Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 59451-59454 [2020-20807]
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 184 / Tuesday, September 22, 2020 / Proposed Rules
lower skin located at left buttock line 6.50.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address such
cracking, which could result in inability of a
principal structural element to sustain limit
load and could adversely affect the structural
integrity of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Actions for Group 1
For airplanes identified as Group 1 in
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–
57A1348 RB, dated June 1, 2020: Within 120
days after the effective date of this AD,
inspect the airplane and do all applicable oncondition actions using a method approved
in accordance with the procedures specified
in paragraph (j) of this AD.
(h) Required Actions
For airplanes identified as Group 2 in
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737–
57A1348 RB, dated June 1, 2020, except as
specified by paragraph (i) of this AD: At the
applicable times specified in the
‘‘Compliance’’ paragraph of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737–57A1348 RB,
dated June 1, 2020, do all applicable actions
identified in, and in accordance with, the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737–57A1348 RB,
dated June 1, 2020.
Note 1 to paragraph (h): Guidance for
accomplishing the actions required by this
AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 737–57A1348, dated June 1, 2020,
which is referred to in Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737–57A1348 RB,
dated June 1, 2020.
(i) Exceptions to Service Information
Specifications
(1) Where Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 737–57A1348 RB, dated June 1,
2020, uses the phrase ‘‘the original issue date
of Requirements Bulletin 737–57A1348 RB,’’
this AD requires using ‘‘the effective date of
this AD,’’ except where Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 737–57A1348 RB,
dated June 1, 2020, uses the phrase ‘‘the
original issue date of Requirements Bulletin
737–57A1348 RB’’ in a note or flag note.
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 737–57A1348 RB, dated June 1,
2020, specifies contacting Boeing for repair
instructions: This AD requires doing the
repair using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (j) of this AD.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch,
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
certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9ANM-LAACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
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(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.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
level of safety may be used for any repair,
modification, or alteration required by this
AD if it is approved by The Boeing Company
Organization Designation Authorization
(ODA) that has been authorized by the
Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, to
make those findings. To be approved, the
repair method, modification deviation, or
alteration deviation must meet the
certification basis of the airplane, and the
approval must specifically refer to this AD.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Wayne Ha, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO
Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: 562–627–
5238; email: Wayne.Ha@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd.,
MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600;
telephone 562–797–1717; internet https://
www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this
referenced service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
206–231–3195.
Issued on September 11, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–20657 Filed 9–21–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0848; Product
Identifier 2020–NM–088–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to
supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2007–07–03, which applies to certain
The Boeing Company Model 747–100,
747–100B, 747–100B SUD, 747–200B,
747–200C, 747–200F, 747–300, 747–
400, 747–400D, 747–400F, 747SR, and
747SP series airplanes. AD 2007–07–03
requires repetitive tests to detect hot air
SUMMARY:
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59451
leaking from the trim air diffuser ducts
or sidewall riser duct assemblies
(collectively referred to as TADDs),
related investigative actions, and
corrective actions if necessary. AD
2007–07–03 also provides an optional
terminating action for the repetitive
tests. Since the FAA issued AD 2007–
07–03, operators reported high
temperature composite material TADDs
installed as specified in AD 2007–07–03
have also failed. This proposed AD
would require repetitive inspections of
all TADD material for damage and
applicable on-condition actions. The
FAA is proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by November 6,
2020.
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 service information identified in
this NPRM, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster
Blvd., MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA
90740–5600; telephone 562–797–1717;
internet https://
www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view
this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
It is also available on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–0848.
ADDRESSES:
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
0848; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this NPRM, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
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59452
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 184 / Tuesday, September 22, 2020 / Proposed Rules
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Susan L. Monroe, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety and Environmental
Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206–
231–3570; email: susan.l.monroe@
faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to participate in
this rulemaking by submitting written
comments, data, or views. The most
helpful comments reference a specific
portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change,
and include supporting data. To ensure
the docket does not contain duplicate
comments, commenters should send
only one copy of written comments, or
if comments are filed electronically,
commenters should submit only one
time.
Except for Confidential Business
Information (CBI) as described in the
following paragraph, and other
information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will file in the docket all
comments received, as well as a report
summarizing each substantive public
contact with FAA personnel concerning
this proposed rulemaking. Before acting
on this proposal, the FAA will consider
all comments received on or before the
closing date for comments. The FAA
will consider comments filed after the
comment period has closed if it is
possible to do so without incurring
expense or delay. The FAA may change
this proposal in light of the comments
received.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and
actually treated as private by its owner.
