Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 12809-12812 [2021-04713]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 42 / Friday, March 5, 2021 / Rules and Regulations disk and replace with a part that is eligible for installation. (2) For affected Safran Helicopter Engines Astazou XIV B and Astazou XIV H model turboshaft engines, within 25 FHs after the effective date of this AD, remove from service the Stage 3 turbine wheel and replace with a part that is eligible for installation. The Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES (h) Definitions 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: ■ 2021–05–22 Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Type Certificate previously held by Turbomeca, S.A.): Amendment 39– 21466; Docket No. FAA–2021–0132; Project Identifier MCAI–2020–00947–E. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 22, 2021. (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Safran Helicopter Engines (Type Certificate previously held by Turbomeca, S.A.): (1) Arriel 1B, Arriel 1C, Arriel 1C2, and Arriel 1D1 model turboshaft engines with a Stage 2 HPT disk part number (P/N) 0292250400 and serial number (S/N) J915AD, J918AD, J919AD, J921AD, J923AD, J924AD, J926AD or J927AD, installed; and (2) Astazou XIV B and Astazou XIV H model turboshaft engines with a Stage 3 turbine wheel P/N 0256257050 and S/N J276AD, J278AD, J279AD, J281AD, J282AD, J283AD or J287AD, installed. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7250, Turbine Section. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (1) For affected Safran Helicopter Engines Arriel 1B, Arriel 1C, Arriel 1C2 and Arriel 1D1 model turboshaft engines, within 25 flight hours (FHs) after the effective date of this AD, remove from service the Stage 2 HPT 15:52 Mar 04, 2021 Jkt 253001 (1) The Manager, ECO 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 ECO Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in Related Information. You may email your request to: ANE-AD-AMOC@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. (j) Related Information (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by the detection of positive segregation (freckles) on Stage 2 high-pressure turbine (HPT) disks and Stage 3 turbine wheels manufactured from a certain block of material. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPT disk. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the Stage 2 HPT disk and Stage 3 turbine wheels, uncontained release of these parts, damage to the helicopter, and reduced control of the helicopter. VerDate Sep<11>2014 (1) For the purpose of this AD, a part eligible for installation on Safran Helicopter Engines Arriel 1B, Arriel 1C, Arriel 1C2, and Arriel 1D1 model turboshaft engines is a Stage 2 HPT disk that does not have P/N 0292250400 and S/N J915AD, J918AD, J919AD, J921AD, J923AD, J924AD, J926AD or J927AD. (2) For the purpose of this AD, a part that is eligible for installation on Safran Helicopter Engines Astazou XIV B and Astazou XIV H model turboshaft engines is a Stage 3 turbine wheel that does not have P/N 0265257050 and S/N J276AD, J278AD, J279AD, J281AD, J282AD, J283AD, or J287AD. (1) For more information about this AD, contact Wego Wang, Aviation Safety Engineer, ECO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238–7134; fax: (781) 238–7199; email: wego.wang@faa.gov. (2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020–0151–E, dated July 9, 2020, and EASA AD 2020– 0161–E, dated July 17, 2020, for more information. You may examine the EASA ADs in the AD docket at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0132. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference None. Issued on February 26, 2021. Gaetano A. Sciortino, Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2021–04454 Filed 3–4–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 12809 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2021–0133; Project Identifier AD–2021–00234–T; Amendment 39–21469; AD 2021–06–03] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. AGENCY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 777F series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a water supply line that detached at a certain joint located above an electronic equipment (EE) cooling filter, leading to water intrusion into the forward EE bay. This AD requires deactivating the potable water system. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective March 5, 2021. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 5, 2021. The FAA must receive comments on this AD by April 19, 2021. 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 final rule, 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 SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\05MRR1.SGM 05MRR1 12810 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 42 / Friday, March 5, 2021 / Rules and Regulations material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. It is also available at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021– 0133. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0133; 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 final rule, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations is listed above. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Courtney Kronenberger, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206–231–3986; email: Courtney.A.Kronenberger@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES Background The FAA has received a report of a water supply line that detached above an EE cooling filter, leading to water intrusion into the forward EE bay, on a Model 777F series airplane with 34,000 total flight hours and 6,000 total flight cycles. During potable water servicing on ground, the operator received multiple messages appearing on the engine indication and crew alert system (EICAS) indicating multiple affected EE line replaceable units (LRUs). Further investigation revealed that the location of a joint on a swaged end fitting ferrule of a corrosion resistant stainless steel (CRES) water supply line had become partially or fully detached from the tube, causing water to spill onto an EE cooling filter (directly below the fitting) in the left-hand sidewall at station (STA) 571. The amount and duration of the water spillage are unknown. The cooling filter became saturated with the water, which was then blown via the EE cooling system into multiple EE LRUs located in the EE bay. Water that has been ingested or has entered into the EE cooling system via the cooling filter can be circulated to multiple EE racks and can accumulate on the LRUs, particularly where forced air cooling occurs. Water ingress to these LRUs can affect multiple EE bay racks and LRUs, resulting in loss of functionality or inaccurate output of critical electrical systems and possible loss of control of the airplane. