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.

Proposed Rules Federal Register

19278 

Vol. 76, No. 67 

Thursday, April 7, 2011 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Part 39 

[Docket No. FAA–2011–0303; Directorate 

Identifier 2010–NM–214–AD] 

RIN 2120–AA64 

Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing 

Company Model 747–100, 747–100B, 

747–100B SUD, 747–200B, 747–200C, 

747–200F, 747–300, 747–400, 747– 

400D, 747–400F, 747SR, and 747SP 

Series Airplanes 

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 the products listed above. 

The existing AD currently requires an 

inspection of the No. 2 and No. 3 

windows on the left and right sides of 

the airplane to determine their part 

numbers, related investigative and 

corrective actions if necessary, and 

repetitive inspections of single pane 

windows. Since we issued that AD, we 

have determined that terminating action 

for the repetitive inspections is 

necessary. This proposed AD would add 

a requirement to install dual pane No. 

2 and No. 3 windows. This proposed 

AD also removes certain airplanes from 

the applicability. We are proposing this 

AD to detect and correct cracking in the 

fail-safe interlayer of certain No. 2 and 

No. 3 glass windows, which could result 

in loss of the window and consequent 

rapid loss of cabin pressure. Loss of the 

window could also result in crew 

communication difficulties or 

incapacitation of the crew. 

DATES: We must receive comments on 

this proposed AD by May 23, 2011. 

ADDRESSES: You may send comments 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 AD, contact Boeing Commercial 

Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services 

Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65, 

Seattle, Washington 98124–2207; 

phone: 206–544–5000, extension 1; fax: 

206–766–5680; e-mail: 

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: 

Steven Fox, Senior Aerospace Engineer, 

Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, Seattle 

Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 

FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 

Washington 98057–3356; phone: 425– 

917–6425; fax: 425–917–6590; e-mail: 

Steven.Fox@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–2011–0303; Directorate Identifier 

2010–NM–214–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 

On July 18, 2007, we issued AD 2007– 

15–10, Amendment 39–15139 (72 FR 

41438, July 30, 2007), for all Boeing 

Model 747 airplanes. A correction of 

that AD was published in the Federal 

Register on September 21, 2007 (72 FR 

53923), which corrected a typographical 

error in paragraph (g) compliance times 

of flight cycles to flight hours. That AD 

requires an inspection of the No. 2 and 

No. 3 windows on the left and right 

sides of the airplane to determine their 

part numbers, and related investigative 

and corrective actions if necessary; and 

repetitive inspections of single pane 

windows. That AD resulted from loss of 

a No. 3 window in-flight. We issued that 

AD to detect and correct cracking in the 

fail-safe interlayer of certain No. 2 and 

No. 3 glass windows, which could result 

in loss of the window and consequent 

rapid loss of cabin pressure. Loss of the 

window could also result in crew 

communication difficulties or 

incapacitation of the crew. 

Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued 

The preamble of the original NPRM 

for AD 2007–15–10 (Docket Number 

FAA–2006–26441, Directorate Identifier 

2006–NM–204–AD) specifies that we 

consider the actions an ‘‘interim action 

until final action is identified, at which 

time we may consider further 

rulemaking’’. We have determined that 

further rulemaking is indeed necessary; 

this proposed AD follows from that 

determination. 

Relevant Service Information 

AD 2007–15–10 cited Boeing Alert 

Service Bulletin 747–56A2012, dated 

August 24, 2006, as the relevant source 

of service information. Since we issued 

AD 2007–15–10, Boeing has issued 

Service Bulletin 747–56A2012, Revision 

1, dated August 12, 2010. Boeing 

Service Bulletin 747–56A2012, Revision 


srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with PROPOSALS
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 67 / Thursday, April 7, 2011 / Proposed Rules 19279 

1, dated August 12, 2010, describes 

essentially the same actions described 

in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747– 

56A2012, dated August 24, 2006, and 

also describes procedures for replacing 

single pane No. 2 and No. 3 windows 

with dual pane windows. Boeing 

Service Bulletin 747–56A2012, Revision 

1, dated August 12, 2010, also removes 

airplanes line numbers 1418 and on 

from the effectivity. The inspections in 

Boeing Service Bulletin 747–56A2012, 

Revision 1, dated August 12, 2010, are 

not necessary on airplanes having line 

numbers 1418 and on, which have the 

new dual structural glass pane windows 

installed in production. Boeing Service 

Bulletin 747–56A2012, Revision 1, 

dated August 12, 2010, specifies that 

installation of the new dual structural 

glass pane windows ends the repetitive 

inspections specified in Boeing Alert 

Service Bulletin 747–56A2012, dated 

August 24, 2006. 

