Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 36206-36209 [2012-14794]

Download as PDF TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 36206 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 117 / Monday, June 18, 2012 / Proposed Rules (C) To be acting as a finder for purposes of this section, the finder must comply with the following limitations. (1) A finder may act only as an intermediary between a buyer and a seller. (2) A finder may not bind any buyer or seller to the terms of a specific transaction or negotiate the terms of a specific transaction on behalf of a buyer or seller, except that a finder may— (i) Arrange for buyers to receive preferred terms from sellers so long as the terms are not negotiated as part of any individual transaction, are provided generally to customers or broad categories of customers, and are made available by the seller (and not by the financial holding company); and (ii) Establish rules of general applicability governing the use and operation of the finder service, including rules that govern the submission of bids and offers by buyers and sellers that use the finder service and the circumstances under which the finder service will match bids and offers submitted by buyers and sellers, and govern the manner in which buyers and sellers may bind themselves to the terms of a specific transaction. (3) A finder may not— (i) Take title to or acquire or hold an ownership interest in any product or service offered or sold through the finder service; (ii) Provide distribution services for physical products or services offered or sold through the finder service; (iii) Own or operate any real or personal property that is used for the purpose of manufacturing, storing, transporting, or assembling physical products offered or sold by third parties; or (iv) Own or operate any real or personal property that serves as a physical location for the physical purchase, sale or distribution of products or services offered or sold by third parties. (D) A finder must distinguish the products and services offered by the company from those offered by a third party through the finder service. (xxv) Directly, or indirectly acquiring or controlling, whether as principal, on behalf of one or more entities, or otherwise, shares, assets, or ownership interests (including debt or equity securities, partnership interests, trust certificates, or other instruments representing ownership) of a company or other entity, whether or not constituting control of such company or entity if: (A) Such shares, assets, or ownership interests are acquired and held as part of a bona fide underwriting or merchant VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:48 Jun 15, 2012 Jkt 226001 or investment banking activity, including investment activities engaged in for the purpose of appreciation and ultimate resale or disposition of the investment; (B) Such shares, assets, or ownership interests are held for a period of time to enable the sale or disposition thereof on a reasonable basis consistent with the financial viability of the activities described in clause (A) of this paragraph; and (C) During the period such shares, assets, or ownership interests are held, the company does not routinely manage or operate such company or entity except as may be necessary or required to obtain a reasonable return on investment upon resale or disposition. (xxvi) Directly or indirectly acquiring or controlling, whether as principal, on behalf of one or more entities, or otherwise, shares, assets, or ownership interests (including debt or equity securities, partnership interests, trust certificates or other instruments representing ownership) of a company or other entity, whether or not constituting control of such company or entity if— (A) Such shares, assets, or ownership interests are acquired and held by an insurance company that is predominantly engaged in underwriting life, accident and health, or property and casualty insurance (other than credit-related insurance) or providing and issuing annuities; (B) Such shares, assets, or ownership interests represent an investment made in the ordinary course of business of such insurance company in accordance with relevant State law governing such investments; and (C) During the period such shares, assets, or ownership interests are held, the company does not routinely manage or operate such company except as may be necessary or required to obtain a reasonable return on investment. (xxvii) Lending, exchanging, transferring, investing for others, or safeguarding financial assets other than money or securities. (xxviii) Providing any device or other instrumentality for transferring money or other financial assets. (xxix) Arranging, effecting, or facilitating financial transactions for the account of third parties. (xxx) Ownership or control of one or more depository institutions. (xxxi) Any other activity, wherever conducted, determined by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, under section 4(k)(1)(A) of the Bank Holding Company Act (12 USC 1843(k)(1)(A)) to be PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 financial in nature or incidental to a financial activity. By order of the Board of Directors. Dated at Washington, DC, this 12th day of June 2012. Robert E. Feldman, Executive Secretary, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. [FR Doc. 2012–14701 Filed 6–15–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6714–01–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2012–0597; Directorate Identifier 2012–NM–054–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Company Model 777–200, –200LR, –300, and –300ER series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of in-service events related to electrical power system malfunctions resulting in damage to electrical load management system (ELMS) P200 and P300 power panels and the surrounding area. This proposed AD would require installing enclosure trays to contain debris in certain ELMS panels, and replacing certain ELMS contactors. We are proposing this AD to prevent contactor failures, which could result in uncontained hot debris flow due to ELMS contactor breakdown, consequent smoke and heat damage to airplane structure and equipment during ground operations, and possible injuries to passengers and crew. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 2, 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. