Summary
The FAA withdraws a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that proposed a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B, -200C, -300, -400, and -400D series airplanes; and Model 747SR series airplanes. The proposed AD would have required repetitive inspections of the forward corner reveal of the number 3 main entry doors (MEDs) for cracking, and corrective actions if necessary. Since the proposed AD was issued, we have received comments for the NPRM and new data showing other issues related to the unsafe condition. The data include reports that additional airplanes are affected by the identified unsafe condition; and that a ``sharp edge'' detail may be present on certain one-piece machined 6061 aluminum reveals, which could lead to fatigue cracking. We have determined from these data that the corrective actions proposed by the NPRM are inadequate for addressing the identified unsafe condition. We are considering requiring other rulemaking, which provides corrective actions for the identified unsafe condition. Accordingly, the proposed AD is withdrawn.