[Federal Register: February 11, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 28)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 7174-7176]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr11fe05-3]
[[Page 7174]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2004-19446; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-130-AD;
Amendment 39-13967; AD 2005-03-11]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-200 and -300 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive
(AD), which applies to certain Boeing Model 767 series airplanes. That
AD currently requires repetitive detailed and eddy current inspections
of the aft pressure bulkhead for damage and cracking, and repair if
necessary. This new AD also requires one-time detailed and high
frequency eddy current inspections of any ``oil-can'' located on the
aft pressure bulkhead, and related corrective actions if necessary. An
``oil-can'' is an area on a pressure dome web that moves when pushed
from the forward side. This AD is prompted by reports of cracking at
``oil-can'' boundaries on the aft pressure bulkhead. We are issuing
this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the aft pressure
bulkhead, which could result in rapid depressurization of the airplane
and possible damage or interference with the airplane control systems
that penetrate the bulkhead, and consequent loss of controllability of
the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective March 18, 2005.
On March 22, 2004 (69 FR 10321, March 5, 2004), the Director of the
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0026, Revision 5, dated January 29, 2004.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-
2207. You can examine this information 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
.
DOCKET: The AD docket contains the proposed AD, comments, and any final
disposition. You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401,
Washington, DC. This docket number is FAA-2004-19446; the directorate
identifier for this docket is 2004-NM-130-AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne Masterson, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
917-6441; fax (425) 917-6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA proposed to amend part 39 of the
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR Part 39) with an AD to supersede
AD 2004-05-10, amendment 39-13505 (69 FR 10321, March 5, 2004). The
existing AD applies to certain Boeing Model 767 series airplanes. The
proposed AD was published in the Federal Register on October 26, 2004
(69 FR 62421), to continue to require repetitive detailed and eddy
current inspections of the aft pressure bulkhead for damage and
cracking, and repair if necessary, and to require one-time detailed and
high frequency eddy current inspections of any ``oil-can'' located on
the aft pressure bulkhead, and related corrective actions if necessary.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. No comments have been submitted on the proposed
AD or on the determination of the cost to the public.
Clarification of Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC) Language in
the Proposed AD
We have revised paragraph (l)(3) of the AD to clarify which
portions of the AD the previously approved AMOC applies to. We have
replaced ``* * * with this AD.'' with ``* * * for the corresponding
requirements of this AD.''
Changes to Delegation Authority
Boeing has received a Delegation Option Authorization (DOA). We
have revised this final rule to delegate authority to approve an
alternative method of compliance for any repair required by this AD to
the Authorized Representative for the Boeing DOA Organization rather
than the Designated Engineering Representative (DER).
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data 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.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 162 airplanes worldwide of the affected design.
This new AD affects about 99 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The actions that are required by AD 2004-05-10 and retained in this
new AD take about 22 work hours per airplane, at an average labor rate
of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the
currently required actions is $1,430 per airplane, per inspection
cycle.
The new actions take about 2 work hours per ``oil-can,'' at an
average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the
estimated cost of the new actions specified in this new AD for U.S.
operators is $130 per ``oil-can.'' The number of ``oil cans'' varies
per airplane, so an estimate per airplane or for the U.S. registered
fleet is not available.
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
[[Page 7175]]
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. 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 FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing amendment 39-13505 (69 FR
10321, March 5, 2004), and by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2005-NM-03-11 Boeing: Amendment 39-13967. Docket No. FAA-2004-19446;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-130-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective March 18, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2004-05-10, amendment 39-13505.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 767-200 and -300 series
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 767-53A0026, Revision 5, dated January
29, 2004.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by reports of cracking at ``oil-can''
boundaries on a Boeing Model 747 series airplane's aft pressure
bulkhead, which is similar to the aft pressure bulkheads on Boeing
Model 767 series airplanes. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct fatigue cracking of the aft pressure bulkhead, which could
result in rapid depressurization of the airplane and possible damage
or interference with the airplane control systems that penetrate the
bulkhead, and consequent loss of controllability of the airplane.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Requirements of AD 2004-05-10
Detailed Inspections and Eddy Current Inspections
(f) Perform a detailed inspection for damage and cracking of the
aft side of the aft pressure bulkhead and perform high frequency and
low frequency eddy current inspections for cracking of the aft
pressure bulkhead, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing ASB 767-53A0026, Revision 5, dated January
29, 2004, at the later of the times specified in paragraph (f)(1) or
(f)(2) of this AD. Thereafter, repeat these inspections at intervals
not to exceed 1,800 flight cycles.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is:
``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.''
