81 FR 87412 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 233 (December 5, 2016)

Page Range87412-87417
FR Document2016-28337

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 707-300, 707-300B, and 707-300C series airplanes; and certain Model 727C, 727-100C, and 727-200F series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report indicating that a cam latch on the main cargo door (MCD) broke during flight. This AD requires various inspections and related investigative and corrective actions, if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 233 (Monday, December 5, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 233 (Monday, December 5, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 87412-87417]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-28337]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0215; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-132-AD; 
Amendment 39-18665; AD 2016-19-16]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
The Boeing Company Model 707-300, 707-300B, and 707-300C series 
airplanes; and certain Model 727C, 727-100C, and 727-200F series 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report indicating that a cam latch 
on the main cargo door (MCD) broke during flight. This AD requires 
various inspections and related investigative and corrective actions, 
if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective January 9, 2017.

[[Page 87413]]

    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of January 9, 
2017.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
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-2013-
0215.

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-2013-
0215; 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patrick Farina, Aerospace Engineer, 
Cabin Safety Branch, ANM-150L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 
562-627-5344; fax: 562-627-5210; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing Company 
Model 707-300, 707-300B, and 707-300C series airplanes; and certain 
Model 727C, 727-100C, and 727-200F series airplanes. The NPRM published 
in the Federal Register on March 28, 2013 (78 FR 18922) (``the NPRM''). 
The NPRM was prompted by a report indicating that a cam latch on the 
MCD broke during flight. The NPRM proposed to require performing 
repetitive inspections of the MCD cam latches; replacing cam latches, 
certain bolts, and door hinge fittings; performing related 
investigative and corrective actions, if necessary; and rigging the 
MCD. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct discrepancies of the 
cam latches, latch pins, and latch pin cross bolts, which could reduce 
the structural integrity of the MCD, and result in potential loss of 
the cargo door and rapid decompression of the airplane.

Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued

    Since we issued the NPRM, we have reviewed Boeing 707 Alert Service 
Bulletin A3536, Revision 1, dated September 16, 2015 (for Model 707-
300, 707-300B, and 707-300C series airplanes); and Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 727-52A0150, Revision 1, dated November 5, 2015 (for Model 
727C, 727-100C, and 727-200F series airplanes). (We referred to Boeing 
707 Alert Service Bulletin A3536, dated February 6, 2012; and Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 727-52A0150, dated January 30, 2012; as the 
appropriate sources of service information for accomplishing the 
actions specified in the NPRM.)
    Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3536, Revision 1, dated 
September 16, 2015; and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-52A0150, 
Revision 1, dated November 5, 2015; clarify the inspection conditions 
and the corrective actions for certain conditions. Certain inspections 
of the cam latches and latch pins were changed from detailed 
inspections to general visual inspections. Also, a detailed inspection 
of mating parts and immediately adjacent cam latches and latch pins for 
any cracks or any gouges in critical areas was added to certain 
corrective actions specified in the service information.
    Also, the corrective actions for latch pin extensions that are 
between 0.84 and 0.89 inch or between 0.91 and 0.94 inch were changed. 
Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3536, Revision 1, dated September 
16, 2015; and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-52A0150, Revision 1, 
dated November 5, 2015; specify replacement of any discrepant latch pin 
and a detailed inspection of the mating cam latch for any cracks or 
gouges in lieu of the repetitive detailed inspections described in 
Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3536, dated February 6, 2012; and 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-52A0150, dated January 30, 2012.

