Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 64085-64089 [2021-24834]
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64085
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
Vol. 86, No. 219
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains notices to the public of the proposed
issuance of rules and regulations. The
purpose of these notices is to give interested
persons an opportunity to participate in the
rule making prior to the adoption of the final
rules.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2021–0877; Project
Identifier AD–2020–01316–T]
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 adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain The Boeing Company Model
747–100B SUD, 747–200B, 747–200C,
747–200F, 747–300, 747SP, 747–400,
747–400D, and 747–400F series
airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by a determination that a
certain fastener type that penetrates the
fuel tank walls has insufficient bond to
the structure, and energy from a
lightning strike or high-powered short
circuit could cause arcing to occur at the
ends of fasteners in the fuel tanks. This
proposed AD would require, for certain
airplanes, reconfiguring the clamps of
certain wire bundles, applying sealant
to certain fasteners that penetrate the
fuel tank walls, installing cushion
clamps and polytetrafluoroethylene
(TFE) sleeves, inspecting to determine if
sealant was applied to certain fasteners,
and applying sealant if necessary. This
proposed AD would also require, for all
airplanes, revising the maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate new, more restrictive
airworthiness limitations. 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 January 3, 2022.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
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SUMMARY:
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• 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.
Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 747–57–2327, Revision 8, dated
November 13, 2020, is also available on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–
0877.
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–2021–
0877; 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rose
Len, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion
Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
phone and fax: 206–231–3604; email:
rose.len@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send
your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2021–0877; Project Identifier AD–
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2020–01316–T’’ at the beginning of your
comments. The most helpful comments
reference a specific portion of the
proposal, 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 the proposal
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
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this proposed
AD.
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 Rose Len, Aerospace
Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA,
Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and
fax: 206–231–3604; email: rose.len@
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.
Background
The FAA has examined the
underlying safety issues involved in fuel
tank explosions on several large
transport airplanes, including the
adequacy of existing regulations, the
service history of airplanes subject to
those regulations, and existing
maintenance practices for fuel tank
systems. As a result of those findings,
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the FAA issued a final rule titled
‘‘Transport Airplane Fuel Tank System
Design Review, Flammability
Reduction, and Maintenance and
Inspection Requirements’’ (66 FR 23086,
May 7, 2001). In addition to new
airworthiness standards for transport
airplanes and new maintenance
requirements, that rule included
Amendment 21–78, which established
Special Federal Aviation Regulation No.
88 (‘‘SFAR 88’’) at 14 CFR part 21.
Subsequently, SFAR 88 was amended
by Amendment 21–82 (67 FR 57490,
September 10, 2002; corrected at 67 FR
70809, November 26, 2002) and
Amendment 21–83 (67 FR 72830,
December 9, 2002; corrected at 68 FR
37735, June 25, 2003, to change ‘‘21–82’’
to ‘‘21–83’’).
Among other actions, SFAR 88
requires certain type design (i.e., type
certificate (TC) and supplemental type
certificate (STC)) holders to substantiate
that their fuel tank systems can prevent
ignition sources in the fuel tanks. This
requirement applies to type design
holders for large turbine-powered
transport airplanes and for subsequent
modifications to those airplanes. It
requires them to perform design reviews
and to develop design changes and
maintenance procedures if their designs
do not meet the new fuel tank safety
standards. As explained in the preamble
to the final rule published on May 7,
2001, the FAA intended to adopt
airworthiness directives to mandate any
changes found necessary to address
unsafe conditions identified as a result
of these reviews.
In evaluating these design reviews,
the FAA has established four criteria
intended to define the unsafe conditions
associated with fuel tank systems that
require corrective actions. The
percentage of operating time during
which fuel tanks are exposed to
flammable conditions is one of these
criteria. The other three criteria address
the failure types under evaluation:
Single failures, combination of failures,
and unacceptable (failure) experience.
For all three failure criteria, the
evaluations included consideration of
previous actions taken that may mitigate
the need for further action.
The FAA has determined that the
actions identified in this proposed AD
are necessary to reduce the potential of
ignition sources inside fuel tanks,
which, in combination with flammable
fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank
explosion or fire.