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\18JNP1.SGM 18JNP1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 117 / Monday, June 18, 2012 / Proposed Rules • 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; telephone 206–544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766–5680; email me.boecom@boeing.com; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. For Smiths Aerospace and GE Aviation service information identified in this AD, contact GE Aviation, Customer Support Center, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, Ohio 45215; telephone: 513– 552–3272; email: cs.techpubs@ge.com; Internet: https://www.geaviation.com. 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. TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 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: Georgios Roussos, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM– 130S, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 917–6482; fax (425) 917–6590; email: georgios.roussos@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– 2012–0597; Directorate Identifier 2012– NM–054–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 reports of in-service events related to electrical power system malfunctions that resulted in damage to ELMS P200 and P300 panels. Some operators reported severe damage to ELMS panels. No in-flight contactor failures have been reported. Extended contactor operation at current close to maximum can lead to thermal degradation of the material in the contactor, which further reduces contactor protection and can lead to loose parts and consequent increased probability of electrical arcing. In addition, there was evidence of material buildup from normal operation of the contactor and the potential for foreign object debris, which could lead to short circuits within the contactor. One operator reported that an airplane on the ground experienced smoke and heat damage from insulation blankets that smoldered after molten debris from a P200 ELMS power panel fell on the insulation blankets. When a contactor in the ELMS panel fails and overheats, the heat can cause molten debris to fall out of the panel. The bottom of the ELMS panel is open without protection to prevent hot debris from falling on to the insulation blankets and components below the panel. These conditions could result in uncontained hot debris flow due to ELMS contactor breakdown, consequent smoke and heat damage to airplane structure and equipment during ground operations, and possible injuries to passengers and crew. Relevant Service Information We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–24– 36207 0106, dated July 20, 2007, which describes procedures for installing enclosure trays for debris containment. The installation includes securing the tray with rivets onto the ELMS panel heat shield. Guidance on these procedures can be found in Smiths Service Bulletins 1000ELM–24–666, Revision 1, dated August 6, 2007; 2000ELM–24–667, Revision 1, dated August 13, 2007; and 3000ELM–24–668, Revision 1, dated August 13, 2007. We also reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–24– 0112, Revision 2, dated December 14, 2011, which describes procedures for replacing specified contactors in the ELMS P200 and P300 panels with new contactors. Guidance on these procedures can be found in GE Service Bulletins 2000ELM–24–697 and 3000ELM–24–698, both Revision 2, both dated February 3, 2011. 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 service information described previously, except as discussed under ‘‘Difference Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information.’’ Difference Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–24–0106, dated July 20, 2007, recommends a compliance time of 60 months to install the enclosure trays for debris containment. We have determined that these trays must be installed sooner—within 36 months—to appropriately mitigate the identified unsafe condition. This difference has been coordinated with Boeing. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD affects 128 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Action Labor cost Tray installation ............................................... Contactor replacement .................................... 3 work-hours × $85 per hour = $255 ............. 6 work hours × $85 per hour = $510 ............. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:48 Jun 15, 2012 Jkt 226001 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Parts cost E:\FR\FM\18JNP1.SGM $1,729 49,317 18JNP1 Cost per product $1,984 49,827 Cost on U.S. operators $253,952 6,377,856 36208 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 117 / Monday, June 18, 2012 / Proposed Rules 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. TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 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. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:48 Jun 15, 2012 Jkt 226001 § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA– 2012–0597; Directorate Identifier 2012– NM–054–AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by August 2, 2012. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777–200, –200LR, –300, and –300ER series airplanes; certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–24–0106, dated July 20, 2007; and Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–24–0112, Revision 2, dated December 14, 2011. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/ Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 24, Electrical power. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of inservice events related to electrical power system malfunctions resulting in damage to electrical load management system (ELMS) P200 and P300 power panels and the surrounding area. We are issuing this AD to prevent contactor failures, which could result in uncontained hot debris flow due to ELMS contactor breakdown, consequent smoke and heat damage to airplane structure and equipment during ground operations, and possible injuries to passengers and crew. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Tray Installation For airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–24–0106, dated July 20, 2007: Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, install enclosure trays to contain debris in the ELMS panels, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–24–0106, dated July 20, 2007. Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: Guidance on the tray installation can be found in the service bulletins identified in the following paragraphs: (1) Smiths Service Bulletin 1000ELM–24– 666, Revision 1, dated August 6, 2007. (2) Smiths Service Bulletin 2000ELM–24– 667, Revision 1, dated August 13, 2007. (3) Smiths Service Bulletin 3000ELM–24– 668, Revision 1, dated August 13, 2007. (h) Contactor Replacement For airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–24–0112, Revision 2, dated December 14, 2011: Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, replace specified electrical power contactors PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 in the ELMS P200 and P300 power panels with new contactors, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–24– 0112, Revision 2, dated December 14, 2011. Note 2 to paragraph (h) of this AD: Guidance on the contactor replacement procedures can be found in GE Service Bulletins 2000ELM–24–697 and 3000ELM– 24–698, both Revision 2, both dated February 3, 2011. (i) Credit for Previous Actions This paragraph provides credit for the replacement of the ELMS contactors required by paragraph (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–24–0112, dated February 19, 2009; or Revision 1, dated June 30, 2011. (j) Parts Installation As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on any airplane, a contactor having part number ELM827–1 in the ELMS panels and locations identified in this AD. (k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft 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 Georgios Roussos, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM–130S, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 917–6482; fax (425) 917–6590; email: georgios.roussos@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; telephone 206–544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766–5680; email me.boecom@boeing.com; Internet https:// www.myboeingfleet.com. For Smiths Aerospace and GE Aviation service information identified in this AD, contact GE Aviation, Customer Support Center, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, Ohio 45215; telephone: 513–552–3272; email: cs.techpubs@ge.com; Internet: https:// www.geaviation.com. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the E:\FR\FM\18JNP1.SGM 18JNP1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 117 / Monday, June 18, 2012 / Proposed Rules FAA, 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 June 7, 2012. Michael Kaszycki, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–14794 Filed 6–15–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2012–0596; Directorate Identifier 2011–NM–245–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330–200 freighter series airplanes, Model A330–200 and –300 series airplanes, and Model A340–200, –300, –500, and –600 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of the ram air turbine (RAT) not deploying when tested. This proposed AD would require identification of the supplier, part number, and serial number of the installed RAT actuator, and re-identification of the actuator and RAT, or replacement of the RAT actuator with a serviceable unit and reidentification of the RAT, if necessary. We are proposing this AD to prevent non-deployment of the RAT, which if occurred following a total engine flameout, or during a total loss of normal electrical power generation, could result in reduced control of the airplane. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 2, 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. • 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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:48 Jun 15, 2012 Jkt 226001 M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For Airbus service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Airbus SAS—Airworthiness Office— EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email airworthiness.A330A340@airbus.com; Internet https:// www.airbus.com. For Hamilton Sunstrand service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Hamilton Sundstrand, Technical Publications, Mail Stop 302–9, 4747 Harrison Avenue, P.O. Box 7002, Rockford, Illinois 61125–7002; telephone 860–654–3575; fax 860–998– 4564; email tech.solutions@hs.utc.com; Internet https:// www.hamiltonsundstrand.com. 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 Operations office 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 Operations office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA. 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–1138; fax (425) 227–1149. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2012–0596; Directorate Identifier 2011–NM–245–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 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 36209 consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD based on 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 The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2011–0204, dated October 14, 2011 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: During a production test flight, a Ram Air Turbine (RAT) did not deploy when tested. An investigation, conducted by the RAT manufacturer Hamilton Sundstrand (HS) and Arkwin Industries, revealed that the RAT did not deploy due to insufficient stroke inside one of the actuator deployment solenoids. This condition, if occurring following a total engine flame out, or during a total loss of normal electrical power generation, could possibly result in reduced control of the aeroplane. For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires the modification of the affected RAT actuator deployment mechanism, or replacement of the RAT actuator with a modified unit. The required actions include identification of the supplier, part number, and serial number of the installed RAT actuator, and reidentification of the actuator and RAT, or replacement of the RAT actuator with a serviceable unit and re-identification of the RAT, if necessary. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. Relevant Service Information Airbus has issued the following service bulletins: • Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A330–29–3114, dated May 18, 2011. • Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340–29–4089, dated May 18, 2011. • Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A340–29–5018, dated May 18, 2011. Hamilton Sundstrand has issued the following service bulletins: • Hamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletin ERPS06M–29–18, dated March 8, 2011. • Hamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletin ERPS33T–29–5, dated March 8, 2011. The actions described in this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI. E:\FR\FM\18JNP1.SGM 18JNP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 117 (Monday, June 18, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 36206-36209]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-14794]


