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    May 04 1

    Aging Airplane Safety Rule

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    May 04 2

    BackgroundBackground

    The Interim Final Rule and ACs published in Dec 02 are theresult of The Aging Airplane Safety Act of 1991

    The current form of the rule resulted from comments received

    from two previous NPRM publications. The latest was Apr 99

    The FAA, having significantly modified the 1999 version, haspublished an interim final rule and requested further

    comments

    This is NOT an Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee/Airworthiness Assurance Working Group (ARAC/AAWG)

    activity

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    May 04 3

    Who Is Affected?Who Is Affected?

    This is an operational rule affecting operators that hold

    certificates under 121, 129, and 135 In general, the rule has applicability to all Boeing

    airplanes of US Registry operated under the applicablesections

    Foreign Regulatory Authorities may or may not choose toenforce the rule on their operators

    Leased airplanes, not currently registered in the US, mayalso be affected

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    Two Rule Requirements:Two Rule Requirements:

    Records Review

    121.368

    Supplemental Inspections

    121.370a

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    Records ReviewRecords Review

    On 8 Dec 03, for airplanes

    Exceeding 24 years in service: 1st records review mustoccur before 5 Dec 07

    Exceeding 14 years in service, but less than 24 years: 1strecords review must occur before 4 Dec 08

    Less than 14 years in service: 1st records review mustoccur no later than 5 years after the start of 15th year inservice

    For all airplanes, records review will be repeated every 7 yrs

    Physical inspection of the airplane will be by FAA

    Administrator or Designee

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    Significant Operator ConcernsSignificant Operator Concerns

    ! Seven-year repeat intervals are a concern

    ! Amount and kind of data requested may not exist

    ! Ability of the FAA to support review

    In order to identify any process problems (schedules,access requirements, paperwork, training, ), AirTransport Association (ATA) sponsored prototyping ofsome airplane models by some volunteer operators

    The amount of data required was significant

    Many requests to Boeing to substantiate repairs

    FAA participated

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    Records Review

    Current Status

    Records Review

    Current Status

    Late last year the FAA provided training material to operatorsand PMIs on how the records review should be performed

    Training allowed many of the concessions requested inthe ATA comments to the rule

    Training provided no guidance for supplementalinspections

    The rule is now effective and there are immediate record

    review compliance requirements for certain older airplanesin order to complete first inspection of older airplanes by Dec07

    FAA has yet to fully respond to the comments submitted tothe interim final rule

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    Supplemental InspectionsSupplemental Inspections

    Damage tolerance basedinspections and proceduresmust be in place by 5 Dec 07

    Includes baseline structureand any Repairs, Alterationsand Modifications (RAMs) toprimary structure

    Referenced as one of the datarecords to be reviewedfollowing rule compliancedate

    This requirement represents apotentially significantincrease in the data required

    to hold an operatingcertificate

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    May 04 9

    AAWG Proposal for SupplementalInspections

    AAWG Proposal for SupplementalInspections

    Requested that the rule be delayed 3 years to providesufficient time to develop guidance material for Damage

    Tolerance Based inspections and procedures for all primarystructure, and:

    Task the AAWG to develop the required guidance material

    Assure SRMs are up to date

    Allow the Structure Task Groups (STG)to validate that significant structuralservice bulletins are properlydocumented for DTA

    Investigate the feasibility ofdeveloping model specific repairassessment guidelines for all primarystructure

    Involve STGs in the implementation ofthe compliance plan

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    May 04 10

    Supplemental Inspections

    Current Status

    Supplemental Inspections

    Current Status

    FAA is aware of issues with the rule and of potential

    overlap with the WFD rule

    FAA has circulated a draft of an ARAC tasking:

    Indicates that the FAA will allow the deadline for

    supplemental inspections to slip

    Provides the AAWG with a tasking to developguidance material and investigate best means for

    industry to show compliance Tasking expected June 2004

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    May 04 11

    SummarySummary

    Records Review

    Compliance date is December 5, 2007

    Significant concessions have been granted in showingcompliance through instructions to the PMIs

    Supplemental Inspections

    FAA is expected to task ARAC to determine best meansof compliance

    FAA is further expected to delay the rule compliancedate until that means of compliance has been developed

    Boeing will continue to advise operators of the status of

    these two parts as new data becomes available

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    May 04 12

    BackupBackup

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    May 04 13

    Data to be Reviewed:Data to be Reviewed:

    g. Current inspection status ofthe airplane, including thetime since the last inspectionrequired by the inspection

    program under which theairplane is maintainedh. Current status of the

    following, including themethod of compliance:

    I. Airworthiness directives

    II. Corrosion Prevention andControl Programs

    III. Inspections andprocedures required by 121.370a (et al.) of thispart

    i. A list of major structuralalterations

    j. A report of major structuralrepairs and the currentinspection status for those

    repairs

    a. Total years in service

    b. Total flight hours

    c. Total flight cycles

    d. Date of the last inspection andrecords review required by thissection

    e. Current status of life-limitedparts of the airframe

    f. Time since the last overhaul of

    all structural componentsrequired to be overhauled on aspecific time basis

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    8-1

    REPAIR ASSESSMENT

    WORKSHOP

    Example of Applying the

    Repair Assessment Guidelines

    DetermineDetermine

    Repairs toRepairs to

    AssessAssess ExamineExamine

    & Classify& Classify

    RepairsRepairsDetermineDetermine

    InspectionInspection

    RequirementsRequirements

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    8-2

    Contents

    Applying the Repair Assessment Guidelines to an Airplane

    ! Implement Program

    " Implementation threshold

    " Stage 1 - Determine repairs to assess

    ! Assess Repairs

    " Assessment threshold

    " Stage 2 - Examine repairs

    "

    Stage 2 - Classify repairs" Stage 3 - Determine inspection requirements

    " Inspection threshold

    ! Inspect Repairs

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    8-3

    Implement Program

    ! Plan for assessing repairs must be in place at later of:

    " On or before airplane reaches 60,000 flights

    " May 25, 2001 if over 60,000 flights

    ! Plan should include:

    " When repairs will be assessed

    " How required inspections will be added to the

    maintenance plan

    Example Air will implement the program on their 737-200

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    8-4

    on May 25, 2000

    Determine Implementation Threshold

    Plan must be in place at or before 60,000 flights

    737-

    200

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    8-5

    Determine Repairs to Assess - Stage 1

    Use document chart to define specific areas and repair types

    ! Typical fuselage skin (including upper and lower deck cargo door skins)

    All external repair doublers greater than 12 inches in the longitudinal or circumferential directions.

    All external repair doublers greater than 6 inches in the longitudinal or circumferential

    directions, where the fuselage skin is hidden internally at the critical row of fasteners.

    All external repair doublers within 3 inches of any other external repair doubler.

    ! Aft pressure dome (BS 1016):

    !All repair doublers greater than 12 inches in the circumferential or radial direction or extending into

    two or more bays.

    1

    ! Door cutout area

    All external repairs at or within 10 inches of a door cutout.

    (Upper deck cargo door cutout area: no SRM or SB repairs, contact Boeing for evaluation of repairs

    in this area.)

