AD 2017-02-09
Recurring
final rule
Applicability
| Type | Manufacturer | Model | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 747-400 Series | Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 747-400D Series | Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 747-400F Series | Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes |
Unsafe Condition
Widespread corrosion damage found on the skin inner surface along the upper bulkhead at certain stations between certain stringers.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Required Actions
Repetitive inspections of the fuselage crown skin inner surface are required, along with related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. Terminating actions for the repetitive inspections are also allowed.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Compliance Time
Before further flight if terminating actions are taken; otherwise, inspections are repetitive with no specific compliance time.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Affected Aircraft
The Boeing Company Model 747-400, -400D, and -400F series airplanes, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2878, dated May 19, 2016.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Federal Register Abstract
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400, -400D, and -400F series airplanes. This AD was prompted by widespread corrosion damage that was found on the skin inner surface along the upper bulkhead at certain stations between certain stringers. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the fuselage crown skin inner surface, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also allows for terminating actions for the repetitive inspections. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Applicability Source Text
Show captured applicability text from the source AD
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-400, -400D, and
-400F series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified
in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2878, dated May 19, 2016.
Document Text
Show stored source text (verify against official source)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 27 (Friday, February 10, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10262-10264]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2017-01778]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-9050; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-086-AD;
Amendment 39-18788; AD 2017-02-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company 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
The Boeing Company Model 747-400, -400D, and -400F series airplanes.
This AD was prompted by widespread corrosion damage that was found on
the skin inner surface along the upper bulkhead at certain stations
between certain stringers. This AD requires repetitive inspections of
the fuselage crown skin inner surface, and related investigative and
corrective actions if necessary. This AD also allows for terminating
actions for the repetitive inspections. We are issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 17, 2017.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 17,
2017.
ADDRESSES: 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; telephone 562-797-1717; Internet <a href="https://www.myboeingfleet.com">https://www.myboeingfleet.com</a>.
You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. It
is also available on the Internet at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-9050.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
9050; 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 (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket 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: Nathan Weigand, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6428; fax: 425-917-6590; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fa949b8e929b94d48ad48d9f939d9b949eba9c9b9bd49d958c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7c121d08141d12520c520b19151b1d12183c1a1d1d521b130a">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing Company
Model 747-400, -400D, and -400F series airplanes. The NPRM published in
the Federal Register on August 30, 2016 (81 FR 59532) (``the NPRM'').
The NPRM was prompted by widespread corrosion damage that was found on
the skin inner surface along the upper bulkhead at certain stations
between certain stringers. The NPRM proposed to require repetitive
inspections of the fuselage crown skin inner surface, and related
investigative and corrective actions if necessary. The NPRM would also
allow for terminating actions for the repetitive inspections. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks and corrosion on the crown
skin inner surface. If the cracks or corrosion are not repaired, the
cracks can rapidly join together and can cause a sudden decompression
and loss of structural integrity of the airplane.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and
the FAA's response to each comment.
Support for the NPRM
United Airlines supported the content of the NPRM.
Request To Clarify the Language in the Terminating Action Paragraph
Boeing asked that we add accomplishment of Part 4 to the
terminating action language specified in paragraph (i) of the proposed
AD for clarification purposes. Boeing stated that Tables 1 and 2 of
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2878, dated May 19, 2016, specify that Action 1 is to complete Part
3: Skin Panel Modification or Repair; and Action 2 is to complete Part
4: Surface Finish Restoration. Boeing noted that both actions must be
completed before further flight.
We agree with the commenter's request to add accomplishment of Part
4 of the referenced service information, for the reason provided. We
have clarified the language in paragraph (i) of this AD to specify that
both Part 3 and Part 4 of the referenced service information must be
accomplished to terminate the repetitive inspections required by
paragraph (g) of this AD. However, we do not agree that both actions
must be done before further flight because the terminating action is
optional; therefore, no specific compliance time is required.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this AD with the change described previously and minor editorial
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
[[Page 10263]]
<bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
<bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
We also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2878, dated May
19, 2016. The service information describes procedures for inspecting
the fuselage crown skin inner surface body at affected stations, and
doing related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. 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 the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 53 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Labor cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections and access......... Up to 815 work-hours x Up to $69,275............. Up to $3,671,575.
