Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 90134-90137 [2023-28721]

Download as PDF 90134 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 88, No. 249 Friday, December 29, 2023 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 AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service 7 CFR Part 1000 [Docket No. 23–J–0067; AMS–DA–23–0031] Milk in the Northeast and Other Marketing Areas; Notice of Hearing on Proposed Amendments to Marketing Agreements and Orders Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of reconvened public hearing on proposed rulemaking. AGENCY: This notice announces the reconvening of the national public hearing which began on August 23, 2023, in Carmel, Indiana, to consider and take evidence on proposals to amend the pricing formulas in the 11 Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs). DATES: The hearing will reconvene at 8:00 a.m. ET on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. ADDRESSES: The reconvened hearing will be held at the 502 East Event Centre, 502 East Carmel Drive, Carmel, Indiana 46032. Telephone (317) 843– 1234. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Erin Taylor, Director, Order Formulation and Enforcement Division, USDA/AMS/ Dairy Programs, Stop 0225—Room 2530, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250–0225, (202) 720– 7311, Email: Erin.Taylor@usda.gov. Persons requiring a sign language interpreter or other special accommodations should contact FMMOHearing@usda.gov a minimum of five days before the start of the hearing. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Prior documents in this proceeding: Notice of Hearing: Published July 24, 2023 (88 FR 47396). Notice of Reconvened Hearing: Published November 6, 2023 (88 FR 76143). Notice is hereby given that the hearing, which was recessed in ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:49 Dec 28, 2023 Jkt 262001 Zionsville, Indiana, on December 8, 2023, by the Administrative Law Judge designated to hold said hearing and preside thereof, will reconvene at 8:00 a.m. ET on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at the 502 East Event Centre, 502 East Carmel Drive, Carmel, Indiana, 46032. If the hearing is not completed by 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, January 19, 2024, the hearing will reconvene at 8:00 a.m. ET on Monday, January 29, 2024, at the 502 East Event Centre. The hearing will be held from 8:00 a.m. ET until 5:00 p.m. ET each weekday. If not completed, the hearing will recess at 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, February 2, 2024, and reconvene at a later date. Dairy farmer virtual testimony will not be available. Dairy farmers may continue to testify in person at any time during the reconvened hearing. Dairy farmers testifying in person are not required to pre-submit testimony or exhibits. List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1000 Milk marketing orders. Erin Morris, Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. 2023–28762 Filed 12–28–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2023–2403; Project Identifier AD–2023–00888–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 MD–11 and MD–11F airplanes equipped with General Electric (GE) CF6– 80C2D1F high-bypass turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a Model MD–11F airplane experiencing an uncommanded deployment of a thrust reverser in-flight SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 at low altitude. This proposed AD would require a one-time detailed inspection of the engine pylon thrust reverser control system wire harnesses and applicable on-condition actions. The proposed AD would also require repetitive detailed inspections and wire integrity tests of the engine thrust reverser control system wire harnesses (in the pylon), junction box and junction box cover, left side and right side thrust reverser electrical harnesses, core (engine compartment) miscellaneous wire harness assembly, and 30 degree bulkhead wire harness assembly; and applicable on-condition actions. This AD also requires reporting. 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 February 12, 2024. 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 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. AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2023–2403; 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. Material Incorporated by Reference: • 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; website myboeingfleet.com. • You may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety E:\FR\FM\29DEP1.SGM 29DEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 249 / Friday, December 29, 2023 / Proposed Rules 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 at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA– 2023–2403. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Nguyen, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206– 231–3555; email kevin.nguyen@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 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–2023–2403; Project Identifier AD– 2023–00888–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 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 regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM. 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 Kevin Nguyen, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206–231–3555; email kevin.nguyen@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. Background The FAA has received a report of an MD–11F airplane equipped with three GE CF6–80C2D1F high-bypass turbofan engines experiencing an in-flight deployment of the (left) engine 1 thrust reverser at approximately 500 feet above ground level. Both left and right translating cowls of the thrust reverser deployed. In the Engine 1 pylon, damaged wiring was found, which could have caused or contributed to the deployment of the two transcowls. The FAA is issuing this AD to address uncommanded deployment of a thrust reverser in flight at low altitude, which could result in loss of control of the airplane and loss of continued safe flight and landing. FAA’s Determination The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11–78A017, dated December 4, 2023. This service information specifies work package 1 inspection procedures to do an initial detailed inspection of the engine 1, engine 2, and engine 3 pylon thrust reverser control system wire harnesses. The service information also specifies work package 2 procedures to do repetitive detailed inspections and wire integrity tests at the following locations: engine 1, engine 2, and engine 3 thrust reverser control system wire harnesses (in the pylon); junction box and junction box cover (only detailed inspection); left side and right side thrust reverser electrical harnesses; core (engine compartment) miscellaneous wire harness assembly; and 30 degree bulkhead wire harness assembly. The 90135 service information also specifies applicable on-condition actions (includes repairs, replacements, installations, post-replacement inspections and tests, and return to service tests). The service information also specifies that accomplishing the initial inspections and tests by doing Action 1 through Action 3 in work package 2 terminates the need to do the inspection in accordance with Part 2 as required in work package 1. However, this substitution of actions does not change the compliance time of work package 1 as specified in Table 1 of paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11–78A017, dated December 4, 2023. 