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 2007–15–10. 

This proposed AD would also require 

accomplishing the actions specified in 

Boeing Service Bulletin 747–56A2012, 

Revision 1, dated August 12, 2010, 

except as discussed under ‘‘Differences 

Between the Proposed AD and the 

Service Information.’’ This proposed AD 

also removes airplanes having line 

numbers 1418 and on from the 

applicability. 

Differences Between the Proposed AD 

and the Service Information 

This AD proposes to prohibit installed 

dual structural glass pane windows 

from being replaced with single 

structural glass pane windows. This 

proposed AD would also add a 

definition of ‘‘non-clear damage’’, which 

the Accomplishment Instructions of 

Boeing Service Bulletin 747–56A2012, 

Revision 1, dated August 12, 2010, use 

as criteria for window replacement. 

Costs of Compliance 

We estimate that this proposed AD 

affects 144 airplanes of U.S. registry. 

We estimate the following costs to 

comply with this proposed AD: 

ESTIMATED COSTS

Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per 

product 

Cost on U.S. 

operators 

Inspection to determine window part numbers; 

retained from existing AD.

4 work-hours × $85 per hour = $340 ................. $0 $340 $48,960 

Detailed inspection, if necessary; retained from 

existing AD.

1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ..................... 0 85 12,240 

Dual pane window replacement; new proposed 

action.

16 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,360 ............ 44,014 45,374 6,533,856 

We estimate the following costs to do 

any necessary replacements that would 

be required based on the results of the 

proposed inspection. We have no way of 

determining the number of aircraft that 

might need these replacements: 

ON-CONDITION COSTS

Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per 

product 

Window replacement .................................................... 16 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,360 ...................... $44,014 $45,374 

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 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. 


srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with PROPOSALS
19280 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 67 / Thursday, April 7, 2011 / Proposed Rules 

§ 39.13 [Amended] 

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by 

removing airworthiness directive (AD) 

2007–15–10, Amendment 39–15139 (72 

FR 41438, July 30, 2007), corrected at 72 

FR 53923, September 21, 2007, and 

adding the following new AD: 

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA– 

2011–0303; Directorate Identifier 2010– 

NM–214–AD. 

Comments Due Date 

(a) The FAA must receive comments on 

this AD action by May 23, 2011. 

Affected ADs 

(b) This AD supersedes AD 2007–15–10, 

Amendment 39–15139. 

Applicability 

(c) This AD applies to The Boeing 

Company Model 747–100, 747–100B, 747– 

100B SUD, 747–200B, 747–200C, 747–200F, 

747–300, 747–400, 747–400D, 747–400F, 

747SR, and 747SP Series Airplanes, 

certificated in any category, as identified in 

Boeing Service Bulletin 747–56A2012, 

Revision 1, dated August 12, 2010. 

Subject 

(d) Joint Aircraft System Component 

(JASC)/Air Transport Association (ATA) of 

America Code 56, Windows. 

Unsafe Condition 

(e) This AD was prompted by loss of a No. 

3 window in-flight. We are issuing this AD 

to detect and correct cracking in the fail-safe 

interlayer of certain No. 2 and No. 3 glass 

windows, which could result in loss of the 

window and consequent rapid loss of cabin 

pressure. Loss of the window could also 

result in crew communication difficulties or 

incapacitation of the crew. 

Compliance 

(f) Comply with this AD within the 

compliance times specified, unless already 

done. 

