposed AD:

                                                                                                                           ESTIMATED COSTS
                                                               Action                                     Labor cost                             Parts cost         Cost per product     Cost on U.S. operators

                                                    Inspections ....................   9 work-hours × $85 per hour = $765 per in-                      $0        $765 per inspection    $29,070 per inspection
                                                                                         spection cycle.                                                           cycle.                 cycle.



                                                      We estimate the following costs to do                   to comply with the AD, and an AMOC                    Regulatory Findings
                                                    any necessary repairs or replacements                     is required for any deviations to RC
                                                    that would be required based on the                       steps, including substeps and identified                We determined that this proposed AD
                                                    results of the proposed inspection. Parts                 figures; and (2) steps not labeled as RC              would not have federalism implications
                                                    costs could be up to $42,930 per                          may be deviated from using accepted                   under Executive Order 13132. This
                                                    airplane. We have no way of                               methods in accordance with the                        proposed AD would not have a
                                                    determining the number of work hours                      operator’s maintenance or inspection                  substantial direct effect on the States, on
                                                    (because the type of repair will vary                     program without obtaining approval of                 the relationship between the national
                                                    depending on findings) or the number of                   an AMOC, provided the RC steps,                       Government and the States, or on the
                                                    aircraft that might need the repairs or                   including substeps and identified                     distribution of power and
                                                    replacements.                                             figures, can still be done as specified,              responsibilities among the various
                                                    Explanation of ‘‘RC’’ Steps in Service                    and the airplane can be put back in an                levels of government.
                                                    Information                                               airworthy condition.                                    For the reasons discussed above, I
                                                                                                                                                                    certify this proposed regulation:
                                                       The FAA worked in conjunction with                     Authority for This Rulemaking
                                                    industry, under the Airworthiness                                                                                 (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
                                                    Directive Implementation Aviation                            Title 49 of the United States Code                 action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
                                                    Rulemaking Committee (ARC), to                            specifies the FAA’s authority to issue                  (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
                                                    enhance the AD system. One                                rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,                 the DOT Regulatory Policies and
                                                    enhancement was a new process for                         section 106, describes the authority of               Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26,
                                                    annotating which steps in the service                     the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:                  1979),
                                                    information are required for compliance                   Aviation Programs, describes in more
                                                    with an AD. Differentiating these steps                   detail the scope of the Agency’s                        (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
                                                    from other tasks in the service                           authority.                                            in Alaska, and
                                                    information is expected to improve an                                                                             (4) Will not have a significant
                                                                                                                 We are issuing this rulemaking under
                                                    owner’s/operator’s understanding of                                                                             economic impact, positive or negative,
                                                                                                              the authority described in Subtitle VII,
                                                    crucial AD requirements and help                                                                                on a substantial number of small entities
                                                    provide consistent judgment in AD                         Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
                                                                                                              ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that                  under the criteria of the Regulatory
                                                    compliance. The steps identified as                                                                             Flexibility Act.
                                                    Required for Compliance (RC) in any                       section, Congress charges the FAA with
                                                    service information identified                            promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in            List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
                                                    previously have a direct effect on                        air commerce by prescribing regulations
                                                                                                              for practices, methods, and procedures                  Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
                                                    detecting, preventing, resolving, or
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                                                                              the Administrator finds necessary for                 safety, Incorporation by reference,
                                                    eliminating an identified unsafe
                                                    condition.                                                safety in air commerce. This regulation               Safety.
                                                       For service information that contains                  is within the scope of that authority                 The Proposed Amendment
                                                    steps that are labeled as RC, the                         because it addresses an unsafe condition
                                                    following provisions apply: (1) The                       that is likely to exist or develop on                   Accordingly, under the authority
                                                    steps labeled as RC, including substeps                   products identified in this rulemaking                delegated to me by the Administrator,
                                                    under an RC step and any figures                          action.                                               the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
                                                    identified in an RC step, must be done                                                                          39 as follows:


