Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 77157-77159 [2011-31738]
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77157
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
Vol. 76, No. 238
Monday, December 12, 2011
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–2011–1319; Directorate
Identifier 2011–NM–143–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
The Boeing Company Model 777–200
and –300 series airplanes equipped with
Rolls-Royce RB211 Trent 800 engines.
This proposed AD was prompted by
reports of events related to thermal
damage of the thrust reverser (T/R)
inner wall on Rolls-Royce RB211 Trent
800 engines. This proposed AD would
require replacing the bleed valve parts
and tubing with new parts and tubing
on the left and right engines.
Additionally, this proposed AD would
require installing Aero-Engine database
(AEDB) software in the airplane
information management system (AIMS)
hardware. We are proposing this AD to
eliminate T/R thermal damage caused
by excessive heat downstream of the 8th
stage IP8 exhaust ports, which could
result in T/R structural failure. This
failure could result in large pieces of the
T/R or adjacent components departing
the airplane. A separated T/R piece
could result in a rejected takeoff (RTO)
and cause asymmetric thrust and
consequent loss of control of the
airplane during reverse thrust
operations. Separated components
could also cause structural damage to
the airplane, damage to other airplanes,
or injury to people on the ground.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by January 26, 2012.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
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SUMMARY:
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18:11 Dec 09, 2011
Jkt 226001
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations,
M–30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For Boeing service information
identified in this AD, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data
& Services Management, P.O. Box 3707,
MC 2H–65, Seattle, Washington 98124–
2207; phone: (206) 544–5000, extension
1; fax: (206) 766–5680; email:
me.boecom@boeing.com; Internet:
https://www.myboeingfleet.com. For
Rolls-Royce service information
identified in this AD, contact RollsRoyce plc, P.O. Box 31, DERBY, DE24
8BJ, UK; telephone 011 44 1332 242424;
fax 011 44 1332 249936. You may
review copies of the referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue
SW., Renton, Washington. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (425) 227–
1221.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov; or in person at the
Docket Management Facility between
9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this proposed AD, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for the Docket Office
(phone: (800) 647–5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Rebel Nichols, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, FAA,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; phone: (425)
917–6509; fax: (425) 917–6590; email:
Rebel.Nichols@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
PO 00000
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposal. Send your comments to
an address listed under the ADDRESSES
section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
2011–1319; Directorate Identifier 2011–
NM–143–AD’’ at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend this
proposed AD because of those
comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact we receive
about this proposed AD.
Discussion
We have received 14 reports of events
related to thermal damage of the T/R
inner wall on Rolls-Royce RB211 Trent
800 engines. The events have included
air turnbacks, in-flight engine
shutdowns, T/R inner wall panel
sections and parts being separated from
the airplane, collapse of the inner T/R
inner wall panel, and engine fire loop
fault messages.
Boeing issued Alert Service Bulletin
777–78A0059, dated February 24, 2005;
and Special Attention Service Bulletin
777–78–0060, dated February 24, 2005;
to provide instructions for inspecting
the T/R inner wall panel structure and
sealing the insulation blankets to
prevent hot under-cowl air from
contacting the T/R inner wall panel.
Since those service bulletins were
released, there have been four T/R
events on airplanes on which those
service bulletins had not been fully
accomplished and 10 T/R events on
airplanes on which those service
bulletins had been accomplished.
There are two separate causes of the
thermal degradation. The first cause is
the IP8 exhaust washing the outer side
of the inner wall. This cause is
addressed by this proposed AD through
modification of the IP8 bleed system.
The second cause is the inadequate
thermal protection system. We are
considering further rulemaking to
address this cause.