The FAA has received a report
indicating that a certain type of fastener
used in the fuel tank walls of Model 747
airplanes is insufficiently bonded to the
airplane structure. Further, these
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fasteners do not have sufficient
electrical insulation applied inside the
fuel tanks to prevent arcing in the event
of a lightning strike or high-powered
short circuit. This condition, if not
corrected, could result in a fuel tank
explosion or fire.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 747–57–
2327, Revision 8, dated November 13,
2020. This service information describes
procedures for reconfiguring the clamps
of certain wire bundles, applying
sealant to certain fasteners that
penetrate the fuel tank walls, and
installing cushion clamps and TFE
sleeves on the wire bundles of the front
spars and rear spars of the wings.
The FAA also reviewed Boeing
Service Bulletin 747–57–2326, Revision
1, dated January 31, 2008. This service
information describes procedures for,
among other actions, applying sealant to
certain fasteners.
The FAA also reviewed The Boeing
Company 747–400 Maintenance
Planning Data (MPD) Document, Section
9, Airworthiness Limitations (AWL) and
Certification Maintenance Requirements
(CMRs), D621U400–9, Revision
February 2020, which includes revised
AWL tasks 28–AWL–33, 28–AWL–34,
and 28–AWL–37; and The Boeing
Company 747–100/200/300/SP/SR
Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) and
Certification Maintenance Requirements
(CMRs), D6–13747–CMR, Revision
September 2020, which includes revised
AWL tasks 28–AWL–25, 28–AWL–27,
and 28–AWL–28. The revised AWL
tasks describe fuel airworthiness
limitation items (ALIs) and critical
design configuration control limitations
(CDCCLs) that address fuel tank
systems. These documents are distinct
because they apply to different airplane
models. The new AWLs include:
• An ALI (periodic inspections) of the
cushion clamps and teflon sleeving
installed on out-of-tank wire bundles
installed on brackets that are mounted
directly on the fuel tanks;
• A CDCCL for the cushion clamps
and teflon sleeving installed on out-oftank wire bundles installed on brackets
that are mounted directly on the fuel
tanks; and
• A CDCCL for lightning, fault current
or hot short protection features.
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.
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Other Relevant Rulemaking
AD 2007–20–01, Amendment 39–
15211 (72 FR 54533, September 26,
2007) (AD 2007–20–01), requires actions
in accordance with Boeing Service
Bulletin 747–57–2326, dated January 4,
2007; and Boeing Service Bulletin 747–
57–2327, Revision 1, dated July 10,
2006. AD 2007–20–01 applies to certain
The Boeing Company Model 747–100B
SUD, 747–200B, 747–200C, 747–200F,
747–300, 747SP, 747–400, 747–400D,
and 747–400F series airplanes. The FAA
has determined that AD 2007–20–01 did
not fully address the unsafe condition
for Model 747–100B SUD, 747–200B,
747–200C, 747–200F, 747–300, 747SP,
747–400, 747–400D, and 747–400F
series airplanes. The service information
for AD 2007–20–01 has been revised
and contains additional work as
described previously.
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 require, for
certain airplanes, reconfiguring the
clamps of certain wire bundles,
applying sealant to certain fasteners that
penetrate the fuel tank walls, installing
cushion clamps and TFE sleeves,
inspecting to determine if sealant was
applied to certain fasteners, and
applying sealant if necessary. This
proposed AD would also require, for all
airplanes, revising the maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate new, more restrictive
airworthiness limitations.
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the Service Information
Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 747–57–2327, Revision 8, dated
November 13, 2020, specifies a
compliance time of 60 months to
accomplish Work Packages 13 through
20 and a compliance time of 27 months
to accomplish Work Package 21. The
FAA has determined that all work
packages may be done within 60 months
as it is not necessary to accomplish
Work Package 21 prior to the other work
packages. The FAA has determined that
the 60-month compliance time is
appropriate and will not adversely affect
safety.