Under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt
from public disclosure. If your
comments responsive to this NPRM
contain commercial or financial
information that is customarily treated
as private, that you actually treat as
private, and that is relevant or
responsive to this NPRM, it is important
that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each
page of your submission containing CBI
as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such
marked submissions as confidential
under the FOIA, and they will not be
placed in the public docket of this
NPRM. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to Susan L. Monroe,
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and
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Environmental Systems Section, FAA,
Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and
fax: 206–231–3570; email:
susan.l.monroe@faa.gov. Any
commentary that the FAA receives
which is not specifically designated as
CBI will be placed in the public docket
for this rulemaking.
Discussion
The FAA issued AD 2007–07–03,
Amendment 39–15003 (72 FR 14395,
March 28, 2007) (‘‘AD 2007–07–03’’), for
certain The Boeing Company Model
747–100, 747–100B, 747–100B SUD,
747–200B, 747–200C, 747–200F, 747–
300, 747–400, 747–400D, 747–400F,
747SR, and 747SP series airplanes. AD
2007–07–03 requires repetitive tests to
detect hot air leaking from the TADDs,
related investigative actions, and
corrective actions if necessary. AD
2007–07–03 also provides an optional
terminating action (replacement of the
original fiberglass material TADDs with
high temperature composition material
TADDs) for the repetitive tests. AD
2007–07–03 resulted from reports of
sealant deteriorating on the outside of
the center wing fuel tank and analysis
showing that sealant may deteriorate
inside the tank due to excess heat from
leaking TADDs. The FAA issued AD
2007–07–03 to address leakage of fuel or
fuel vapors into areas where ignition
sources may be present, which could
result in a fire or explosion.
Actions Since AD 2007–07–03 Was
Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2007–07–
03, operators reported high temperature
composite material TADDs installed as
specified in AD 2007–07–03 have also
failed. Further inspection showed that
the high temperature composite material
TADDs were ruptured, with damaged
insulation in poor condition. Analysis
showed that hot trim air is causing
material properties degradation of both
the original fiberglass fabric material
and high temperature composite
material TADDs, which potentially
causes hot air leakage from the TADD(s).
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 747–21A2577
RB, dated February 18, 2020. The
service information describes
procedures for repetitive detailed
inspections of TADDs made of original
fiberglass fabric material and high
temperature composite material for
damage and applicable on-condition
actions. On-condition actions include
TADD replacement, detailed inspection
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of the center wing tank secondary fuel
barrier and the center wing tank primary
sealant for damage, a measurement of
the electrical conductivity change of the
upper skin of the center wing tank for
indications of damage, other
replacement as applicable, and repair.
This service information is reasonably
available because the interested parties
have access to it through their normal
course of business or by the means
identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA’s Determination
The FAA is proposing this AD
because the agency 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 retain none
of the requirements of AD 2007–07–03.
However, the original TADDs specified
in AD 2007–07–03, if installed, will
continue to be inspected per the new
proposed requirements of this AD. This
proposed AD would require
accomplishment of the actions
identified in Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 747–21A2577 RB, dated
February 18, 2020, described
previously, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed AD.
For information on the procedures
and compliance times, see this service
information at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2020–
0848.
Explanation of Requirements Bulletin
The FAA worked in conjunction with
industry, under the Airworthiness
Directive Implementation Aviation
Rulemaking Committee (AD ARC), to
enhance the AD system. One
enhancement is a process for annotating
which steps in the service information
are ‘‘required for compliance’’ (RC) with
an AD. Boeing has implemented this RC
concept into Boeing service bulletins.
In an effort to further improve the
quality of ADs and AD-related Boeing
service information, a joint process
improvement initiative was worked
between the FAA and Boeing. The
initiative resulted in the development of
a new process in which the service
information more clearly identifies the
actions needed to address the unsafe
condition in the ‘‘Accomplishment
Instructions.’’ The new process results
in a Boeing Requirements Bulletin,
which contains only the actions needed
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 184 / Tuesday, September 22, 2020 / Proposed Rules
to address the unsafe condition (i.e.,
only the RC actions).
currently developing a modification that
will address the unsafe condition
identified in this AD. Once this
modification is developed, approved,
and available, the FAA might consider
additional rulemaking.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this proposed AD
interim action. The manufacturer is
59453
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed
AD affects 188 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs
to comply with this proposed AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Action
Labor cost
Repetitive inspections.