Explanation of Certain Changes to This AD

    In light of the issuance of the revised service information 
discussed previously, we have revised paragraphs (c), (g), and (h) of 
this AD to refer to Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3536, Revision 
1, dated September 16, 2015; and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-
52A0150, Revision 1, dated November 5, 2015. We have also added new 
paragraph (l) of this AD to give credit for doing actions before the 
effective date of this AD using Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin 
A3536, dated February 6, 2012; and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-
52A0150, dated January 30, 2012. In addition, we have removed the 
Optional Terminating Action, which was paragraph (m) in the proposed 
AD, and moved that information into paragraph (g)(2) of this AD to 
align with the revised service information. We have redesignated 
subsequent paragraphs accordingly.
    In addition, since certain inspections and conditions were revised 
in Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3536, Revision 1, dated September 
16, 2015; and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-52A0150, Revision 1, 
dated November 5, 2015; we have revised the description of the actions 
required by this AD to correspond with the terminology used in Boeing 
707 Alert Service Bulletin A3536, Revision 1, dated September 16, 2015; 
and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-52A0150, Revision 1, dated 
November 5, 2015. As a result, certain paragraphs in the proposed AD 
have been rearranged, and the corresponding paragraph identifiers have 
been redesignated in this AD, as listed in the following table:

                      Revised Paragraph Identifiers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Corresponding requirement in
            Action in the NPRM                         this AD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
paragraph (g).............................  paragraph (g)(1).
paragraph (h).............................  paragraph (g)(2).
paragraph (i).............................  paragraph (h).
paragraph (j).............................  paragraph (h).
paragraph (k).............................  paragraph (k).
paragraph (l).............................  paragraph (i).
paragraph (m).............................  paragraph (g)(2).
paragraph (n).............................  paragraph (j).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have also revised the Costs of Compliance section in this final 
rule to reflect the number of work-hours specified in Boeing 707 Alert 
Service Bulletin A3536, Revision 1, dated September 16, 2015; and 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-52A0150, Revision 1, dated November 
5, 2015. We have also included the costs for the repetitive inspections 
required before the MCD rigging check as well as replacement of the 
alloy cross bolts; these costs were inadvertently omitted from the 
NPRM. In addition, we have included the costs for the concurrent 
actions in Boeing

[[Page 87414]]

707/720 Service Bulletin 3477, Revision 2, dated April 15, 1993; and 
Boeing Service Bulletin 727-52-0142, Revision 2, dated April 15, 1993.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and 
the FAA's response to each comment.
    FedEx Express had no objection to the NPRM.

Request for Clarification of Requirements

    Boeing stated that it was difficult to align the requirements 
proposed in paragraphs (g), (h), (i), (j) and (l) of the proposed AD 
with the actions described in Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3536, 
dated February 6, 2012; and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-52A0150, 
dated January 30, 2012. Boeing commented that it is not clear which 
requirements in the proposed AD go with which section of table 1 and 
table 2 in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 727-52A0150, dated January 30, 2012. Boeing expressed concern 
that the proposed AD does not include all of the items in paragraph 
1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-52A0150, 
dated January 30, 2012. Boeing suggested that the proposed AD be 
rewritten so operators are not confused with unclear compliance 
requirements, which might cause situations of non-compliance.
    Boeing also requested that paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), (h)(3)(i), 
and (h)(3)(ii) of the proposed AD be rewritten to improve clarity 
because words were omitted that might lead to confusion or 
misinterpretation of the requirements in the proposed AD.
    We agree that the description of the parts to be inspected and the 
required tasks should be consistent throughout this final rule and 
should match what is described in the Boeing service information. With 
the exception of paragraph (l)(2) of this AD, we are requiring only 
actions that are described in Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3536, 
Revision 1, dated September 16, 2015; and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
727-52A0150, Revision 1, dated November 5, 2015. We have revised 
paragraphs (g), (h), (i), and (j) of this AD accordingly.
    For clarity we have moved the ``Concurrent Actions'' paragraph of 
the proposed AD (paragraph (l) of the proposed AD) before the 
``Exceptions to Service Information Specifications'' paragraph 
(paragraph (k) of the proposed AD). In this AD, the ``Concurrent 
Actions'' paragraph is redesignated as paragraph (i) of this AD.