                                               VerDate Sep<11>2014     18:46 Sep 14, 2015   Jkt 235001   PO 00000   Frm 00002   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\15SEP1.SGM   15SEP1


                                                                        Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 178 / Tuesday, September 15, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                                55275

                                                    PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS                                   (h) Exceptions to the Service Information             Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services
                                                    DIRECTIVES                                                (1) Where paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of        Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65,
                                                                                                            Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747–53A2880,            Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone 206–
                                                    ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39                 dated December 3, 2014, refers to a                   544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766–5680;
                                                                                                            compliance time ‘‘after the original issue date       Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You
                                                    continues to read as follows:
                                                                                                            of this service bulletin,’’ this AD requires          may view this referenced service information
                                                        Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.          compliance within the specific compliance             at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
                                                                                                            time after the effective date of this AD.             1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
                                                    § 39.13   [Amended]                                                                                           information on the availability of this
                                                                                                              (2) If any crack is found during any
                                                    ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding                   inspection required by this AD, and Boeing            material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
                                                    the following new airworthiness                         Alert Service Bulletin 747–53A2880, dated               Issued in Renton, Washington, on
                                                    directive (AD):                                         December 3, 2014, specifies to contact Boeing         September 2, 2015.
                                                    The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA–                     for appropriate action: Before further flight,        Jeffrey E. Duven,
                                                        2015–3630; Directorate Identifier 2014–             repair the cracking using a method approved
                                                                                                            in accordance with the procedures specified           Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
                                                        NM–253–AD.                                                                                                Aircraft Certification Service.
                                                                                                            in paragraph (i) of this AD.
                                                    (a) Comments Due Date                                                                                         [FR Doc. 2015–22926 Filed 9–14–15; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                            (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
                                                      We must receive comments by October 30,                                                                     BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                                                                                            (AMOCs)
                                                    2015.
                                                                                                               (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft
                                                    (b) Affected ADs                                        Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the              DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                      None.                                                 authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
                                                                                                            requested using the procedures found in 14            Federal Aviation Administration
                                                    (c) Applicability                                       CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
                                                       This AD applies to all The Boeing                    send your request to your principal inspector
                                                                                                            or local Flight Standards District Office, as         14 CFR Part 71
                                                    Company Model 747–400F series airplanes,
                                                    certificated in any category, as identified in          appropriate. If sending information directly          [Docket No. FAA–2015–1834; Airspace
                                                    paragraph 1.A., ‘‘Effectivity,’’ of Boeing Alert        to the manager of the ACO, send it to the             Docket No. 15–AGL–8]
                                                    Service Bulletin 747–53A2880, dated                     attention of the person identified in
                                                    December 3, 2014.                                       paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. Information may          Proposed Revocation and
                                                                                                            be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-                Establishment of Class E Airspace;
                                                    (d) Subject                                             Requests@faa.gov.
                                                                                                               (2) Before using any approved AMOC,
                                                                                                                                                                  Bowman, ND
                                                      Air Transport Association (ATA) of
                                                    America Code 53, Fuselage.                              notify your appropriate principal inspector,          AGENCY: Federal Aviation
                                                                                                            or lacking a principal inspector, the manager         Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                                    (e) Unsafe Condition                                    of the local flight standards district office/
                                                       This AD was prompted by a report that an             certificate holding district office.                  ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
                                                    analysis of the production methods used to                 (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable            (NPRM).
                                                    increase fatigue resistance of the upper                level of safety may be used for any repair