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12DEP1
77158
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 238 / Monday, December 12, 2011 / Proposed Rules
This thermal degradation, if not
corrected, could result in the T/R being
damaged by excessive heat, which could
result in thrust reverser structural
failure. This failure could result in large
pieces of the T/R or adjacent
components departing the airplane. A
separated T/R piece could result in an
RTO and cause asymmetric thrust and
consequent loss of control of the
airplane during reverse thrust
operations. Separated components
could also cause structural damage to
the airplane, damage to other airplanes,
or injury to people on the ground.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin
777–75A0002, Revision 1, dated
October 26, 2011. This service
information describes procedures for
replacing bleed valve parts and tubing
(including IP8 bleed valve ducts, duct
bases, HP3 air tubes and associated
parts) with new parts and tubing on the
left and right Rolls-Royce RB211 Trent
800 engines.
Boeing Service Bulletin 777–
75A0002, Revision 1, dated October 26,
2011, refers to Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 777–31–0177, dated
September 23, 2010, as a concurrent
requirement. This concurrent service
bulletin describes procedures for
installing the AEDB software, software
part number 3110–BCG–00R–06, media
set part number 243W0033–7, in the
airplane AIMS hardware.
Additionally, Boeing Service Bulletin
777–75A0002, Revision 1, dated
October 26, 2011, refers to Rolls-Royce
Service Bulletin RB.211–75–G466, dated
June 20, 2011, as an additional source
of guidance for replacing bleed valve
parts and tubing.
Other Relevant Rulemaking
We issued AD 2005–07–24,
Amendment 39–14049 (70 FR 18285,
April 11, 2005), for Model 777–200 and
–300 series airplanes equipped with
Rolls-Royce Model RB211 TRENT 800
engines. That AD requires inspecting
the thrust reversers for damage of the
insulation blankets, the inner wall, and
the compression and drag link fittings;
and repair if necessary. That AD also
requires applying sealant to certain
areas of the thrust reverser. That AD
refers to Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
777–78A0059, dated February 24, 2005,
for doing the required actions. That AD
was prompted by two reports of thrust
reverser failure; investigation revealed
that the inner wall of the thrust
reversers had collapsed from exposure
to hot engine core compartment air. We
issued that AD to prevent failure of a
thrust reverser and adjacent components
and their consequent separation from
the airplane, which could result in an
RTO and cause asymmetric thrust and
consequent loss of control of the
airplane during reverse thrust operation.
If an RTO does not occur, these
separated components could cause
structural damage to the airplane or
damage to other airplanes and possible
injury to people on the ground.
FAA’s Determination
We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all the relevant information
and determined the unsafe condition
described previously is likely to exist or
develop in other products of the same
type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require
accomplishing the actions specified in
the Boeing service information
described previously.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
affects 55 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to
comply with this proposed AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Parts cost
Replacement ...................................................
Installation of AEDB software .........................
16 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,360 ........
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 .................
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.
Authority for This Rulemaking
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According to the manufacturer, some
of the costs of this proposed AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby
reducing the cost impact on affected
individuals. We do not control warranty
coverage for affected individuals. As a
result, we have included all costs in our
cost estimate.
We 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.
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
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15:54 Dec 09, 2011
Jkt 226001
Regulatory Findings
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this 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
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
$75,000
0
Cost per
product
Cost on U.S.
operators
$76,360
85
$4,199,800
4,675
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26,
1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
(4) 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
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.
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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 238 / Monday, December 12, 2011 / Proposed Rules
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA–
2011–1319; Directorate Identifier 2011–
NM–143–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by January 26,
2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company
Model 777–200 and –300 series airplanes,
certificated in any category, equipped with
Rolls-Royce RB211 Trent 800 engines, as
identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777–
75A0002, Revision 1, dated October 26, 2011.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America
Code 78, Exhaust.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of events
related to thermal damage of the thrust
reverser (T/R) inner wall on Rolls-Royce
RB211 Trent 800 engines. We are issuing this
AD to eliminate T/R thermal damage caused
by excessive heat downstream of the 8th
stage IP8 exhaust ports, which could result
in T/R structural failure. This failure could
result in large pieces of the T/R or adjacent
components departing the airplane. A
separated T/R piece could result in a rejected
takeoff and cause asymmetric thrust and
consequent loss of control of the airplane
during reverse thrust operations. Separated
components could also cause structural
damage to the airplane, damage to other
airplanes, or injury to people on the ground.