In The Boeing Company 747–100/
200/300/SP/SR Airworthiness
Limitations (AWLs) and Certification
Maintenance Requirements (CMRs), D6–
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13747–CMR, Revision September 2020,
the ‘‘Applicability’’ of airworthiness
limitations 28–AWL–25 and 28–AWL–
27 specifies ‘‘ALL’’ and ‘‘NOTE.’’ The
FAA has determined that the
applicability should be ‘‘Airplanes L/N
645 and on’’ as those limitations do not
apply to airplanes having line numbers
1 through 644 inclusive. In addition, the
‘‘Applicability Note’’ in the Description
column does not apply. This difference
is specified in paragraph (h)(2) of the
proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed
AD affects 104 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs
to comply with this proposed AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Reconfiguring clamps, inspections, applying
sealant, and installing clamps and TFE
sleeves.
Up to 30 work-hours × $85 per hour = Up
to $2,550.
The FAA has determined that revising
the maintenance or inspection program
takes an average of 90 work-hours per
operator, although the agency
recognizes that this number may vary
from operator to operator. Since
operators incorporate maintenance or
inspection program changes for their
Cost per
product
Parts cost
Up to $2,004
affected fleet(s), the FAA has
determined that a per-operator estimate
is more accurate than a per-airplane
estimate. Therefore, the agency
estimates the average total cost per
operator to be $7,650 (90 work-hours ×
$85 per work-hour).
Up to $4,554
Cost on U.S.
operators
Up to $473,616.
The FAA estimates the following
costs to do any necessary application of
sealant that would be required based on
the results of the proposed inspections.
The agency has no way of determining
the number of aircraft that might need
this action:
ON-CONDITION COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Parts cost
Applying sealant ........................................................
Up to 102 work-hours × $85 per hour = Up to
$8,670.
Up to $6,813 .....
The FAA has included all known
costs in its cost estimate. According to
the manufacturer, however, some or all
of the costs of this proposed AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby
reducing the cost impact on affected
operators.
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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.
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Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this
proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the
States, on the relationship between the
national Government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate
aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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:
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Cost per product
Up to $15,483.
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
■
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA–
2021–0877; Project Identifier AD–2020–
01316–T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) by January 3,
2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company
Model 747–100B SUD, 747–200B, 747–200C,
747–200F, 747–300, 747SP, 747–400, 747–
400D, and 747–400F series airplanes,
certificated in any category, having line
numbers 645 and subsequent.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 57, Wings.
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 219 / Wednesday, November 17, 2021 / Proposed Rules
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by fuel system
reviews conducted by the manufacturer. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address arcing in
the event of a lightning strike or highpowered short circuit, which could result in
a fuel tank explosion or fire.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
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(g) Reconfiguration of Wire Bundle Clamps,
Sealant Application, Installation of Clamps
and Sleeves, Inspections, and Corrective
Actions
(1) For Group 1 through 9, 11, and 16
through 45 airplanes identified in Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 747–57–
2327, Revision 8, dated November 13, 2020:
Within 60 months after the effective date of
this AD, reconfigure the clamps of the
specified wire bundles, apply sealant to the
specified fasteners that penetrate the fuel
tank walls, and install cushion clamps and
polytetrafluoroethylene (TFE) sleeves on the
wire bundles of the front spars and rear spars
of the wings, as applicable, in accordance
with Work Packages 13 through 21, as
applicable, of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 747–57–2327, Revision 8,
dated November 13, 2020.
(2) For airplanes on which the actions
specified in Work Package 7, 8, or 9 of Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 747–57–
2327 have been done: Within 60 months after
the effective date of this AD: Inspect to
determine if the fillet sealant identified in
step 5 of Figure 23 of Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 747–57–2327,
Revision 8, dated November 13, 2020, was
applied to fully encapsulate the fastener
penetrating the fuel tank; and if the sealant
does not fully encapsulate the fastener,
before further flight, apply sealant as
specified in step 5 of Figure 23, except where
note (f) of Figure 23 specifies to ‘‘make sure
to apply the fillet sealant on the fastener,’’
this AD requires applying the fillet sealant to
fully encapsulate the fastener penetrating the
fuel tank.
(3) For Group 2 airplanes identified in
Boeing Service Bulletin 747–57–2326,
Revision 1, dated January 31, 2008: Within
60 months after the effective date of this AD,
inspect to determine if all fasteners identified
in Figures 4 and 5 of Boeing Service Bulletin
747–57–2326, Revision 1, dated January 31,
2008, have been sealed; and if any fasteners
are not sealed, before further flight, apply
sealant in accordance with Figure 1 of Boeing
Service Bulletin 747–57–2326, Revision 1,
dated January 31, 2008.
