Federal Register: December 23, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 246)
DOCID: FR Doc 03-31195
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
CFR Citation: 14 CFR Part 39
Docket ID: [Docket No. 2001-NM-180-AD; Amendment 39-13394; AD 2003-25-11]
RIN ID: RIN 2120-AA64
NOTICE: RULES
ACTION: Airworthiness directives:
DOCUMENT ACTION: Final rule.
SUBJECT CATEGORY:
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747- 100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747SR, and 747SP Series Airplanes
DATES: Effective January 27, 2004.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of January 27, 2004.
DOCUMENT SUMMARY:
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Boeing airplane models, that requires a onetime inspection to identify all H11 steel bolts installed in the latch fittings of the cargo doors, repetitive inspections for cracked or broken H11 steel bolts, and followon and corrective actions if necessary. This amendment also requires eventual replacement of all H 11 steel bolts in the latch fittings of the cargo doors with Inconel bolts. This action is necessary to prevent broken bolts in the latch fittings, which could reduce the capability of the door latch to keep the door closed, and result in loss of a cargo door and consequent rapid depressurization of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
SUMMARY:
Boeing,
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to
[[Page 74168]]
include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain
Boeing Model 747100, 747100B, 747100B SUD, 747200B, 747200C, 747
200F, 747300, 747400, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes was published
in the Federal Register on August 27, 2003 (68 FR 51521). That action
proposed to require a onetime inspection to identify all H11 steel
bolts installed in the latch fittings of the cargo doors, repetitive
inspections for cracked or broken H11 steel bolts, and followon and
corrective actions if necessary. That action also proposed to require
eventual replacement of all H11 steel bolts in the latch fittings of the cargo doors with Inconel bolts.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. Conclusion
The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 566 airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 179 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take between 2 and 8 work hours per airplane (depending on the airplane's configuration) to accomplish the required inspection, and that the average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be between $130 and $520 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other administrative actions.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows: PART 39AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive:
20032511 Boeing: Amendment 3913394. Docket 2001NM180AD.
Applicability: Model 747100, 747100B, 747100B SUD, 747200B, 747200C, 747200F, 747300, 747400, 747SR, and 747SP series
airplanes; line numbers 1 through 721 inclusive, 976, and 982; certificated in any category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.
To prevent bolts from breaking in the latch fittings of the
cargo doors, which could reduce the capability of the door latch to
keep the door closed, and result in loss of a cargo door and
consequent rapid depressurization of the airplane, accomplish the following:
Service Bulletin References
(a) The following information pertains to the service bulletin referenced in this AD:
(1) The term ``service bulletin'' as used in this AD, means the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 74753A2464, Revision 1, dated August 30, 2001.
(2) Although the service bulletin referenced in this AD
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include such a requirement.
(3) Although the service bulletin specifies that the actions
therein must be accomplished prior to or concurrently with the
actions in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 74752A2167 and Boeing
Service Bulletin 747522197, this AD does not include such a
requirement. AD 801411, amendment 393831, already requires
accomplishment of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 74752A2167, Revision 1, dated March 28, 1980.
(4) Inspections and replacements accomplished before the
effective date of this AD per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747
53A2464, dated March 15, 2001, are considered acceptable for compliance with this AD.
Initial Inspection
(b) Within 1 year after the effective date of this AD: Do a one
time detailed inspection to identify all H11 steel bolts installed
in the latch fittings of the main deck side cargo door, nose cargo
door, and the forward and aft lower lobe cargo doors, as applicable.
Do the inspection by checking the bolt part number stamped on the
bolt head, or verifying the bolt is steel by using a magnet, per the
service bulletin. If no H11 steel bolt is found, no further action
is required by this paragraph. If any H11 steel bolt is found, do the requirements of paragraph (c) of this AD.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is
defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific
structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally
supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity
deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror,
magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.''
FollowOn Inspections/Corrective Actions
(c) For any H11 steel bolt found during any inspection required
by paragraph (b) of this AD: Before further flight, do an ultrasonic
inspection for cracked or broken bolts, or replace the H11 steel
bolt with an Inconel bolt, per the service bulletin. Replace any
cracked or broken bolt with an Inconel bolt before further flight
per the service bulletin. Repeat the ultrasonic inspection of
remaining H11 steel bolts in the latch fittings of the main deck
side cargo door, nose cargo door, and the forward and aft lower lobe
cargo doors, at intervals not to exceed 18 months until the
terminating action required by paragraph (d) of this AD is done. Terminating Action
(d) Within 6 years after the effective date of this AD: Replace,
with Inconel bolts, all H11 steel bolts in the latch fittings of
the main deck side cargo door, nose cargo door, and the forward and
aft lower lobe cargo doors, per the service bulletin. The procedures for this replacement include
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performing a detailed inspection of the bolt hole for corrosion;
oversizing the bolt hole to remove any corrosion; installing a new
bolt, nut, and washers; and applying sealant. Such replacement
terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (c) of
this AD. If corrosion is found and oversizing the bolt hole within
the limits specified in the service bulletin is not adequate to
remove the corrosion, before further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or per data meeting the type
certification basis of the airplane approved by a Boeing Company
Designated Engineering Representative who has been authorized by the
Manager, Seattle ACO, to make such findings. For a repair method to
be approved, the approval must specifically reference this AD. Parts Installation
(e) As of the effective date of this AD: No person may install,
on any airplane, an H11 steel bolt in the latch fittings of the
main deck side cargo door, nose cargo door, or the forward and aft lower lobe cargo doors.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(f) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Seattle ACO,
is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.
Incorporation by Reference
(g) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be
done in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 74753A2464,
Revision 1, dated August 30, 2001. 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 Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington
981242207. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
Effective Date
(h) This amendment becomes effective on January 27, 2004.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 11, 2003. Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 0331195 Filed 122203; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 491013P
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Nick Kusz, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 980554056; telephone (425) 9176432; fax (425) 9176590.