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(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Replacement of Bleed Valve Parts and
Tubing
Within 36 months after the effective date
of this AD, replace the bleed valve parts and
tubing with new parts and tubing on the left
and right engines, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Service Bulletin 777–75A0002, Revision 1,
dated October 26, 2011.
Note 1: The service bulletin
accomplishment instructions might refer to
other procedures. When the words ‘‘refer to’’
are used and the operator has an accepted
alternative procedure, the accepted
alternative procedure can be used to comply
with the AD. When the words ‘‘in accordance
with’’ are included in the instruction, the
procedure in the design approval holder
document must be used to comply with the
AD.
(h) Concurrent Requirements
Prior to or concurrently with doing the
actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD,
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15:54 Dec 09, 2011
Jkt 226001
install Aero-Engine database software,
software part number 3110–BCG–00R–06,
media set part number 243W0033–7, in the
airplane information management system
hardware, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–31–
0177, dated September 23, 2010.
(i) Maintenance
(j) Credit for Actions Accomplished in
Accordance With Previous Service
Information
Replacing the bleed valve parts and tubing
with new parts and tubing on the left and
right engines in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 777–75A0002, dated January
12, 2011, before the effective date of this AD
is acceptable for compliance with the
corresponding replacements required by
paragraph (g) of this AD.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle Certification
Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in the
Related Information section of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9–ANM–
Seattle–ACO–AMOC–Requests@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
(l) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Rebel Nichols, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, FAA, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057–
3356; phone: (425) 917–6509; fax: (425) 917–
6590; email: Rebel.Nichols@faa.gov.
(2) For Boeing service information
identified in this AD, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data &
Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC
2H–65, Seattle, Washington 98124–2207;
phone: (206) 544–5000, extension 1; fax:
(206) 766–5680; email:
me.boecom@boeing.com; Internet: https://
www.myboeingfleet.com.
(3) For Rolls-Royce service information
identified in this AD, contact Rolls-Royce
plc, P.O. Box 31, DERBY, DE24 8BJ, UK;
telephone 011 44 1332 242424; fax 011 44
1332 249936. You may review copies of the
referenced service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Frm 00003
Fmt 4702
Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (425) 227–1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
December 5, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2011–31738 Filed 12–9–11; 8:45 am]
Note 2: After accomplishing the actions
required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD,
maintenance and/or preventative
maintenance under 14 CFR part 43 is
permitted provided the maintenance does not
result in changing the AD-mandated
configuration (reference 14 CFR 39.7).
PO 00000
77159
Sfmt 4702
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2011–1318; Directorate
Identifier 2010–NM–274–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; 328 Support
Services GmbH Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all 328
Support Services GmbH (Type
Certificate previously held by AvCraft
Aerospace GmbH; Fairchild Dornier
GmbH; Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH) Model
328–100 and –300 airplanes that would
supersede an existing AD. This
proposed AD results from mandatory
continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI) originated by an aviation
authority of another country to identify
and correct an unsafe condition on an
aviation product. The MCAI describes
the unsafe condition as:
An incident has been reported with a
Dornier 328–100 aeroplane, where the righthand (RH) power lever jammed in flight-idle
position during the landing roll-out. The
aeroplane was stopped by excessive braking.
The reason for the jamming was that the
cockpit door locking device * * * had fallen
off the RH cockpit wall, blocking the RH
power/condition lever pulley/cable cluster
below the door. * * *
This condition, if not corrected, could
cause interference with the engine and/or
flight control cables, possibly resulting in
reduced control of the aeroplane.
*
*
*
*
*
The proposed AD would require actions
that are intended to address the unsafe
condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by January 26, 2012.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
E:\FR\FM\12DEP1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 238 (Monday, December 12, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 77157-77159]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-31738]
========================================================================
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. 76, No. 238 / Monday, December 12, 2011 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 77157]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2011-1319; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-143-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain The Boeing Company Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes
equipped with Rolls-Royce RB211 Trent 800 engines. This proposed AD was
prompted by reports of events related to thermal damage of the thrust
reverser (T/R) inner wall on Rolls-Royce RB211 Trent 800 engines. This
proposed AD would require replacing the bleed valve parts and tubing
with new parts and tubing on the left and right engines. Additionally,
this proposed AD would require installing Aero-Engine database (AEDB)
software in the airplane information management system (AIMS) hardware.