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:52 Mar 04, 2021 Jkt 253001 Model 777F series airplanes line numbers (L/Ns) 960 and subsequent have a joint at this location from the factory-installed CRES tube assembly. Boeing released Service Bulletin 777– 38–0042 as an economic service bulletin providing operators with airplanes prior to L/N 960 instructions to retrofit to this configuration at their discretion. Therefore, this AD will require deactivation of the potable water system for all 777F with this joint installed either in production or through performance of Boeing SB 777–38–0042. FAA’s Determination The FAA is issuing this AD because the agency has determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed Boeing MOM– MOM–21–0089–01B, dated February 26, 2021. This service information specifies procedures for deactivating the potable water system. 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. AD Requirements This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service information already described, except as discussed under ‘‘Differences Between this AD and the Service Information.’’ This AD also prohibits the future accomplishment of the actions specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777–38– 0042. Difference Between This AD and the Service Information Boeing MOM–MOM–21–0089–01B, dated February 26, 2021, specifies one Safety Action and six Recommended Actions. Although the FAA recommends accomplishment of all of these actions, this AD requires only deactivation of the potable water system, as specified in the Safety Action of the service information. Interim Action The FAA considers this AD to be an 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. PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective Date Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ‘‘good cause,’’ finds that those procedures are ‘‘impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.’’ Under this section, an agency, upon finding good cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, upon a finding of good cause. An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies forgoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because water that has entered the EE cooling system via the cooling filter can affect multiple EE bay racks and LRUs, resulting in loss of functionality or inaccurate output of critical electrical systems and possible loss of control of the airplane. Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and contrary to the public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B). In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days, for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forgo notice and comment. Comments Invited The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include Docket No. FAA–2021–0133 and Project Identifier AD–2021– 00234–T at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this final rule because of those 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, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The agency will also post a report E:\FR\FM\05MRR1.SGM 05MRR1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 42 / Friday, March 5, 2021 / Rules and Regulations summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this final rule. 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 AD 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 AD, 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 AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Courtney Kronenberger, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206– 231–3986; email: Courtney.A.Kronenberger@faa.gov. Any commentary that the FAA receives that is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking. 12811 Regulatory Flexibility Act The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined that it has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment, RFA analysis is not required. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 58 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Action Labor cost Deactivation of potable water system ............. 2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 ............. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with 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. 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 This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 this AD: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, and (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska. VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:52 Mar 04, 2021 Jkt 253001 List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 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. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2021–06–03 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39–21469; Docket No. FAA–2021–0133; Project Identifier AD– 2021–00234–T. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 5, 2021. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 777F series airplanes, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 38, Water/waste. Frm 00013 Fmt 4700 $170 $9,860 (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of a water supply line that detached above an electronic equipment (EE) cooling filter, leading to water intrusion into the forward EE bay. The FAA is issuing this AD to address water entering the EE cooling system via the cooling filter, which can affect multiple EE bay racks and line replaceable units (LRUs), resulting in loss of functionality or inaccurate output of critical electrical systems and possible loss of control of the airplane. Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Deactivation of Potable Water System [Amended] ■ PO 00000 $0 Cost on U.S. operators (f) Compliance ■ § 39.13 Cost per product Parts cost Sfmt 4700 For the airplanes identified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD: Within 5 days after the effective date of this AD, deactivate the potable water system, in accordance with Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM– MOM–21–0089–01B, dated February 26, 2021 (MOM–MOM–21–0089–01B). (1) Line numbers (L/Ns) 959 and earlier on which the actions specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777–38–0042 have been accomplished. (2) L/Ns 960 and subsequent. Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance on deactivating the potable water system can be found in Boeing 777 Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) Task 38–10–00–040–801. (h) Installation Prohibition For airplanes not identified in paragraph (g) of this AD: As of the effective date of this AD, accomplishment of the actions specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777–38–0042 is prohibited. E:\FR\FM\05MRR1.SGM 05MRR1 12812 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 42 / Friday, March 5, 2021 / Rules and Regulations (i) Reporting Provisions Although Boeing MOM–MOM–21–0089– 01B specifies to report inspection findings, this AD does not require any report. (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 responsible Flight Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the person identified in Related Information. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANMSeattle-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 responsible Flight Standards 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. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES (k) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Courtney Kronenberger, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206–231–3986; email: Courtney.A.Kronenberger@faa.gov. (l) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM– MOM–21–0089–01B, dated February 26, 2021. (ii) [Reserved] (3) 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. (4) 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. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:52 Mar 04, 2021 Jkt 253001 email fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. Issued on March 2, 2021. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2021–04713 Filed 3–3–21; 11:15 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 97 [Docket No. 31358; Amdt. No. 3946] Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Miscellaneous Amendments Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: This rule amends, suspends, or removes Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and associated Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures for operations at certain airports. These regulatory actions are needed because of the adoption of new or revised criteria, or because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System, such as the commissioning of new navigational facilities, adding new obstacles, or changing air traffic requirements. These changes are designed to provide for the safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace and to promote safe flight operations under instrument flight rules at the affected airports. DATES: This rule is effective March 5, 2021. The compliance date for each SIAP, associated Takeoff Minimums, and ODP is specified in the amendatory provisions. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of March 5, 2021. ADDRESSES: Availability of matter incorporated by reference in the amendment is as follows: SUMMARY: For Examination 1. U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Ops-M30, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Bldg., Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20590–0001; 2. The FAA Air Traffic Organization Service Area in which the affected airport is located; 3. The office of Aeronautical Navigation Products, 6500 South PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 MacArthur Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73169 or, 4. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email fedreg.legal@nara.gov or go to: https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr-locations.html. Availability All SIAPs and Takeoff Minimums and ODPs are available online free of charge. Visit the National Flight Data Center online at nfdc.faa.gov to register. Additionally, individual SIAP and Takeoff Minimums and ODP copies may be obtained from the FAA Air Traffic Organization Service Area in which the affected airport is located. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas J. Nichols, Flight Procedures and Airspace Group, Flight Technologies and Procedures Division, Flight Standards Service, Federal Aviation Administration. Mailing Address: FAA Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, Flight Procedures and Airspace Group, 6500 South MacArthur Blvd., Registry Bldg. 29, Room 104, Oklahoma City, OK 73169. Telephone: (405) 954–4164. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This rule amends 14 CFR part 97 by amending the referenced SIAPs. The complete regulatory description of each SIAP is listed on the appropriate FAA Form 8260, as modified by the National Flight Data Center (NFDC)/Permanent Notice to Airmen (P–NOTAM), and is incorporated by reference under 5 U.S.C. 552(a), 1 CFR part 51, and 14 CFR 97.20. The large number of SIAPs, their complex nature, and the need for a special format make their verbatim publication in the Federal Register expensive and impractical. Further, airmen do not use the regulatory text of the SIAPs, but refer to their graphic depiction on charts printed by publishers of aeronautical materials. Thus, the advantages of incorporation by reference are realized and publication of the complete description of each SIAP contained on FAA form documents is unnecessary. This amendment provides the affected CFR sections, and specifies the SIAPs and Takeoff Minimums and ODPs with their applicable effective dates. This amendment also identifies the airport and its location, the procedure and the amendment number. Availability and Summary of Material Incorporated by Reference The material incorporated by reference is publicly available as listed in the ADDRESSES section. E:\FR\FM\05MRR1.SGM 05MRR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 42 (Friday, March 5, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12809-12812]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-04713]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0133; Project Identifier AD-2021-00234-T; 
Amendment 39-21469; AD 2021-06-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
The Boeing Company Model 777F series airplanes. This AD was prompted by 
a report of a water supply line that detached at a certain joint 
located above an electronic equipment (EE) cooling filter, leading to 
water intrusion into the forward EE bay. This AD requires deactivating 
the potable water system. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective March 5, 2021.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 5, 
2021.
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by April 19, 2021.

