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[Federal Register: October 5, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 192)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 61337-61341]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr05oc10-3]                         

=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-1069; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-036-AD; 
Amendment 39-16442; AD 2010-20-08]
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, and 747SR Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), which applies to all Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B 
SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-
400F, and 747SR series airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive 
inspections to find cracking of the web, strap, inner chords, and inner 
chord angle of the forward edge frame of the number 5 main entry door 
cutouts, and repair, if necessary. This new AD requires expanding the 
inspection areas to include the frame segment between stringers 16 and 
23. This AD reinstates the repetitive inspections specified above for 
certain airplanes. This AD also requires repetitive inspections for 
cracking of repairs. This AD results from additional reports of cracks 
that have been found in the strap and inner chord of the forward edge 
frame of the number 5 main entry door cutouts, between stringers 16 and 
23. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such cracks. This 
condition, if not corrected, could cause damage to the adjacent body 
structure, which could result in depressurization of the airplane in 
flight.

DATES: This AD becomes effective November 9, 2010.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 9, 
2010.

ADDRESSES: 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; e-mail me.boecom@boeing.com; 
Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.

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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The address for the 
Docket Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is the Document 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: Ivan Li, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe 
Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6437; 
fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to include an AD to supersede AD 2001-16-02, amendment 39-
12370 (66 FR 41440, August 8, 2001). The existing AD applies to certain 
Model 747 series airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal 
Register on November 20, 2009 (74 FR 60215). That NPRM proposed to 
continue to require repetitive inspections to find cracking of the web, 
strap, inner chords, and inner chord angle of the forward edge frame of 
the number 5 main entry door cutouts between stringers 23 and 31, and 
repair, if necessary. The NPRM also proposed to require expanding the 
inspection areas to include the frame segment between stringers 16 and 
23; reinstating the repetitive inspections specified for certain 
airplanes; and adding repetitive inspections for cracking of repairs.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. We have considered the comments that have been 
received on the NPRM.

Request To Exclude Large Cargo Freighters (LCFs) From the AD 
Applicability

    Boeing requests we change the applicability in paragraph (c) of the 
NPRM to exclude LCFs. Boeing states that during modification into the 
LCF configuration, the 46-section from station 1960 to station 2360 was 
removed from the airplane. Boeing also states that this segment of the 
airplane

[[Page 61338]]

was replaced with a new swing-zone and 47-section.
    We agree with Boeing's request for the reason provided by the 
commenter. We have revised paragraph (c) of this AD accordingly.

Request for Clarification of the AD Applicability

    An anonymous commenter requests that we clarify the applicability 
of the NPRM. The commenter notes that, in accordance with paragraph (c) 
of the NPRM, the proposed AD would be applicable to Boeing Model 747-
400F series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2450, Revision 5, dated January 
29, 2009. The commenter states that after reviewing this sentence in 
light of Revision 5 of the service bulletin, it was discovered that 
line number 1399 (i.e. variable number RL534) is not affected by Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2450, Revision 5, dated January 29, 2009, 
and therefore is not affected by the proposed AD.
    The commenter also notes that paragraph (j) of the NPRM states, 
``For all airplanes: Before the accumulation of 16,000 total flight 
cycles * * *'' The commenter states that this sentence is confusing for 
airplane line number 1399 (i.e. variable number RL534), since this 
airplane is not affected by Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2450, 
Revision 5, dated January 29, 2009. The commenter states that this 
airplane is structurally the same as the other affected airplanes, and 
therefore it should be affected by the NPRM.
    We disagree with the commenter's remark that line number 1399 is 
not affected by this AD. The ``Effectivity'' paragraph in the Summary 
section of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2450, Revision 5, dated 
January 29, 2009, specifies ``all 747 airplanes.'' Also, the Note in 
paragraph 1.A., ``Effectivity,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2450, Revision 5, dated January 29, 2009, specifies that ``airplanes 
after line number 1397 are also affected by this service bulletin.'' We 
acknowledge there may be confusion because the Note in paragraph 1.A., 
``Effectivity,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2450, Revision 
5, dated January 29, 2009, also states that ``the effectivity list 
shown below is complete for airplanes through line number 1397.''
    We find that clarification of paragraph (c) of this AD is 
necessary. All Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-
200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, and 747SR series 
airplanes (line numbers 1 through 1419 inclusive) are affected by this 
AD except for the airplanes mentioned in the previous comment, 
``Request to Exclude Large Cargo Freighters (LCF) from the 
Applicability.'' Line numbers 1420 and subsequent are not affected by 
the identified unsafe condition because those line numbers correspond 
to Model 747-8 and 747-8F series airplanes, which are still being 
certified and have a different configuration than the airplanes 
identified in this AD.

