[Federal Register: March 25, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 58)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 15234-15236]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr25mr04-2]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2001-NM-133-AD; Amendment 39-13532; AD 2004-06-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-8-70 and -
70F Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-8-70 and -70F series
airplanes, that requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the
lower cargo doorjamb corners, and corrective action if necessary. For
certain airplanes, this AD provides for optional terminating action for
certain repetitive inspections. For certain other airplanes, this AD
requires modification of the lower cargo doorjamb corners. This action
is necessary to detect and correct cracking in the lower cargo doorjamb
corners, which could result in rapid decompression of the fuselage and
consequent reduced structural integrity of the airplane. This action is
intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Effective April 29, 2004.
The incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of April 29, 2004.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Long Beach Division, 3855
Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Data and
Service
[[Page 15235]]
Management, Dept. C1-L5A (D800-0024). This information may be examined
at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane
Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington;
or at the FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960
Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California; or at the Office of the
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington,
DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jon Mowery, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137;
telephone (562) 627-5322; fax (562) 627-5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 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 McDonnell Douglas Model
DC-8-70 and -70F series airplanes was published in the Federal Register
on November 17, 2003 (68 FR 64827). That action proposed to require
repetitive inspections for cracking of the lower cargo doorjamb
corners, and corrective action if necessary. For certain airplanes,
that action proposed to provide for optional terminating action for
certain repetitive inspections. For certain other airplanes, that
action proposed to require modification of the lower cargo doorjamb
corners.
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 264 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 244 airplanes of U.S. registry
will be affected by this AD.
The pre-modification inspections, if required, will take
approximately 24 work hours per airplane at an average labor rate of
$65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of these
actions required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,560
per airplane, per inspection cycle.
The modification, if accomplished, will take approximately 520 work
hours per airplane, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. The
parts will cost approximately $25,000. Based on these figures, the cost
impact of this action on U.S. operators is estimated to be $58,800 per
airplane.
The post-modification inspections will take approximately 40 work
hours per airplane, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour.
Based on these figures, the cost impact of these actions on U.S.
operators is estimated to be $634,400, or $2,600 per airplane, per
inspection cycle.
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
0
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 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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2004-06-06 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-13532. Docket 2001-NM-
133-AD.
Applicability: Model DC-8-70 and -70F series airplanes,
certificated in any category, as listed in McDonnell Douglas Service
Bulletin DC8-53-078, Revision 01, dated January 25, 2001.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To detect and correct cracking in the lower cargo doorjamb
corners, which could result in rapid decompression of the fuselage
and consequent reduced structural integrity of the airplane,
accomplish the following:
Note 1: This AD is related to AD 93-01-15, amendment 39-8469,
and will affect Principal Structural Elements (PSEs) 53.08.042 and
53.08.043 of the DC-8 Supplemental Inspection Document (SID), Report
L26-011, Volume II, Revision 7, dated April 1993.
Group 1 Airplanes: Inspections and Optional Terminating Action
(a) For airplanes identified as Group 1 in McDonnell Douglas
Service Bulletin DC8-53-078, Revision 01, dated January 25, 2001:
(1) Within 2,000 landings or 3 years after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs first, perform applicable inspections for
cracking of the lower cargo doorjamb corners, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin.
(i) If no crack is detected during any inspection required by
this paragraph: Repeat the inspections within the intervals
specified in paragraph 1.E. of the service bulletin.
(ii) If any crack is detected during any inspection required by
this paragraph: Repair before further flight in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin.
(2) Modification of the lower cargo doorjamb corners in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the service
bulletin terminates the repetitive inspection requirement of
paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this AD.
(3) For airplanes repaired or modified in accordance with
paragraph (a)(1)(ii) or (a)(2) of this AD: Within 17,000 landings
after the repair or modification, perform an eddy current inspection
for cracks of the doorjamb corners, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin (Drawing
SN08530001). Repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 4,400
landings.
[[Page 15236]]
Group 2 Airplanes: Modification
(b) For airplanes identified as Group 2 in McDonnell Douglas
Service Bulletin DC8-53-078, Revision 01, dated January 25, 2001:
(1) Within 2,000 landings or 3 years after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs first, modify the lower cargo doorjamb
corners in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the
service bulletin.
(2) Within 17,000 landings after the modification required by
paragraph (b)(1) of this AD, perform applicable inspections for
cracking of the doorjamb corners, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. Repeat the
inspections at intervals not to exceed 4,400 landings.
Group 3 and Group 4 Airplanes: Inspections
(c) For airplanes identified as Group 3 and Group 4 in McDonnell
Douglas Service Bulletin DC8-53-078, Revision 01, dated January 25,
2001: Within 17,000 landings following accomplishment of the
modification specified in the service bulletin, perform applicable
inspections for cracking of the lower cargo doorjamb corners, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the service
bulletin. Repeat the inspections at intervals not to exceed 4,400
landings.
All Airplanes: Repair Following Post-Modification Inspections
(d) If any cracking is detected during any inspection required
by paragraph (a)(3), (b)(2), or (c) of this AD: Repair before
further flight in accordance with a method approved by the Manager,
Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or per data
meeting the type certification basis of the airplane approved by a
Boeing Company Designated Engineering Representative (DER) who has
been authorized by the Manager, Los Angeles ACO, to make such
findings. For a repair method to be approved, the approval must
specifically refer to this AD.
Credit for Prior Accomplishment
(e) Inspections done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC8-53-078, dated
February 6, 1996, are acceptable for compliance with the applicable
inspections required by this AD.
(f) Inspections and repairs specified in this AD of areas of
PSEs 53.08.042 and 53.08.043 are acceptable for compliance with the
applicable requirements of paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of AD 93-01-
15. The remaining areas of the affected PSEs must be inspected and
repaired as applicable, in accordance with AD 93-01-15.
Report
(g) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1) or
(g)(2) of this AD: Submit a report of the findings (both positive
and negative) of each inspection required by this AD to the Manager,
Los Angeles ACO. Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act
of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements
contained in this AD and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
(1) For an inspection done after the effective date of this AD:
Submit the report within 10 days after the inspection.
(2) For an inspection done before the effective date of this AD:
Submit the report within 10 days after the effective date of this
AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(h)(1) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Los Angeles
ACO, FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance
(AMOCs) for this AD.
(2) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used for any repair required by this AD, if it is approved by a
Boeing DER who has been authorized by the Manager, Los Angeles ACO,
to make such findings.
Incorporation by Reference
(i) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be
done in accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC8-53-
078, Revision 01, dated January 25, 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 Airplanes, Long Beach Division, 3855
Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Data
and Service Management, Dept. C1-L5A (D800-0024). Copies may be
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood,
California; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
Effective Date
(j) This amendment becomes effective on April 29, 2004.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 12, 2004.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-6500 Filed 3-24-04; 8:45 am]
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