We are proposing this AD to eliminate T/R thermal damage caused by
excessive heat downstream of the 8th stage IP8 exhaust ports, which
could result in T/R structural failure. This failure could result in
large pieces of the T/R or adjacent components departing the airplane.
A separated T/R piece could result in a rejected takeoff (RTO) and
cause asymmetric thrust and consequent loss of control of the airplane
during reverse thrust operations. Separated components could also cause
structural damage to the airplane, damage to other airplanes, or injury
to people on the ground.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 26,
2012.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For Boeing service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; phone: (206)
544-5000, extension 1; fax: (206) 766-5680; email:
me.boecom@boeing.com; Internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com. For
Rolls-Royce service information identified in this AD, contact Rolls-
Royce plc, P.O. Box 31, DERBY, DE24 8BJ, UK; telephone 011 44 1332
242424; fax 011 44 1332 249936. You may review copies of the referenced
service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call (425) 227-1221.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Office (phone: (800) 647-5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly
after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rebel Nichols, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone:
(425) 917-6509; fax: (425) 917-6590; email: Rebel.Nichols@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2011-1319;
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-143-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
We have received 14 reports of events related to thermal damage of
the T/R inner wall on Rolls-Royce RB211 Trent 800 engines. The events
have included air turnbacks, in-flight engine shutdowns, T/R inner wall
panel sections and parts being separated from the airplane, collapse of
the inner T/R inner wall panel, and engine fire loop fault messages.
Boeing issued Alert Service Bulletin 777-78A0059, dated February
24, 2005; and Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-78-0060, dated
February 24, 2005; to provide instructions for inspecting the T/R inner
wall panel structure and sealing the insulation blankets to prevent hot
under-cowl air from contacting the T/R inner wall panel. Since those
service bulletins were released, there have been four T/R events on
airplanes on which those service bulletins had not been fully
accomplished and 10 T/R events on airplanes on which those service
bulletins had been accomplished.
There are two separate causes of the thermal degradation. The first
cause is the IP8 exhaust washing the outer side of the inner wall. This
cause is addressed by this proposed AD through modification of the IP8
bleed system. The second cause is the inadequate thermal protection
system. We are considering further rulemaking to address this cause.
[[Page 77158]]
This thermal degradation, if not corrected, could result in the T/R
being damaged by excessive heat, which could result in thrust reverser
structural failure. This failure could result in large pieces of the T/
R or adjacent components departing the airplane. A separated T/R piece
could result in an RTO and cause asymmetric thrust and consequent loss
of control of the airplane during reverse thrust operations. Separated
components could also cause structural damage to the airplane, damage
to other airplanes, or injury to people on the ground.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 777-75A0002, Revision 1, dated
October 26, 2011. This service information describes procedures for
replacing bleed valve parts and tubing (including IP8 bleed valve
ducts, duct bases, HP3 air tubes and associated parts) with new parts
and tubing on the left and right Rolls-Royce RB211 Trent 800 engines.
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-75A0002, Revision 1, dated October 26,
2011, refers to Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-31-0177,
dated September 23, 2010, as a concurrent requirement. This concurrent
service bulletin describes procedures for installing the AEDB software,
software part number 3110-BCG-00R-06, media set part number 243W0033-7,
in the airplane AIMS hardware.
Additionally, Boeing Service Bulletin 777-75A0002, Revision 1,
dated October 26, 2011, refers to Rolls-Royce Service Bulletin RB.211-
75-G466, dated June 20, 2011, as an additional source of guidance for
replacing bleed valve parts and tubing.
Other Relevant Rulemaking
We issued AD 2005-07-24, Amendment 39-14049 (70 FR 18285, April 11,
2005), for Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes equipped with Rolls-
Royce Model RB211 TRENT 800 engines. That AD requires inspecting the
thrust reversers for damage of the insulation blankets, the inner wall,
and the compression and drag link fittings; and repair if necessary.