    Fuselage Pressurized Skin" Areas where supplemental inspection may be required by this program:

    ! Pressurized radiused skin between BS 178 and 1016:

    All internal (flush) repair doublers greater than 17 inches in length.

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    8-6

    Determine Assessment Threshold

    ! The assessment threshold is:

    " The first major check (D-check) after 60,000 flights,

    " Not to exceed 79,000 flights

    ! On or before this threshold, gather data for the repairs on

    the airplane

    For Example Airs 737

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    8-7

    737-

    200

    on date of D-check

    Determine When to Examine Repairs

    Example Air will gather data for repair assessment at this

    D-check

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    8-8

    Repair #1Repair #1

    Repair #2Repair #2

    Repair #3Repair #3 Repair #4Repair #4

    Examine Repairs on Airplane - Stage 2

    At D-check, Example Air gathers data for repairs

    ! Start with Repair #1

    ! Assume repair installation dates are not known

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    8-9

    Examine Repair #1

    Examine and record repair design features and condition

    A

    A

    Section A-A

    9

    171.0 (typ.)

    0.5(typ.)

    tdblr= 0.0502024-T3

    tskin = 0.0362024-T3

    3/16 rivets,

    protruding head,non-magnetic

    Repair is in ideal condition, no deterioration

    S-20L

    S-21L

    BS 380

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    8-10

    Record Data for Repair #1

    Model type:

    A/C I.D.: Completed by:

    Date:Total No. of aircraft flight cycles :

    Operator repair ref. No.

    2. Geometric location: (Body Buttock Line, Body Station and stringer number, indicating right or

    left. Also, indicate if repair is within 10 inches of a door cutout.)

    1. Attach sketch, photograph, rubbing or drawing of repair. Indicate orientation with respect

    to airplane structure: forward, up, outboard, etc. (optional)

    Operator:

    (of questionnaire completion)

    (optional)

    (optional)

    REPAIR QUESTIONNAIRE

    3. Component(s) identification:Structural element(s): (fuselage skin, pressure web)

    Description of surface upon which repair is installed:

    Example Air 737-200 Repair #1

    62,464R. Elliott

    See attached sketch

    Between BS 380 and BS 400, from stringer S-20L to S-21L.

    Fuselage skin

    External doubler on basic skin in waffle doubler area.

    N000XXSept. 12, 2000

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    8-11

    Record Data for Repair #1 (cont.)

    5. Repair condition:

    a) Evidence of deterioration: cracking or corrosion, loose, deformed, or missing parts or

    fasteners, wrinkling, dents, open holes, or other damage. Circle which applies or specify.

    b) General quality of repair installation: gouges, nicks, improperly driven rivets, sheared

    fastener heads, or other damage. Circle which applies or specify and indicate depth of

    damage if possible.

    4. Repair dimensions (give orientation or include data on sketch)

    height (width): diameter/other:

    length:

    c) Is repair structurally satisfactory considering 5a and 5b above?

    (See the questionnaire explanation, item 5c, for further information.)

    Yes No

    Good condition. No deterioration noted.

    17 inches

    9 inches

    None

    X

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    Record Data for Repair #1 (cont.)

    6. Proximity to adjacent repairs or STC modifications:

    b) Are there any repairs located on the same or adjacent components? (i.e., within one stringer

    bay, longeron bay, rib bay, or frame bay of this repair) ____ Yes ____ No: Go to item 7.

    c) What is the distance, edge to edge, between each repair? Describe and give repairreference number. (show on sketch if more than one)

    d) If adjacent repairs are butted up or overlapping, are they repairing

    the continuation of original damage (crack or corrosion)? ____ Yes ____ No ____ Unknown

    e) What are the equivalent dimensions of the repairs? Le

    a) Is the repair in an area where loads, environment, or configuration are affected by anSTC modification? ____ Yes: Do not continue. See attached explanation. ____ No

    REPAIR QUESTIONNAIRE -- continued

    He

    X

    X

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    8-13

    Record Data for Repair #1 (cont.)

    g) Repair thickness*: (within +/- one standard gage at each layer if multiple layers exist

    and/or at fastener locations if tapers exist)

    7. Repair design: (show information on attached sketch, photograph, etc., if necessary)

    a) Fastener type(s): (rivet, bolt; countersunk, solid, blind, etc. Specify if types are mixed.)

    b) Fastener material (optional): _____ magnetic ______ non-magnetic

    d) Average fastener spacing(s): (center to center +/- 1/8")

    e) Repair material(s)*: (Aluminum, mag. or non-mag. steel, etc.)

    f) Base skin thickness at the critical fastener row (optional at airplane)

    c) Fastener diameter(s): (+/- 1/16")

    h) Which joint details (Figure A-5) best represent the the critical rows of the repair:

    (Write detail number below, sketch out, or describe in comments section)

    lower row joint upper row joint

    forward row joint aft row joint

    Protruding head rivets

    X

    3/16 inch

    1.0 inch

    Aluminum

    0.036 inch

    0.050 inch

    detail 1detail 1

    detail 1detail 1

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    8-14

    Choose Joint Details

    Joint details are shown in Figure A-5

    ttskin

    Ext. Int.

    Detail 1(at typical skin)

    Detail 2(at typical skin)

    ttskin

    Ext. Int.

    Detail 3(at lap splice)

    ttskin

    Ext. Int.

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    8-15

    Record Data for Repair #1 (cont.)

    0.5 inch

    X

    j) What is the minimum visible fastener edge margin or edge distance (and fastener sizes

    if more than one size was used):

    in original structure:** in repair:k) Is the skin, doubler, or bearstrap visible from the inside at all the

    critical (perimeter) fastener rows?If no, which rows are hidden and by what type of structure?

    Yes No Unknown

    8. Additional comments:

    i) Does there appear to be more than one row of fasteners beyond cutout? __Yes __No __Unk

    If yes, estimate number of rows beyond damage (in both directions): 3 rows

    X

    none

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    8-16

    Inspection and Replacement/Rework Requirements

    Replace / rework

    threshold

    All

    Time-limited inaccordance withSRM, repairdrawing, SB, etc.

    No blindfasteners

    Not applicable

    24,000 flights afterrepair installation

    Inspect and replace in accordance with applicable

    SRM, repair drawing, SB, etc., instructions.

    Value from the figures inSection 2.3.1

    Containing blindfastenersthat canbe replacedwith solidfasteners

    3,000

    (flights after repair

    installation)

    Visual inspection of fasteners

    every 3,000 flights for

    looseness

    Replace blind fasteners

    with solid fastener repair

    in accordance with SRM

    within 10,000 flights from

    repair installation.