=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0597; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-054-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 Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and -300ER series 
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of in-service 
events related to electrical power system malfunctions resulting in 
damage to electrical load management system (ELMS) P200 and P300 power 
panels and the surrounding area. This proposed AD would require 
installing enclosure trays to contain debris in certain ELMS panels, 
and replacing certain ELMS contactors. We are proposing this AD to 
prevent contactor failures, which could result in uncontained hot 
debris flow due to ELMS contactor breakdown, consequent smoke and heat 
damage to airplane structure and equipment during ground operations, 
and possible injuries to passengers and crew.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 2, 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.

[[Page 36207]]

     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; telephone 206-
544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; email me.boecom@boeing.com; 
Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. For Smiths Aerospace and GE 
Aviation service information identified in this AD, contact GE 
Aviation, Customer Support Center, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, Ohio 
45215; telephone: 513-552-3272; email: cs.techpubs@ge.com; Internet: 
https://www.geaviation.com. 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: Georgios Roussos, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; 
telephone (425) 917-6482; fax (425) 917-6590; email: 
georgios.roussos@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-2012-0597; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-054-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 reports of in-service events related to electrical 
power system malfunctions that resulted in damage to ELMS P200 and P300 
panels.
    Some operators reported severe damage to ELMS panels. No in-flight 
contactor failures have been reported. Extended contactor operation at 
current close to maximum can lead to thermal degradation of the 
material in the contactor, which further reduces contactor protection 
and can lead to loose parts and consequent increased probability of 
electrical arcing. In addition, there was evidence of material buildup 
from normal operation of the contactor and the potential for foreign 
object debris, which could lead to short circuits within the contactor.
    One operator reported that an airplane on the ground experienced 
smoke and heat damage from insulation blankets that smoldered after 
molten debris from a P200 ELMS power panel fell on the insulation 
blankets. When a contactor in the ELMS panel fails and overheats, the 
heat can cause molten debris to fall out of the panel. The bottom of 
the ELMS panel is open without protection to prevent hot debris from 
falling on to the insulation blankets and components below the panel.
    These conditions could result in uncontained hot debris flow due to 
ELMS contactor breakdown, consequent smoke and heat damage to airplane 
structure and equipment during ground operations, and possible injuries 
to passengers and crew.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-24-0106, 
dated July 20, 2007, which describes procedures for installing 
enclosure trays for debris containment. The installation includes 
securing the tray with rivets onto the ELMS panel heat shield. Guidance 
on these procedures can be found in Smiths Service Bulletins 1000ELM-
24-666, Revision 1, dated August 6, 2007; 2000ELM-24-667, Revision 1, 
dated August 13, 2007; and 3000ELM-24-668, Revision 1, dated August 13, 
2007.
    We also reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-24-
0112, Revision 2, dated December 14, 2011, which describes procedures 
for replacing specified contactors in the ELMS P200 and P300 panels 
with new contactors. Guidance on these procedures can be found in GE 
Service Bulletins 2000ELM-24-697 and 3000ELM-24-698, both Revision 2, 
both dated February 3, 2011.