$85 per hour = $69,275.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repairs that
will be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no way
of determining the number of aircraft that might need these repairs and
on-condition inspections:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repairs and on[dash]condition Up to 1,820 work-hours N/A....................... Up to $154,700.
inspections. x $85 per hour =
$154,700.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost
estimate.
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),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) 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.
Adoption of 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 (AD):
2017-02-09 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18788; Docket No. FAA-
2016-9050; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-086-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective March 17, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-400, -400D, and
-400F series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified
in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2878, dated May 19, 2016.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by widespread corrosion damage that was
found on the skin inner surface along the upper bulkhead at certain
stations between certain stringers. We are issuing this AD to detect
and correct
[[Page 10264]]
cracks and corrosion on the crown skin inner surface. If the cracks
or corrosion are not repaired, the cracks can rapidly join together
and can cause a sudden decompression and loss of structural
integrity of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspection of the Skin Inner Surface
At the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2878, dated
May 19, 2016, except as required by paragraph (k)(1) of this AD: Do
a detailed inspection of the skin inner surface for any missing or
degraded finish, sign of corrosion, or crack, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2878, dated May 19, 2016. Repeat the inspection thereafter at
intervals not to exceed the applicable time specified in paragraph
1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2878,
dated May 19, 2016, until the actions specified in paragraph (i) of
this AD have been done.
(h) Repair of the Skin Inner Surface
If any damage is found during any inspection required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, do all applicable
related investigative and correction actions, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2878, dated May 19, 2016, except as required by paragraph (k)(2)
of this AD.
(i) Optional Terminating Action
Modification or repair of the inner skin surfaces, and
restoration of the surface finish, in accordance with part 3 and
part 4, respectively, of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2878, dated May 19, 2016, terminates
the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
(j) Post Repair Inspection and Repairs
For airplanes on which a repair or modification has been done in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 747-53A2878, dated May 19, 2016: Except as required
by paragraph (k)(1) of this AD, at the applicable time specified in
Table 3 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-53A2878, dated May 19, 2016, do detailed inspections to
detect damage of the repaired or modified areas, and do all
applicable corrective actions, in accordance with part 5 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
53A2878, dated May 19, 2016, except as required by paragraph (k)(2)
of this AD. Do all applicable corrective actions before further
flight. Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed
the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2878, dated May 19, 2016.
(k) Exceptions
(1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2878, dated May
19, 2016, specifies a compliance time ``after the original issue
date of this service bulletin,'' this AD requires compliance within
the specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD.
(2) If any cracking or corrosion is found during any inspection
required by this AD, and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-53A2878,
dated May 19, 2016, specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate
action: Before further flight, repair the cracking or corrosion
using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified
in paragraph (l) of this AD.
(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
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 local
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in paragraph (m) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#487165090605651b2d293c3c242d65090b07650905070b651a2d393d2d3b3c3b082e2929662f273e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f6cfdbb7b8bbdba5939782829a93dbb7b5b9dbb7bbb9b5dba493878393858285b6909797d8919980">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district 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 Commercial Airplanes Organization
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the
Manager, Seattle ACO, 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.
(4) Except as required by paragraph (k)(2) of this AD: For
service information that contains steps that are labeled as Required
for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (l)(4)(i) and
(l)(4)(ii) of this AD apply.
(i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply
with the AD. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps,
including substeps and identified figures.
(ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy
condition.
(m) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Nathan Weigand,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle ACO,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6428;
fax: 425-917-6590; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#cba5aabfa3aaa5e5bbe5bcaea2acaaa5af8badaaaae5aca4bd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b1dfd0c5d9d0df9fc19fc6d4d8d6d0dfd5f1d7d0d09fd6dec7">[email protected]</span></a>.
(n) 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 Service Bulletin 747-53A2878, dated May 19,
2016.
(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;
telephone 562-797-1717; Internet <a href="https://www.myboeingfleet.com">https://www.myboeingfleet.com</a>
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
425-227-1221.
(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, call 202-741-6030, or go to: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 18, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-01778 Filed 2-9-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
Source: Official FAA Source ↗
Retrieved: Apr 6, 2026
Rights: U.S. Government Public Domain
This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the FAA. Always verify with official sources.
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