    Repair type

    Value from the figuresin Section 2.3.1

    Inspection interval

    8,000(flights after repair

    installation)

    Category C

    Repaircategory

    Category B

    Inspectionthreshold

    60,000(airframe flights)

    Value from the figures inSection 2.3.1

    Inspection

    interval1 2

    3

    22

    Use The Inspection Threshold Chart

    Threshold is shown in Fig. 2-7 chart

    RepairRepaircategorycategory

    Category BCategory B

    InspectionInspectionthresholdthreshold

    60,00060,000(airframe flights)(airframe flights)

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    8-17

    Determine Inspection Threshold

    Most repairs will be either Category A or B

    !For most existing Category B repairs:" Threshold is 60,000 flight cycles, or

    " If over 60,000, threshold is data gathering plus 4,000

    ! Thus for the example airplane, the threshold is 66,464flight cycles

    " Actual inspections should occur at a maintenance

    interval on or before this threshold" Some repairs may have later thresholds, but plan

    should consider earliest threshold

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    8-18

    on date of next C-check

    Determine When to Classify Repairs

    Determine repair categories and required inspections before

    airplane reaches C-check

    737-200

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    8-19

    Summary of Thresholds

    For Example Airs 737:

    Gather data

    for repairs

    Inspect

    repairs

    Classify repairs and

    determine inspections

    Airplane ondate of rule

    52,40052,400 60,000*

    Incorporate

    assessment plan

    62,46462,464****

    Airplane atD-check

    65,10065,100

    Airplane atC-check

    66,464***

    * Implementation threshold** Assessment threshold

    *** Inspection threshold

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    8-20

    Classify Repairs - Stage 2

    Before C-check at 65,100 flights, determine:

    !Category of the repair

    ! Inspection requirements

    " Method

    " Interval

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    8-21

    Classify Repair #1

    X

    X

    X

    X

    X

    X

    X

    X

    If any box is marked yes,

    the repair may not be

    structurally satisfactory.

    Further investigation is

    required by the operator.

    (You may contact Boeing

    for assistance.)

    If all boxes are marked no,

    continue classification.

    Question ClassificationYes No

    Repair Condition and Structural Strength Design

    Are there unapproved fasteners or loose, deformed, ormissing parts or fasteners? (Circle which applies.)

    Are there signs of cracking?

    Are there signs of wrinkling, dents, gouges, nicks, or unfilled

    holes outside of SRM allowable operating limits? (Circle

    which applies.)

    If the repair is aluminum, is the thickness less than the baseskin thickness at the damaged area?

    Does the repair have less than two rows of fasteners beyond

    the damage area?

    Is the average fastener spacing less than 2.5 fastener

    diameters?For a two-row repair doubler, is it above stringer 14 and

    between BS 178 and 1016? (If repair doubler is less than or

    equal to 6 inches in length and width, skip this question.)

    For a two-row repair doubler below stringer 14 and between

    BS 178 and 1016, is the average fastener spacing greaterthan 7 fastener diameters or is the edge margin less than 1.5

    fastener diameters?

    1.

    2.

    3.

    4.

    5.

    6.

    7.

    8.

    1

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    8-22

    Classify Repair #1 (cont.)

    X

    Answer blind fastener question

    If the box is marked yes,

    the repair is Category C.

    Are blind fasteners, that can be replaced by solid fasteners,

    used in the repair? If the box is marked no,

    continue classification.

    Fastener Type

    1.

    Note: If the repair edge is within 10 inches of any door cutout,

    skip this section and continue to the proximity section

    (except for repairs on cargo door skins, where thissection should be completed).

    Size/Location The following 5 questions can't be used if

    maintenance intervals exceed the Baseline Zonal

    Inspections by more than 10% (Figure 2-2).

    2

    3

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    8-23

    If any box is marked yes,

    the repair is Category A.Document the results; no

    need to continue

    classification.

    Can the perimeter fastener rows be visually inspected from the

    inside and is the base skin thickness equal to or greater than0.056 inches?

    Is the length and width of the repair doubler less than or equal

    to 6 inches with no other repair within 3 inches?

    Is the length and width of the repair doubler less than or equal

    to 12 inches and can the perimeter fastener rows be visually

    inspected from the inside and is there no other repair doubler

    installed within 3 inches in either direction?

    Is the length of the repair doubler, in the longitudinal direction,

    less than or equal to 12 inches and is the repair doubler

    located below stringer 10 and can the perimeter fastener rows

    be visually inspected from the inside and is there no other

    repair doubler installed within 3 inches in the longitudinaldirection?

    If all boxes are marked no

    or the answer is unknown,

    continue classification.

    2.

    3.

    4.

    5.

    Is the repair flush (internal) and is the length of the repair

    doubler less than or equal to 17 inches?

    1.

    Classify Repair #1 (cont.)

    Answer repair size and location questions

    X

    X

    X

    X

    X

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    8-24

    Repair #1 is Category B

    Answer repair durability questions and determine category

    Repair Durability Design

    For a three-row repair doubler, is the average fastener

    spacing less than 3 or greater than 8 fastener diameters?

    Proximity to Other Repair Doublers

    Are aluminum repair doublers greater than three times thethickness of the base skin at the critical row of fasteners (or

    are steel doublers greater than two times the thickness of the

    base skin)?

    Category :

    If adjacent repairs are butted up or overlapping, are theyrepairing the continuation of original damage (crack or

    corrosion)?

    If any box is marked yes,

    the repair is Category C.If the answer is unknown,

    the repair is

    Category C unless

    further investigation

    indicates it isCategory B.

    If all boxes are marked no

    or NA, the repair is

    Category B.

    Continue to Stage 3 and

    summary worksheet.For a repair below stringer 14, are there less than three rows

    of fasteners in the longitudinal or circumferential directions

    from the cutout edge? (If cutout diameter is less than or equal

    to 1 inch, write NA.)

    1.

    2.

    3.

    2

    For a flush (internal) repair, are there countersunk fastenersinstalled in 0.036 or 0.040 inch skin?

    4.

    NA

    X

    X

    X

    BX

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    8-25

    Determine Inspection Intervals

    Figure 2-7 chart lists where to find the intervals

    ! Refer to the charts in the document for inspection options

    Inspection and Replacement/Rework Requirements

    All

    Category C

    Repair typeInspectionthreshold

    60,000(airframe flights)

    Time-limited inaccordance withSRM, repairdrawing, SB, etc.

    No blindfasteners

    24,000 flights afterrepair installation

    Inspect and replace in accordance with applicable

    SRM, repair drawing, SB, etc., instructions.

    Value from the figures inSection 2.3.1

    Containing blindfastenersthat canbe replacedwith solidfasteners

    3,000

    (flights after repair

    installation)

    Visual inspection of fasteners

    every 3,000 flights for

    looseness

    Replace blind fasteners

    with solid fastener repair

    in accordance with SRM

    within 10,000 flights from

    repair installation.

    8,000(flights after repair

    installation)

    Inspectionthreshold

    60,000(airframe flights)

    Replace / rework

    threshold

    Not applicableValue from the figuresin Section 2.3.1

    Inspection interval

    Value from the figures inSection 2.3.1

    Inspection

    interval2

    2

    Repaircategory

    Category B

    Value from the figuresValue from the figuresin Section 2.3.1in Section 2.3.1

    Inspection intervalInspection intervalRepairRepair

    categorycategory

    Category BCategory B

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    8-26

    Use Inspection Interval Chart

    Figure 2-9 chart gives inspection interval options for this repair

    Structural

    element

    Fuselage

    skin

    (except in

    bilge area.

    See Figure

    2-10)

    Repair doubler size (Le or He)(longest dimension), inches

    Inter

    val(flights)

    5,000 (LFEC)4,500 (Det.)