                                                    closure fittings at the nose cargo door portal’s        required by this AD if it is approved by the          SUMMARY:    This action proposes to
                                                    C–3 frame showed that cracking could still              Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization              establish Class E airspace at Bowman,
                                                    start too early to be caught in a timely                Designation Authorization (ODA) that has              ND. Controlled airspace is necessary to
                                                    manner by the inspection or maintenance                 been authorized by the Manager, Seattle               accommodate new Standard Instrument
                                                    program. We are issuing this AD to detect               ACO, to make those findings. For a repair             Approach Procedures at Bowman
                                                    and correct such cracking, which could result           method to be approved, the repair must meet           Regional Airport, for the safety and
                                                    in sudden decompression and loss of the                 the certification basis of the airplane, and the      management of Instrument Flight Rules
                                                    airplane’s structural integrity.                        approval must specifically refer to this AD.
                                                                                                               (4) Except as required by paragraph (h)(2)
                                                                                                                                                                  (IFR) operations. Class E airspace would
                                                    (f) Compliance                                          of this AD: For service information that              be removed at Bowman Municipal
                                                       Comply with this AD within the                       contains steps that are labeled as Required           Airport, Bowman, ND, due to closure of
                                                    compliance times specified, unless already              for Compliance (RC), the provisions of                the air traffic control tower.
                                                    done.                                                   paragraphs (i)(4)(i) and (i)(4)(ii) apply.            DATES: Comments must be received on
                                                                                                               (i) The steps labeled as RC, including             or before October 30, 2015.
                                                    (g) Inspections and Corrective Actions                  substeps under an RC step and any figures
                                                                                                                                                                  ADDRESSES: Send comments on this
                                                       Except as required by paragraph (h) of this          identified in an RC step, must be done to
                                                    AD, at the applicable time specified in                 comply with the AD. An AMOC is required               proposal to the U.S. Department of
                                                    paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing               for any deviations to RC steps, including             Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
                                                    Alert Service Bulletin 747–53A2880, dated               substeps and identified figures.                      30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
                                                    December 3, 2014: Do a detailed inspection                 (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be                W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
                                                    of the upper closure fitting, strap, and                deviated from using accepted methods in               Washington, DC 20590–0001, telephone
                                                    doubler and a surface high frequency eddy               accordance with the operator’s maintenance            (202) 366–9826. You must identify the
                                                    current (HFEC) inspection of the upper                  or inspection program without obtaining               docket number FAA–2015–1834;
                                                    closure fitting at the nose cargo door portal           approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps,
                                                    for cracking, and do all applicable related
                                                                                                                                                                  Airspace Docket No. 15–AGL–8, at the
                                                                                                            including substeps and identified figures, can
                                                    investigative and corrective actions, in                still be done as specified, and the airplane          beginning of your comments. You may
                                                    accordance with the Accomplishment                      can be put back in an airworthy condition.            also submit comments through the
                                                    Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin                                                                 Internet at http://www.regulations.gov.
                                                    747–53A2880, dated December 3, 2014.                    (j) Related Information                               You may review the public docket
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                    Repeat the inspections at the time specified               (1) For more information about this AD,            containing the proposal, any comments
                                                    in paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing            contact Bill Ashforth, Aerospace Engineer,            received, and any final disposition in
                                                    Alert Service Bulletin 747–53A2880, dated               Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA, Seattle               person in the Dockets Office between
                                                    December 3, 2014. Do the applicable                     Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind
                                                    investigative and corrective actions at the             Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
                                                                                                                                                                  9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday
                                                    times specified in paragraph 1.E.,                      phone: 425–917–6432; fax: 425–917–6590;               through Friday, except Federal holidays.
                                                    ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service                 email: bill.ashforth@faa.gov.                         The Docket Office (telephone 1–800–
                                                    Bulletin 747–53A2880, dated December 3,                    (2) For service information identified in          647–5527), is on the ground floor of the
                                                    2014.                                                   this AD, contact Boeing Commercial                    building at the above address.


                                               VerDate Sep<11>2014   18:46 Sep 14, 2015   Jkt 235001   PO 00000   Frm 00003   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\15SEP1.SGM   15SEP1



Document Created: 2015-12-15 10:09:55
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 10:09:55
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionNotice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
DatesWe must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 30, 2015.
ContactBill Ashforth, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917- 6432; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected]
FR Citation80 FR 55273 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR