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(1) Have not been inspected in accordance with Before the accumulation of 22,000 total flight cycles, or within 1,000 flight cycles after the ef-
paragraph (d) of AD 2004–07–22, amend- fective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
ment 39–13566, using the HFEC method.
(2) Have been inspected in accordance with Within 3,000 flight cycles after the most recent Supplemental Structural Inspection Document
paragraph (d) of AD 2004–07–22, amend- (SSID) inspection of each applicable structural significant item (as given in Boeing Docu-
ment 39–13566, using the HFEC method. ment D6–35022, ‘‘SSID for Model 747 Airplanes,’’ Revision G, dated December 2000), or
within 1,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
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72602 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 233 / Tuesday, December 6, 2005 / Proposed Rules
19477–78), or you may visit http:// 2. Develop corrosion-directed any crack is found in a pocket area and
dms.dot.gov. inspections and prevention programs; the crack exceeds the trim-out limits
3. Review the adequacy of each specified in Service Sketch 3529, the
Examining the Docket operator’s structural maintenance service bulletin specifies that the
You may examine the AD docket on program; corrective action is replacing the frame.
the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or in 4. Review and update the In addition, if any crack is found in the
person at the Docket Management Supplemental Inspection Documents web, the service bulletin specifies that
Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 (SID); and the corrective action is replacing the
p.m., Monday through Friday, except 5. Assess repair quality. frame. The service bulletin specifies that
Federal holidays. The Docket In addition, we have received several replacing the frame with a new or
Management Facility office (telephone reports of cracking of the main fuselage serviceable frame made of 7075–T73
(800) 647–5227) is located on the plaza frame on McDonnell Douglas Model DC aluminum material terminates the
level of the Nassif Building at the DOT 9–10 series airplanes at station repetitive inspection requirements for
street address stated in the ADDRESSES Y=642.000. The cracking has been that frame only. Accomplishing the
section. Comments will be available in attributed to stress corrosion. The actions specified in the service
the AD docket shortly after the Docket AAWG task group for McDonnell information is intended to adequately
Management System receives them. Douglas Model DC–9–10, DC–9–20, DC– address the unsafe condition.
9–30, DC–9–40, and DC–9–50 series
Discussion airplanes has determined that we FAA’s Determination and Requirements
In April 1988, a high-cycle transport should mandate inspections for cracks of the Proposed AD
category airplane (specifically, a Boeing of the main fuselage frame, and repair We have evaluated all pertinent
Model 737) was involved in an accident if necessary, in accordance with the information and identified an unsafe
in which the airplane suffered major service bulletin described below. Stress condition that is likely to exist or
structural damage during flight. corrosion cracking, if not detected and develop on other airplanes of this same
Investigation of this accident revealed corrected, could propagate and result in type design. For this reason, we are
that the airplane had numerous fatigue extensive damage to adjacent structure, proposing this AD, which would require
cracks and a great deal of corrosion. and reduced structural integrity of the accomplishing the actions specified in
Subsequent inspections conducted by airplane. the service information described
the operator on other high-cycle The subject area on certain previously, except as discussed under
transport category airplanes in its fleet McDonnell Douglas Model DC–9–20, ‘‘Differences Between the Proposed AD
revealed that other airplanes had DC–9–30, DC–9–40, and DC–9–50 series and the Service Information.’’
extensive fatigue cracking and airplanes is identical to that on the Operators should note that, while it is
corrosion. affected Model DC 9–10 series airplanes. not the FAA’s usual policy to allow
Prompted by the data gained from this Therefore, all of these models may be flight with known cracks, this AD
accident, the FAA sponsored a subject to the same unsafe condition. permits further flight with cracking
conference on aging airplanes in June within certain limits. The manufacturer
Relevant Service Information
1988, which was attended by has advised us that they have data
representatives from the aviation We have reviewed McDonnell showing that the fuselage frame with the
industry and airworthiness authorities Douglas DC–9 Service Bulletin 53–168, trim-out area, specified in McDonnell
from around the world. It became dated November 17, 1983; including Douglas Service Sketch 3529, meets the
obvious that, because of the tremendous McDonnell Douglas Service Sketch certification basis of the airplane. The
increase in air travel, the relatively slow 3529, dated August 23, 1983 (attached cracked frame supports limit load
pace of new airplane production, and to the service bulletin). The service without detrimental permanent
the apparent economic feasibility of bulletin describes procedures for deformation, and ultimate load without
operating older technology airplanes repetitive inspections for stress failure. The repetitive inspection
rather than retiring them, increased corrosion cracks of the main fuselage interval of 3,400 flight hours for this
attention needed to be focused on the frame at Station Y=642.000 (for Model area (specified in paragraph (h)(1) of
aging airplane fleet and maintaining its DC–9–10 and DC–9–20 series airplanes), this proposed AD) is intended to detect
continued operational safety. Station Y=756.000 (for Model DC–9–30 crack growth caused by stress corrosion
The Air Transport Association (ATA) series airplanes), Station Y=794.000 (for until the terminating action is
of America and the Aerospace Model DC–9–40 series airplanes), and accomplished. In consideration of these
Industries Association (AIA) of America Station Y=851.000 (for Model DC–9–50 findings and the FAA’s criteria for flight
agreed to undertake the task of series airplanes). The service bulletin with known cracking, further flight with
identifying and implementing specifies that operators should use one cracking within certain limits is
procedures to ensure the continued of four inspection methods during each permissible.