    25,000 (MFEC)

    10,000

    15,000

    25,000

    5,000

    0

    30,000

    35,000

    20,000

    At stringers:

    At butt joints:

    At lap splice:

    Betweenstringers:

    Repair

    737 SRM:

    External skinrepair

    53-30-3 (Fig. 1)53-30-3 (Fig. 17)

    53-30-3 (Fig. 6)53-30-3 (Fig. 25)

    53*30*3 (Fig. 28)

    53-30-3 (Fig. 9)53-30-3 (Fig. 13)53-30-3 (Fig. 15)53-30-3 (Fig. 16)

    SB:See Section 2.3.4for affectedservice bulletins

    LFEC 2

    MFEC 1

    Visual

    (Detailed)

    3

    6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 and on

    1

    6

    LFEC (external):

    14,500 flights

    for a 17 repair

    LFEC (external):LFEC (external):

    14,500 flights14,500 flights

    for a 17 repairfor a 17 repair

    1717

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    8-27

    Apply a Zone Factor

    Effectivity

    737-200

    S-26L

    Legend:

    ZF = 1.0

    4

    5

    Example Air

    chose a repeat

    interval of

    14,500 flights

    ! Zone Factor

    = 1.0 in thearea of the

    repair

    ! Thus, the

    required

    interval =

    14,500 x 1.0

    = 14,500

    flights

    S-26R

    BL-0

    S-24R

    S-19R

    S-14R

    S-10R

    S-4R

    BL-0

    S-24L

    S-19L

    S-14L

    S-10L

    BL-0

    S-4L

    Top

    STA360

    STA540STA

    259.50

    Fwd

    entry

    door

    Airstairs

    Fwd

    galley

    door

    Forward

    cargodoor

    RH

    1

    1

    1

    5

    5

    4

    4

    RepairRepair

    #1#1

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    8-28

    Determine Repeat Inspections

    Using the external LFEC at 14,500 flight repeat intervals

    (flights)

    14,500

    (interval)

    62,46462,464

    Data gathered

    for repairs

    First repair

    inspection

    65,10065,100

    Second

    inspection due

    79,600

    Repairs

    classified

    ! First inspection must occur at or before the inspection

    threshold" Inspect at C-check at 65,100 flights

    ! Second inspection will be due within the next 14,500 flights

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    8-29

    Record Assessment on Worksheet

    Flights at time of repair: ________

    Operator repair Ref. No.: ______

    Date: _____________Completed by: _______________

    Repair is covered by existing

    mandated post-repair

    inspection program per AD?

    __ Yes: Covered by AD; no

    further action required.

    __ No: Continue to Stage 1

    ___ Yes :

    ___No :

    Is repair to structure that may

    require inspection per Section

    2.1? (area/component

    classification table)

    Supplemental inspection may be required.

    Go to Stage 2.

    Existing inspection is adequate, no further action

    is required.

    STAGE 2Category from Stage 2 repair classification in Section 2.2: (check box)

    Category A Category B

    Continue to Stage 3 for

    inspection requirements

    Category C

    (optional)

    Current flights: ___________

    AD No.: ______________Is repair to an STC modification

    or to a component affected by

    an STC modification?

    __ Yes: Not covered by this

    program

    __ No: Continue to Stage 1

    Airplane serial No.: ___________MODEL NO. ____________

    Existing inspection is

    adequate, no furtheraction is required.

    Continue to Stage 3 for

    inspection requirements

    STAGE 1

    737-200 Example

    #1

    62,464

    R. Elliott

    unknown

    X

    X

    X

    X

    Sep 12 00

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    Record Assessment (cont.)

    (For Category B and C repairs only)STAGE 3

    Continue existing

    inspection requirements

    (Inspection program perAD or Category A).

    Zone Factor = 1

    Inspection is

    specified in the

    SRM.Zone Factor = 1

    Inspection requirements for repair

    given in Section 2.3.1, Fig._______

    1

    Option 2 thru 4: Applyinspection guidelines

    for thick repairs from

    Section 2.3.2.

    Option 1 : Replacerepair with Category

    A or B repair that

    may be more easily

    inspected.

    Inspection for repairs with thick doublers (Section 2.3.2):

    Option 5: You maycontact Boeing for

    inspection

    requirements.

    INSPECTION SUMMARY

    Inspection

    requirements

    cannot be

    determined. Boeing

    may be contacted

    for assistance.

    Inspection details :

    (Continue existing inspection if it is more restrictive than inspections

    from this document)

    Inspection threshold

    Inspection interval (x zone factor)

    Replacement/rework limit (Category C only)

    2

    3

    3

    Zone Factor = _________

    X2-9

    1.0

    66,464 flights(inspect at 65,100-flight check)

    14,500 flights using LFEC

    not applicable

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    8-31

    Assess Remaining Repairs

    Repeat the assessment for all repairs

    A. Examine and recordA. Examine and record B. Determine categoryB. Determine category

    Stage 2Stage 2

    A. Determine thresholdA. Determine threshold B. Determine intervalB. Determine interval

    Stage 3Stage 3

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    Document a plan forDocument a plan for

    accomplishingaccomplishingrequired inspectionsrequired inspections

    Perform inspectionsPerform inspections

    Add inspectionsAdd inspections

    to scheduledto scheduled

    maintenance planmaintenance plan

    Add Inspections to Maintenance Plan

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    Add inspectionsAdd inspections

    to scheduledto scheduledmaintenance planmaintenance plan

    New repairNew repair

    AssessmentAssessment

    needed?needed?

    Continue existingContinue existing

    maintenancemaintenance

    Determine inspectionDetermine inspection

    requirementsrequirements

    Add New Repairs to Plan

    For new repairs installed after initial repair assessment

    No

    Yes

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    Summary

    ! Implement the Program

    " Determine when to

    have plan in place

    " Determine when to

    examine repairs

    " Determine when to

    begin inspecting

    repairs

    ! Assess Repairs

    " Determine which

    repairs to assess

    (Stage 1)

    " Examine repairs(Stage 2)

    " Classify repairs

    (Stage 2)" Determine inspection

    requirements

    (Stage 3)

    Applying the Repair Assessment Guidelines to an Airplane

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    Widespread

    Fatigue DamageOctober, 2003

    Agenda

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    Agenda Why this is important

    Background

    WFD Program Overview Limit of Validity (LOV)

    Maintenance Program Adjustments

    ! ISP

    ! SMP

    737 Classic Model Specific Data

    727 Classic Model Specific Data

    Summary

    Why Is This Important?

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    Why Is This Important?

    Will eventually affect all commercial

    aircraft with a MGTOW > 75,000 pounds Will directly impact operators of aircraft

    beyond DSO

    Will probably impact residual value ofaircraft

    Perception of change in Boeing traditionalposition on aging aircraft

    Background

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    Background

    April 1988 Aloha Accident

    June 1988 International Conference onAging Airplanes:

    Industry committed to enact effective

    programs to maintain structural integrity asairplanes age

    Focused attention on gaps in the

    airworthiness system Established AATF (now AAWG)

    AAWG Efforts

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    AAWG Efforts

    Developed five aging airplane initiatives:

    Mandatory Modifications

    CPCP

    SSID

    Repair Assessment Program (RAP)

    Maintenance Programs

    Committed to examine and produce aneffective program for the prevention ofWFD

    Status Today

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    Status Today

    Five of the Aging Airplane Programs havebeen institutionalized for all commercial

    air transports

    New operational and certification rules for

    the prevention of Widespread FatigueDamage are in the lengthy process ofbeing released

    The Aging Programs

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    g g g

    Mandatory Modifications:

    Select Service Bulletins are reviewed fortermination of AD required special inspections inareas where a high likelihood of damage exists incombination with specific airworthiness concerns.

    This program looks at the overall effect of aservice bulletin to the structural integrity of theairframe and then establishes a time for theincorporation of preventative modifications as

    appropriate.

    The Aging Programs

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    g g g

    Corrosion Prevention and Control (CPCP):

    Develop and implement an industry-widemandated minimum corrosion prevention andcontrol program (CPCP) by model. This programwas established to develop baseline

    maintenance programs for the prevention andcorrection of any corrosion before it becamesignificant.

    The Aging Programs

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    Structural Supplemental Inspection Program(SSID):

    Assess the maintenance program for adequacyfor timely detection of accidental damage,environmental deterioration, and fatigue damage.Adjustments are made to the maintenanceprogram to include supplemental inspectionsbased on damage tolerance requirements at therequired locations.

    The Aging Programs

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    Maintenance Program Guidelines:

    Develop an assessment procedure for airline

    maintenance programs to determine programadequacy against known standards ofexcellence. An ATA document was preparedalong with model specific documents that helpand guide an airline that is involved inmaintaining older airplanes

    The Aging Programs

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    Repair Assessment Program (RAP):

    Assess existing repairs to primary structure onolder (pre-amendment 45) airplanes based ondamage tolerance analysis. An intense AAWGreview found that repairs to the fuselagepressure boundary posed the greatest threat to

    continued airworthiness. Therefore, thisprogram was developed to enable operators toassess all repairs to the fuselage pressureboundary and develop an appropriate

    maintenance program to ensure the continuedairworthiness of that repair.

    The Aging Programs

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    Widespread Fatigue Damage (WFD):

    Develop a program for the prevention of WFD in the

    commercial fleet. This type of damage was anattributed cause of the 1988 Aloha accident. Thisprogram, still in development, will proactivelyidentify areas susceptible to WFD and establish

    inspection and/or modification programs to mitigatethe risk.

    What is WFD?

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    Widespread Fatigue Damage (WFD): ischaracterized by the simultaneous presence atmultiple structural details of numerous very smallcracks that are of sufficient size and densitywhereby the structure will no longer meet its

    damage-tolerance requirement (i.e., maintain itsrequired residual strength after partial structuralfailure).

    WFD Graphical Representation

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    ISP

    RES

    IDUALSTRENG

    TH

    CRACKLENG

    TH

    REQUIRED

    RESIDUAL

    STRENGTH

    WFD(Average Behavior)

    SMP

    MONITORING PERIOD

    acrit WFD

    adetThreshold and repeat interval

    are determined so that thereis a high confidence that

    WFD will not occur in the

    fleet. All fatigue damage

    found must be repaired.

    MSD/MED

    RESIDUALSTRENGTH

    LWFD

    IWFD IWFD IWFD IWFD

    FLIGHT CYCLES

    Reduction from averagebehavior to provide

    equivalent protection to a

    two lifetime fatigue test

    "

    Pr

    obabilityD

    ensity

    Fun

    ctio

    n

    Resid

    ual

    Strength

    NOTE: No Scale Implied.

    For Definition Use only

    SPECIAL INSPECTIONS

    OF MSD/MED

    SUSCEPTIBLE AREAS

    MSD/MED CRACK

    GROWTH

    *

    *

    "

    NORMAL INSPECTION PROGRAMS

    Sources of WFD

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    WFD may result from two sources:

    Multiple Site Damage (MSD): a source ofwidespread fatigue damage characterized bythe simultaneous presence of fatigue cracks inthe same structural element (i.e., fatigue cracksthat may coalesce with or without other damage

    leading to a loss of required residual strength). Multiple Element Damage (MED): a source of

    widespread fatigue damage characterized by

    the simultaneous presence of fatigue cracks insimilar adjacent structural elements.

    Why Are We Concerned

    About WFD?

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    About WFD?

    WFD is an Airworthiness Concern.

    MSD or MED is hard to reliably detect.

    MSD/MED, when it is detected, generally meansthat a significant number of other airplanes in the

    fleet could be affected immediately

    An average of three new cases of MSD/MED haveoccurred every year from 1988 through 1999.

    Some conditions found were well below minimumcertification requirements.

    Where Might WFD Occur?

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    Susceptible Structure: Structure which has thepotential to develop MSD/MED. Such structuretypically is characterized by multiple similar detailsoperating at similar stresses where structuralcapability could be affected by interaction ofcracking at a number of similar details.

    The following list, developed by the AAWG,contains structural details known to developMSD/MED

    The list is neither comprehensive or all inclusive

    Susceptible Structure

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    1) Longitudinal joints, frames and tear straps

    2) Circumferential joints and stringers

    3) Lap joints with milled, chem-milled or bondedradius

    4) Fuselage frames

    5) Stringer to frame attachment

    6) Shear clip end fasteners on shear tied fuselageframes

    7) Aft pressure dome outer ring and dome websplice

    8) Skin splice at aft pressure bulkhead

    Susceptible Structure

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    9) Abrupt changes in web or skin thickness pressurized or unpressurized structure

    10) Window surround structure11) Over wing fuselage attachments

    12) Latches and hinges of non-plug doors

    13) Skin at runout of large doublers

    14) Wing or empennage chordwise splices

    15) Rib to skin attachments

    16) Typical wing and empennage construction

    When Might WFD Occur?

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    MSD and MED might occur anytimedepending on:

    Design

    Stress levels

    Fatigue quality of the specific detail

    Fatigue test provides the most reliable

    means of prediction Analytical methods based on empirical

    test evidence are also reliable

    A New Paradigm for

    Maintenance Programs

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    Maintenance Programs

    Limit of Validity (LOV)

    LOV is an airplane level number (usually expressedin cycles or hours) based on data from fatigue testevidence that predicts structural behavior

    Within the LOV, all known or predicted MSD or MEDevents must be addressed by effective maintenanceactions including inspection, modification or both

    An airplane may not be operated beyond LOVwithout the incorporation of a FAA approvedamendment to the maintenance program whichdefines a new LOV

    Limit of Validity

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    X

    Sources of Fatigue Test Evidence

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    LOV is based on a review of data from:

    Full Scale Fatigue Test with or without tear down

    Full Scale component tests with or without tear down Tear down and refurbishment of a high time airplane

    Less than full scale component tests

    Fleet Proven Life Techniques

    Evaluation of in-service problems experienced byother airplanes with similar design concepts

    Analysis methods which have been parametricallydeveloped to reflect test and service experience

    Maintenance Program Adjustments

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    The establishment of an LOV also requiresthe modification of the maintenance programto ensure that any known or predicted

    occurrence of MSD/MED is found andcorrected before the structural performancedegrades below acceptable levels

    The AAWG established guidance for thedevelopment of maintenance programs forMSD/MED

    The guidance is directed towards individualstructural details within the airplane and as

    such is not associated with the LOV

    Maintenance ProgramAdjustments

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    The AAWG strongly recommended to the FAAthat for an effective program against WFD:

    An active aging airplane maintenance programmust exist which includes: Mandatory Modifications

    Corrosion Prevention and Control (CPCP) Repair Assessment (RAP)

    Supplemental Structural Inspections (SSID)

    All currently known structural airworthinessissues have been recognized and service actionsinitiated under existing safety processes

    Maintenance ProgramAdjustments

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    The AAWG Guidance material requires thedetermination of the following information foreach MSD or MED susceptible area:

    Inspection Start Point (ISP): The point in time whenspecial inspections of the fleet are initiated due to aspecific probability of having a detectable MSD/MED

    condition.