(h) Maintenance or Inspection Program
Revision
(1) For Model 747–400, 747–400D, and
747–400F series airplanes: Within 60 days
after the effective date of this AD: Revise the
existing maintenance or inspection program,
as applicable, by incorporating the
information in airworthiness limitations 28–
AWL–33, 28–AWL–34, and 28–AWL–37 of
The Boeing Company 747–400 Maintenance
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Planning Data (MPD) Document, Section 9,
Airworthiness Limitations (AWL) and
Certification Maintenance Requirements
(CMRs), D621U400–9, Revision February
2020. The initial compliance time for doing
the tasks is at the time specified in Boeing
747–400 MPD Document, Section 9, AWL
and CMRs, D621U400–9, Revision February
2020, or within 60 days after the effective
date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
(2) For Model 747–100B SUD, 747–200B,
747–200C, 747–200F, 747–300, and 747SP
series airplanes: Within 60 days after the
effective date of this AD: Revise the existing
maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable, by incorporating the information
in airworthiness limitations 28–AWL–25, 28–
AWL–27, and 28–AWL–28 of The Boeing
Company 747–100/200/300/SP/SR
Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) and
Certification Maintenance Requirements
(CMRs), D6–13747–CMR, Revision
September 2020; except where the
‘‘Applicability’’ of airworthiness limitations
28–AWL–25 and 28–AWL–27 specifies
‘‘ALL’’ and ‘‘NOTE,’’ replace ‘‘ALL’’ and
‘‘NOTE’’ with ‘‘Airplanes L/N 645 and on’’
and remove the ‘‘Applicability Note’’ from
the Description column of 28–AWL–25 and
28–AWL–27. The initial compliance time for
doing the tasks is at the time specified in The
Boeing Company Airworthiness Limitations
(AWLs) and Certification Maintenance
Requirements (CMRs), D6–13747–CMR,
Revision September 2020, or within 60 days
after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs later.
(i) No Alternative Actions, Intervals, and
Critical Design Configuration Control
Limitations (CDCCLs)
After the maintenance or inspection
program has been revised as required by
paragraph (h)(1) or (2) of this AD, no
alternative actions (e.g., inspections),
intervals, and CDCCLs may be used unless
the actions, intervals, and CDCCLs are
approved as an alternative method of
compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (k) of this
AD.
(j) Credit for Previous Actions
(1) This paragraph provides credit for the
Work Package 13 actions specified in
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if those actions
were performed before the effective date of
this AD using the service information
specified in paragraphs (j)(1)(i) through (iv)
of this AD.
(i) Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 747–57–2327, Revision 4, dated
August 26, 2010.
(ii) Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 747–57–2327, Revision 5, dated
September 20, 2011.
(iii) Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 747–57–2327, Revision 6, dated
February 21, 2013.
(iv) Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 747–57–2327, Revision 7, dated
November 30, 2017.
(2) This paragraph provides credit for the
Work Package 14, 15, and 16 actions
specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if
those actions were performed before the
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effective date of this AD using the service
information specified in paragraphs (j)(2)(i)
through (iii) of this AD.
(i) Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 747–57–2327, Revision 5, dated
September 20, 2011.
(ii) Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 747–57–2327, Revision 6, dated
February 21, 2013.
(iii) Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 747–57–2327, Revision 7, dated
November 30, 2017.
(3) This paragraph provides credit for the
Work Package 17 actions specified in
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if those actions
were performed before the effective date of
this AD using the service information
specified in paragraphs (j)(3)(i) or (ii) of this
AD.
(i) Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 747–57–2327, Revision 6, dated
February 21, 2013.
(ii) Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 747–57–2327, Revision 7, dated
November 30, 2017.
(4) This paragraph provides credit for the
Work Package 18, 19, and 20 actions
specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if
those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 747–57–2327,
Revision 7, dated November 30, 2017.
(k) 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 paragraph (l)(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 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.
(l) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Rose Len, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines,
WA 98198; phone and fax: 206–231–3604;
email: rose.len@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;
E:\FR\FM\17NOP1.SGM
17NOP1
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 219 / Wednesday, November 17, 2021 / Proposed Rules
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.
