[Federal Register: December 11, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 239)]

[Rules and Regulations]

[Page 75305-75307]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr11de08-1]

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0590; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-057-AD; Amendment 39-15765;

AD 2008-25-07]

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-
200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, and 747SR Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 747-100,
747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-
400F, and 747SR series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracks or fractures of
the forward end attachment and the forward lower flange of the flap tracks of the trailing edge flaps,
and corrective actions if necessary. For certain airplanes, this AD would also require modifying the
fail-safe links of the main carriage. This AD results from a detailed structural analysis of the flap
attach structural and fail-safe components, accomplished as a result of a dynamic stability and control
analysis, which could not demonstrate continued safe flight and landing of the airplane after the loss
of a trailing edge flap. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks or fractures of the primary
structural and fail-safe load paths of the inboard and outboard trailing edge flaps, which could result
in the loss of a flap during takeoff or landing, reducing flightcrew ability to maintain the safe flight
and landing of the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective January 15, 2009.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain
publication listed in this AD as of January 15, 2009.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes,
Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-
2207; telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1, fax 206-766-5680; e-mail me.boecom@boeing.com;
Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.

1
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: Gary Oltman, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe

Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6443; 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 all Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B
SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, and 747SR series
airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on May 23, 2008 (73 FR 30003) That
NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections for cracks or fractures of the forward end
attachment and the forward lower flange of the flap tracks of the trailing edge flaps, and corrective
actions if necessary. For certain airplanes, that NPRM would also require modifying the fail-safe
links of the main carriage.

Comments

We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We considered the
comments received from the commenters.

Support for the NPRM

Boeing has reviewed the NPRM and concurs with the content of the proposed rule.

Request To Extend Certain Compliance Times

Northwest Airlines (NWA) asks that the repetitive inspection intervals for the Part 1 inspections,
as required by paragraph (f) of the NPRM, be changed to specify intervals not to exceed 750 flight
cycles after accomplishing the last inspection or within 750 flight cycles after the flap track overhaul,
whichever occurs later. For Part 3 inspections, NWA asks that the repetitive inspection interval be
changed to intervals not to exceed 1,500 flight cycles after accomplishing the last inspection or
within 1,500 flight cycles after flap track overhaul, whichever occurs later. NWA adds that the reason
for the request is that, as part of its procedure for removing the track for overhaul, the attaching fuse
pin is removed and inspected and the defined support fitting is inspected for condition; any failure of
the track would be detected during the track overhaul.
We do not agree with NWA's request to change the repetitive inspection interval. The structural
analysis of the flap attach structural and fail-safe components supports the compliance time specified
for the repetitive inspection interval. In developing an appropriate compliance time for this action, we
considered the urgency associated with the subject unsafe condition and the practical aspect of
accomplishing the required inspections within a period of time that corresponds to the normal
scheduled maintenance for most affected operators. These maintenance schedules can vary greatly

2
from operator to operator. In light of these items, we have determined that the repetitive inspection
intervals specified in the service bulletin are appropriate. However, according to the provisions of
paragraph (j) of this AD, we may approve requests to adjust the compliance time if the request
includes data that prove that the new compliance time would provide an acceptable level of safety.
We have not changed the AD in this regard.
NWA also asks that the FAA review the 750-flight-cycle repetitive inspection interval
requirement, and if supported by new analysis, change it to 1,000 flight cycles. NWA states that a
1,000-flight-cycle interval would permit accomplishing the inspections in conjunction with scheduled
airplane maintenance.
We do not agree with the request to change the interval for the repetitive inspections to 1,000
flight cycles. Previous analysis supports the current 750-flight-cycle interval, and no new analysis is
currently available. However, as noted in the response to the previous comment, we will consider
requests for approval of an AMOC if sufficient data are submitted that the new compliance time
would provide an acceptable level of safety. We have not changed the AD in this regard.

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.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this AD affects 190 airplanes of U.S. registry. The following table provides the
estimated costs for U.S. operators to comply with this AD.

Estimated Costs
Action Work Average Parts Cost per Number of Fleet cost
hours labor rate product U.S.-registered
per hour airplanes
Part 1 4 $80 $0 $320 per 190 $60,800 per
Inspections inspection inspection
cycle cycle
Part 3 4 $80 $0 $320 per 190 $60,800 per
Inspections inspection inspection
cycle cycle
Part 2 Between $80 Between Between 182 Between
Modification 3 and 7 $212 and $452 and $82,264 and
for Groups $7,934 $8,494 $1,545,908
1-3 Airplanes

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

3
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

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part
39 as follows:

PART 39–AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

§ 39.13 [Amended]

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD:

4
 AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
FAA
Aircraft Certification Service www.faa.gov/aircraft/safety/alerts/
www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/advanced.html

2008-25-07 Boeing: Amendment 39-15765. Docket No. FAA-2008-0590; Directorate Identifier

2008-NM-057-AD.

Effective Date

(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 15, 2009.

Affected ADs

(b) None.

Applicability

(c) This AD applies to all Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-
200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, and 747SR series airplanes, certificated in
any category.

Unsafe Condition

(d) This AD results from a detailed structural analysis of the flap attach structural and fail-safe
components accomplished as a result of a dynamic stability and control analysis, which could not
demonstrate continued safe flight and landing of the airplane after the loss of a trailing edge flap. We
are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks or fractures of the primary structural and fail-safe
load paths of the inboard and outboard trailing edge flaps, which could result in the loss of a flap
during takeoff or landing, reducing flightcrew ability to maintain the safe flight and landing of the
airplane.

Compliance

(e) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.

Repetitive Inspections/Corrective Actions

(f) For all airplanes: Except as provided by paragraph (h) of this AD, at the applicable times
specified in paragraph 1.E. of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-57A2323, dated February 21, 2008,
inspect for cracks or fractures of the forward end attachment and the forward lower flange of the flap
tracks of the trailing edge flaps, and do all applicable corrective actions, by doing all the actions
specified in Parts 1 and 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
57A2323, dated February 21, 2008, except as provided by paragraph (i) of this AD. Do all applicable
corrective actions before further flight. Repeat the applicable inspection at the applicable time
specified in paragraph 1.E. of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-57A2323, dated February 21, 2008.

Modification of Fail Safe Links of Main Carriage

(g) For Groups 1, 2, and 3 airplanes: Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD,
replace the fail-safe links, pins, and attachment hardware in accordance with Part 2 of the

5
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-57A2323, dated February 21,
2008.

Exception to Compliance Times

(h) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-57A2323, dated February 21, 2008, specifies
counting the compliance time from ''* * * the date on this service bulletin,'' this AD requires counting
the compliance time from the effective date of this AD.

Exception to Corrective Actions

(i) If any fractured support fitting is found during any inspection required by this AD, and
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-57A2323, dated February 21, 2008, specifies to contact Boeing for
appropriate action: Before further flight, repair using a method approved in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

(j)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, ATTN: Gary Oltman,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6443; fax (425) 917-6590; has the authority to approve AMOCs for
this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(2) 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.
(3) 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.

Material Incorporated by Reference

(k) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-57A2323, dated February 21, 2008; 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,
Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-
2207; telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1, fax 206-766-5680; e-mail me.boecom@boeing.com;
Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
(3) You may review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221 or 425-227-1152.
(4) You may also review copies of the service 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.

6
 Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 28, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.