Parts cost
Up to 44 work-hours × $85 per hour =
Up to $3,740 per inspection cycle.
Cost per product
$0
Up to $3,740 per inspection
cycle.
The FAA has received no definitive
data that would enable providing cost
estimates for the on-condition actions
specified in this proposed AD.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Authority for This Rulemaking
The Proposed Amendment
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.
The FAA is 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.
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA has 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, 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.
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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.
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by
removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2007–07–03, Amendment 39–15003 (72
FR 14395, March 28, 2007), and adding
the following new AD:
■
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA–
2020–0848; Product Identifier 2020–
NM–088–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
AD action by November 6, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2007–07–03,
Amendment 39–15003 (72 FR 14395, March
28, 2007).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing
Company Model 747–100, 747–100B, 747–
100B SUD, 747–200B, 747–200C, 747–200F,
747–300, 747–400, 747–400D, 747–400F,
747SR, and 747SP series airplanes,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 21, Air conditioning.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of
sealant deteriorating on the outside of the
center wing fuel tank and analysis showing
that sealant may deteriorate inside the tank
due to excess heat from leaking trim air
diffuser ducts or sidewall riser duct
assemblies (collectively referred to as
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Up to $703,120 per inspection
cycle.
TADDs). This AD was also prompted by
reports indicating that the high temperature
composite material TADDs installed as
specified in AD 2007–07–03 have also failed.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
potential hot air leakage from original
fiberglass fabric material or high temperature
composite material TADDs that can cause
damage to the center wing fuel tank
secondary fuel barrier coating and primary
sealant, which can cause fuel leakage into an
ignition zone, possibly resulting in a fire or
explosion.
(f) Compliance
■
§ 39.13
Cost on U.S. operators
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Required Actions
Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this
AD: At the applicable times specified in the
‘‘Compliance,’’ paragraph of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 747–21A2577 RB,
dated February 18, 2020, do all applicable
actions identified in, and in accordance with,
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 747–21A2577
RB, dated February 18, 2020.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for
accomplishing the actions required by this
AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747–21A2577, dated February 18,
2020, which is referred to in Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 747–21A2577 RB,
dated February 18, 2020.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information
Specifications
(1) Where Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 747–21A2577 RB, dated February
18, 2020, uses the phrase ‘‘the original issue
date of Requirements Bulletin 747–21A2577
RB,’’ this AD requires using ‘‘the effective
date of this AD.’’
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 747–21A2577 RB, dated February
18, 2020, specifies contacting Boeing for
repair instructions: This AD requires doing
the repair before further flight using a
method approved in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this
AD.
(i) Parts Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, no
person may install an original fiberglass
fabric material TADD assembly, having a part
number listed in Appendix A of Boeing Alert
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 184 / Tuesday, September 22, 2020 / Proposed Rules
Requirements Bulletin 747–21A2577 RB,
dated February 18, 2020, on any airplane.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch,
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
certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9ANM-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.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
level of safety may be used for any repair,
modification, or alteration required by this
AD if it is approved by The Boeing Company
Organization Designation Authorization
(ODA) that has been authorized by the
Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, to make
those findings. To be approved, the repair
method, modification deviation, or alteration
deviation must meet the certification basis of
the airplane, and the approval must
specifically refer to this AD.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Susan L. Monroe, Aerospace
Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental
Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone and fax: 206–231–3570; email:
susan.l.monroe@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd.,
MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600;
telephone 562–797–1717; internet https://
www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this
referenced service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
206–231–3195.
Issued on September 14, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–20807 Filed 9–21–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
VerDate Sep<11>2014
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14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2016–3343; Product
Identifier 2015–SW–078–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of
proposed rulemaking (SNPRM);
reopening of comment period.
AGENCY:
The FAA is revising an earlier
proposal to supersede Airworthiness
Directive (AD) 2014–12–12, which
applies to certain Airbus Helicopters
Model EC120B and EC130B4
helicopters. This action revises the
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
by revising the compliance time,
expanding the applicability, and
providing improved procedures for
modifying the sliding door star support
as specified in a European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD,
which will be incorporated by reference.
The FAA is proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products. Since these actions would
impose an additional burden over those
in the NPRM, the FAA is reopening the
comment period to allow the public the
chance to comment on these changes.