Issued on October 8, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives,
Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–24834 Filed 11–16–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–1022; Project
Identifier AD–2020–01101–T]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of
proposed rulemaking (SNPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA is revising a notice
of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that
would have applied to certain The
Boeing Company Model 757–200,
–200CB, and –300 series airplanes. This
action revises the NPRM by including
additional airplanes that are also subject
to the identified unsafe condition. Since
this change would impose an additional
burden over that in the NPRM, the FAA
is requesting comments on this SNPRM.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this SNPRM by January 3, 2022.
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 SNPRM, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, Attention:
Contractual & Data Services (C&DS),
2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110–SK57,
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with PROPOSALS
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:34 Nov 16, 2021
Jkt 256001
Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600; phone:
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–2020–1022.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–1022; 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Tony Koung, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin
Safety and Environmental Systems
Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
phone and fax: 206–231–3985; email:
tony.koung@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any
written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send
your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2020–1022; Project Identifier AD–
2020–01101–T’’ at the beginning of your
comments. The most helpful comments
reference a specific portion of the
proposal, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. The FAA will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may again revise this proposal
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
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this proposed
AD.
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
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
64089
from public disclosure. If your
comments responsive to this SNPRM
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 SNPRM, 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 SNPRM. Submissions containing
CBI should be sent to Tony Koung,
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and
Environmental Systems Section, FAA,
Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and
fax: 206–231–3985; email: tony.koung@
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.
Background
The FAA issued an NPRM to amend
14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that
would apply to The Boeing Company
Model 757–200, –200CB, and –300
series airplanes. The NPRM published
in the Federal Register on December 30,
2020 (85 FR 86515). The NPRM was
prompted by a report indicating that the
passenger service units (PSUs) and life
vest panels became separated from their
attachments during several survivable
accident sequences. In the NPRM, the
FAA proposed to require installing
lanyard assemblies on the PSUs, and,
for certain airplanes, on the life vest
panels and video panels as applicable.
Comments
The FAA received a comment from
one individual who supported the
NPRM without change.
The FAA received additional
comments from four commenters,
including Boeing, ST Engineering
Aerospace, American Airlines, and
Delta Air Lines. The following presents
the comments received on the NPRM
and the FAA’s response to each
comment.
Request To Add Revised Service
Information
Boeing asked that Boeing Special
Attention Requirements Bulletin 757–
25–0315 RB, Revision 2, dated March
17, 2021, be added to the proposed AD
(Revision 1, dated May 20, 2020, was
referred to for accomplishing the actions
in the NPRM). Boeing stated that
Revision 2 includes airplanes having
variable number NB451 and four other
airplanes that have been determined to
E:\FR\FM\17NOP1.SGM
17NOP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 219 (Wednesday, November 17, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 64085-64089]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-24834]
========================================================================
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 219 / Wednesday, November 17, 2021 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 64085]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0877; Project Identifier AD-2020-01316-T]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C,
747-200F, 747-300, 747SP, 747-400, 747-400D, and 747-400F series
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that a
certain fastener type that penetrates the fuel tank walls has
insufficient bond to the structure, and energy from a lightning strike
or high-powered short circuit could cause arcing to occur at the ends
of fasteners in the fuel tanks. This proposed AD would require, for
certain airplanes, reconfiguring the clamps of certain wire bundles,
applying sealant to certain fasteners that penetrate the fuel tank
walls, installing cushion clamps and polytetrafluoroethylene (TFE)
sleeves, inspecting to determine if sealant was applied to certain
fasteners, and applying sealant if necessary. This proposed AD would
also require, for all airplanes, revising the maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable, to incorporate new, more restrictive
airworthiness limitations. 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 January 3,
2022.
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. Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-
2327, Revision 8, dated November 13, 2020, is also available on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2021-0877.
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-2021-
0877; 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rose Len, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3604; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-0877; Project Identifier
AD-2020-01316-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, 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
the proposal 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 summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this proposed AD.
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 Rose
Len, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-
3604; 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.