structural airworthiness of aging repetitive inspection cycle: optical-
transport category airplanes. An aided visual, dye-penetrant, eddy Differences Between the Proposed AD
Airworthiness Assurance Working current, or ultrasonic. The service and the Service Information
Group (AAWG) was established in bulletin specifies that operators should Although the service bulletin
August 1988, with members record all inspection results, and send a referenced in this proposed AD specifies
representing aircraft manufacturers, report to the manufacturer. If no crack to submit certain information to the
operators, regulatory authorities, and is found, the service bulletin provides manufacturer, this proposed AD does
other aviation industry representatives procedures for repeating the inspection not include that requirement.
worldwide. The objective of the AAWG until the frame is replaced. If any crack Although the service bulletin does not
was to sponsor ‘‘Task Groups’’ to: is found in a pocket area and the crack give a compliance time for replacing the
1. Select service bulletins, applicable is within the trim-out limits specified in frame if a crack is found in a pocket area
to each airplane model in the transport Service Sketch 3529, the service bulletin and the crack exceeds the limits
fleet, to be recommended for mandatory provides procedures for repeating the specified in Service Sketch 3529; or if
modification of aging airplanes; inspection until the frame is replaced. If a crack is found in the web; this
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 233 / Tuesday, December 6, 2005 / Proposed Rules 72603
proposed AD would require doing that Clarification of Inspection Terminology Costs of Compliance
replacement before further flight.
Although the service bulletin does not In this proposed AD, the ‘‘optical- There are about 1,017 airplanes of the
give a compliance time for doing the aided visual inspection’’ specified in the affected design in the worldwide fleet.
inspection for crack growth if a crack in service bulletin is referred to as a The following table provides the
the pocket area is within the trim-out ‘‘detailed inspection.’’ We have estimated costs for U.S. operators to
limits specified in Service Sketch 3529, included the definition for a detailed comply with this proposed AD.
this proposed AD would require doing inspection in a note in the proposed AD.
that inspection before further flight.
ESTIMATED COSTS
Number
Average of U.S.-
Action Work hours labor rate Parts Cost per airplane Fleet cost
registered
per hour airplanes
Inspection, per inspection 2 $65 $0 $130, per inspection cycle 376 $48,880, per inspection
cycle. cycle.
Optional terminating acton 1 96 65 7,305 $13,545 ............................. 376 Up to $5,092,920.
(replacing the frame).
1 Per airplane.
Authority for This Rulemaking under the criteria of the Regulatory 9A, C–9B), DC–9–41, and DC–9–51 airplanes;
Flexibility Act. certificated in any category; as identified in
Title 49 of the United States Code McDonnell Douglas DC–9 Service Bulletin
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue We prepared a regulatory evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with 53–168, dated November 17, 1983.
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
Section 106, describes the authority of this proposed AD and placed it in the Unsafe Condition
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, AD docket. See the ADDRESSES section (d) This AD results from several reports of
Aviation Programs, describes in more for a location to examine the regulatory cracking of the main fuselage frame. We are
detail the scope of the Agency’s evaluation. issuing this AD to detect and correct stress
corrosion cracking of the main fuselage
authority. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 frame, which could result in extensive
We are issuing this rulemaking under damage to adjacent structure, and reduced
the authority described in Subtitle VII, Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Safety. structural integrity of the airplane.