DATES: The comment period for the
NPRM published in the Federal
Register on October 26, 2016 (81 FR
74362), is reopened.
The FAA must receive comments on
this SNPRM by November 6, 2020.
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 material incorporated by reference
(IBR) in this AD, contact the EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu;
internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may
SUMMARY:
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find this IBR material on the EASA
website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
You may view this IBR material at the
FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX
76177. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA,
call 817–222–5110. It is also available in
the AD docket on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
3343.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
3343; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this SNPRM,
any comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
David Hatfield, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Rotorcraft Standards Branch,
FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort
Worth, TX 76177; telephone 817–222–
5116; email david.hatfield@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to participate in
this rulemaking by submitting written
comments, data, or views about this
proposal. The most helpful comments
reference a specific portion of the
proposal, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. To ensure the docket
does not contain duplicate comments,
commenters should send only one copy
of written comments, or if comments are
filed electronically, commenters should
submit only one time. Send your
comments to an address listed under the
ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2016–3343; Product Identifier
2015–SW–078–AD’’ at the beginning of
your comments.
Except for Confidential Business
Information (CBI) as described in the
following paragraph, and other
information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments
received, without change, as well as a
report summarizing each substantive
public contact with FAA personnel
concerning this proposed rulemaking.
Before acting on this proposal, the FAA
will consider all comments received by
the closing date for comments. The FAA
will consider comments filed after the
E:\FR\FM\22SEP1.SGM
22SEP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 184 (Tuesday, September 22, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 59451-59454]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-20807]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0848; Product Identifier 2020-NM-088-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2007-07-03, which applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 747-100,
747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400,
747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes. AD 2007-07-03
requires repetitive tests to detect hot air leaking from the trim air
diffuser ducts or sidewall riser duct assemblies (collectively referred
to as TADDs), related investigative actions, and corrective actions if
necessary. AD 2007-07-03 also provides an optional terminating action
for the repetitive tests. Since the FAA issued AD 2007-07-03, operators
reported high temperature composite material TADDs installed as
specified in AD 2007-07-03 have also failed. This proposed AD would
require repetitive inspections of all TADD material for damage and
applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 6,
2020.
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 service information identified in this NPRM, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS),
2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-5600;
telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may
view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products
Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines,
WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA,
call 206-231-3195. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0848.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0848; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this NPRM, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for Docket Operations is listed above.
[[Page 59452]]
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan L. Monroe, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-
231-3570; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting
written comments, data, or views. The most helpful comments reference a
specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include supporting data. To ensure the docket
does not contain duplicate comments, commenters should send only one
copy of written comments, or if comments are filed electronically,
commenters should submit only one time.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will file in the docket all comments received, as well
as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. Before acting on this
proposal, the FAA will consider all comments received on or before the
closing date for comments. The FAA will consider comments filed after
the comment period has closed if it is possible to do so without
incurring expense or delay. The FAA may change this proposal in light
of the comments received.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Susan
L. Monroe, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems
Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3570; email: [email protected]. Any
commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated
as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.
Discussion
The FAA issued AD 2007-07-03, Amendment 39-15003 (72 FR 14395,
March 28, 2007) (``AD 2007-07-03''), for certain The Boeing Company
Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F,
747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series
airplanes. AD 2007-07-03 requires repetitive tests to detect hot air
leaking from the TADDs, related investigative actions, and corrective
actions if necessary. AD 2007-07-03 also provides an optional
terminating action (replacement of the original fiberglass material
TADDs with high temperature composition material TADDs) for the
repetitive tests. AD 2007-07-03 resulted from reports of sealant
deteriorating on the outside of the center wing fuel tank and analysis
showing that sealant may deteriorate inside the tank due to excess heat
from leaking TADDs. The FAA issued AD 2007-07-03 to address leakage of
fuel or fuel vapors into areas where ignition sources may be present,
which could result in a fire or explosion.
Actions Since AD 2007-07-03 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2007-07-03, operators reported high
temperature composite material TADDs installed as specified in AD 2007-
07-03 have also failed. Further inspection showed that the high
temperature composite material TADDs were ruptured, with damaged
insulation in poor condition. Analysis showed that hot trim air is
causing material properties degradation of both the original fiberglass
fabric material and high temperature composite material TADDs, which
potentially causes hot air leakage from the TADD(s).