    Structural Modification Point (SMP): A pointreduced from the WFD average behavior (i.e., lower

    bound), so that operation up to that point providesequivalent protection to that of a two-lifetime fatiguetest. No airplane may be operated beyond the SMPwithout modification or part replacement.

    ISP and SMP Graphical

    Representation

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    p

    ISP

    CRACKL

    ENGTH

    WFD

    (Average Behavior)

    SMP

    acrit WFD

    FLIGHT CYCLES

    Reduction from average

    behavior to provideequivalent protection to a

    two lifetime fatigue test

    NOTE: No Scale Implied.

    For Definition Use only

    SPECIAL INSPECTIONS

    OF MSD/MED

    SUSCEPTIBLE AREAS

    MSD/MED CRACK

    GROWTH

    NORMAL INSPECTION PROGRAMS

    Maintenance ProgramDevelopment

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    p

    For each susceptible detail:

    Determine ISP and SMP

    Compare results with Limit of Validity (LOV)

    If less than LOV, initiate inspection and/ormodification program

    If greater than or equal to LOV, no additionalaction necessary

    Requires review if LOV is changed

    WFD Maintenance ProgramAssessment of

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    6

    5

    4

    3

    2

    1

    DSO LOV

    ISP6

    ISP5

    ISP4

    ISP3

    ISP2

    ISP1

    SMP4

    AreasSusce

    ptibletoW

    FD

    Limit of fatiguetest evidence

    SMP2

    SMP1

    Assessment of

    Fatigue Test Evidence

    Normal Maintenance

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    737 Classic*

    Model Specific Data

    *737-100/200/300/400/500

    737 ClassicDSO 75,000 Cycles

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    Test/Teardowns

    150,000 Flight Fatigue Test of FuselageD Box Section

    129,000 Flight Fatigue Test of AftFuselage, removed from Service (59,000+ 70,000 cycles)

    1987 Teardown Wing plus CenterSection, Forward Fuselage and

    Empennage (59,000 cycles) 1988 Teardown of Aft Fuselage (129,000

    cycles)

    Panel tests conducted Cycled up to400,000 cycles

    Ancillary Information

    Designed FAR 25.571 AMDT 0, Fail Safe

    Certain components fatigue tested SSID has been in place since 1983

    Currently a threshold basedprogram with 132 airplanesinspecting (44% are N-

    Registered) Threshold = 66,000 cycles

    RAP begins at 60,000 cycles

    Fleet demonstrated life = 116,100 Flight

    Cycles

    737 Classic LOV

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    If a WFD rule were in place today, the recommended LOV forthe 737 Classic fleet would be 100,000 cycles

    Actions necessary to raise LOV: Acquire an airplane withapproximately 100,000 cycles, insure all mandatedmodifications are installed, conduct fatigue testing to at leasttwice the desired incremental change, and perform detailedteardown and analysis

    Active and Inactive 737 AboveDSO

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    0

    5

    10

    15

    20

    25

    74 -

    76

    76 -

    78

    78 -

    80

    80 -

    82

    82 -

    84

    84 -

    86

    86 -

    88

    88 -

    90

    90 -

    92

    92 -

    94

    94 -

    96

    96 -

    98

    Flight Cycles (1000)

    Number

    ofAirplanes

    Inactive 737 L/N 1-291 Active 737 L/N 1-291

    Inactive 737 L/N 292 and on Active 737 L/N 292 and on

    737 Classic ISP and SMP

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    1) Lap Splices Line # 1 291

    Corrosion and fatigue concern

    ISP = depends on age of airplane (see SB 737-53A1224)

    SMP = depends on age of airplane (see SB 737-53A1224)

    Line # 292 2565

    ISP none: detectable is to close to critical

    SMP = 50,000 cycles Lap modification in accordance with 737-53A1177

    ISP = 45,000 after installation

    SMP greater than LOV

    737 Classic ISP and SMP

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    2) Circumferential joints ISP and SMP beyond LOV

    3) Chem-mill steps

    At crown skin lap splice area ISP = 42,000

    SMP = 51,000

    SB 737-53A1210 satisfies inspection requirements

    SB 737-53A1177 modification removes this detail

    At crown stringer locations

    ISP beyond LOV

    737 Classic ISP and SMP

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    4) Fuselage Frames

    Section 43 and 46 critical configuration

    ISP = 57,000

    SMP beyond LOV

    Modification per SB 737-53A1027 mandated

    by AD 90-06-02 at 75,000 cycles removesthis detail

    5) Stringer to frame connection (crown area)

    ISP greater than LOV

    737 Classic ISP and SMP

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    6) Shear clips end fasteners at shear tied fuselage frames

    ISP greater than LOV

    7) Aft pressure bulkhead outer ring and dome web splice

    ISP = 80,000 cycles

    SMP greater than LOV

    Inspections per SB 737-53A1214 satisfyinspection requirements at ISP

    737 Classic ISP and SMP

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    8) Skin splice at aft pressure bulkhead ISP greater than LOV

    Continue with SSID inspections

    9) Abrupt changes in web or skin thickness pressurized or unpressurized structure

    No susceptible areas on the 737

    10) Window surround structure ISP greater than LOV

    11) Over wing fuselage attachments

    Attachment not a WFD concern on the the 737

    737 Classic ISP and SMP

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    12) Latches and hinges of non-plug doors

    Lowest ISP greater than LOV

    13) Skin at runout of large doublers

    No susceptible areas on the 737

    14) Wing or empennage chordwise splices

    Lowest ISP greater than LOV15) Rib to skin attachments

    Lowest ISP greater than LOV

    16) Typical wing and empennage construction

    Lowest ISP greater than LOV

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    727 Classic

    Model Specific Data

    727 LOV AssessmentDSO 60,000 Cycles

    LOV 100,000 Cycles

    T t/T d A ill I f ti

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    Test/Teardowns 60,000 Cycle Full Airframe Fatigue Test

    (L/N 1-849)

    170,000 Cycle Complete Fuselage (L/N 1-849)

    1995 Teardown of Wing andEmpennage (46,700 Flight Cycles)

    No significant fatigue findings 1999 - Teardown of Fuselage following

    fatigue test (170,000 Cycles - 46,700flights plus 123,300 pressure cycles)

    Some significant MSD/MED Findings

    Ancillary Information

    Designed CAR 4b.270, Fail Safe

    Certain components fatigue tested

    SSID has been in place since 1983

    Currently a threshold based program with

    240 airplanes inspecting (66% are N-

    Registered)

    Threshold = 55,000 cycles

    727-200 Active Airplanes Above DSO

    0

    2

    4

    6

    8

    10

    12

    58 - 60 60 - 62 62 - 64 64 - 66 66 - 68 68 - 70 70 - 72 72 - 74 74 - 76 76 - 78 78 - 80 80 - 82 82 - 84 84 - 86 86 - 88

    Flight Cycles (1000 )

    NumberofAirplanes

    727-200 Line # 1 - 849 727-200 Line # 850 and on

    Fleet Demonstrated Life 106,700

    Data as of11/2002

    727 LOV Assessment

    727 WFD A dit Fi di (ISPs or SMPs less than LOV)

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    727 WFD Audit Findings (ISPs or SMPs less than LOV)

    Lap splice lower row airplanes

    L/N 850 and on

    ISP 35,000 cycles SMP 55,000 cycles

    SB 727-53A222 is applicable.