Background
The FAA has examined the underlying safety issues involved in fuel
tank explosions on several large transport airplanes, including the
adequacy of existing regulations, the service history of airplanes
subject to those regulations, and existing maintenance practices for
fuel tank systems. As a result of those findings,
[[Page 64086]]
the FAA issued a final rule titled ``Transport Airplane Fuel Tank
System Design Review, Flammability Reduction, and Maintenance and
Inspection Requirements'' (66 FR 23086, May 7, 2001). In addition to
new airworthiness standards for transport airplanes and new maintenance
requirements, that rule included Amendment 21-78, which established
Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88 (``SFAR 88'') at 14 CFR part
21. Subsequently, SFAR 88 was amended by Amendment 21-82 (67 FR 57490,
September 10, 2002; corrected at 67 FR 70809, November 26, 2002) and
Amendment 21-83 (67 FR 72830, December 9, 2002; corrected at 68 FR
37735, June 25, 2003, to change ``21-82'' to ``21-83'').
Among other actions, SFAR 88 requires certain type design (i.e.,
type certificate (TC) and supplemental type certificate (STC)) holders
to substantiate that their fuel tank systems can prevent ignition
sources in the fuel tanks. This requirement applies to type design
holders for large turbine-powered transport airplanes and for
subsequent modifications to those airplanes. It requires them to
perform design reviews and to develop design changes and maintenance
procedures if their designs do not meet the new fuel tank safety
standards. As explained in the preamble to the final rule published on
May 7, 2001, the FAA intended to adopt airworthiness directives to
mandate any changes found necessary to address unsafe conditions
identified as a result of these reviews.
In evaluating these design reviews, the FAA has established four
criteria intended to define the unsafe conditions associated with fuel
tank systems that require corrective actions. The percentage of
operating time during which fuel tanks are exposed to flammable
conditions is one of these criteria. The other three criteria address
the failure types under evaluation: Single failures, combination of
failures, and unacceptable (failure) experience. For all three failure
criteria, the evaluations included consideration of previous actions
taken that may mitigate the need for further action.
The FAA has determined that the actions identified in this proposed
AD are necessary to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside
fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could
result in fuel tank explosion or fire.
The FAA has received a report indicating that a certain type of
fastener used in the fuel tank walls of Model 747 airplanes is
insufficiently bonded to the airplane structure. Further, these
fasteners do not have sufficient electrical insulation applied inside
the fuel tanks to prevent arcing in the event of a lightning strike or
high-powered short circuit. This condition, if not corrected, could
result in a fuel tank explosion or fire.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-
2327, Revision 8, dated November 13, 2020. This service information
describes procedures for reconfiguring the clamps of certain wire
bundles, applying sealant to certain fasteners that penetrate the fuel
tank walls, and installing cushion clamps and TFE sleeves on the wire
bundles of the front spars and rear spars of the wings.
The FAA also reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 747-57-2326, Revision
1, dated January 31, 2008. This service information describes
procedures for, among other actions, applying sealant to certain
fasteners.
The FAA also reviewed The Boeing Company 747-400 Maintenance
Planning Data (MPD) Document, Section 9, Airworthiness Limitations
(AWL) and Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMRs), D621U400-9,
Revision February 2020, which includes revised AWL tasks 28-AWL-33, 28-
AWL-34, and 28-AWL-37; and The Boeing Company 747-100/200/300/SP/SR
Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) and Certification Maintenance
Requirements (CMRs), D6-13747-CMR, Revision September 2020, which
includes revised AWL tasks 28-AWL-25, 28-AWL-27, and 28-AWL-28. The
revised AWL tasks describe fuel airworthiness limitation items (ALIs)
and critical design configuration control limitations (CDCCLs) that
address fuel tank systems. These documents are distinct because they
apply to different airplane models. The new AWLs include:
An ALI (periodic inspections) of the cushion clamps and
teflon sleeving installed on out-of-tank wire bundles installed on
brackets that are mounted directly on the fuel tanks;
A CDCCL for the cushion clamps and teflon sleeving
installed on out-of-tank wire bundles installed on brackets that are
mounted directly on the fuel tanks; and
A CDCCL for lightning, fault current or hot short
protection features.
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.
