RGL Home 

AD Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

Federal Register Information

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 35 (Wednesday, February 22, 2012)] 

[Pages 10403-10406] 

Header Information

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Part 39 

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0145; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-066-AD]

RIN 2120-AA64 

Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes 

Preamble Information

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. 

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). 

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

SUMMARY: We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) 

that applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 767 airplanes. The existing AD 

currently requires revising the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the 

maintenance planning data (MPD) document. Since we issued that AD, a reevaluation of certain doors and flaps was done based on their fatigue-critical 

nature. This proposed AD would revise the maintenance program to incorporate 

an additional limitation, and would add airplanes to the applicability. We are 

proposing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the principal structural 

element (PSEs), which could adversely affect the structural integrity of the 

airplane. 

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 9, 2012. 

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. 

The Boeing Company Airplanes Page 1 of 8

http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgADNPRM.nsf/0/50305B4D1BDA... 10/9/2012
 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 AD, contact Boeing Commercial 

Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, 

Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-

766-5680; email me.boecom@boeing.com; Internet 

https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the referenced service 

information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 

Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 

call 425-227-1221. 

Examining the AD Docket 

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; 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: Berhane Alazar, Aerospace 

Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 

1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-917- 6577; 

fax: 425-917-6590; email: berhane.alazar@faa.gov. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited 

We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this 

proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES 

section. Include "Docket No. FAA-2012-0145; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-066-

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 

The Boeing Company Airplanes Page 2 of 8

http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgADNPRM.nsf/0/50305B4D1BDA... 10/9/2012
On September 4, 2003, we issued AD 2003-18-10, amendment 39-13301 (68 FR 

53503, September 11, 2003), for certain The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -

300, -300F, and -400ER series airplanes. That AD requires revising Subsection B, 

Section 9, of Boeing 767 Maintenance Planning Data (MPD) Document 

D622T001-9, titled "Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) and Certification 

Maintenance Requirements (CMRs),'' to incorporate Revision October 2002; and 

Appendix B of Boeing 767 MPD Document D622T001, Revision December 2002. 

That AD resulted from analysis of data that identified specific initial inspection 

thresholds and repetitive inspection intervals for certain principal structural 

elements (PSEs) to be added to the airworthiness limitation instructions (ALI). We 

issued that AD to ensure that fatigue cracking of various PSEs is detected and 

corrected; such fatigue cracking could adversely affect the structural integrity of 

these airplanes. 

Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued 

Since we issued AD 2003-18-10 (68 FR 53503, September 11, 2003), a reevaluation of certain doors and flaps was done based on their fatigue-critical 

nature. These items were classified as PSEs and have been included in the 

revised MPD Document. 

Relevant Service Information 

We reviewed Subsection B, Airworthiness Limitations--Structural Inspections, of 

Section 9, Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) and Certification Maintenance 

Requirements (CMRs), D622T001-9, Revision July 2011, of the Boeing 767 

Maintenance Planning Data (MPD) Document. This service information describes 

procedures for an additional critical fatigue inspection. 

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. 

Proposed AD Requirements 

This proposed AD would retain certain requirements of AD 2003-18-10 (68 FR 

53503, September 11, 2003). This proposed AD would revise the Airworthiness 

Limitations Section of the Maintenance Planning Data (MPD) Document 767 

Airworthiness Limitations Instructions (ALI) which adds a critical fatigue inspection 

and revises the applicability to include additional airplane line numbers. 

Change to Existing AD 

This proposed AD would retain certain requirements of AD 2003-18-10 (68 FR 

53503, September 11, 2003). Since AD 2003-18-10 was issued, the AD format 

has been revised, and certain paragraphs have been rearranged. As a result, the 

corresponding paragraph identifiers have changed in this proposed AD, as listed 

in the following table: 

The Boeing Company Airplanes Page 3 of 8

http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgADNPRM.nsf/0/50305B4D1BDA... 10/9/2012
Revised Paragraph Identifiers

Costs of Compliance 

We estimate that this proposed AD affects 417 airplanes of U.S. registry. 

We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: 

Estimated Costs

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 have 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 

Requirement in AD 2003–18–10 

(68 FR 53503, September 11, 

2003) 

Corresponding 

requirement in this 

proposed AD 

paragraph (c) paragraph (g) 

paragraph (d) paragraph (h) 

Action Labor cost Parts 

cost 

Cost per 

product 

Cost on 

U.S. 

operators 

Revise airworthiness limitations 

[retained actions from existing AD 

2003–18–10 (68 FR 53503, 

September 11, 2003)]. 

1 work-hour 

× $85 per 

hour = $85. 

$0 $85 $35,445 

Revise airworthiness limitations 

[new requirements] 

1 work-hour 

× $85 per 

hour = $85. 

0 85 35,445 

The Boeing Company Airplanes Page 4 of 8

http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgADNPRM.nsf/0/50305B4D1BDA... 10/9/2012
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 the 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: 

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 

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

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

Sec. 39.13 [Amended] 

2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing airworthiness directive (AD) 2003-

18-10, Amendment 39-13301 (68 FR 53503, September 11, 2003), and adding 

the following new AD: 

Regulatory Information

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2012-0145; Directorate Identifier 2011-

NM-066-AD. 

(a) Comments Due Date 

The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by April 9, 2012. 

(b) Affected ADs 

This AD supersedes AD 2003-18-10, Amendment 39-13301 (68 FR 53503, 

September 11, 2003). 