Restatement of Requirements of AD 2007– 

15–10, With New Service Information 

Inspection, Related Investigative Actions, 

and Corrective Action 

(g) Inspect the No. 2 and No. 3 windows 

on the left and right sides of the airplane to 

determine their part numbers, and do all the 

applicable related investigative and 

corrective actions, by accomplishing all of 

the actions specified in the Accomplishment 

Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 

747–56A2012, dated August 24, 2006; or 

Boeing Service Bulletin 747–56A2012, 

Revision 1, dated August 12, 2010; except as 

required by paragraph (j) of this AD; as 

applicable. Do all of these actions at the 

compliance times specified in Tables 1, 2, 

and 3 of paragraph 1.E. of Boeing Alert 

Service Bulletin 747–56A2012, dated August 

24, 2006, as applicable, except as provided 

by paragraph (h) of this AD. A review of 

airplane maintenance records is acceptable in 

lieu of the inspection if the part numbers of 

the windows can be conclusively determined 

from that review. Repeat the related 

investigative and corrective actions thereafter 

at the interval specified in Table 2 or 3 of 

paragraph 1.E. of Boeing Alert Service 

Bulletin 747–56A2012, dated August 24, 

2006, as applicable. As of the effective date 

of this AD, do the actions specified in this 

paragraph, in accordance with the 

Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 

Service Bulletin 747–56A2012, Revision 1, 

dated August 12, 2010, except as required by 

(j) of this AD. Replacing a window in 

accordance with paragraph (i) of this AD 

terminates the requirements of this paragraph 

for that window. 

Exception to Compliance Times 

(h) Where Tables 1, 2, and 3 of paragraph 

1.E. of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747– 

56A2012, dated August 24, 2006, specify 

counting the compliance time from ‘‘* * * 

after the date on this service bulletin,’’ this 

AD requires counting the compliance time 

from September 4, 2007 (the effective date of 

AD 2007–15–10). After replacing a discrepant 

window with a new window, having part 

number (P/N) 65B27042–(), 65B27043–(), 

65B27046–(), or 65B27047–(), do the initial 

detailed inspection of the new window at the 

applicable compliance time: (1) Within 5,500 

flight hours after installing P/N 65B27042–() 

or 65B27043–(), or (2) Within 22,000 flight 

hours after installing P/N 65B27046–() or 

65B27047–(). 

New Requirements of This AD 

(i) Within 6 years after the effective date of 

this AD, replace all No. 2 windows having P/ 

N 65B27042–() or 65B27046–(), with 

windows having P/N 141U4821–() or 

141U4822–(), and replace all No. 3 windows 

having P/N 65B27043–() or 65B27047–() with 

windows having P/N 141U4831–() or 

141U4832–(), in accordance with Part 3— 

Window Replacement of the 

Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 

Service Bulletin 747–56A2012, Revision 1, 

dated August 12, 2010. Doing this 

replacement for all windows terminates the 

actions required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of 

this AD. 

(j) Where Step 4.e. of Part 2 of the Work 

Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747– 

56A2012, Revision 1, dated August 12, 2010, 

specifies ‘‘non-clear damage’’ as a criteria for 

window replacement, this AD defines nonclear damage to be any degradation of the 

transparency of the window, which would 

hinder the internal or external detailed 

inspections for fail-safe interlayer cracks, 

glass pane cracks and chips, and indications 

of arcing. Replacement for non-clear damage 

is required by this AD only if the non-clear 

damage hinders the inspection for fail-safe 

interlayer cracks, glass pane cracks and 

chips, or indications of arcing. 

Parts Installation 

(k) As of the effective date of this AD, do 

not install any No. 2 or No. 3 window having 

P/N 65B27042–(), 65B27043–(), 65B27046–(), 

or 65B27047–() that is not new or on which 

the window flight hours are not known, on 

any airplanes, unless the actions specified in 

paragraph (g) of this AD are done. 

Alternative Methods of Compliance 

(AMOCs) 

(l)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft 

Certification Office, 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 e-mailed to: 9-ANMSeattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. 

(2) Before using any approved AMOC, 

notify your appropriate principal inspector, 

or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 

of the local flight standards district office/ 

certificate holding district office. 

(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable 

level of safety may be used for any repair 

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) AMOCs previously approved in 

accordance with AD 2007–15–10, 

Amendment 39–15139, are approved as 

AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of 

this AD except previous AMOCs approving 

window replacement that do not specify 

installing dual structural glass pane windows 

are not considered approved for 

corresponding inspection methods required 

by this AD. 

Related Information 

(m) For more information about this AD, 

contact Steven Fox, Senior Aerospace 

Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM120S, 

Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 

FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 

Washington 98057–3356; phone: 425–917– 

6425; fax: 425–917–6590; e-mail: 

Steven.Fox@faa.gov. 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. 

Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 

23, 2011. 

Kalene C. Yanamura, 

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane 

Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. 

[FR Doc. 2011–8276 Filed 4–6–11; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 


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