Other Relevant Rulemaking
AD 2007-20-01, Amendment 39-15211 (72 FR 54533, September 26, 2007)
(AD 2007-20-01), requires actions in accordance with Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-57-2326, dated January 4, 2007; and Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-57-2327, Revision 1, dated July 10, 2006. AD 2007-20-01
applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 747-100B SUD, 747-200B,
747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747SP, 747-400, 747-400D, and 747-400F
series airplanes. The FAA has determined that AD 2007-20-01 did not
fully address the unsafe condition for Model 747-100B SUD, 747-200B,
747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747SP, 747-400, 747-400D, and 747-400F
series airplanes. The service information for AD 2007-20-01 has been
revised and contains additional work as described previously.
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 require, for certain airplanes,
reconfiguring the clamps of certain wire bundles, applying sealant to
certain fasteners that penetrate the fuel tank walls, installing
cushion clamps and TFE sleeves, inspecting to determine if sealant was
applied to certain fasteners, and applying sealant if necessary. This
proposed AD would also require, for all airplanes, revising the
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new,
more restrictive airworthiness limitations.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2327, Revision 8,
dated November 13, 2020, specifies a compliance time of 60 months to
accomplish Work Packages 13 through 20 and a compliance time of 27
months to accomplish Work Package 21. The FAA has determined that all
work packages may be done within 60 months as it is not necessary to
accomplish Work Package 21 prior to the other work packages. The FAA
has determined that the 60-month compliance time is appropriate and
will not adversely affect safety.
In The Boeing Company 747-100/200/300/SP/SR Airworthiness
Limitations (AWLs) and Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMRs),
D6-
[[Page 64087]]
13747-CMR, Revision September 2020, the ``Applicability'' of
airworthiness limitations 28-AWL-25 and 28-AWL-27 specifies ``ALL'' and
``NOTE.'' The FAA has determined that the applicability should be
``Airplanes L/N 645 and on'' as those limitations do not apply to
airplanes having line numbers 1 through 644 inclusive. In addition, the
``Applicability Note'' in the Description column does not apply. This
difference is specified in paragraph (h)(2) of the proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 104 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reconfiguring clamps, Up to 30 work- Up to $2,004..... Up to $4,554..... Up to $473,616.
inspections, applying hours x $85 per
sealant, and installing hour = Up to
clamps and TFE sleeves. $2,550.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA has determined that revising the maintenance or inspection
program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, although the
agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator to operator.
Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection program changes
for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined that a per-operator
estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane estimate. Therefore, the
agency estimates the average total cost per operator to be $7,650 (90
work-hours x $85 per work-hour).
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
application of sealant that would be required based on the results of
the proposed inspections. The agency has no way of determining the
number of aircraft that might need this action:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Applying sealant..................... Up to 102 work-hours x Up to $6,813........... Up to $15,483.
$85 per hour = Up to
$8,670.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of
this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the
cost impact on affected operators.
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 determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2021-0877; Project Identifier AD-
2020-01316-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by January 3, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-100B SUD, 747-
200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747SP, 747-400, 747-400D, and
747-400F series airplanes, certificated in any category, having line
numbers 645 and subsequent.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.
[[Page 64088]]
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the
manufacturer. The FAA is issuing this AD to address arcing in the
event of a lightning strike or high-powered short circuit, which
could result in a fuel tank explosion or fire.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Reconfiguration of Wire Bundle Clamps, Sealant Application,
Installation of Clamps and Sleeves, Inspections, and Corrective Actions
(1) For Group 1 through 9, 11, and 16 through 45 airplanes
identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2327,
Revision 8, dated November 13, 2020: Within 60 months after the
effective date of this AD, reconfigure the clamps of the specified
wire bundles, apply sealant to the specified fasteners that
penetrate the fuel tank walls, and install cushion clamps and
polytetrafluoroethylene (TFE) sleeves on the wire bundles of the
front spars and rear spars of the wings, as applicable, in
accordance with Work Packages 13 through 21, as applicable, of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 747-57-2327, Revision 8, dated November 13, 2020.