That AD also requires applying sealant to certain areas of the thrust
reverser. That AD refers to Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-78A0059,
dated February 24, 2005, for doing the required actions. That AD was
prompted by two reports of thrust reverser failure; investigation
revealed that the inner wall of the thrust reversers had collapsed from
exposure to hot engine core compartment air. We issued that AD to
prevent failure of a thrust reverser and adjacent components and their
consequent separation from the airplane, which could result in an RTO
and cause asymmetric thrust and consequent loss of control of the
airplane during reverse thrust operation. If an RTO does not occur,
these separated components could cause structural damage to the
airplane or damage to other airplanes and possible injury to people on
the ground.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in the Boeing service information described previously.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 55 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement........................... 16 work-hours x $85 per $75,000 $76,360 $4,199,800
hour = $1,360.
Installation of AEDB software......... 1 work-hour x $85 per 0 85 4,675
hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost
estimate.
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 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 this 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),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, 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.
[[Page 77159]]
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2011-1319; Directorate Identifier
2011-NM-143-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by January 26, 2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200 and -300
series airplanes, certificated in any category, equipped with Rolls-
Royce RB211 Trent 800 engines, as identified in Boeing Service
Bulletin 777-75A0002, Revision 1, dated October 26, 2011.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 78, Exhaust.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of events related to thermal
damage of the thrust reverser (T/R) inner wall on Rolls-Royce RB211
Trent 800 engines. We are issuing this AD to eliminate T/R thermal
damage caused by excessive heat downstream of the 8th stage IP8
exhaust ports, which could result in T/R structural failure. This
failure could result in large pieces of the T/R or adjacent
components departing the airplane. A separated T/R piece could
result in a rejected takeoff and cause asymmetric thrust and
consequent loss of control of the airplane during reverse thrust
operations. Separated components could also cause structural damage
to the airplane, damage to other airplanes, or injury to people on
the ground.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Replacement of Bleed Valve Parts and Tubing
Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, replace
the bleed valve parts and tubing with new parts and tubing on the
left and right engines, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-75A0002, Revision 1,
dated October 26, 2011.
Note 1: The service bulletin accomplishment instructions might
refer to other procedures. When the words ``refer to'' are used and
the operator has an accepted alternative procedure, the accepted
alternative procedure can be used to comply with the AD. When the
words ``in accordance with'' are included in the instruction, the
procedure in the design approval holder document must be used to
comply with the AD.
(h) Concurrent Requirements
Prior to or concurrently with doing the actions required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, install Aero-Engine database software,
software part number 3110-BCG-00R-06, media set part number
243W0033-7, in the airplane information management system hardware,
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 777-31-0177, dated September 23, 2010.
(i) Maintenance
Note 2: After accomplishing the actions required by paragraphs
(g) and (h) of this AD, maintenance and/or preventative maintenance
under 14 CFR part 43 is permitted provided the maintenance does not
result in changing the AD-mandated configuration (reference 14 CFR
39.7).
(j) Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service
Information
Replacing the bleed valve parts and tubing with new parts and
tubing on the left and right engines in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-
75A0002, dated January 12, 2011, before the effective date of this
AD is acceptable for compliance with the corresponding replacements
required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the
person identified in the Related Information section of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(l) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Rebel Nichols,
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington 98057-3356; phone: (425) 917-6509; fax: (425) 917-6590;
email: Rebel.Nichols@faa.gov.
(2) For Boeing service information identified in this AD,
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services
Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207;
phone: (206) 544-5000, extension 1; fax: (206) 766-5680; email:
me.boecom@boeing.com; Internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
(3) For Rolls-Royce service information identified in this AD,
contact Rolls-Royce plc, P.O. Box 31, DERBY, DE24 8BJ, UK; telephone
011 44 1332 242424; fax 011 44 1332 249936. You may review copies of
the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
(425) 227-1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 5, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-31738 Filed 12-9-11; 8:45 am]
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