(1) Prior to the accumulation of 25,000 total flight cycles, or
within 1,800 flight cycles after the most recent inspection done in
accordance with AD 88-19-03 R1, amendment 39-6532, whichever occurs
later; or
(2) Within 90 days after March 22, 2004 (the effective date of
AD 2004-05-10).
Repair Requirements
(g) If any damage or cracking is detected during any inspections
required by paragraph (f) of this AD: Before further flight
accomplish the requirements of paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this
AD, as applicable:
(1) For repairs within the limits of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing ASB 767-53A0026, Revision 5, dated January
29, 2004, repair in accordance with the ASB.
(2) For any repairs outside the limits, repair in accordance
with a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or in accordance with data meeting
the type certification basis of the airplane approved by an
Authorized Representative (AR) for the Boeing Delegation Option
Authorization (DOA) Organization who has been authorized by the FAA
to make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, as
required by this paragraph, the approval must specifically reference
this AD.
New Requirements of This AD
``Oil-Can'' Inspection and Repair
(h) Before the accumulation of 37,500 total flight cycles, or
within 1,800 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later: Do a one-time detailed and surface high
frequency eddy current inspections at all ``oil-can'' locations of
the aft pressure bulkhead web for damage and cracks, in accordance
with Figure 4 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the Boeing ASB
767-53A0026, Revision 5, dated January 29, 2004. All ``oil-cans''
must meet the limits specified in the service bulletin.
Note 2: An ``oil-can'' is an area on a pressure dome web that
moves when pushed from the forward side.
(1) If no damage and no crack are found, no further action is
required by this paragraph.
(2) If any damage or crack is found, before further flight,
repair in accordance with the service bulletin, except as required
by paragraph (i) of this AD.
(3) If any ``oil can'' does not meet the limits specified in the
service bulletin, before further flight, repair the ``oil can'' in
accordance with the service bulletin, except as required by
paragraph (i) of this AD.
(i) Where the service bulletin specifies to contact Boeing for
repair data, before further flight, repair the damage or crack in
accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA;
or in accordance with data meeting the type certification basis of
the airplane approved by an AR for the Boeing DOA Organization who
has been authorized by the FAA to make those findings. For a repair
method to be approved, as required by this paragraph, the approval
must specifically reference this AD.
(j) Inspections and repairs accomplished before the effective
date of this AD in accordance with Boeing ASB 767-53A0026, Revision
4, dated March 27, 2003, are considered acceptable for compliance
with paragraph (h) of this AD.
Determining the Number of Flight Cycles for Compliance Time
(k) For the purposes of calculating the compliance threshold for
the actions required by paragraph (f) and (h) of this AD, the number
of flight cycles in which cabin differential pressure is at 2.0
pounds per square inch (psi) or less must be counted when
determining the number of flight cycles that have occurred on the
airplane. Where the service bulletins and this AD differ, the AD
prevails.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(l)(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(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 an AR
for the Boeing DOA Organization who has been authorized by the FAA
to make those findings.
(3) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in
accordance with AD
[[Page 7176]]
2004-05-10, are approved as alternative methods of compliance for
the corresponding requirements of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(m) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-53A0026,
Revision 5, dated January 29, 2004, to perform the actions that are
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director
of the Federal Register previously approved the incorporation by
reference of this document on March 22, 2004 (69 FR 10321, March 5,
2004). For copies of the service information, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207.
For information on the availability of this material at the National
Archives and Records Administration (NARA), call (202) 741-6030, or
go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
You may view the AD docket at the
Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400
Seventh Street SW., room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 31, 2005.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-2578 Filed 2-10-05; 8:45 am]
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