    AD 99-04-22 addresses

    inspections, superceding AD

    2002-07-09 mandates

    modification for airplanes >48,000 cycles

    Stringer-to-crown skin (Test

    Finding) ISP 61,000 cycles

    SMP 101,000 cycles

    SB to address inspections due

    out 2nd

    Qrt 2003 Boeing

    expects AD

    Fuselage frames (Test Finding) ISP 42,800 cycles

    SMP 112,400 cycles

    SB is in work to address immediate

    concern Schedule TBD - Boeing

    expects AD

    Analytical results for Wing and

    Empennage show no ISPs belowLOV

    D t ti

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    Documentation LOV will be contained in a new Airworthiness

    Limitation Section of the MPD The ISP and SMP will be listed in a new D6 document

    LOV(Estimated Values)

    707 40 000 l

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    707 40,000 cycles727 100,000 cycles

    737 Classic 100,000 cycles

    737 NG 1.5 DSO (112,500 cycles)

    747 Classic 30,000 cycles/115,000 hours

    747-400 35,000 cycles/165,000 hours757 1.5 DSO (75,000 cycles)

    767 1.5 DSO (75,000 cycles)

    777 1.5 DSO (60,000 cycles)

    LOV(Estimated Values)

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    MD-80 110,000 cycles

    MD-90 110,000 cyclesDC-8 70,000 cycles

    DC-10 60,000 Cycles / 150,000 hours

    MD-11 TBD

    Program Status

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    Boeing is working with the FAA to validatemethodology and audit results

    Boeing expects conditionally approveddocuments in first quarter of 2004

    FAA is in the process or releasing theOperational Rule NPRM (ECD first quarter2004)

    Scheduled maintenance checks

    Maintenance Activities

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    Fleet

    damage

    rate

    CPCP inspections

    SSID inspections

    Repair assessments/inspections

    Mandatory SB modification

    and inspection programs

    Fleet actions for WFD

    Fleet

    damage

    DSO

    Years of service

    Start of detectable

    fatigue damage

    Environmental deterioration

    and accidental damage

    6

    Airplane Maturity Factor

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    0

    1

    2

    3

    4

    5

    Cumulative Cycles/Flight Hours

    Aging

    Effect

    Traditional Maturing

    Traditional maturing accounts for

    increases in non-routine / routine

    labor tasks. The Aging Effect includesthe additional tasks that must be

    performed for continued safe operation

    WFD

    Effect

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    Questions?

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    Skin Cracking from Scribe Lines

    Fleet ConcernFleet Concern

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    Undetected skin cracks from scribe lines (scratches)in the lower skins at lap joints, and other areas, could

    grow to be quite large and cause a suddendecompression

    Since Feb 2003 Boeing has received reports of multiple

    BackgroundBackground

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    Since Feb 2003, Boeing has received reports of multiplescribe marks in multiple locations on thirty-two 737 Classicsand four 747s

    One 737-200 airplane had 5 inch crack in a lap joint and asecond airplane had two cracks (5 and 8 inches) inadjacent bays of a lap joint, all due to scribe marks

    One 747-400 had a 30-inch crack at the BS 2180 butt jointand one 747-200 had a 30-inch crack at the BS 400 buttjoint, both due to improper sealant removal

    Up

    Typical Scribe Detail - 737 Lap Joint (LN 292-2565)

    Upper Skin

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    A-A

    Typical

    Scribe

    Inbd

    View From Outside

    CenterLine

    Frame

    A

    A

    10

    Typical

    Scribe

    Sealant

    Lower

    Skin

    Upper

    Bonded

    Doubler

    Scribe marks appear to be caused by

    BackgroundBackground

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    pp ythe use of putty knives, razor blades,or other objects to remove sealant ortrim decals (even plastic scrapers can

    damage the clad layer of fuselageskins)

    Scribe marks are generally 0.001

    (0.025 mm) to 0.005 (0.127 mm)deep, and many times do notpenetrate the clad layer (0.003)

    Scribe marks typically run parallel (within 0.250 or 6.25mm) to the upper skin at lap joints and vertically in thesplice strap between skins at butt joints

    Typical Scribe MarksTypical Scribe Marks

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    Mapping of Visible Scribes onOne 737-200

    Mapping of Visible Scribes onOne 737-200

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    Suspect 737 Classic AirplanesSuspect 737 Classic Airplanes

    Thirty-two 737 Classic airplanes are known to have scribes

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    (out offorty-one inspected)

    Twenty 737-200s Eight 737-300s Four 737-400s

    6 operators in Europe, 4 in USA, 1 in Canada, 1 in SouthAmerica, 1 in Australia, and 1 in Africa

    Scribing occurred at several facilities

    Cracks found on two airplanes at 22,000 and 27,000 cycles

    Based on airplanes repainted within a two-year window ofknown scribed airplanes, over one hundred 737 Classic airplanesare now suspect

    737 Classic Fleet Data737 Classic Fleet Data

    Active Airplanes:*

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    p

    100 200 300 400 500 Total

    Group 1 176 562 216 245 1199

    Group 2 3 730 540 265 141 1679

    TOTAL: 3 906 1102 481 386 2878

    *ACTS Data 4 Dec 03

    Group 1 = Airplane still with original owner

    Group 2 = Airplane has changed ownership at least once

    Crack AssessmentCrack Assessment

    Cracks initiated from scribe marks

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    Approximately 22,000 to 24,000 cycles from scribe marking

    to cracks growing through the thickness of the skin

    Cracks initiate at multiple points along the length of eachscribe mark (Multi Site Damage - MSD)

    Scribing across tear straps could potentially lead to verylong cracks (zipper effect)

    Many variables affect crack initiation and growth (scatterfactor)

    737 ClassicLap/Butt Joint Mechanics

    737 ClassicLap/Butt Joint Mechanics

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    Unloaded Lap Joint Loaded Lap Joint

    4 KSI

    Inner Fiber22 KSI

    Outer Fiber

    25 KSI

    Inner Fiber

    0 KSI

    Outer Fiber

    Scribe Cracks

    Chem-mill Cracks

    Upper SkinBonded

    Doubler

    Lower Skin

    737 Classic Scribe Cracking Behavior737 Classic Scribe Cracking Behavior

    Cracks initiate at multiple sites (many per inch) along the base

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    Cracks initiate at multiple sites (many per inch) along the baseof the scribe