Request To Update Delegation of Authority

    Boeing requests that we change Delegation Option Authorization 
(DOA) holder to Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation 
Authorization (ODA).
    We agree with Boeing's request to update the delegation of 
authority. Boeing Commercial Airplanes has received an Organization 
Designation Authorization (ODA), which replaces the previous 
designation as a Delegation Option Authorization (DOA) holder. We have 
revised paragraph (o)(3) of this AD to add delegation of authority to 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes ODA to approve an alternative method of 
compliance (AMOC) for any repair required by this AD.
    We also have revised paragraph (l) of this AD to delegate the 
authority to approve an alternative method of compliance for any repair 
required by this AD to the Boeing Commercial Airplanes ODA rather than 
a Designated Engineering Representative.

Request To Do Inspections in Accordance With the Structural Repair 
Manual (SRM)

    Boeing requests that for any frame repaired in accordance with the 
SRM, the inspections also can be done in accordance with the SRM. 
Boeing requests that the following sentence be added to paragraph (n) 
of this AD: ``For any frame that is repaired in accordance with the 
747-400 SRM 53-60-15, Figure 201, Repair 5, do the inspection, 
including the threshold and intervals in accordance with the SRM.''
    Boeing states that the SRM was designed to add reinforcing steel 
straps, which will reduce the stress level in the edge frame and 
therefore allow an increased threshold of 20,000 flight cycles after 
the repair.
    We do not agree with Boeing's request to do the inspections in 
accordance with the SRM. We have not been provided with any data to 
substantiate such a request, and further evaluation is needed. However, 
under the provisions of paragraph (o)(1) of this AD, we may consider 
requests for approval of an AMOC if sufficient data are submitted to 
substantiate that an alternative inspection plan would provide an 
acceptable level of safety. We have not changed the AD regarding this 
issue.

Request To Clarify Paragraph (i) of the NPRM

    Northwest Airlines (NWA) requests that we clarify paragraph (i) of 
the NPRM. NWA states that it finds paragraph (i) of the NPRM to be 
``awkward.'' NWA states that paragraph (g) of the NPRM specifies to use 
only Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2450, Revision 5, dated 
January 29, 2009, after the effective date of the AD. NWA states that 
paragraph (i) of the proposed NPRM directs the reader to Figure 1 of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2450, dated May 4, 2000; or 
Revision 1, dated July 6, 2000; and that Figure 1 has been deleted from 
Revision 5. NWA recommends that paragraph (i) of the NPRM be revised to 
specify: ``Within 3,000 flight cycles after accomplishment of the 
inspections previously specified in Figure 1 of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-53A2450, dated May 4, 2000, or Revision 1, dated July 6, 
2000, repeat inspections at intervals not to exceed 3,000 flight cycles 
as specified in Table 1 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2450, 
Revision 5, dated January 29, 2009.''
    We disagree with NWA's request to change paragraph (i) of this AD. 
For clarification, paragraph (g) of this final rule restates the 
inspection requirements of AD 2001-16-02, and paragraph (i) of this 
final rule provides the repetitive interval for those inspections. The 
compliance times and the repetitive inspection intervals for the 
inspections have not changed; therefore, using Figure 1 of the service 
bulletin as the reference for the compliance time is correct. We have 
not changed the AD in this regard.

Request To Correct Typographical Errors

    All Nippon Airways (ANA) requests that certain part numbers be 
corrected in the NPRM. ANA notes that paragraphs (h), (i), (j), and (k) 
of the NPRM would require initial and repetitive inspections of the STA 
2231 frame, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2450, Revision 5, dated January 29, 2009. ANA states that it found 
several typographical errors on the code ``K'' in Figure 7 of this 
service bulletin. ANA asserts that the part number of the nut should be 
``BACN10JC3CD,'' instead of ``BACB30JC3CD.'' ANA also states that the 
part number should be

[[Page 61339]]

``BACN10YR3CD,'' instead of ``BACN10YR4CD.'' ANA states that Boeing 
concurs with this error and that Boeing will issue a new information 
notice with the correct information.
    We agree with ANA's request that the part numbers referenced by the 
commenter should be corrected. Since the issuance of the NPRM, Boeing 
has issued Service Bulletin Information Notice 747-53A2450 IN 04, dated 
May 3, 2010, specifying the correct part numbers. We have added a new 
Note 3 to this AD to reference the correct part numbers.

Request To Correct Editorial Error

    Boeing requests that an editorial error be corrected in paragraph 
(l) of the NPRM. Boeing states that the first sentence in paragraph (l) 
of the NPRM reads: ``* * * required this AD. * * *'' Boeing states that 
the word ``by'' should be inserted into the sentence to read: ``* * * 
required by this AD. * * *''
    We agree with Boeing and have corrected the editorial error. We 
have revised paragraph (l) of this AD in this regard.