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-21A2577 RB,
dated February 18, 2020. The service information describes procedures
for repetitive detailed inspections of TADDs made of original
fiberglass fabric material and high temperature composite material for
damage and applicable on-condition actions. On-condition actions
include TADD replacement, detailed inspection of the center wing tank
secondary fuel barrier and the center wing tank primary sealant for
damage, a measurement of the electrical conductivity change of the
upper skin of the center wing tank for indications of damage, other
replacement as applicable, and repair. This service information is
reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it
through their normal course of business or by the means identified in
the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is proposing this AD because the agency 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 retain none of the requirements of AD 2007-
07-03. However, the original TADDs specified in AD 2007-07-03, if
installed, will continue to be inspected per the new proposed
requirements of this AD. This proposed AD would require accomplishment
of the actions identified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-
21A2577 RB, dated February 18, 2020, described previously, except for
any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this
proposed AD.
For information on the procedures and compliance times, see this
service information at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0848.
Explanation of Requirements Bulletin
The FAA worked in conjunction with industry, under the
Airworthiness Directive Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee
(AD ARC), to enhance the AD system. One enhancement is a process for
annotating which steps in the service information are ``required for
compliance'' (RC) with an AD. Boeing has implemented this RC concept
into Boeing service bulletins.
In an effort to further improve the quality of ADs and AD-related
Boeing service information, a joint process improvement initiative was
worked between the FAA and Boeing. The initiative resulted in the
development of a new process in which the service information more
clearly identifies the actions needed to address the unsafe condition
in the ``Accomplishment Instructions.'' The new process results in a
Boeing Requirements Bulletin, which contains only the actions needed
[[Page 59453]]
to address the unsafe condition (i.e., only the RC actions).
Interim Action
The FAA considers this proposed AD interim action. The manufacturer
is currently developing a modification that will address the unsafe
condition identified in this AD. Once this modification is developed,
approved, and available, the FAA might consider additional rulemaking.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 188 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repetitive inspections......... Up to 44 work-hours x $0 Up to $3,740 per Up to $703,120 per
$85 per hour = Up to inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
$3,740 per inspection
cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable providing
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed
AD.
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.
The FAA is 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
The FAA has 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.
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
0
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]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2007-07-03, Amendment 39-15003 (72 FR 14395, March 28, 2007), and
adding the following new AD:
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2020-0848; Product Identifier
2020-NM-088-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by November 6,
2020.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2007-07-03, Amendment 39-15003 (72 FR 14395,
March 28, 2007).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-
100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400,
747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes, certificated
in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 21, Air
conditioning.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of sealant deteriorating on the
outside of the center wing fuel tank and analysis showing that
sealant may deteriorate inside the tank due to excess heat from
leaking trim air diffuser ducts or sidewall riser duct assemblies
(collectively referred to as TADDs). This AD was also prompted by
reports indicating that the high temperature composite material
TADDs installed as specified in AD 2007-07-03 have also failed. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address potential hot air leakage from
original fiberglass fabric material or high temperature composite
material TADDs that can cause damage to the center wing fuel tank
secondary fuel barrier coating and primary sealant, which can cause
fuel leakage into an ignition zone, possibly resulting in a fire or
explosion.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the
applicable times specified in the ``Compliance,'' paragraph of
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-21A2577 RB, dated February
18, 2020, do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance
with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 747-21A2577 RB, dated February 18, 2020.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747-21A2577, dated February 18, 2020, which is referred to in Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-21A2577 RB, dated February 18, 2020.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-21A2577 RB,
dated February 18, 2020, uses the phrase ``the original issue date
of Requirements Bulletin 747-21A2577 RB,'' this AD requires using
``the effective date of this AD.''
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-21A2577 RB,
dated February 18, 2020, specifies contacting Boeing for repair
instructions: This AD requires doing the repair before further
flight using a method approved in accordance with the procedures
specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.
(i) Parts Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an
original fiberglass fabric material TADD assembly, having a part
number listed in Appendix A of Boeing Alert
[[Page 59454]]
Requirements Bulletin 747-21A2577 RB, dated February 18, 2020, on
any airplane.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. Information may be
emailed to: [email protected].
(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.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD
if it is approved by The Boeing Company Organization Designation
Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle
ACO Branch, FAA, to make those findings. To be approved, the repair
method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must meet
the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must
specifically refer to this AD.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Susan L. Monroe,
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section,
FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
phone and fax: 206-231-3570; email: [email protected].
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-
5600; telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service
information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
Issued on September 14, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-20807 Filed 9-21-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