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701,
‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that Compliance
The Proposed Amendment
section, Congress charges the FAA with (e) You are responsible for having the
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in Accordingly, under the authority actions required by this AD performed within
air commerce by prescribing regulations delegated to me by the Administrator, the compliance times specified, unless the
for practices, methods, and procedures the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part actions have already been done.
the Administrator finds necessary for 39 as follows:
Service Bulletin Reference
safety in air commerce. This regulation PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS (f) The term ‘‘service bulletin,’’ as used in
is within the scope of that authority DIRECTIVES this AD, means the Accomplishment
because it addresses an unsafe condition Instructions of McDonnell Douglas DC–9
that is likely to exist or develop on 1. The authority citation for part 39 Service Bulletin 53–168, dated November 17,
products identified in this rulemaking continues to read as follows: 1983, including McDonnell Douglas Service
action. Sketch 3529, dated August 23, 1983.
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Regulatory Findings Repetitive Inspections and Corrective
§ 39.13 [Amended] Actions
We have determined that this 2. The Federal Aviation (g) Prior to the accumulation of 15,000 total
proposed AD would not have federalism Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13 flight hours, or within 3,400 flight hours after
implications under Executive Order by adding the following new the effective date of this AD, whichever
13132. This proposed AD would not airworthiness directive (AD): occurs later: Do a detailed inspection, dye-
have a substantial direct effect on the penetrant inspection, eddy current
McDonnell Douglas: Docket No. FAA–2005–
States, on the relationship between the inspection, or ultrasonic inspection for stress
23197; Directorate Identifier 2005–NM– corrosion cracks of the main fuselage frame
national Government and the States, or 109–AD.
on the distribution of power and in accordance with the service bulletin.
responsibilities among the various Comments Due Date Except as provided by paragraph (h) of this
AD, repeat the inspection thereafter at
levels of government. (a) The FAA must receive comments on
intervals not to exceed 8,000 flight hours
For the reasons discussed above, I this AD action by January 20, 2006.
until the replacement in paragraph (i) of this
certify that the proposed regulation: Affected ADs AD is accomplished.
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
(b) None. Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a
action’’ under Executive Order 12866; detailed inspection is: ‘‘An intensive
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the Applicability examination of a specific item, installation,
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (c) This AD applies to McDonnell Douglas or assembly to detect damage, failure, or
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and Model DC–9–11, DC–9–12, DC–9–13, DC–9– irregularity. Available lighting is normally
3. Will not have a significant 14, DC–9–15, DC–9–15F, DC–9–21, DC–9–31, supplemented with a direct source of good
economic impact, positive or negative, DC–9–32, DC–9–32 (VC–9C), DC–9–32F, DC– lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate.
on a substantial number of small entities 9–33F, DC–9–34, DC–9–34F, DC–9–32F (C– Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying
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72604 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 233 / Tuesday, December 6, 2005 / Proposed Rules
lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface Sketch 3529, dated August 23, 1983, before Parts Installation
cleaning and elaborate procedures may be further flight: Do the action in paragraph (i) (k) After the effective date of this AD, no
required.’’ of this AD. person may install on any airplane a frame
(3) If the crack is in the web, before further made of 7075–T6 aluminum material.
Corrective Actions flight: Do the action in paragraph (i) of this
(h) If any crack is found during any AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance
inspection required by this AD, do the (AMOCs)
applicable action in paragraph (h)(1), (h)(2), Optional Terminating Action (l) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft
or (h)(3) of this AD. (i) Replacing the frame with a new or Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the
(1) If the crack is in the pocket area and serviceable frame made of 7075–T73 authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
the crack is within the trim-out limits aluminum material in accordance with the requested in accordance with the procedures
specified in McDonnell Douglas Service service bulletin terminates the repetitive found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Sketch 3529, dated August 23, 1983: Repeat inspection requirements of this AD for that Issued in Renton, Washington, on
the inspection specified in paragraph (g) of frame only. November 25, 2005.
this AD at intervals not to exceed 3,400 flight
No Reporting Required Ali Bahrami,
hours until the action in paragraph (i) of this
AD is accomplished. (j) Although the service bulletin referenced Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
(2) If the crack is in the pocket area and in this AD specifies to submit certain Aircraft Certification Service.
the crack exceeds the trim-out limits information to the manufacturer, this AD [FR Doc. 05–23655 Filed 12–5–05; 8:45 am]
specified in McDonnell Douglas Service does not include that requirement. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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