AD 2007-25-18

Active

New tie rods

Key Information
2007-25-18
Active
December 26, 2007
November 30, 2007
FAA-2007-0301
39-15300
Applicability
["Aircraft"]
["Large Airplane"]
The Boeing Company
747-400 Series 747-400D Series
Summary

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747-400 and 747-400D series airplanes. For certain airplanes, this AD requires modifying the stowage bin ladder of zone E, installing new intercostals, removing existing tie rods, and installing new tie rods. For certain other airplanes, this AD requires modifying the lateral shear beam. This AD results from a report indicating that the overhead lateral shear beam aft of main entry door number 5 reacts to certain loads from the weight of the center stowage bins of zone E and additional loads. We are issuing this AD to prevent detachment of the center stowage bins of zone E at forward load levels less than 9g during an emergency landing, which could cause injury to passengers and/or crew and could impede subsequent rapid evacuation.

Action Required

Final rule; request for comments.

Regulatory Text

2007-25-18 Boeing: Amendment 39-15300. Docket No. FAA-2007-0301; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-069-AD. \n\nEffective Date \n\n\t(a) This AD becomes effective December 26, 2007. \n\nAffected ADs \n\n\t(b) None. \n\nApplicability \n\n\t(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 747-400 and 747-400D series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-53-2498, dated December 19, 2006. \n\nUnsafe Condition \n\n\t(d) This AD results from a report indicating that the overhead lateral shear beam aft of main entry door number 5 reacts to certain loads. We are issuing this AD to prevent detachment of the center stowage bins of zone E at forward load levels less than 9g during an emergency landing, which could cause injury to passengers and/or crew and could impede subsequent rapid evacuation. \n\nCompliance \n\n\t(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actionshave already been done. \n\nModification, Installation, and Replacement \n\n\t(f) Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, do the applicable actions required by paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD by doing all the actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-53- 2498, dated December 19, 2006. \n\n\t(1) For Group 1 airplanes, as identified in the service bulletin: Modify the stowage bin ladder of zone E, install new right and left intercostals, and remove existing tie rods and install new tie rods. \n\n\t(2) For Group 2 airplanes, as identified in the service bulletin: Modify the lateral shear beam. \n\nAlternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\t(g)(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. \n\n\t(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. \n\nMaterial Incorporated by Reference \n\n\t(h) You must use Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747- 53-2498, dated December 19, 2006, to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207, for a copy of this service information. You may review copies 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

Supplementary Information

Discussion \n\n\tWe have received a report indicating that a review, at Boeing, of the airplane interior loads on certain Boeing Model 747-400 and 747- 400D series airplanes without a door 5 crew rest, showed that the overhead lateral shear beam aft of main entry door number 5 does not meet the 9g forward loading requirement. As a result, the overhead lateral shear beam at that door reacts to loads from the weight of the center stowage bins of zone E and to additional loads due to galleys, life raft boxes, closets, and partitions (depending on airplane configuration). This condition, if not corrected, could result in detachment of the center stowage bins of zone E at forward load levels less than 9g during an emergency landing, which could cause injury to passengers and/or crew and could impede subsequent rapid evacuation. \n\nRelevant Service Information \n\n\tWe have reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-53- 2498, dated December 19, 2006.For certain airplanes, the service bulletin describes procedures for modifying the stowage bin ladder of zone E by installing new tie rod fittings, installing new right and left intercostals, and removing existing tie rods. For certain other airplanes, the service bulletin describes procedures for modifying the lateral shear beam by installing additional stiffeners. Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is intended to adequately address the unsafe condition. \n\nFAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD \n\n\tNo airplanes affected by this AD are on the U.S. Register. We are issuing this AD because the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the(se) same type design(s) that could be registered in the United States in the future. This AD requires modifying the stowage bin ladder of zone E, installing new intercostals, removing existing tie rods, and installing new tie rods. For certain other airplanes, this AD requires modifying the lateral shear beam. \n\n\tSince no airplanes are affected by this AD, notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are unnecessary. \n\nCosts of Compliance \n\n\tNone of the airplanes affected by this action are on the U.S. Register. All airplanes affected by this AD are currently operated by non-U.S. operators under foreign registry; therefore, they are not directly affected by this AD action. However, we consider this AD necessary to ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed if any affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future. \n\n\tThe following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to comply with this AD for any affected airplane that might be imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future. \n\n\tEstimated Costs\n\n\nAction\nWork hours\nAverage labor rate per hour\nParts\nCost per airplane\nNumber of U.S.-registered airplanes\nModification of the stowage bin ladder, installation of intercostals, and replacement of tie rods (for Group 1 airplanes)\n59\n$80\n$40,107\n$44,827\n0\nModification of the lateral shear beam (for Group 2 airplanes) \n5\n$80\n$5,091\n$5,491\n0\n\n\nFAA's Determination of the Effective Date \n\n\tNo airplane affected by this AD is currently on the U.S. Register. Therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment is unnecessary before this AD is issued, and this AD may be made effective in less than 30 days after it is published in the Federal Register. \n\nComments Invited \n\n\tThis AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to provide your comments before it becomes effective. However, we invite you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include "Docket No. FAA-2007-0301; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-069-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of those comments. \n\n\tWe will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov , including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this AD. \n\nAuthority for This Rulemaking \n\n\tTitle 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. \n\tWe 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. \n\nRegulatory Findings \n\n\tWe have determined that 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. \n\n\tFor the reasons discussed above, I certify that the regulation: \n\n\t1. Is not a "significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; \n\t2. Is not a "significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and \n\t3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive ornegative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. \n\n\tWe prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation. \n\nList of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 \n\n\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. \n\nAdoption of the Amendment \n\nAccordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: \n\nPART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\nSec. 39.13 (Amended) \n\n2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

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Contact Information

Rene Buendia, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6448; fax (425) 917-6590.

References
(Federal Register: December 10, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 236))
--- - Part 39
(Page 69585-69587)
FAA Documents