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[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 27 (Monday, February 10, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 7598-7601]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-02717]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0009; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-123-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
The Boeing Company Model 707 airplanes, and Model 720 and 720B series 
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of scribe-line-
related fatigue cracks on Model 727 airplanes, which are similar in 
design to Model 707 airplanes, and Model 720 and 720B series airplanes. 
This proposed AD would require inspections for scribe lines in the skin 
lap joints, external approved repairs, external features, skin butt 
joints, and decals, and related investigative and corrective actions if 
necessary. This proposed AD would also require surface finish 
restoration. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct scribe 
lines, which can develop into fatigue cracks in the skin and cause 
rapid decompression of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 27, 2014.

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

[[Page 7599]]

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 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.

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-2014-
0009; 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 
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 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 proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2014-0009; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-123-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 reports of scribe-line-related fatigue cracks on 
two Model 727 airplanes, which are similar in design to Model 707 
airplanes, and Model 720 and 720B series airplanes. One report was on a 
Model 727-100 airplane with 44,171 total flight cycles. The crack was 
near a repaired area and caused rapid decompression of the airplane. 
Another report was on a Model 727-100 airplane with 51,195 total flight 
cycles. The crack was at station 1090-1110, at the stringer 4L lap 
joint. This also resulted in rapid decompression of the airplane. 
Scribe lines could result in fatigue cracks developing in the skin at 
scribe line locations. Fatigue cracks, if not corrected, could grow 
large and cause rapid decompression of the airplane.

Related ADs

    This proposed AD is similar to the following four ADs, which 
require inspections to detect scribe lines in the fuselage skin at 
certain lap joints, around decal locations, external repair doublers, 
and other areas, and related investigative and corrective actions if 
necessary. Those ADs resulted from reports of fuselage skin cracks 
adjacent to the skin lap joints on airplanes that had scribe lines.
     AD 2013-07-11, Amendment 39-17415 (78 FR 22185, April 15, 
2013), for certain Boeing Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and -300ER 
series airplanes.
     AD 2010-06-16, Amendment 39-16241 (75 FR 12670, March 17, 
2010), for certain Boeing Model 767 series airplanes.
     AD 2010-05-13, Amendment 39-16223 (75 FR 10658, March 9, 
2010), corrected March 19, 2010 (75 FR 13225) for all Boeing Model 737-
100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes.
     AD 2007-19-07, Amendment 39-15198 (72 FR 60244, October 
24, 2007), for certain Boeing Model 757-200, -200PF, and -200CB series 
airplanes.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3539, dated April 
26, 2013. For information on the procedures and compliance times, see 
this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for 
Docket No. FAA-2014-0009.

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 require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information identified previously, except as discussed 
under ``Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service 
Information.''
    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.
    In addition, 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 the Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3539, dated April 26, 2013, 
specifies to contact the manufacturer for instructions on how to 
accomplish repairs, 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 11 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

[[Page 7600]]

                                                 Estimated costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
               Action                        Labor cost           Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection..........................  96 work-hours x $85 per              $0           $8,160          $89,760
                                       hour = $8,160.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed 
AD.

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:

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-2014-0009; Directorate Identifier 
2013-NM-123-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by March 27, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company airplanes, certificated in 
any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
    (1) All Model 707-100 long body, -200, -100B long body, and -
100B short body series airplanes; and Model 707-300, -300B, -300C, 
and -400 series airplanes.
    (2) All Model 720 and 720B series airplanes.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of scribe-line-related fatigue 
cracks on Model 727 airplanes, which are similar in design to the 
Model 707 airplanes, and Model 720 and 720B series airplanes. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct scribe lines, which can 
develop into fatigue cracks in the skin and cause rapid 
decompression of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Scribe Line Inspection

    (1) Except as specified in paragraphs (j)(1) and (j)(2) of this 
AD, at the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3539, dated 
April 26, 2013: Do a detailed inspection of the fuselage skin for 
scribe lines, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3539, dated April 26, 2013. If no 
scribe line is found: Before further flight, do surface finish 
restoration, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3539, dated April 26, 2013.
    (2) The inspection exceptions described in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3539, dated 
April 26, 2013, apply to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.

(h) Related Investigative and Corrective Actions

    If any scribe line is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD: At the applicable time specified in 
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin 
A3539, dated April 26, 2013, except as specified in paragraphs 
(j)(1) and (j)(2) of this AD, do all applicable related 
investigative and corrective actions, by doing all applicable 
actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 707 
Alert Service Bulletin A3539, dated April 26, 2013, except as 
specified in paragraph (j)(3) of this AD.

 (i) Surface Finish Restoration

    After completing any actions required by paragraph (h) of this 
AD: Before further flight, do surface finish restoration, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 707 Alert 
Service Bulletin A3539, dated April 26, 2013.

(j) Exceptions to Paragraph (g) of this AD

    (1) Where paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing 707 Alert 
Service Bulletin A3539, dated April 26, 2013, specifies a compliance 
time ``after the original issue date of this service bulletin,'' 
this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance time 
after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where the Condition column of paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3539, dated 
April 26, 2013, refers to total flight cycles ``as of the original 
issue date of this service bulletin,'' this AD applies to the 
airplanes with the specified total flight cycles as of the effective 
date of this AD.
    (3) Where Boeing 707 Alert Service Bulletin A3539, dated April 
26, 2013, specifies to contact Boeing for additional inspections or 
repair instructions: Before further flight, repair the scribe line 
or cracking using a method approved in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (k) of this AD.

 (k) 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

[[Page 7601]]

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 (l)(1) 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 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.

(l) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Berhane Alazar, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 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, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 18, 2014.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-02717 Filed 2-7-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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