On March 10, 2000, the FAA issued AD 2000-05-30, amendment 39-11640 (65 FR 14838, March 20, 2000), applicable to certain Boeing Model 747 series airplanes, to require repetitive inspections to detect discrepancies of the cables, fittings, and pulleys of the engine thrust control cable installation; replacement, if necessary; and, for certain airplanes, certain preventative actions on the engine thrust control cable installation. That action was prompted by reports of failure of engine thrust control cables. The requirements of that AD are intended to prevent such failures, which could result in a severe asymmetric thrust condition during landing, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.\n\n\tParagraph (g) of AD 2000-05-30 requires, for certain Model 747-100B series airplanes with a stretched upper deck (SUD), a detailed visual inspection and measurement of the clearance between certain engine thrust control cables and the cable penetrationholes, and follow-on corrective actions, if necessary. Since the issuance of AD 2000-05-30, the FAA has determined that certain other Model 747 series airplanes delivered with or modified to have a SUD are subject to the same unsafe condition as the Model 747-100B SUD airplanes identified in paragraph (g) of the existing AD. Therefore, the FAA finds that further rulemaking is necessary to prevent chafing and failure of engine thrust control cables, which could result in a severe asymmetric thrust condition during landing, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, on all affected airplanes.\n\nExplanation of Relevant Service Information\n\tThe FAA has previously reviewed and approved Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53-2327, Revision 2, dated September 24, 1998. That service bulletin describes procedures for repetitive inspections of certain upper deck floor beams to detect cracking, and repair of any cracks found or reinforcement of those floor beams. The service bulletin also describes procedures for a detailed inspection and measurement of the clearance between the engine thrust control cables and the cable penetration holes in that area, and modification of the holes or replacement of the plate, if necessary.\n\nExplanation of Requirements of the Rule\n\tSince an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design, this AD is being issued to prevent chafing and failure of engine thrust control cables, which could result in a severe asymmetric thrust condition during landing, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. This AD requires accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletin described previously, except as discussed below. \n\nDifferences Between This AD and Relevant Service Bulletin\n\tOperators should note that, although Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53-2327 describes procedures for inspection of certain upper deck floor beams, and repair of any cracks found or reinforcement of those floor beams, as applicable, this AD requires only the detailed visual inspection and measurement of the clearance between the engine thrust control cables and the cable penetration holes in that area. The inspection, repair, and reinforcement of certain upper deck floor beams are mandated by AD 92-24-07, amendment 39-8412 (57 FR 53436, November 10, 1992). The detailed visual inspection and measurement of the clearance between the engine thrust control cables and the cable penetration holes was incorporated into the service bulletin after AD 92-24-07 was issued. Therefore, the FAA is requiring that part of the service bulletin in this AD. In addition, for airplanes on which insufficient clearance is measured, this AD adds an additional inspection of the cable for wear in that area using procedures referenced in Appendix 1 (including Figure 1) of this AD and would require replacement of the cable, if necessary.\n\n\tOperators also should note that the effectivity listing of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-53-2327, Revision 2, includes Boeing Model 747-400 series airplanes. However, the actions required by this AD are not applicable to Model 747-400 series airplanes, so those airplanes are not included in the applicability of this AD.\n\nCost Impact \n\tNone of the airplanes affected by this action are on the U.S. Register. All airplanes included in the applicability of this rule currently are operated by non-U.S. operators under foreign registry; therefore, they are not directly affected by this AD action. However, the FAA considers that this rule is necessary to ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed in the event that any of these subject airplanes are imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future. \n\n\tShould an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future, it would require approximately 1 work hour to accomplish the required inspection, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Basedon these figures, the cost impact of this AD would be $60 per airplane.\n\nDetermination of Rule's Effective Date\n\tSince this AD action does not affect any airplane that is currently on the U.S. register, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no additional burden on any person. Therefore, prior notice and public procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment may be made effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.\n\nComments Invited\n\tAlthough this action is in the form of a final rule and was not preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption "ADDRESSES." All communications received on or before the closing date for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be needed.\n\n\tSubmit comments using the following format:\n\nOrganize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a request to change the compliance time and a request to change the service bulletin reference as two separate issues.\n\nFor each issue, state what specific change to the AD is being requested.\n\nInclude justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each request.\n\n\tComments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that summarizes eachFAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this AD will be filed in the Rules Docket. \n\n\tCommenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: "Comments to Docket Number 2000-NM-136-AD." The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.\n\nRegulatory Impact\n\tThe regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.\n\n\tFor the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption "ADDRESSES."\n\nList of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 \n\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.\n\nAdoption of the Amendment\n\tAccordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:\n\nPART 39 - AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES\n\t1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\n§ 39.13 (Amended)\n\t2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: