Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-400, 747-400D, and 747-400F Series Airplanes, 62568-62570 [E6-17655]
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62568
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
Vol. 71, No. 207
Thursday, October 26, 2006
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains notices to the public of the proposed
issuance of rules and regulations. The
purpose of these notices is to give interested
persons an opportunity to participate in the
rule making prior to the adoption of the final
rules.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2006–26110; Directorate
Identifier 2006–NM–112–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Boeing Model 747–400, 747–
400D, and 747–400F series airplanes.
This proposed AD would require
replacement of an electronic flight
information system/engine indicating
and crew alerting system (EFIS/EICAS)
interface unit (EIU) located on the E2–
6 shelf of the main equipment center
with a new or modified EIU. This
proposed AD results from two instances
where all six integrated display units
(IDUs) on the flight deck panels went
blank in flight. We are proposing this
AD to prevent loss of the IDUs due to
failure of all three EIUs, which could
result in the inability of the flightcrew
to maintain safe flight and landing of
the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by December 11,
2006.
Use one of the following
addresses to submit comments on this
proposed AD.
• DOT Docket Web site: Go to
https://dms.dot.gov and follow the
instructions for sending your comments
electronically.
• Government-wide rulemaking Web
site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending
your comments electronically.
ycherry on PROD1PC64 with PROPOSALS
ADDRESSES:
15:19 Oct 25, 2006
Jay
Yi, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and
Equipment Branch, ANM–130S, FAA,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone
(425) 917–6494; fax (425) 917–6590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 747–400, 747–400D, and 747–
400F Series Airplanes
VerDate Aug<31>2005
• Mail: Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building,
Room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on
the plaza level of the Nassif Building,
400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington,
DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124–2207, for the service
information identified in this proposed
AD.
Jkt 211001
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant
written data, views, or arguments
regarding this proposed AD. Send your
comments to an address listed in the
ADDRESSES section. Include the docket
number ‘‘FAA–2006–26110; Directorate
Identifier 2006–NM–112–AD’’ at the
beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the
overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of
the proposed AD. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date
and may amend the proposed AD in
light of those comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal
information you provide. We will also
post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD.
Using the search function of that Web
site, anyone can find and read the
comments in any of our dockets,
including the name of the individual
who sent the comment (or signed the
comment on behalf of an association,
business, labor union, etc.). You may
review DOT’s complete Privacy Act
Statement in the Federal Register
published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR
19477–78), or you may visit https://
dms.dot.gov.
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Frm 00001
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Examining the Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov, or in
person at the Docket Management
Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. The Docket
Management Facility office (telephone
(800) 647–5227) is located on the plaza
level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in
the AD docket shortly after the Docket
Management System receives them.
Discussion
We have received a report indicating
that all six integrated display units
(IDUs) on the flight deck panels went
blank in flight, on two Boeing Model
747–400 series airplanes. With these
failures the primary displays of attitude,
airspeed, and altitude are lost. Also,
engine, navigation, and other status and
necessary displays are lost. In both
instances, the flightcrew was able to
land the airplane safely. The six IDUs
were returned to normal operation after
cycling (pulling out and then pushing
back) the circuit breakers for the
electronic flight information system/
engine indicating and crew alerting
system (EFIS/EICAS) interface units
(EIUs). Investigation revealed that all six
IDUs blanked because all three of the
EIUs stopped transmitting data to the
IDUs over a period of time. This
condition, if not corrected, could result
in the inability of the flightcrew to
maintain safe flight and landing of the
airplane.
Other Related Rulemaking
On May 5, 2004, we issued AD 2004–
10–05, amendment 39–13635 (69 FR
28051, May 18, 2004), applicable to
certain Boeing Model 747–400, 747–
400D, and 747–400F series airplanes;
Model 757–200, 757–200PF, and 757–
200CB series airplanes; and Model 767–
200, 767–300, and 767–300F series
airplanes. That AD requires
modification of the air data computer
(ADC) system, which involves installing
certain new circuit breakers, relays, and
related components and making various
wiring changes in and between the
flight deck and main equipment center.