Request To Revise Intervals for Repetitive Inspections

    The United States Air Force Joint STARS (Joint STARS) program 
stated that its concern is that the NPRM addresses only airplanes that 
are frequently used to haul cargo. For operators that do not haul cargo 
and typically only open the MCD for C-check inspections, the general 
visual inspections required every 330 flight cycles or 150 days is 
excessive. This commenter stated that these repetitive inspections do 
not fit into the current Joint STARS maintenance program and would 
result in airplane downtime and additional cost. This commenter noted 
that detailed inspections every 3,000 flight cycles or 24 months, and 
high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections every 6,000 flight 
cycles or 48 months, would fit into its current maintenance schedule 
and not cause a significant impact.
    We agree that the required intervals for repetitive inspections may 
not be appropriate for some operators because they infrequently use the 
cargo door. However, we disagree with revising the intervals for the 
repetitive inspections required by this AD. We need to evaluate the 
requests for different inspection intervals on a case-by-case basis, 
based on the operator and its use of the MCD. Operators may request a 
change in the intervals for the repetitive inspections by following the 
procedures in paragraph (m) of this AD and requesting approval of an 
alternative method of compliance.
    We also note that the FAA has limited oversight of public aircraft 
operations (PAO). The government entity conducting the PAO is 
responsible for oversight of the operations, including aircraft 
airworthiness.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3536, Revision 1, 
dated September 16, 2015; and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-
52A0150, Revision 1, dated November 5, 2015. This service information 
describes procedures for doing a general visual inspection for broken 
or missing cam latches, latch pins, and latch pin cross bolts; 
torqueing the cross bolts in the latch pins; measuring the extension of 
the latch pins; replacing all alloy steel cross bolts through the latch 
pins with CRES cross bolts; doing a general visual inspection of all 
cam latches for lip deformation; doing a HFEC or magnetic particle 
inspection of cam latch 1 and cam latch 2 for cracks and replacing all 
cracked or broken parts; checking the rig of the MCD and re-rigging as 
applicable; and doing related investigative and corrective actions. 
This service information also describes procedures for doing repetitive 
inspections for certain conditions specified in the service 
information, which terminate after the MCD rigging is done as specified 
in this service information. This service information also describes 
procedures for doing MCD post-rigging inspections and corrective 
actions. These service bulletins are distinct because they apply to 
different airplane models.
    We also reviewed Boeing 707/720 Service Bulletin 3477, Revision 2, 
dated April 15, 1993; and Boeing Service Bulletin 727-52-0142, Revision 
2, dated April 15, 1993. This service information describes procedures 
for doing general a general visual inspection of the hinge fittings and 
the cam latches on the MCD, and related investigative and corrective 
actions. These service bulletins are distinct because they apply to 
different airplane models.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 18 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 87415]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            Cost per
            Action                   Labor cost          Parts cost         product      Cost on U.S.  operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection/torque/measurement  4 work-hours x $85     $0..............  $340...........  $6,120.
                                per hour = $340.
Repetitive inspections pre-    Up to 3 work-hours x   $0..............  Up to $255 per   Up to $4,590 per
 MCD rigging.                   $85 per hour = $255                      inspection       inspection cycle.
                                per inspection cycle.                    cycle.
MCD rigging/adjustment.......  48 work-hours x $85    Up to $8,821 \1\  Up to $12,901..  Up to $232,218.
                                per hour = $4,080.
Replacement of alloy cross     1 work-hour x $85 per  $0..............  $85............  $1,530.
 bolts.                         hour = $85.
Repetitive inspections post-   3 work-hours x $85 =   $0..............  $255 per         $4,590 per inspection
 MCD rigging.                   $255 per inspection                      inspection       cycle.
                                cycle.                                   cycle.
Concurrent \2\ inspection....  8 work-hours x $85     $0..............  $680...........  $12,240.
                                per hour = $680.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Special tooling is available from the airplane manufacturer; $8,821 is the purchase price and $180 per day
  is the rental rate.
\2\ The concurrent inspection is required by AD 91-22-04, Amendment 39-8064 (56 FR 55223, October 25, 1991).

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary related 
investigative actions and certain replacements that will be required 
based on the results of the inspections. We have no way of determining 
the number of aircraft that might need these actions:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                         Labor cost            Parts cost           Cost per  product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Related investigative actions......  Up to 3 work-hours x $85                 $0  Up to $255.
                                      per hour = $255.
Replacement of broken/missing parts  1 work-hour x $85 per hour               $0  $85 per latch/pin.
                                      = $85 per latch/pin.
Concurrent replacement \1\.........  26 work-hours x $85 =               $15,324  $17,534.
                                      $2,210.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The concurrent replacement of parts is required by AD 91-22-04, Amendment 39-8064 (56 FR 55223, October 25,
  1991).

