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[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 229 (Friday, November 28, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 70799-70802]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-28124]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0778; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-095-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 747-100B, 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 corrosion 
found on the mating surfaces between certain skin and stringers at 
circumferential skin splices. This proposed AD would require general 
visual inspections of the fuselage skin at certain lower 
circumferential splices for the presence of existing external doublers, 
repetitive inspections of the fuselage skin, and related investigative 
and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect 
and correct compromised fillet seals, which can result in corrosion and 
skin cracking and consequent loss of capability to support limit loads.

[[Page 70800]]

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 12, 
2015.

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-
0778; 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: Bill Ashforth, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6432; fax: 425-917-6590; email: bill.ashforth@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-2014-0778; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-095-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 received reports of corrosion found on the mating surfaces 
between the skin and stringers in Section 42 and Section 46 at 
circumferential skin splices. A review of the applicable drawings shows 
that the stringers in these circumferential splice locations were not 
installed with faying surface sealant. Fillet seals were applied on 
both the upper and lower sides of the stringer, so if a fillet seal is 
compromised, moisture can enter the area and result in corrosion in the 
area between the skin and the stringer. This condition, if not 
corrected, could result in skin cracking, which could result in a loss 
of capability to support limit loads.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2861, dated April 
1, 2014. For information on the procedures and compliance times, see 
this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-0778.

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 ``Difference 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.
    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.

Explanation of ``RC'' Steps in Service Information

    The FAA worked in conjunction with industry, under the 
Airworthiness Directives Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee 
(AD ARC), to enhance the AD system. One enhancement was a new process 
for annotating which steps in the service information are required for 
compliance with an AD. Differentiating these steps from other tasks in 
the service information is expected to improve an owner's/operator's 
understanding of crucial AD requirements and help provide consistent 
judgment in AD compliance. The actions specified in the service 
information described previously include steps that are labeled as RC 
(required for compliance) because these steps have a direct effect on 
detecting, preventing, resolving, or eliminating an identified unsafe 
condition.
    As noted in the specified service information, steps labeled as RC 
must be done to comply with the proposed AD. However, steps that are 
not labeled as RC are recommended. Those steps that are not labeled as 
RC may be deviated from, done as part of other actions, or done using 
accepted methods different from those identified in the service 
information without obtaining approval of an alternative method of 
compliance (AMOC), provided the steps labeled as RC can be done and the 
airplane can be put back in a serviceable condition. Any substitutions 
or changes to steps labeled as RC will require approval of an AMOC.

Difference Between Proposed Rule and Service Bulletin

    Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2861, dated April 1, 2014, 
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.

[[Page 70801]]

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
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               Action                               Labor cost                   Parts cost        Cost per product          Cost on U.S.  operators
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection..........................  Up to 121 work-hours x $85 per hour =               $0   Up to $10,285..........  Up to $1,697,025.
                                       $10,370.
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    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 proposed 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-2014-0778; Directorate Identifier 
2014-NM-095-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by January 12, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 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-
53A2861, dated April 1, 2014.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion found on the mating 
surfaces between certain skin and stringers at circumferential skin 
splices. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct compromised 
fillet seals, which can result in corrosion and skin cracking and 
consequent loss of capability to support limit loads.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspections and Repair for Group 1 Airplanes

    For airplanes identified as Group 1 in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-53A2861, dated April 1, 2014: At the applicable times 
specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-53A2861, dated April 1, 2014, except as provided by 
paragraph (i)(1) of this AD, do external general visual inspections 
for the presence of external doublers on the fuselage skin, and do 
the applicable actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of 
this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2861, dated April 1, 2014, 
except as required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Before further flight, do an external lower lobe doubler 
surface low frequency eddy current (LFEC) inspection for skin cracks 
or do an external lower lobe skin surface LFEC inspection for 
corrosion, as applicable, and do all applicable related 
investigative and corrective actions. Do all applicable related 
investigative and corrective actions before further flight.
    (2) Do all applicable repetitive inspections of the fuselage 
skin thereafter at the applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2861, dated 
April 1, 2014.

(h) Inspections and Repair for Group 2 Airplanes

    For airplanes identified as Group 2 in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-53A2861, dated April 1, 2014: At the applicable times 
specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-53A2861, dated April 1, 2014, except as provided by 
paragraph (i)(1) of this AD, do external general visual inspections 
for the presence of external doublers on the fuselage skin, and do 
the applicable actions specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of 
this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2861, dated April 1, 2014, 
except as required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD.
    (1) For affected areas with any existing repair doubler: Before 
further flight, do inspections and applicable repairs using a method 
approved in accordance with the procedures specified by paragraph 
(j) of this AD.
    (2) For affected areas with no existing repair doubler, do the 
applicable actions specified in paragraph (h)(2)(i) and (h)(2)(ii) 
of this AD.
    (i) Before further flight, do an external lower lobe skin 
surface LFEC for corrosion, an external lower lobe doubler surface 
LFEC inspection for skin cracks, and an external

[[Page 70802]]

lower lobe skin detailed inspection for cracks and do all applicable 
related investigative and corrective actions. Do all applicable 
related investigative and corrective actions before further flight.
    (ii) Do all applicable repetitive inspections of the fuselage 
skin thereafter at the applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2861, dated 
April 1, 2014.

(i) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    (1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2861, dated April 
1, 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) Although Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2861, dated 
April 1, 2014, specifies to contact Boeing for repair data, and 
specifies that action as ``RC'' (Required for Compliance), this AD 
requires repair before further flight using a method approved in 
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this 
AD.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, 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 (k)(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) Except as required by paragraph (i) of this AD: If the 
service information contains steps that are labeled as RC (Required 
for Compliance), those steps must be done to comply with this AD; 
any steps that are not labeled as RC are recommended. Those steps 
that are not labeled as RC may be deviated from, done as part of 
other actions, or done using accepted methods different from those 
identified in the specified service information without obtaining 
approval of an AMOC, provided the steps labeled as RC can be done 
and the airplane can be put back in a serviceable condition. Any 
substitutions or changes to steps labeled as RC require approval of 
an AMOC.
    (4) 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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Bill Ashforth, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; phone: 425-917-6432; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
bill.ashforth@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 November 19, 2014.
Suzanne Masterson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-28124 Filed 11-26-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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