For certain airplanes, that AD also
requires accomplishment of various
other actions prior to or concurrently
with the modification of the ADC
E:\FR\FM\26OCP1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 207 / Thursday, October 26, 2006 / Proposed Rules
system. For certain airplanes, that AD
also contains an option that extends the
compliance time to accomplish the
modification of the ADC system.
Specifically, paragraph (d)(1) of AD
2004–10–05 requires the following
concurrent actions for Model 747–400,
747–400D, and 747–400F series
airplanes: Replacement of EIUs with
improved EIUs; installation of new
software in the IDUs and EIUs;
replacement of certain central
maintenance computers (CMCs) with
improved CMCs and modification of
related wiring and the data loader
control panel; and installation of new
software in the CMC; as applicable.
Replacing all three EIUs with new or
modified EIUs in accordance with
paragraph (f) of this proposed AD is
acceptable for compliance with the
replacement of EIUs with improved
EIUs required by paragraph (d)(1) of AD
2004–10–05. All other actions required
by paragraph (d)(1) of AD 2004–10–05
must be complied with.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Service
Bulletin 747–31–2368, Revision 1, dated
July 24, 2006. The service bulletin
describes procedures for replacing the
three EIUs, part number (P/N) 622–
8589–104, located on the E2–6 shelf of
the main equipment center with EIUs
that have auto restart circuitry, P/N
622–8589–105. Accomplishing the
actions specified in the service
information is intended to adequately
address the unsafe condition.
Boeing Service Bulletin 747–31–2368
refers to Rockwell Collins Service
Bulletin EIU–7000–31–502, dated
March 21, 2006, as an additional source
of service information for modifying an
EIU by adding auto restart circuitry,
which converts EIU P/N 622–8589–104
to P/N 622–8589–105.
ycherry on PROD1PC64 with PROPOSALS
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of the Proposed AD
We have evaluated all pertinent
information and identified an unsafe
condition that is likely to exist or
develop on other airplanes of this same
type design. For this reason, we are
proposing this AD, which would require
accomplishing the actions specified in
the service information described
previously, except as discussed under
‘‘Difference Between the Proposed AD
and Service Bulletin.’’
Difference Between the Proposed AD
and Service Bulletin
Boeing Service Bulletin 747–31–2368
recommends replacing all three EIUs
located on the E2–6 shelf of the main
equipment center with improved EIUs.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:19 Oct 25, 2006
Jkt 211001
62569
However, this proposed AD would
require replacing only one of the three
EIUs. Since the three EIUs are identical
to provide triple redundancy, we have
determined that replacement of at least
one EIU will adequately address the
unsafe condition of this proposed AD.
We have coordinated this difference
with Boeing.
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this proposed AD and placed it in the
AD docket. See the ADDRESSES section
for a location to examine the regulatory
evaluation.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 639 airplanes of the
affected design in the worldwide fleet.
This proposed AD would affect about 79
airplanes of U.S. registry. The proposed
actions would take about 1 work hour
per airplane, at an average labor rate of
$80 per work hour. Required parts
would cost about $2,840 per airplane (to
replace one EIU). Based on these figures,
the estimated cost of the proposed AD
for U.S. operators is $230,680, or $2,920
per airplane.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Safety.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 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.
We 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.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this
proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This proposed AD would 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that the proposed regulation:
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
3. Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13
by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
Boeing: Docket No. FAA–2006–26110;
Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–112–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on
this AD action by December 11, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) Accomplishing paragraph (f) of this AD
for all three electronic flight information
system/engine indicating and crew alerting
system (EFIS/EICAS) interface units (EIUs)
terminates certain requirements of AD 2004–
10–05, amendment 39–13635.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 747–
400, 747–400D, and 747–400F series
airplanes, certificated in any category; as
identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747–31–
2368, Revision 1, dated July 24, 2006.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from two instances
where all six integrated display units (IDUs)
on the flight deck panels went blank in flight.
We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of the
IDUs due to failure of all three EIUs, which
could result in the inability of the flightcrew
to maintain safe flight and landing of the
airplane.