    Multiple small cracks link up before they grow throughthickness creating a continuous long crack partially throughthe thickness

    ScribeMultiple Crack Initiation Sites

    Crack Fronts Link Up Partially Through Skin Thickness

    Skin Thickness

    737 Classic Cracking Scenarios737 Classic Cracking Scenarios

    Local Scribe Damage

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    Scribe inLower

    Skin

    LowerRow

    Cracks

    Scribe inLower

    Skin

    Scenario

    1

    2

    Scribe InducedCracks

    Scribe InducedCracks

    Scribe/LowerRow

    Interaction

    Boeing Actions to DateBoeing Actions to Date

    SRP 737-53-0214 initiated Apr 03

    Initially viewed as isolated events

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    y

    All 737 Classic operator messages (May 5th, Jun 6th,and Sep 12th)

    Awareness of issue

    Review sealant removal procedures

    Inspect crown laps at next convenient opportunity

    FTEI posting (EM-003-0027)

    FTD posting (737-FTD-53-03006)

    Numerous 737 Classic Regional meetings and TechnicalReviews

    Boeing Actions to Date(continued)

    Boeing Actions to Date(continued)

    Developed UT/NDT procedures to inspect for cracking at lap

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    Developed UT/NDT procedures to inspect for cracking at lapjoints

    Worked with operators and MROs to identify other suspectairplanes

    Worked with operators and the FAA (and other regulatory

    authorities) to temporarily return seven 737 Classic airplanesto service

    Working to qualify better tools and procedures to removesealant

    All 737 Classic Operator Message released 3 Feb 04

    Key Points of MessageKey Points of Message

    This is a potential airworthiness concern

    The only way to know whether or not an airplane has scribe

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    The only way to know whether or not an airplane has scribemark damage is to look

    Suggested operator immediate actions:

    Review sealant removal and decal applicationprocedures and tools

    Review airplane records for suspect scribingopportunities

    If >15,000 cycles since suspect scribing, accomplish

    loose sealant inspections and repeat every 500 cycles(very similar to AD 2003-14-06)

    Guidance on sealant removal

    Scribe PreventionScribe Prevention

    All 737 Classic Operator Meeting Seattle 3 March

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    Regional meetings

    London March 18-19

    Bangkok March 22-23

    Revise Boeing Manuals 2nd Qtr 04

    Sealant removal process

    Three Main Steps to ResolveSafety Issue

    Three Main Steps to ResolveSafety Issue

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    Identify Scribed Airplanes The Search

    Limited Return To Service (LRTS) Plan

    Repairs

    Working GroupWorking Group

    Air Transport Association (ATA) sponsored

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    Integral part of the Lead Airline Process

    Members: Boeing, the FAA (ACO and FSDO), ATA,and airlines:

    US Airways

    Continental

    Delta

    Southwest

    - United

    -

    Lufthansa (LTK)- Qantas

    The Search for Scribe MarksThe Search for Scribe Marks

    Why?

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    When?

    Where?

    How?

    Vehicle

    Inspection Method

    Limited Return To ServiceLimited Return To Service

    Accomplish repairs

    at Stringer 20

    Accomplish Internal

    inspections5.15.8 5.9

    Strip Sealant

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    Perform Visual

    inspection

    NDT inspect for

    cracks at scribed

    locations

    Provide NDT

    findings to

    Boeing

    Accomplish repairs

    at suspected

    crack locations

    at Stringer 20

    Accomplish Internalinspection 1085

    Accomplish Internal

    inspection 1125

    Accomplish Internal

    inspection 1179

    Limited ReturnTo Service plan

    (LRTS)

    Provide results

    to Boeing for

    approvalRecord the

    damage

    5.2

    5.1

    5.3

    5.4

    5.5

    Accomplish Internal

    inspection 1255

    Accomplish Internal

    inspection 1027

    5.7

    5.9A

    5.10

    5.6

    5.9B

    5.9C

    5.9D

    5.9E

    5.9F

    p

    Send Damage

    map to

    Boeing

    5.11

    Accomplish Internal

    inspection 1160

    Accomplish Internal

    inspection 11775.9G

    Limited Return to Service Plan(Preliminary Not FAA Approved)

    Limited Return to Service Plan(Preliminary Not FAA Approved)

    Time Limit Until Repair(Cycles)

    Repeat NDT Inspections(Cycles)

    Cycles from SuspectScribing

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    1,200 or 30K from scribing,whichever is first, and 6 psi

    limitation

    25025,000-30,000

    Repair before further flightNot Applicable> 30,000

    Prior to 19.5K from scribingVisual inspections @ 500cycles until 15K, thenNDT inspection every

    250

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    (or more) to complete

    Work ongoing to reduce LRTS impact:

    FAA Delegation to Boeing for approval in work

    Skin Trim to expose scribes promising

    Reduction in repeat NDT inspections possible

    Interim repairs being tested for durability

    RepairsRepairs

    P id NDT4 1 6

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    Perform Visualinspection

    NDT inspect for

    cracks at scribed

    locations

    Provide NDT

    findings to

    Boeing

    Accomplish repairs

    at Lap joints

    Accomplish repairs

    at Butt joints

    Provide results

    to Boeing for

    approval

    Record thedamage

    Strip Sealant

    Send Damage

    map to

    Boeing

    Accomplish Repairs

    Accomplish all

    other required repairs

    Accomplish repairs

    at Wing to BodyFairings

    4.1.8

    4.1.7A

    4.1.1

    4.1.2

    4.1.3

    4.1.7B

    4.1.7C

    4.1.7D

    4.1.4

    4.1.5

    4.1.6 4.1.7

    Interim RepairsInterim Repairs

    Lap Splice reinforcement concepts being tested

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    p p p g

    Butt Splice inspection techniques being developed

    Analysis in work to justify Boeing position relative tostructure that does not require repair or continuedinspection is adequate

    737 Scribe RepairLap Joints Internal Repairs

    737 Scribe RepairLap Joints Internal Repairs

    10

    Up

    0.036 Fillers

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    A-A

    A

    AView From Outside

    Inbd

    B-B

    B

    B

    Scribe

    Fail-safe Doublers

    0.032, 2024-T3 Clad Sht

    0.032 Shim

    Permanent RepairsPermanent Repairs

    Lap Splice Mod is terminating action for stringers 4,10 and 14

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    0 a d

    Lower lobe lap repairs not currently documented

    Butt splice repairs best achieved through removing andreplacing splice straps

    Local repairs at wing-to-body fairing necessary

    Analysis in work relative to structure that does not

    require repair

    Results of Working Group Meetings:Next Steps

    Results of Working Group Meetings:Next Steps

    Identify High Risk Criteria

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    Identify High Risk Criteria

    Total airplane cycles in excess of ~40K

    Lap Splice Mod not incorporated

    Other?

    Develop and implement a Phased ImplementationPlan to minimize impact to operators

    737 ClassicFleet Action Plan

    737 ClassicFleet Action Plan

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    Phase 3

    Low RiskAirplanes

    Phase 2Medium Risk

    AirplanesPhase 1

    High RiskAirplanes

    QUESTIONS?

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    QUESTIONS?

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