Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2004/06/29/04-14568/airworthiness-directives-boeing-model-747-400-and--400d-series-airplanes
Timestamp: 2019-11-13 09:08:17
Document Index: 352463770

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 39', 'art 39', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 2', 'art 51']

69 FR 38824
38824-38826 (3 pages)
Amendment 39-13697
AD 2004-13-15
04-14568
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/04-14568 https://www.federalregister.gov/d/04-14568
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 747-400 and -400D series airplanes, that requires an inspection to detect missing fasteners in the section 42 skin and internal doubler at the cutout for the ground exhaust valve of the electrical equipment; modification and rework of the doubler; repetitive inspections of the skin for cracks; and corrective actions if necessary; as applicable. This action is necessary to detect and correct fatigue cracks in the section 42 skin at the cutout for the ground exhaust valve of the electrical equipment, which could result in rapid decompression of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. This information may be examined at the Federal Aviation Start Printed Page 38825Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 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.
A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Boeing Model 747-400 and -400D series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on April 1, 2004 (69 FR 17073). That action proposed to require an inspection to detect missing fasteners in the section 42 skin and internal doubler at the cutout for the ground exhaust valve of the electrical equipment; modification and rework of the doubler; repetitive inspections of the skin for cracks; and corrective actions if necessary; as applicable.
There are approximately 142 airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 22 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.
For Group 1 airplanes listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2340, it will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the required inspection (part 1), at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this inspection required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $65 per airplane.
For Groups 1 and 2 airplanes listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2340, it will take approximately 40 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required modification and rework (part 2), at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this modification and rework required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $2,600 per airplane.
For Groups 1 through 4 airplanes listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2340, it will take approximately 1 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required inspection (part 3), at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this inspection required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $65 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
2004-13-15 Boeing: Amendment 39-13697. Docket 2003-NM-126-AD.
Applicability: Model 747-400 and 400D series airplanes, as listed in paragraph 1.A., “Effectivity,” of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2340, Revision 2, dated April 24, 2003; certificated in any category.
(b) For Group 1 and Group 2 airplanes listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2340, Revision 2, dated April 24, 2003: Before the accumulation of 6,000 total flight cycles, or within 1,500 flight cycles or 24 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, modify and rework the internal doubler (i.e., performing an open hole HFEC inspection for cracks and any applicable repair, oversizing and drilling of holes, and installation of fasteners) by accomplishing all actions specified in part 2 Start Printed Page 38826of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. Do the actions per the service bulletin, except as required by paragraph (f) of this AD. Any applicable repair must be accomplished before further flight.
(g) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2340, original issue, dated August 1, 1991; or Revision 1, dated October 31, 1991, are acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this AD.
(2) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any inspection or repair required by this AD, if it is approved by a Boeing Company Designated Engineering Representative who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make such findings. For an inspection or repair method to be approved, the approval must specifically reference this AD.
(i) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2340, Revision 2, dated April 24, 2003. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 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.
(j) This amendment becomes effective on August 3, 2004.
[FR Doc. 04-14568 Filed 6-28-04; 8:45 am]