The Boeing Company Airplanes Page 5 of 8

http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgADNPRM.nsf/0/50305B4D1BDA... 10/9/2012
(c) Applicability 

This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, - 300F, and -

400ER series airplanes; certificated in any category; line numbers 1 through 997 

inclusive. 

Note 1: This AD requires revisions to certain operator maintenance documents to 

include new inspections. Compliance with these inspections is required by 14 

CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or 

repaired in the areas addressed by these inspections, the operator may not be 

able to accomplish the inspections described in the revisions. In this situation, to 

comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request approval for an 

alternative method of compliance according to paragraph (k) of this AD. The 

request should include a description of changes to the required inspections that 

will ensure the continued damage tolerance of the affected structure. The FAA 

has provided guidance for this determination in Advisory Circular (AC) 25.1529-

1A. 

(d) Subject 

Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association (ATA) of 

America Code 51, Standard Practices/Structures; 52, Doors; 53, Fuselage 

structure; 54, Nacelle/Pylons; 55, Stabilizers; 56, Windows; and 57, Wings. 

(e) Unsafe Condition 

This AD was prompted by a re-evaluation of certain doors and flaps based on 

their fatigue-critical nature. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue 

cracking of the principal structural elements (PSEs), which could adversely affect 

the structural integrity of the airplane. 

(f) Compliance 

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

Restatement of Requirements AD 2003-18-10, Amendment 39-13301 (68 FR 

53503, September 11, 2003), With New Service Information 

(g) Revise Section 9 of the Boeing 767 Maintenance Planning Data (MPD) 

Document 

For Model 767-200, -300, -300F, and -400ER series airplanes having line 

numbers 1 through 895 inclusive: Within 18 months after October 16, 2003 (the 

effective date AD 2003-18-10, (68 FR 53503, September 11, 2003)), revise 

Subsection B, Section 9, of Boeing 767 MPD Document D622T001-9, entitled 

"Airworthiness Limitations and Certification Maintenance Requirements,'' to 

incorporate Revision October 2002; and Appendix B of Boeing 767 MPD 

Document D622T001, Revision December 2002; or Subsection B, Airworthiness 

Limitations-- Structural Limitations, of Section 9, Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) 

and Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMRs), D622T001- 9, Revision July 

The Boeing Company Airplanes Page 6 of 8

http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgADNPRM.nsf/0/50305B4D1BDA... 10/9/2012
2011, of the Boeing 767 MPD Document. 

(h) Alternative Inspections and Inspection Intervals 

Except as provided by paragraphs (i) and (k) of this AD: After the actions required 

by paragraph (g) of this AD have been accomplished, no alternative inspections or 

inspection intervals shall be approved for the structural significant items (SSIs) 

contained in Section 9 of Boeing 767 MPD Document D622T001-9, Revision 

October 2002. 

New Requirements of This AD 

(i) Maintenance Program Revision 

Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the maintenance 

program to incorporate the limitations section in Subsection B, Airworthiness 

Limitations--Structural Inspections, of Section 9, Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) 

and Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMRs), D622T001-9, Revision July 

2011, of the Boeing 767 MPD Document. Doing this revision terminates the 

requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD. 

Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, the terms principal structural elements 

(PSEs) as used in this AD, and SSIs as used in Subsection B, Airworthiness 

Limitations--Structural Inspections, of Section 9, Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) 

and Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMRs), D622T001-9, Revision July 

2011, of the Boeing 767 MPD Document, are considered to be interchangeable. 

(j) Alternative Inspections and Inspection Intervals 

Except as provided by paragraph (k) of this AD: After the actions required by 

paragraph (i) of this AD have been accomplished, no alternative inspections or 

inspection intervals shall be approved for the SSIs contained in Subsection B, 

Airworthiness Limitations-- Structural Inspections, of Section 9, Airworthiness 

Limitations (AWLs) and Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMRs), 

D622T001- 9, Revision July 2011, of the Boeing 767 MPD Document. 

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) 

(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), ANM-120S, 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 the Related Information section of this AD. Information 

may be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. 

(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, 

or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district 

office/certificate holding district office. 

(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any 

The Boeing Company Airplanes Page 7 of 8

http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgADNPRM.nsf/0/50305B4D1BDA... 10/9/2012
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 Aircraft Certification Office (ACO) to make those findings. For a 

repair method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the 

airplane and 14 CFR 25.571, Amendment 45, and the approval must specifically 

refer to this AD. 

(l) Related Information 

(1) For more information about this AD, contact Berhane Alazar, Aerospace 

Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 

1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6577; 

fax: 425-917-6590; email: berhane.alazar@faa.gov. 

(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial 

Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, 

Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-

766-5680; email me.boecom@boeing.com; Internet 

https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the referenced service 

information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 

Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 

call 425-227-1221. 

Footer Information

Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 9, 2012. 

Ali Bahrami, 

Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 

Service. 

[FR Doc. 2012-4161 Filed 2-21-12; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910-13-P 

Comments

Not Applicable 

FAA.gov Home | Privacy Policy | Web Policies & Notices | Contact Us | Help 

Readers & Viewers: PDF Reader | MS Word Viewer | MS PowerPoint Viewer | MS Excel Viewer | WinZip 

The Boeing Company Airplanes Page 8 of 8

http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgADNPRM.nsf/0/50305B4D1BDA... 10/9/2012