Explanation of Change Made to This AD

    We have revised this AD to identify the legal name of the 
manufacturer as published in the most recent type certificate data 
sheet for the affected airplane models.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the 
comments that have been received, and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described 
previously. We have determined that these changes will neither increase 
the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Explanation of Changes to Costs of Compliance

    Since issuance of the NPRM, we have increased the labor rate used 
in the Costs of Compliance from $80 per work-hour to $85 per work-hour. 
The Costs of Compliance information, below, reflects this increase in 
the specified hourly labor rate.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 163 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The following table provides the estimated costs for 
U.S. operators to comply with this AD.

                                                                     Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                    Number of U.S.-
              Action                     Work hours        Average labor         Parts          Cost per airplane     registered         Fleet cost
                                                           rate per hour                                               airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections (required by AD         16..................             $85  None..............  $1,360 per                       163  $221,680 per
 2001[dash]16[dash]02).                                                                        inspection cycle.                     inspection cycle.
Inspections (new action)..........  28 depending on                   85  None..............  Up to $2,380 per                 163  Up to $387,940 per
                                     airplane                                                  inspection cycle,                     inspection cycle,
                                     configuration.                                            depending on                          depending on
                                                                                               airplane                              airplane
                                                                                               configuration.                        configuration.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 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); and
    (3) 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES 
section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
removing amendment 39-12370 (66 FR 41440, August 8, 2001) and by adding 
the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2010-20-08 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-16442. Docket No. FAA-
2009-1069; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-036-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective November 9, 2010.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2001-16-02, Amendment 39-12370.

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, and 747SR series airplanes, certificated in any 
category, having line numbers 1 through 1419 inclusive; except for 
Model 747-400 series airplanes that have been modified into

[[Page 61340]]

the 747-400 large cargo freighter configuration.

Subject

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

Unsafe Condition

    (e) This AD results from additional reports of cracks that have 
been found in the strap and inner chord of the forward edge frame of 
the number 5 main entry door cutouts, between stringers 16 and 23. 
Based on these reports, we have determined that the frame segment 
between stringers 16 and 23 is also susceptible to the unsafe 
condition. The Federal Aviation Administration is issuing this AD to 
detect and correct such cracks. This condition, if not corrected, 
could cause damage to the adjacent body structure, which could 
result in depressurization of the airplane in flight.

Compliance

    (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Restatement of Requirements of AD 2001-16-02, With New Service 
Information

Repetitive Inspections for Frame Segment Between Stringers 23 and 31 
(No Terminating Action)

    (g) For airplanes having line numbers 1 through 1304 inclusive: 
Inspect the airplane for cracks between stringers 23 and 31 per 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2450, Revision 2, including 
Appendix A, dated January 4, 2001; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
747-53A2450, Revision 5, dated January 29, 2009; at the later of the 
times specified in either paragraph (h) or (i) of this AD, per Table 
1, as follows. After the effective date of this AD, use only 
Revision 5 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2450, to 
accomplish the required inspection.

                    Table 1-- Inspection Requirements
------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Type of inspection                     Area to inspect
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Detailed Visual...............  Strap inner chords forward and aft
                                     of the web, and exposed web
                                     adjacent to the inner chords on
                                     station 2231 frame from stringer 23
                                     through 31 per Figure 5 or Figure 6
                                     of the service bulletin, as
                                     applicable.
(2) Surface High Frequency Eddy     Station 2231 inner chord angles at
 Current (HFEC).                     lower main sill interface per
                                     Figure 5 or Figure 6 of the service
                                     bulletin, as applicable.
(3) Open Hole HFEC................  Station 2231 frame fastener
                                     locations per Figures 4 and 7, and
                                     either Figure 5 or 6 of the service
                                     bulletin, as applicable.
(4) Surface HFEC..................  Around fastener locations on station
                                     2231 inner chords from stringer 23
                                     through 31 per Figure 5 or Figure 6
                                     of the service bulletin, as
                                     applicable.
(5) Low Frequency Eddy Current....  Station 2231 frame strap in areas
                                     covered by the reveal per Figure 5
                                     or Figure 6 of the service
                                     bulletin, as applicable.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