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

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2016-19-16 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18665; Docket No. FAA-
2013-0215; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-132-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective January 9, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    The Boeing Company airplanes, certificated in any category, as 
identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Model 707-300, 707-300B, and 707-300C series airplanes, as 
identified in Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3536, Revision 1, 
dated September 16, 2015.
    (2) Model 727C, 727-100C, and 727-200F series airplanes, as 
identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-52A0150, Revision 1, 
dated November 5, 2015.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report that a cam latch on the main 
cargo door (MCD) broke during flight. We are issuing this AD to 
detect and correct discrepancies of the cam latches, latch pins, and 
latch pin cross bolts. Such discrepancies could reduce the 
structural integrity of the MCD, and result in potential loss of the 
cargo door and rapid decompression of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

[[Page 87416]]

(g) MCD Pre-Rig Inspections, Bolt Torque, Latch Pin Measurement, Cross 
Bolt Replacement, and Related Investigative and Corrective Actions

    (1) Except as provided by paragraph (k)(l) of this AD, at the 
applicable times specified in table 1 of paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3536, Revision 
1, dated September 16, 2015 (for Model 707-300, 707-300B, and 707-
300C series airplanes); or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-
52A0150, Revision 1, dated November 5, 2015 (for Model 727C, 727-
100C, and 727-200F series airplanes): Do the actions specified in 
paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (g)(1)(iv) of this AD in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 707 Alert Service 
Bulletin A3536, Revision 1, dated September 16, 2015 (for Model 707-
300, 707-300B, and 707-300C series airplanes); or Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 727-52A0150, Revision 1, dated November 5, 2015 
(for Model 727C, 727-100C, and 727-200F series airplanes).
    (i) A general visual inspection of the MCD for broken or missing 
cam latches, latch pins, and latch pin cross bolts.
    (ii) Torque the cross bolts in the latch pins.
    (iii) Measure the extension of the latch pins.
    (iv) Perform a general visual inspection of all cam latches for 
lip deformation.
    (2) Except as required by paragraph (k)(2) of this AD, after 
accomplishing the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through 
(g)(1)(iv) of this AD: Do all applicable related investigative and 
corrective actions, replace all alloy steel cross bolts through the 
latch pins with corrosion resistant steel (CRES) cross bolts, repeat 
the applicable inspections, and do the check of the MCD rig and the 
latch mechanism adjustment test, at the applicable times and 
intervals specified in table 1 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' 
and in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 707 
Alert Service Bulletin A3536, Revision 1, dated September 16, 2015 
(for Model 707-300, 707-300B, and 707-300C series airplanes); or 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-52A0150, Revision 1, dated 
November 5, 2015 (for Model 727C, 727-100C, and 727-200F series 
airplanes). Accomplishment of the check of the MCD rig terminates 
the repetitive inspections required by this paragraph.

(h) MCD Post-Rigging Inspections and Corrective Actions

    (1) Except as required by paragraph (k)(2) of this AD: At the 
applicable times specified in table 2 of paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin Boeing 707 Alert 
Service Bulletin A3536, Revision 1, dated September 16, 2015 (for 
Model 707-300, 707-300B, and 707-300C series airplanes); or Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 727-52A0150, Revision 1, dated November 5, 
2015 (for Model 727C, 727-100C, and 727-200F series airplanes): Do 
general visual inspections for any broken or missing cam latches, 
latch pins, and latch pin cross bolts; a detailed inspection of the 
cam latches and latch pins for any cracks, or any gouges in critical 
areas; and an HFEC or magnetic particle inspection of cam latch 1 
and cam latch 2 for cracks in critical areas; and do all applicable 
corrective actions; in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3536, Revision 1, 
dated September 16, 2015 (for Model 707-300, 707-300B, and 707-300C 
series airplanes); or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-52A0150, 
Revision 1, dated November 5, 2015 (for Model 727C, 727-100C, and 
727-200F series airplanes). Do all applicable corrective actions 
before further flight.
    (2) Repeat the inspections required by paragraph (h)(1) of this 
AD at the applicable times specified in table 2 of paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3536, Revision 
1, dated September 16, 2015 (for Model 707-300, 707-300B, and 707-
300C series airplanes); or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-
52A0150, Revision 1, dated November 5, 2015 (for Model 727C, 727-
100C, and 727-200F series airplanes).