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 service information described previously, except as discussed 
under ``Difference Between the Proposed AD and the Service 
Information.''

Difference Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-24-0106, dated July 
20, 2007, recommends a compliance time of 60 months to install the 
enclosure trays for debris containment. We have determined that these 
trays must be installed sooner--within 36 months--to appropriately 
mitigate the identified unsafe condition. This difference has been 
coordinated with Boeing.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 128 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tray installation..................  3 work-hours x $85 per hour          $1,729          $1,984        $253,952
                                      = $255.
Contactor replacement..............  6 work hours x $85 per hour          49,317          49,827       6,377,856
                                      = $510.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 36208]]

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.


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-2012-0597; Directorate Identifier 
2012-NM-054-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by August 2, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -
300, and -300ER series airplanes; certificated in any category; as 
identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-24-0106, 
dated July 20, 2007; and Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 
777-24-0112, Revision 2, dated December 14, 2011.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 24, Electrical power.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of in-service events related to 
electrical power system malfunctions resulting in damage to 
electrical load management system (ELMS) P200 and P300 power panels 
and the surrounding area. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
contactor failures, which could result in uncontained hot debris 
flow due to ELMS contactor breakdown, consequent smoke and heat 
damage to airplane structure and equipment during ground operations, 
and possible injuries to passengers and crew.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Tray Installation

    For airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 777-24-0106, dated July 20, 2007: Within 36 months after 
the effective date of this AD, install enclosure trays to contain 
debris in the ELMS panels, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-24-
0106, dated July 20, 2007.

    Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: Guidance on the tray 
installation can be found in the service bulletins identified in the 
following paragraphs:
    (1) Smiths Service Bulletin 1000ELM-24-666, Revision 1, dated 
August 6, 2007.
    (2) Smiths Service Bulletin 2000ELM-24-667, Revision 1, dated 
August 13, 2007.
    (3) Smiths Service Bulletin 3000ELM-24-668, Revision 1, dated 
August 13, 2007.

(h) Contactor Replacement

    For airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 777-24-0112, Revision 2, dated December 14, 2011: Within 60 
months after the effective date of this AD, replace specified 
electrical power contactors in the ELMS P200 and P300 power panels 
with new contactors, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-24-
0112, Revision 2, dated December 14, 2011.

    Note 2 to paragraph (h) of this AD:  Guidance on the contactor 
replacement procedures can be found in GE Service Bulletins 2000ELM-
24-697 and 3000ELM-24-698, both Revision 2, both dated February 3, 
2011.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the replacement of the ELMS 
contactors required by paragraph (h) of this AD, if those actions 
were performed before the effective date of this AD in accordance 
with Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-24-0112, dated 
February 19, 2009; or Revision 1, dated June 30, 2011.

(j) Parts Installation

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on 
any airplane, a contactor having part number ELM827-1 in the ELMS 
panels and locations identified in this AD.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft 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 Georgios 
Roussos, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, 
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue 
SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6482; fax 
(425) 917-6590; email: georgios.roussos@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; 
telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; email 
me.boecom@boeing.com; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. For 
Smiths Aerospace and GE Aviation service information identified in 
this AD, contact GE Aviation, Customer Support Center, 1 Neumann 
Way, Cincinnati, Ohio 45215; telephone: 513-552-3272; email: 
cs.techpubs@ge.com; Internet: https://www.geaviation.com. You may 
review copies of the referenced service information at the

[[Page 36209]]

FAA, 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 June 7, 2012.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-14794 Filed 6-15-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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