(2) For airplanes on which the actions specified in Work Package
7, 8, or 9 of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2327
have been done: Within 60 months after the effective date of this
AD: Inspect to determine if the fillet sealant identified in step 5
of Figure 23 of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-
2327, Revision 8, dated November 13, 2020, was applied to fully
encapsulate the fastener penetrating the fuel tank; and if the
sealant does not fully encapsulate the fastener, before further
flight, apply sealant as specified in step 5 of Figure 23, except
where note (f) of Figure 23 specifies to ``make sure to apply the
fillet sealant on the fastener,'' this AD requires applying the
fillet sealant to fully encapsulate the fastener penetrating the
fuel tank.
(3) For Group 2 airplanes identified in Boeing Service Bulletin
747-57-2326, Revision 1, dated January 31, 2008: Within 60 months
after the effective date of this AD, inspect to determine if all
fasteners identified in Figures 4 and 5 of Boeing Service Bulletin
747-57-2326, Revision 1, dated January 31, 2008, have been sealed;
and if any fasteners are not sealed, before further flight, apply
sealant in accordance with Figure 1 of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-
57-2326, Revision 1, dated January 31, 2008.
(h) Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision
(1) For Model 747-400, 747-400D, and 747-400F series airplanes:
Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise the
existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, by
incorporating the information in airworthiness limitations 28-AWL-
33, 28-AWL-34, and 28-AWL-37 of The Boeing Company 747-400
Maintenance Planning Data (MPD) Document, Section 9, Airworthiness
Limitations (AWL) and Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMRs),
D621U400-9, Revision February 2020. The initial compliance time for
doing the tasks is at the time specified in Boeing 747-400 MPD
Document, Section 9, AWL and CMRs, D621U400-9, Revision February
2020, or within 60 days after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later.
(2) For Model 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-
300, and 747SP series airplanes: Within 60 days after the effective
date of this AD: Revise the existing maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable, by incorporating the information in
airworthiness limitations 28-AWL-25, 28-AWL-27, and 28-AWL-28 of The
Boeing Company 747-100/200/300/SP/SR Airworthiness Limitations
(AWLs) and Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMRs), D6-13747-
CMR, Revision September 2020; except where the ``Applicability'' of
airworthiness limitations 28-AWL-25 and 28-AWL-27 specifies ``ALL''
and ``NOTE,'' replace ``ALL'' and ``NOTE'' with ``Airplanes L/N 645
and on'' and remove the ``Applicability Note'' from the Description
column of 28-AWL-25 and 28-AWL-27. The initial compliance time for
doing the tasks is at the time specified in The Boeing Company
Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) and Certification Maintenance
Requirements (CMRs), D6-13747-CMR, Revision September 2020, or
within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs
later.
(i) No Alternative Actions, Intervals, and Critical Design
Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs)
After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as
required by paragraph (h)(1) or (2) of this AD, no alternative
actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, and CDCCLs may be used
unless the actions, intervals, and CDCCLs are approved as an
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (k) of this AD.
(j) Credit for Previous Actions
(1) This paragraph provides credit for the Work Package 13
actions specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if those actions
were performed before the effective date of this AD using the
service information specified in paragraphs (j)(1)(i) through (iv)
of this AD.
(i) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2327,
Revision 4, dated August 26, 2010.
(ii) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2327,
Revision 5, dated September 20, 2011.
(iii) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2327,
Revision 6, dated February 21, 2013.
(iv) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2327,
Revision 7, dated November 30, 2017.
(2) This paragraph provides credit for the Work Package 14, 15,
and 16 actions specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if those
actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using
the service information specified in paragraphs (j)(2)(i) through
(iii) of this AD.
(i) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2327,
Revision 5, dated September 20, 2011.
(ii) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2327,
Revision 6, dated February 21, 2013.
(iii) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2327,
Revision 7, dated November 30, 2017.
(3) This paragraph provides credit for the Work Package 17
actions specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if those actions
were performed before the effective date of this AD using the
service information specified in paragraphs (j)(3)(i) or (ii) of
this AD.
(i) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2327,
Revision 6, dated February 21, 2013.
(ii) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2327,
Revision 7, dated November 30, 2017.
(4) This paragraph provides credit for the Work Package 18, 19,
and 20 actions specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if those
actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2327, Revision 7,
dated November 30, 2017.
(k) 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 paragraph (l)(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 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.
(l) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Rose Len,
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-
3604; 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;
[[Page 64089]]
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.
Issued on October 8, 2021.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-24834 Filed 11-16-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