(i) Concurrent Actions

    (1) For airplanes identified in Boeing 707 Alert Service 
Bulletin A3536, Revision 1, dated September 16, 2015: Before or 
concurrently with accomplishment of the general visual inspections 
specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (g)(1)(iv) of this AD, do a 
general visual inspection of the hinge fittings and the cam latches 
on the MCD, and perform related investigative and corrective actions 
as applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing 707/720 Service Bulletin 3477, Revision 2, dated April 15, 
1993.
    (2) For airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
727-52A0150, Revision 1, dated November 5, 2015: Before or 
concurrently with accomplishment of the general visual inspections 
specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (g)(1)(iv) of this AD, do a 
general visual inspection of the hinge fittings and the cam latches 
on the MCD, and perform related investigative and corrective actions 
as applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Service Bulletin 727-52-0142, Revision 2, dated April 15, 
1993.

(j) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an 
alloy steel bolt as a cross bolt through any latch pin fitting 
assembly in the lower sill of the MCD on any airplane.

(k) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    The following exceptions apply to this AD.
    (1) Where Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3536, Revision 1, 
dated September 16, 2015 (for Model 707-300, 707-300B, and 707-300C 
series airplanes); or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-52A0150, 
Revision 1, dated November 5, 2015 (for Model 727C, 727-100C, and 
727-200F series airplanes); specifies a compliance time relative to 
the issue date of that service bulletin, this AD requires compliance 
within the specified compliance time after the effective date of 
this AD.
    (2) Where Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3536, Revision 1, 
dated September 16, 2015 (for Model 707-300, 707-300B, and 707-300C 
series airplanes); or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-52A0150, 
Revision 1, dated November 5, 2015 (for Model 727C, 727-100C, and 
727-200F series airplanes); specifies to contact Boeing for 
appropriate action: At the applicable time specified in paragraph 
1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3536, 
Revision 1, dated September 16, 2015 (for Model 707-300, 707-300B, 
and 707-300C series airplanes); or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
727-52A0150, Revision 1, dated November 5, 2015 (for Model 727C, 
727-100C, and 727-200F series airplanes); repair using a method 
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph 
(m) of this AD.

(l) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the corresponding actions 
required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if those actions were 
done before the effective date of this AD using Boeing 707 Alert 
Service Bulletin A3536, dated February 6, 2012 (for Model 707-300, 
707-300B, and 707-300C series airplanes); or Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 727-52A0150, dated January 30, 2012 (for Model 727C, 727-
100C, and 727-200F series airplanes).

(m) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles 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 (n)(1) of this AD. 
Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.
    (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD 
if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization 
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the 
Manager, Los Angeles ACO, 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.

(n) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Patrick Farina, 
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety Branch, ANM-150L, FAA, Los Angeles 
ACO, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-
627-5344; fax: 562-627-5210; email: [email protected].
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (o)(3) and (o)(4) of this AD.

(o) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference

[[Page 87417]]

(IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3536, Revision 1, dated 
September 16, 2015.
    (ii) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-52A0150, Revision 1, 
dated November 5, 2015.
    (iii) Boeing 707/720 Service Bulletin 3477, Revision 2, dated 
April 15, 1993.
    (iv) Boeing Service Bulletin 727-52-0142, Revision 2, dated 
April 15, 1993.
    (3) 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.
    (4) You may view this 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.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 14, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-28337 Filed 12-2-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


Current View
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesThis AD is effective January 9, 2017.
ContactPatrick Farina, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety Branch, ANM-150L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5344; fax: 562-627-5210; email: [email protected]
FR Citation81 FR 87412 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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