AD 2004-22-10

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747-400 and -400F series airplanes. This AD requires a detailed inspection(s) for cracks and fractures of the side guide support fittings in the lower lobe cargo compartments; and applicable investigative/corrective actions and operational limitations, if necessary. This AD also requires a terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This AD is prompted by reports of cracked/fractured side guide support fittings in the aft, lower lobe cargo compartment. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracked/fractured side guide support fittings in the lower lobe cargo compartments, which could result in unrestrained cargo shifting in flight and damaging the airplane structure or systems, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

Final rule.

2004-22-10 Boeing: Amendment 39-13838. Docket No. FAA-2004-18728; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-176-AD. \n\nEffective Date \n\n\t(a) This AD becomes effective December 7, 2004. \n\nAffected ADs \n\n\t(b) None. \n\nApplicability \n\n\t(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 747-400 and "400F series airplanes, certificated in any category; as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3335, dated July 3, 2003. \n\nUnsafe Condition \n\n\t(d) This AD was prompted by reports of cracked/fractured side guide support fittings in the aft, lower lobe cargo compartment. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracked/fractured side guide support fittings in the lower lobe cargo compartments, which could result in unrestrained cargo shifting in flight and damaging the airplane structure or systems, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. \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 actions have already been done. \n\nInspection, Investigative/Corrective Actions, and Operational Limitations \n\n\t(f) At the applicable time(s) specified in Table 1 of this AD, do a detailed inspection(s) of the side guide support fittings in the lower lobe cargo compartments for cracks and fractures, and before further flight, do all applicable investigative/corrective actions and operational limitations, if necessary, by accomplishing all the actions specified in Work Package 1 and Work Package 2 of the Work Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3335, dated July 3, 2003; except as required by paragraph (g) of this AD. Replacement of all outboard roller assemblies with new assemblies in accordance with Work Package 2 of the service bulletin ends the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD (Work Package 1). \n\n\n\n\tTable 1.--Compliance Times\n\n\n\nFor- \nInitial compliance time- \nRepetitive interval- \n\n\n\n(1) Work Package 1 \nWithin 180 days after the effective date of this AD. \nAt intervals not to exceed 180 days, until all outboard roller assemblies have been replaced per Work Package 2 of the service bulletin. \n\n\n\n(2) Work Package 2 \nWithin 18 months after the effective date of this AD. \nNone. \n\n\n\tNote 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is "an intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirrors magnifying lenses, etc. may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required." \n\n\tNote 2: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3335 refers to Goodrich Alert Service Bulletin 65B60176-25-A01, dated March 3, 2003, as an additional source of service information for replacing the outboard roller assemblies. \n\nAlternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\t(g) The Manager, Seattle ACO, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. \n\nMaterial Incorporated by Reference \n\n\t(h) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3335, dated July 3, 2003, to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approves the incorporation by reference of this document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. For copies of the service information, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. For information on the availability of this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. \n\n\tYou may view the AD docket at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW, room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC.

The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 with an AD for certain Boeing Model 747-400 and "400F series airplanes. That action, published in the Federal Register on August 6, 2004 (69 FR 47811), proposed to require a detailed inspection(s) for cracks and fractures of the side guide support fittings in the lower lobe cargo compartments; and applicable investigative/corrective actions and operational limitations, if necessary. That action also proposed to require a terminating action for the repetitive inspections. \n\nComments \n\n\tInterested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. \n\nConclusion \n\n\tThe FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed. \n\nCosts of Compliance \n\n\tThere are about 22 airplanes of the affected design worldwide. The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to comply with this AD. \n\n\tEstimated Costs\n\n\nAction \nWork hours \nAverage labor rate per hour \nParts \nCost per airplane \nNumber of U.S.-registered airplanes \nFleet cost \nInspection, per inspection cycle. \n5 \n$65 \nNone \n$325, per inspection cycle. \n3 \n$975, per inspection cycle. \nAssembly replacement. \n25 \n$65 \n$3,402 \n$5,027 \n3 \n$15,081. \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 this AD: \n\n\t(1) Is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866; \n\n\t(2) Is not a "significant rule" under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and \n\n\t(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. \n\n\tWe prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD. 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\n§ 39.13 (Amended) \n\n2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):