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 final rule, 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

[[Page 12810]]

material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0133.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0133; 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 final rule, any 
comments received, and other information. The street address for the 
Docket Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Courtney Kronenberger, Aerospace 
Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle 
ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 
206-231-3986; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA has received a report of a water supply line that detached 
above an EE cooling filter, leading to water intrusion into the forward 
EE bay, on a Model 777F series airplane with 34,000 total flight hours 
and 6,000 total flight cycles.
    During potable water servicing on ground, the operator received 
multiple messages appearing on the engine indication and crew alert 
system (EICAS) indicating multiple affected EE line replaceable units 
(LRUs). Further investigation revealed that the location of a joint on 
a swaged end fitting ferrule of a corrosion resistant stainless steel 
(CRES) water supply line had become partially or fully detached from 
the tube, causing water to spill onto an EE cooling filter (directly 
below the fitting) in the left-hand sidewall at station (STA) 571. The 
amount and duration of the water spillage are unknown. The cooling 
filter became saturated with the water, which was then blown via the EE 
cooling system into multiple EE LRUs located in the EE bay.
    Water that has been ingested or has entered into the EE cooling 
system via the cooling filter can be circulated to multiple EE racks 
and can accumulate on the LRUs, particularly where forced air cooling 
occurs. Water ingress to these LRUs can affect multiple EE bay racks 
and LRUs, resulting in loss of functionality or inaccurate output of 
critical electrical systems and possible loss of control of the 
airplane. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.
    Model 777F series airplanes line numbers (L/Ns) 960 and subsequent 
have a joint at this location from the factory-installed CRES tube 
assembly. Boeing released Service Bulletin 777-38-0042 as an economic 
service bulletin providing operators with airplanes prior to L/N 960 
instructions to retrofit to this configuration at their discretion. 
Therefore, this AD will require deactivation of the potable water 
system for all 777F with this joint installed either in production or 
through performance of Boeing SB 777-38-0042.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this AD because the agency has determined the 
unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in 
other products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Boeing MOM-MOM-21-0089-01B, dated February 26, 
2021. This service information specifies procedures for deactivating 
the potable water system. 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.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service 
information already described, except as discussed under ``Differences 
Between this AD and the Service Information.'' This AD also prohibits 
the future accomplishment of the actions specified in Boeing Service 
Bulletin 777-38-0042.

Difference Between This AD and the Service Information

    Boeing MOM-MOM-21-0089-01B, dated February 26, 2021, specifies one 
Safety Action and six Recommended Actions. Although the FAA recommends 
accomplishment of all of these actions, this AD requires only 
deactivation of the potable water system, as specified in the Safety 
Action of the service information.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this AD to be an 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.

Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective 
Date

    Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and 
comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds 
that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to 
the public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good 
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking 
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA 
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, 
upon a finding of good cause.
    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies forgoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule 
because water that has entered the EE cooling system via the cooling 
filter can affect multiple EE bay racks and LRUs, resulting in loss of 
functionality or inaccurate output of critical electrical systems and 
possible loss of control of the airplane. Accordingly, notice and 
opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and contrary to 
the public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B).
    In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days, 
for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forgo notice and 
comment.

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments 
about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under 
ADDRESSES. Include Docket No. FAA-2021-0133 and Project Identifier AD-
2021- 00234-T at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this final rule because of those 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, to 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The agency will also post a report

[[Page 12811]]

summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this final 
rule.

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 AD 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 AD, 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 AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to 
Courtney Kronenberger, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and 
Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3986; email: 
[email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives 
that is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public 
docket for this rulemaking.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not 
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt 
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined 
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment, 
RFA analysis is not required.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 58 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deactivation of potable water system..  2 work-hours x $85 per                $0            $170          $9,860
                                         hour = $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will 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 this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866, and
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2021-06-03 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-21469; Docket No. FAA-
2021-0133; Project Identifier AD-2021-00234-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 5, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 777F series 
airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 38, Water/waste.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of a water supply line that 
detached above an electronic equipment (EE) cooling filter, leading 
to water intrusion into the forward EE bay. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to address water entering the EE cooling system via the cooling 
filter, which can affect multiple EE bay racks and line replaceable 
units (LRUs), resulting in loss of functionality or inaccurate 
output of critical electrical systems and possible loss of control 
of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Deactivation of Potable Water System

    For the airplanes identified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of 
this AD: Within 5 days after the effective date of this AD, 
deactivate the potable water system, in accordance with Boeing Multi 
Operator Message MOM-MOM-21-0089-01B, dated February 26, 2021 (MOM-
MOM-21-0089-01B).
    (1) Line numbers (L/Ns) 959 and earlier on which the actions 
specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-38-0042 have been 
accomplished.
    (2) L/Ns 960 and subsequent.
    Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance on deactivating the potable 
water system can be found in Boeing 777 Aircraft Maintenance Manual 
(AMM) Task 38-10-00-040-801.

(h) Installation Prohibition

    For airplanes not identified in paragraph (g) of this AD: As of 
the effective date of this AD, accomplishment of the actions 
specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-38-0042 is prohibited.

[[Page 12812]]

(i) Reporting Provisions

    Although Boeing MOM-MOM-21-0089-01B specifies to report 
inspection findings, this AD does not require any report.

(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 responsible Flight Standards Office, 
as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of 
the certification office, send it to the attention of the person 
identified in Related Information. 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 responsible Flight Standards 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

    For more information about this AD, contact Courtney 
Kronenberger, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental 
Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3986; email: 
[email protected].

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM-MOM-21-0089-01B, dated 
February 26, 2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) 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.
    (4) 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.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, email [email protected], or go to https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on March 2, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-04713 Filed 3-3-21; 11:15 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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