Compliance
(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.
Replacement
(f) Within 60 months after the effective
date of this AD, replace at least one of the
three EIUs, part number (P/N) 622–8589–104,
E:\FR\FM\26OCP1.SGM
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62570
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 207 / Thursday, October 26, 2006 / Proposed Rules
located on the E2–6 shelf of the main
equipment center with a new or modified
EIU, P/N 622–8589–105, in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Service Bulletin 747–31–2368, Revision 1,
dated July 24, 2006.
Note 1: Boeing Service Bulletin 747–31–
2368, Revision 1, dated July 24, 2006, refers
to Rockwell Collins Service Bulletin EIU–
7000–31–502, dated March 21, 2006, as an
additional source of service information for
modifying an EIU by adding auto restart
circuitry, which converts EIU P/N 622–8589–
104 to P/N 622–8589–105.
Credit for Previous Service Bulletin
(g) Actions done before the effective date
of this AD in accordance with Boeing Service
Bulletin 747–31–2368, dated November 22,
2005 (Revision 1 of the service bulletin
specifies that the original issue is dated
December 1, 2005), are acceptable for
compliance with the corresponding
requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD.
Credit for AD 2004–10–05
(h) Replacing all three EIUs with new or
modified EIUs in accordance with paragraph
(f) of this AD is acceptable for compliance
with only the EIU replacement of paragraph
(d)(1) of AD 2004–10–05. All other actions
required by paragraph (d)(1) of AD 2004–10–
05 must be complied with.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(i)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in
accordance with the procedures found in 14
CFR 39.19.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in
accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to
which the AMOC applies, notify the
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA
Flight Standards Certificate Holding District
Office.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October
13, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E6–17655 Filed 10–25–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2005–20850; Directorate
Identifier 2005–NE–05–AD]
ycherry on PROD1PC64 with PROPOSALS
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Teledyne
Continental Motors GTSIO–520 Series
Reciprocating Engines
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
AGENCY:
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:19 Oct 25, 2006
Jkt 211001
Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
ACTION:
The FAA proposes to
supersede an existing airworthiness
directive (AD) for Teledyne Continental
Motors (TCM) GTSIO–520 series
reciprocating engines. That AD
currently requires initial and repetitive
visual inspections of the starter adapter
assembly and crankshaft gear and
unscheduled visual inspections of the
starter adapter assembly and crankshaft
gear due to a rough-running engine.
That AD also requires replacement of
the starter adapter shaft gear needle
bearing with a certain bushing and
installation of a certain TCM service kit
at the next engine overhaul, or at the
next starter adapter replacement,
whichever occurs first. This proposed
AD would require the inspection
ordered in paragraph (h) of AD 2005–
20–04 to be done every 100 hours timein-service (TIS), or annually. This
proposed AD results from an error
discovered in AD 2005–20–04. We are
proposing this AD to prevent failure of
the starter adapter assembly and or
crankshaft gear, resulting in failure of
the engine and possible forced landing.
DATES: We must receive any comments
on this proposed AD by December 26,
2006.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following
addresses to comment on this proposed
AD.
• DOT Docket Web site: Go to
https://dms.dot.gov and follow the
instructions for sending your comments
electronically.
• Government-wide rulemaking Web
site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending
your comments electronically.
• Mail: Docket Management Facility;
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building,
Room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590–
0001.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on
the plaza level of the Nassif Building,
400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington,
DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
You can get the service information
identified in this proposed AD from
Teledyne Continental Motors, Inc., PO
Box 90, Mobile, AL 36601; telephone
(251) 438–3411.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jerry
Robinette, Senior Engineer, Propulsion,
Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office,
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, One
Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Blvd.,
Suite 450, Atlanta, GA 30349;
telephone: (770) 703–6096, fax: (770)
703–6097.
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments
regarding this proposal. Send your
comments to an address listed under
ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
2005–20850; Directorate Identifier
2005–NE–05–AD’’ in the subject line of
your comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those
comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal
information you provide. We will also
post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD.
Using the search function of the DMS
Web site, anyone can find and read the
comments in any of our dockets,
including the name of the individual
who sent the comment (or signed the
comment on behalf of an association,
business, labor union, etc.). You may
review the DOT’s complete Privacy Act
Statement in the Federal Register
published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR
19477–78) or you may visit https://
dms.dot.gov.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the docket that
contains the proposal, any comments
received and any final disposition in
person at the DMS Docket Offices
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The Docket Office (telephone (800) 647–
5227) is located on the plaza level of the
Department of Transportation Nassif
Building at the street address stated in
ADDRESSES. Comments will be available
in the AD docket shortly after the DMS
receives them.
Discussion
On September 20, 2005, the FAA
issued AD 2005–20–04, Amendment
39–14297 (70 FR 56355, September 27,
2005). That AD requires initial and
repetitive visual inspections of the
starter adapter assembly and crankshaft
gear and unscheduled visual
inspections of the starter adapter
assembly and crankshaft gear due to a
rough-running engine. That AD also
requires replacement of the starter
adapter shaft gear needle bearing with a
certain bushing and installation of a
certain TCM service kit at the next
engine overhaul, or at the next starter
E:\FR\FM\26OCP1.SGM
26OCP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 207 (Thursday, October 26, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 62568-62570]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-17655]
========================================================================
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 207 / Thursday, October 26, 2006 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 62568]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-26110; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-112-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-400, 747-400D, and
747-400F Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Boeing Model 747-400, 747-400D, and 747-400F series
airplanes. This proposed AD would require replacement of an electronic
flight information system/engine indicating and crew alerting system
(EFIS/EICAS) interface unit (EIU) located on the E2-6 shelf of the main
equipment center with a new or modified EIU. This proposed AD results
from two instances where all six integrated display units (IDUs) on the
flight deck panels went blank in flight. We are proposing this AD to
prevent loss of the IDUs due to failure of all three EIUs, which could
result in the inability of the flightcrew to maintain safe flight and
landing of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 11,
2006.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124-2207, for the service information identified in this
proposed AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jay Yi, Aerospace Engineer, Systems
and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone
(425) 917-6494; fax (425) 917-6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ``FAA-2006-
26110; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-112-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of
that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union,
etc.). You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you
may visit https://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System
receives them.
Discussion
We have received a report indicating that all six integrated
display units (IDUs) on the flight deck panels went blank in flight, on
two Boeing Model 747-400 series airplanes. With these failures the
primary displays of attitude, airspeed, and altitude are lost. Also,
engine, navigation, and other status and necessary displays are lost.
In both instances, the flightcrew was able to land the airplane safely.
The six IDUs were returned to normal operation after cycling (pulling
out and then pushing back) the circuit breakers for the electronic
flight information system/engine indicating and crew alerting system
(EFIS/EICAS) interface units (EIUs). Investigation revealed that all
six IDUs blanked because all three of the EIUs stopped transmitting
data to the IDUs over a period of time. This condition, if not
corrected, could result in the inability of the flightcrew to maintain
safe flight and landing of the airplane.
Other Related Rulemaking
On May 5, 2004, we issued AD 2004-10-05, amendment 39-13635 (69 FR
28051, May 18, 2004), applicable to certain Boeing Model 747-400, 747-
400D, and 747-400F series airplanes; Model 757-200, 757-200PF, and 757-
200CB series airplanes; and Model 767-200, 767-300, and 767-300F series
airplanes. That AD requires modification of the air data computer (ADC)
system, which involves installing certain new circuit breakers, relays,
and related components and making various wiring changes in and between
the flight deck and main equipment center. For certain airplanes, that
AD also requires accomplishment of various other actions prior to or
concurrently with the modification of the ADC
[[Page 62569]]
system. For certain airplanes, that AD also contains an option that
extends the compliance time to accomplish the modification of the ADC
system. Specifically, paragraph (d)(1) of AD 2004-10-05 requires the
following concurrent actions for Model 747-400, 747-400D, and 747-400F
series airplanes: Replacement of EIUs with improved EIUs; installation
of new software in the IDUs and EIUs; replacement of certain central
maintenance computers (CMCs) with improved CMCs and modification of
related wiring and the data loader control panel; and installation of
new software in the CMC; as applicable. Replacing all three EIUs with
new or modified EIUs in accordance with paragraph (f) of this proposed
AD is acceptable for compliance with the replacement of EIUs with
improved EIUs required by paragraph (d)(1) of AD 2004-10-05. All other
actions required by paragraph (d)(1) of AD 2004-10-05 must be complied
with.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 747-31-2368, Revision 1,
dated July 24, 2006. The service bulletin describes procedures for
replacing the three EIUs, part number (P/N) 622-8589-104, located on
the E2-6 shelf of the main equipment center with EIUs that have auto
restart circuitry, P/N 622-8589-105. Accomplishing the actions
specified in the service information is intended to adequately address
the unsafe condition.