     (h) Do the inspections specified in paragraph (g) of this AD at 
the applicable times specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this 
AD. Repeat the inspections at intervals not to exceed 3,000 flight 
cycles.
    (1) Do the inspections per Table 1 of this AD at the applicable 
time specified in the logic diagram in Figure 1 of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-53A2450, Revision 2, including Appendix A, 
dated January 4, 2001. Where the compliance time in the logic 
diagram specifies a compliance time beginning, ``from receipt of 
this service bulletin,'' this AD requires that the compliance time 
begin ``after September 12, 2001 (the effective date of AD 2001-16-
02).''
    (2) After the effective date of this AD, do the inspections per 
Table 1 of this AD at the applicable compliance time specified in 
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance'' of the Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
747-53A2450, Revision 5, dated January 29, 2009. Where the 
compliance time in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2450, 
Revision 2, including Appendix A, dated January 4, 2001, specifies a 
compliance time beginning, ``after the date on Revision 2 of this 
service bulletin,'' this AD requires that the compliance time begin 
``after September 12, 2001 (the effective date of AD 2001-16-02).''
    (i) Within 3,000 flight cycles after accomplishment of the 
inspections specified in Figure 1 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
747-53A2450, dated May 4, 2000; or Revision 1, dated July 6, 2000; 
repeat the inspections specified in paragraph (g) of this AD at 
intervals not to exceed 3,000 flight cycles.

    Note 1: There is no terminating action currently available for 
the inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD.

    Note 2: Where there are differences between the AD and Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2450, the AD prevails.

New Requirements of This AD

Additional Repetitive Inspections (For Frame Segment Between Stringers 
16 and 23)

    (j) For all airplanes: Before the accumulation of 16,000 total 
flight cycles, or within 1,500 flight cycles after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs later, do a detailed inspection, 
an open hole high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection, a 
surface HFEC inspection, and a subsurface low frequency eddy current 
(LFEC) inspection for cracking of the forward edge frame of the 
number 5 main entry door cutouts, at station 2231, between stringers 
16 and 23; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2450, Revision 5, dated January 
29, 2009. Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 3,000 flight cycles.

    Note 3: The part number of the nut for fastener code ``K'' in 
Figure 7 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2450, Revision 5, 
dated January 29, 2009, should be ``BACN10JC3CD,'' instead of 
``BACB30JC3CD.'' In addition, the part number of the optional nut 
for this fastener code should be ``BACN10YR3CD,'' instead of 
``BACN10YR4CD.''

Repetitive Inspections for Line Numbers 1305 and On (For Frame Segment 
Between Stringers 23 and 31)

    (k) For airplanes having line numbers 1305 and on: Before 16,000 
total flight cycles or within 1,500 flight cycles after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, do a detailed 
inspection, an open hole HFEC inspection, a surface HFEC 
inspections, and a subsurface LFEC inspection for cracking of the 
forward edge frame of the number 5 main entry door cutouts, at 
station 2231, between stringers 23 and 31; in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2450, Revision 5, dated January 29, 2009. Repeat the inspections 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3,000 flight cycles.

Corrective Action

    (l) If any crack is found during any inspection required by this 
AD, before further flight, repair the crack in accordance with a 
method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA; in accordance with data meeting the type 
certification basis of the airplane approved by the Boeing 
Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) 
that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those 
findings; or in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2450, Revision 5, dated January 29, 2009. For a repair method to 
be approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO, as required by this 
paragraph, the approval letter must specifically reference this AD. 
As of the effective date of this AD, repair the crack using a method 
approved in

[[Page 61341]]

accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (o) of this 
AD.

Post-Repair Inspections

    (m) Except as required by paragraph (n) of this AD, for 
airplanes on which the forward edge frame of the number 5 main entry 
door cutouts, at station 2231, between stringers 16 and 31, is 
repaired in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2450: Within 3,000 flight cycles after doing the repair or within 
1,500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs later, do the detailed, LFEC, and HFEC inspections of the 
repaired area for cracks in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2450, Revision 
5, dated January 29, 2009. If no cracking is found, repeat the 
inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3,000 flight 
cycles. If any crack is found, before further flight, repair using a 
method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (o) of this AD. Doing the inspections specified in 
paragraph (m) of this AD terminates the repetitive inspections 
required by paragraphs (g), (h), (i), (j), and (k) of this AD for 
the repaired area.
    (n) For any frame that is repaired in accordance with a method 
other than the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-53A2450, Revision 5, dated January 29, 2009, do the 
inspection in accordance with a method approved in accordance with 
the procedures specified in paragraph (o) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (o)(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. Send information to 
Attn: Ivan Li, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, 
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6437; fax (425) 
917-6590; Or, e-mail information to 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
    (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different 
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. 
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC 
applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or 
principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a 
principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. 
The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
    (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 approved previously in accordance with AD 2001-16-02, 
amendment 39-12370, are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding 
provisions of paragraphs (g), (h), (i), and (l) of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (p) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2450, 
Revision 5, dated January 29, 2009, to do the actions required by 
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (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; e-mail 
me.boecom@boeing.com; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (3) You may review copies of the 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.
    (4) You may also review copies of the 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 15, 2010.
Robert D. Breneman,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-23840 Filed 10-4-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
```