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[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 150 (Tuesday, August 5, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 45385-45387]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-18465]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0522; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-087-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 
certain 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. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of 
cracks at the lower forward corner of the main entry door (MED) 1 
cutout. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the 
MED door 1 for cracking, and repair if necessary. This proposed AD also 
provides optional terminating modification; and would require post-
repair or post-modification inspections for cracking, and corrective 
actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct 
skin cracking, which can become large and could adversely affect the 
structural integrity of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 19, 
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 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.

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-
0522; 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: Nathan Weigand, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6428; 
fax: 425-917-6590; email: Nathan.P.Weigand@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-2014-0522; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-087-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 cracks at the lower forward corner of 
the MED 1 cutout on two airplanes. A 1.0-inch crack in the skin and 
bearstrap was found on an airplane with 17,605 total flight cycles. A 
5.0-inch crack was found in the skin, skin doubler, and bearstrap on an 
airplane with 21,759 total flight cycles. In addition, four cracks 
between 0.18- and 1.85-inch were found on Boeing's fatigue test 
airplane

[[Page 45386]]

between 40,000 and 52,250 total pressure cycles. The manufacturer's 
analysis has determined that the cracking initiates in the skin and can 
propagate into the bonded doubler and bearstrap. Skin cracks that are 
not found and repaired can become large and could adversely affect the 
structural integrity of the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2863, dated March 
11, 2014. For information on the procedures and compliance times, see 
this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for 
Docket No. FAA-2014-0522.

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 these same type 
designs.

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.''
    The phrase ``corrective actions'' is used in this proposed AD. 
``Corrective actions'' 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

    The service bulletin 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 165 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection (per door)...........  11 work-hours x $85 per            $0  $935 per inspection  $154,275 per
                                   hour = $935 per                        cycle.               inspection cycle.
                                   inspection cycle.
Optional modification (per door)  Up to 66 work[dash]hours            0  Up to $5,610.......  Up to $925,650.
                                   x $85 per hour = $5,610.
Post-repair or -modification      11 work-hours x $85 per             0  $935 per inspection  $154,275 per
 inspection (per door).            hour = $935 per                        cycle.               inspection cycle.
                                   inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repair that 
would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. We 
have no way of determining the number of airplanes that might need this 
repair:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                         Labor cost                Parts cost           Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repair (per door)..................  66 work-hours x $85 per      $7,380 or $9,360......  $12,990 or $14,970.
                                      hour = $5,610.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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:

[[Page 45387]]

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

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2014-0522; Directorate Identifier 
2014-NM-087-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by September 19, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all 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 Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2863, dated March 11, 2014.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracks at the lower forward 
corner of the main entry door (MED) 1 cutout. We are issuing this AD 
to detect and correct skin cracking, which can become large and 
could adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Repetitive Inspections and Corrective Actions

    Except as specified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD, at the 
applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2863, dated March 11, 2014: Do 
a detailed inspection and a surface high frequency eddy current 
inspection for cracking of the applicable main entry door 1; and do 
all applicable corrective actions; in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2863, dated March 11, 2014. Do all applicable corrective actions 
before further flight. Repeat the inspections of the applicable main 
entry door 1 thereafter at the intervals specified in paragraph 
1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2863, 
dated March 11, 2014. Accomplishing the corrective actions required 
by this paragraph terminates the repetitive inspection requirements 
of this paragraph.

(h) Optional Terminating Action

    For airplanes on which no crack is found during the initial 
inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD: Installing the 
preventive modification in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2863, dated 
March 11, 2014, terminates the repetitive inspections required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD.

(i) Post-Repair or Post-Modification Repetitive Inspections and 
Corrective Actions

    For airplanes on which the corrective actions required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD have been done, or airplanes that have 
installed the preventive modification specified in paragraph (h) of 
this AD: At the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2863, dated 
March 11, 2014, do a detailed inspection for cracking of the 
applicable main entry door 1; and do all applicable corrective 
actions; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2863, dated March 11, 2014, 
except as specified in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD. Do all 
applicable corrective actions before further flight. Repeat the 
inspection of the applicable main entry door 1 thereafter at the 
intervals specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2863, dated March 11, 2014.

(j) Exceptions to Service Information

    (1) Where paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-53A2863, dated March 11, 2014, 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) If any cracking is found during any inspection required by 
this AD, and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2863, dated March 
11, 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 (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 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.

(l) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Nathan Weigand, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 
98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6428; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
Nathan.P.Weigand@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 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 July 25, 2014.
Ross Landes,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-18465 Filed 8-4-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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