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-31-2368 refers to Rockwell Collins
Service Bulletin EIU-7000-31-502, dated March 21, 2006, as an
additional source of service information for modifying an EIU by adding
auto restart circuitry, which converts EIU P/N 622-8589-104 to P/N 622-
8589-105.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes
of this same type design. For this reason, we are proposing this AD,
which would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service
information described previously, except as discussed under
``Difference Between the Proposed AD and Service Bulletin.''
Difference Between the Proposed AD and Service Bulletin
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-31-2368 recommends replacing all three
EIUs located on the E2-6 shelf of the main equipment center with
improved EIUs. However, this proposed AD would require replacing only
one of the three EIUs. Since the three EIUs are identical to provide
triple redundancy, we have determined that replacement of at least one
EIU will adequately address the unsafe condition of this proposed AD.
We have coordinated this difference with Boeing.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 639 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 79 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The proposed actions would take about 1 work hour per
airplane, at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. Required parts
would cost about $2,840 per airplane (to replace one EIU). Based on
these figures, the estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators
is $230,680, or $2,920 per airplane.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 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.
We 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.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed
regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the
ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
Boeing: Docket No. FAA-2006-26110; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-
112-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by December
11, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) Accomplishing paragraph (f) of this AD for all three
electronic flight information system/engine indicating and crew
alerting system (EFIS/EICAS) interface units (EIUs) terminates
certain requirements of AD 2004-10-05, amendment 39-13635.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 747-400, 747-400D, and 747-
400F series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified
in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-31-2368, Revision 1, dated July 24,
2006.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from two instances where all six integrated
display units (IDUs) on the flight deck panels went blank in flight.
We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of the IDUs due to failure of
all three EIUs, which could result in the inability of the
flightcrew to maintain safe flight and landing of the airplane.
Compliance
(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.
Replacement
(f) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD,
replace at least one of the three EIUs, part number (P/N) 622-8589-
104,
[[Page 62570]]
located on the E2-6 shelf of the main equipment center with a new or
modified EIU, P/N 622-8589-105, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-31-2368,
Revision 1, dated July 24, 2006.
Note 1: Boeing Service Bulletin 747-31-2368, Revision 1, dated
July 24, 2006, refers to Rockwell Collins Service Bulletin EIU-7000-
31-502, dated March 21, 2006, as an additional source of service
information for modifying an EIU by adding auto restart circuitry,
which converts EIU P/N 622-8589-104 to P/N 622-8589-105.
Credit for Previous Service Bulletin
(g) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 747-31-2368, dated November
22, 2005 (Revision 1 of the service bulletin specifies that the
original issue is dated December 1, 2005), are acceptable for
compliance with the corresponding requirements of paragraph (f) of
this AD.
Credit for AD 2004-10-05
(h) Replacing all three EIUs with new or modified EIUs in
accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD is acceptable for
compliance with only the EIU replacement of paragraph (d)(1) of AD
2004-10-05. All other actions required by paragraph (d)(1) of AD
2004-10-05 must be complied with.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(i)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards
Certificate Holding District Office.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 13, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-17655 Filed 10-25-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P