Rule2022-26082
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
Primary source
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Published
November 30, 2022
Effective
January 4, 2023
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that high temperature composite trim air diffuser ducts (TADD) showed composite degradation and signs of hot air leakage. This AD requires a one-time low frequency eddy current (LFEC) inspection of certain center tank upper skin panels on the right and left side for any structural damage due to heat exposure, and repair if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 229 (Wednesday, November 30, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 229 (Wednesday, November 30, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 73456-73458]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-26082]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-1059; Project Identifier AD-2022-00204-T;
Amendment 39-22239; AD 2022-23-12]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B,
747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and
747SP series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that high
temperature composite trim air diffuser ducts (TADD) showed composite
degradation and signs of hot air leakage. This AD requires a one-time
low frequency eddy current (LFEC) inspection of certain center tank
upper skin panels on the right and left side for any structural damage
due to heat exposure, and repair if necessary. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective January 4, 2023.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 4,
2023.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2022-1059; or in person at Docket Operations between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this final rule, any comments received, and other
information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA
90740-5600; telephone 562-797-1717; internet <a href="http://myboeingfleet.com">myboeingfleet.com</a>.
<bullet> You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2022-1059.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nicole Tsang, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-
231-3959; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5e30373d31323b702d702a2d3f30391e383f3f70393128"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e6888f85898a83c895c89295878881a6808787c8818990">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all The Boeing Company
Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F,
747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series
airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 8,
2022 (87 FR 54927). The NPRM was prompted by reports that high
temperature composite TADD showed composite degradation and signs of
hot air leakage. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require a one-time
LFEC inspection of certain center tank upper skin panels on the right
and left side for any structural damage due to heat exposure, and
repair if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address possible
sustained hot air leakage from damaged TADDs, which could result in
undetected damage to adjacent airframe structure. This condition, if
not addressed, could lead to heat damage to the wing center section and
adjacent structure and adversely affect the structural integrity of the
airplane, resulting in the inability of the structure to carry limit
load and the possible loss of continued safe flight and landing.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from The Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA), who supported the NPRM without change.
[[Page 73457]]
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, this
AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will
increase the economic burden on any operator.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-57A2370 RB,
dated March 2, 2022. This service information specifies procedures for
a one-time LFEC inspection for any structural damage due to heat
exposure of the center tank upper skin panels on the right and left
side between station (STA) 1100-1120, 1140-1160, and 1180-1200 bays
outboard of left buttock line (LBL) 98 and right buttock line (RBL) 98
seat tracks, and repair. This service information is reasonably
available because the interested parties have access to it through
their normal course of business or by the means identified in
ADDRESSES.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 104 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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LFEC inspection.................... 101 work-hours x $85 per $0 $8,585 $892,840
hour = $8,585.
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The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition repairs specified in this AD.
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.
The FAA is 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
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 airworthiness
directive:
2022-23-12 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-22239; Docket No. FAA-
2022-1059; Project Identifier AD-2022-00204-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 4, 2023.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-
100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400,
747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes, certificated
in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports that high temperature composite
trim air diffuser ducts (TADD) showed composite degradation and
signs of hot air leakage. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
sustained hot air leakage from damaged TADDs that could result in
undetected damage to adjacent airframe structure. This condition, if
not addressed, could lead to heat damage to the wing center section
and adjacent structure and adversely affect the structural integrity
of the airplane, resulting in the inability of the structure to
carry limit load and the possible loss of continued safe flight and
landing.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the
applicable times specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-57A2370 RB, dated March 2, 2022, do
all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
747-57A2370 RB, dated March 2, 2022.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747-57A2370, dated March 2, 2022, which is referred to in Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-57A2370 RB, dated March 2, 2022.
(h) Exceptions To Service Information Specifications
(1) Where the Compliance Time column of the table in the
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-
57A2370 RB, dated March 2, 2022, uses the phrase ``the original
issue date of Requirements Bulletin 747-57A2370 RB,'' this AD
requires using ``the effective date of this AD.''
[[Page 73458]]
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-57A2370 RB,
dated March 2, 2022, specifies contacting Boeing for repair
instructions: This AD requires doing the repair before further
flight using a method approved in accordance with the procedures
specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request
to your principal inspector or responsible Flight Standards Office,
as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of
the certification office, send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may be emailed
to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1c25315d5251314f797d68687079315d5f53315d51535f314e796d69796f686f5c7a7d7d327b736a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d0e9fd919e9dfd83b5b1a4a4bcb5fd91939ffd919d9f93fd82b5a1a5b5a3a4a390b6b1b1feb7bfa6">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD
if it is approved by The Boeing Company Organization Designation
Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle
ACO Branch, FAA, to make those findings. To be approved, the repair
method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must meet
the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must
specifically refer to this AD.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Nicole Tsang,
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems, FAA,
Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
phone and fax: 206-231-3959; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#412f28222e2d246f326f3532202f26012720206f262e37"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4d23242e222128633e63393e2c232a0d2b2c2c632a223b">[email protected]</span></a>.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-57A2370 RB, dated
March 2, 2022.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-
5600; telephone 562-797-1717; internet <a href="http://myboeingfleet.com">myboeingfleet.com</a>.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability
of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2046520e494e5350454354494f4e604e4152410e474f56"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dabca8f4b3b4a9aabfb9aeb3b5b49ab4bba8bbf4bdb5ac">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on November 3, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-26082 Filed 11-29-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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