[Federal Register: December 17, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 241)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 71214-71216]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr17de07-7]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-28990; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-033-AD;
Amendment 39-15304; AD 2007-26-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 757-200, -200CB, and -300
Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Boeing Model 757-200, -200CB, and -300 series airplanes. This AD
requires repetitive detailed inspections with a borescope for cracks of
the intercostal tee clips; or repetitive detailed inspections for
cracks of the intercostal tee clips and attachment fasteners at the
number 3 and number 4 doorstops of the passenger door cutouts; and
related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also
provides an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections.
This AD results from reports of cracked intercostal tee clips at the
number 3 and number 4 doorstops of the passenger door cutouts. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the tee clips, which
could result in additional stress on the adjacent tee clips,
surrounding intercostals, edge frame, door structure and doorstops.
This additional stress could cause further cracking or breaking of the
tee clips, which could result in failure of the door to seal and
consequent rapid decompression of the airplane.
DATES: This AD is effective January 22, 2008.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 22,
2008.
We must receive comments on this AD by January 22, 2008.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-
2207.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov
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 AD, the regulatory evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The address for the
Docket Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is the Document Management
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30,
West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jason Deutschman, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
917-6449; fax (425) 917-6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to
certain Boeing Model 757-200, -200CB, and -300 series airplanes. That
NPRM was published in the Federal Register on August 16, 2007 (72 FR
45961). That NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections for cracks
of the intercostal tee clips and attachment fasteners at the number 3
and number 4 doorstops of the passenger door cutouts, or repetitive
inspections for cracks of the intercostal tee clips; and related
investigative/corrective actions if necessary. That NPRM also provides
an optional
[[Page 71215]]
terminating action for the repetitive inspections.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We considered the comments received.
Support for the NPRM
Continental Airlines (CAL) supports the NPRM and notes that it has
an on-going customized passenger door maintenance program already in
place to inspect the subject area on its airplanes at 4C and 8C heavy
checks. CAL adds that it has found no cracks on its airplanes, but
intends to incorporate the terminating action provided in the NPRM at
the next 4C or 8C opportunity.
Request To Include Access and Close-up Costs
Boeing asks that the costs to gain and close access for the
proposed detailed inspection be included to better reflect the cost
difference between the two inspection options provided in the NPRM
(detailed versus borescope). Boeing estimates 9.5 work hours to gain
access by removing existing galleys, and Boeing estimates another 10
work hours to replace the galleys after inspection to close access.
Boeing states that this adds a total of 19.5 hours of work at a cost of
$1,560 per airplane based on an average labor rate of $80 per work
hour. This adds up to an additional cost to the fleet of $505,440 over
the $51,840 cost that is shown. This access cost is not incurred if the
alternative borescope inspection method is used; however, if repairs
are to be performed, either to address cracking or to terminate
inspections, the access and close-out costs would be incurred in
addition to parts costs in order to perform the required part
replacements. Boeing adds that this would affect the supplementary
information in the estimated Costs of Compliance paragraph.
We acknowledge Boeing's concerns. However, because operators are
given the option of doing the detailed inspection or the detailed
inspection with a borescope (which takes longer), the cost depends on
which inspection is done. 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, or the costs of ``on-condition'' actions such as
repairs (that is, actions needed to correct an unsafe condition). We
have made no change to the AD in this regard.
Clarification of Summary Language
We revised the Summary section of this final rule to specify the
repetitive inspection methods.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
the AD as proposed.
Difference Between the Proposed AD and Service Information
The service bulletin specifies to contact the manufacturer for
instructions on how to repair certain conditions, but this AD requires
repairing those conditions in one of the following ways:
Using a method that we approve; or
Using data that meet the certification basis of the
airplane, and that have been approved by an Authorized Representative
for the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Delegation Option Authorization
Organization whom we have authorized to make those findings.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 912 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. This AD affects about 324 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The detailed inspection, if accomplished, takes about 2 work hours
per airplane, at an average work rate of $80 per work hour. Based on
these figures, the estimated cost of the detailed inspections required
by this AD is $51,840, or $160 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
The borescope inspection, if accomplished, takes about 3 work hours
per airplane, at an average work rate of $80 per work hour. Based on
these figures, the estimated cost of the borescope inspections required
by this AD is $77,760, or $240 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
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
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 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.
You can find our regulatory evaluation and the estimated costs of
compliance in the AD Docket.
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 adding the following new AD:
2007-26-02 Boeing: Amendment 39-15304. Docket No. FAA-2007-28990;
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-033-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 22,
2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 757-200, -200CB, and -300
series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in
[[Page 71216]]
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-53A0093, dated November 8, 2006.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from reports of cracked intercostal tee
clips at the number 3 and number 4 doorstops of the passenger door
cutouts. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of
the tee clips, which could result in additional stress on the
adjacent tee clips, surrounding intercostals, edge frame, door
structure and doorstops. This additional stress could cause further
cracking or breaking of the tee clips, which could result in failure
of the door to seal and consequent rapid decompression 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.
Repetitive Inspections/Investigative and Corrective Actions
(f) Before the accumulation of 20,000 total flight cycles or
within 3,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD,
whichever is later: Do the applicable inspection specified in
paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this AD by doing all the actions
including all applicable related investigative (additional detailed
inspections if necessary) and corrective actions; except as provided
by paragraph (g) of this AD; in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-53A0093, dated
November 8, 2006. All related investigative and corrective actions
must be done before further flight.
(1) Do a detailed inspection for cracks of the intercostal tee
clips and attachment fasteners at the number 3 and number 4
doorstops of the passenger door cutouts. Repeat the inspection
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3,000 flight cycles until
accomplishment of the terminating action specified in paragraph (h)
of this AD.
(2) Do a detailed inspection with a borescope for cracks of the
intercostal tee clips. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals
not to exceed 3,000 flight cycles until accomplishment of the
terminating action specified in paragraph (h) of this AD.
(g) If any cracked structure is found during any inspection
required by this AD, and the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 757-53A0093, dated November 8, 2006, specify
to contact Boeing for appropriate action: Before further flight,
repair any cracked structure using a method approved in accordance
with the procedures specified in paragraph (i)(2) of this AD.
Optional Terminating Action
(h) Replacing both intercostal tee clips on the left and right
sides with new tee clips in accordance with Part 3 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-
53A0093, dated November 8, 2006, terminates the repetitive
inspections required by this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(i)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (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
Authorized Representative for the Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Delegation Option Authorization Organization who 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.
(3) To request a different method of compliance or a different
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19.
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(j) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-53A0093,
dated November 8, 2006, to do the actions required by this AD,
unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington
98124-2207.
(3) You may review copies of the service information
incorporated by reference 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
.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 10, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-24337 Filed 12-14-07; 8:45 am]
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