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 ADDRESSES. Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions identified as ‘‘RC’’ (required for compliance) in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11–78A017, dated December 4, 2023, already described and except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD. This proposed AD also requires reporting findings to Boeing. For information on the procedures and compliance times, see this service information at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA–2023–2403. Interim Action The FAA considers this proposed AD to be an interim action. The reports that are required by this proposed AD will enable the manufacturer to obtain better insight into the nature, cause, and extent of the unsafe condition, and eventually to develop final action to address the unsafe condition. If final action is later identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would affect 79 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Action Labor cost Inspections and Tests ............. Up to 78 work-hours × $85 per hour = Up to $6,630 per inspection/test cycle. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:49 Dec 28, 2023 Jkt 262001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Parts cost $0 Fmt 4702 Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators Up to $6,630 per inspection/ test cycle. Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\29DEP1.SGM 29DEP1 Up to $523,770 per inspection/test cycle. 90136 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 249 / Friday, December 29, 2023 / Proposed Rules ESTIMATED COSTS—Continued Action Labor cost Reporting ................................. 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 per inspection/test cycle. The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-condition actions that would be required based on Parts cost Cost per product 0 Cost on U.S. operators 85 per inspection/test cycle .... the results of the proposed inspections and tests. The agency has no way of 6,715 per inspection/test cycle. determining the number of aircraft that might need these repairs/replacements: ON-CONDITION COSTS Action Labor cost Repairs/Replacements/Tests .................... Parts cost Up to 120 work-hours × $85 per hour = up to $10,200. Cost per product * $0 Up to $10,200. * The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the FAA to provide a parts cost estimate for the on-condition repairs/replacements specified in this proposed AD. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 Paperwork Reduction Act A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120–0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to take approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Information Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177–1524. 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:48 Dec 28, 2023 Jkt 262001 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 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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– 2023–2403; Project Identifier AD–2023– 00888–T. (a) Comments Due Date The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by February 12, 2024. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model MD–11 and MD–11F airplanes, certificated in any category, equipped with General Electric (GE) CF6–80C2D1F highbypass turbofan engines. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 78, Engine Exhaust. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a report of a Model MD–11F airplane experiencing an uncommanded deployment of a thrust reverser at approximately 500 feet above ground level. The FAA is issuing this AD to address uncommanded deployment of a thrust reverser in-flight at low altitude, which could result in loss of flight control of the airplane and loss of continued safe flight and landing. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: At the applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11–78A017, dated December 4, 2023, do all applicable actions identified as ‘‘RC’’ (required for compliance) E:\FR\FM\29DEP1.SGM 29DEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 249 / Friday, December 29, 2023 / Proposed Rules in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11–78A017, dated December 4, 2023. (h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications (1) Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the ‘‘Compliance’’ paragraph of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11– 78A017, dated December 4, 2023, use the phrase ‘‘the original issue date of this service bulletin,’’ this AD requires using ‘‘the effective date of this AD.’’ (2) Where step 6.c.(2)(a), ‘‘CONDITION 14 OPTION 1 (ACTION 1)’’ and step 6.c.(2)(b)4)d), ‘‘CONDITION 14.4 OPTION 2 (ACTION 1)’’ of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin MD11–78017, dated December 4, 2023, specify to replace the junction box, that replacement must be accomplished in accordance with ‘‘PART 12: JUNCTION BOX REPLACEMENT’’ of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin MD11–78017, dated December 4, 2023. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 (i) Reporting At the applicable time specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (2) of this AD, submit a report to The Boeing Company via the Boeing Communication System (BCS) and include the information specified in Appendix C of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11–78A017, dated December 4, 2023. (1) If the inspection or test was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection or test. (2) If the inspection or test was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD. (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, AIR–520, Continued Operational Safety 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 AIR–520, Continued Operational Safety Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD. Information may be emailed to 9-ANM-LAACO-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, AIR–520, Continued Operational Safety 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:49 Dec 28, 2023 Jkt 262001 (4) Except as specified by paragraph (g) of this AD: For service information that contains steps that are labeled as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (j)(4)(i) and (ii) of this AD apply. (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply with the AD. If a step or substep is labeled ‘‘RC Exempt,’’ then the RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and identified figures. (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the operator’s maintenance or inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. (k) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Kevin Nguyen, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206–231– 3555; email kevin.nguyen@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 Alert Service Bulletin MD11– 78A017, dated December 4, 2023. (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; website 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 material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov. Issued on December 22, 2023. Caitlin Locke, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023–28721 Filed 12–28–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 90137 POSTAL SERVICE 39 CFR Part 111 Commercial Mail Receiving Agencies Clarification Postal ServiceTM. ACTION: Proposed rule. AGENCY: The Postal Service is proposing to amend Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) to clarify Commercial Mail Receiving Agencies (CMRA) notary responsibilities for the addressee’s signature. SUMMARY: Submit comments on or before January 29, 2024. ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the manager, Product Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446, Washington, DC 20260–5015. If sending comments by email, include the name and address of the commenter and send to PCFederalRegister@usps.gov, with a subject line of ‘‘CMRA Clarification’’. Faxed comments are not accepted. You may inspect and photocopy all written comments, by appointment only, at USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North, Washington, DC 20260. These records are available for review on Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., by calling 202–268–2906. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Heidi Michel at (414) 239–2976, Clayton Gerber at (202) 449–8076, or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268–7281. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: All submitted comments and attachments are part of the public record and subject to disclosure. Do not enclose any material in your comments that you consider to be confidential or inappropriate for public disclosure. The Postal Service is proposing to revise DMM subsection 508.1.8.3a3 to clarify that the notary public must be commissioned in a United States state, territory, possession, or the District of Columbia and to clarify the notary public’s responsibilities with respect to the addressee’s signature on PS Form 1583. This clarification is needed to establish that the notary public is domestically commissioned and to address particularities of some state notary public laws that do not authorize notaries public to attest a signature. The revision allows notaries public to recognize the PS Form 1583 applicant’s acknowledged signature. The proposed revision also clarifies that the addressee must sign or DATES: E:\FR\FM\29DEP1.SGM 29DEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 249 (Friday, December 29, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 90134-90137]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-28721]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-2403; Project Identifier AD-2023-00888-T]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain The Boeing Company Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes 
equipped with General Electric (GE) CF6-80C2D1F high-bypass turbofan 
engines. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a Model MD-11F 
airplane experiencing an uncommanded deployment of a thrust reverser 
in-flight at low altitude. This proposed AD would require a one-time 
detailed inspection of the engine pylon thrust reverser control system 
wire harnesses and applicable on-condition actions. The proposed AD 
would also require repetitive detailed inspections and wire integrity 
tests of the engine thrust reverser control system wire harnesses (in 
the pylon), junction box and junction box cover, left side and right 
side thrust reverser electrical harnesses, core (engine compartment) 
miscellaneous wire harness assembly, and 30 degree bulkhead wire 
harness assembly; and applicable on-condition actions. This AD also 
requires reporting. 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 February 
12, 2024.

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 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.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-2403; 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.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     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; website myboeingfleet.com.
     You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety

[[Page 90135]]

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 at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-2403.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Nguyen, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 
206-231-3555; 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-2023-2403; Project Identifier 
AD-2023-00888-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 
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 
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The 
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this NPRM.

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 Kevin 
Nguyen, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3555; 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.

Background

    The FAA has received a report of an MD-11F airplane equipped with 
three GE CF6-80C2D1F high-bypass turbofan engines experiencing an in-
flight deployment of the (left) engine 1 thrust reverser at 
approximately 500 feet above ground level. Both left and right 
translating cowls of the thrust reverser deployed. In the Engine 1 
pylon, damaged wiring was found, which could have caused or contributed 
to the deployment of the two transcowls.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address uncommanded deployment of a 
thrust reverser in flight at low altitude, which could result in loss 
of control of the airplane and loss of continued safe flight and 
landing.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-78A017, dated 
December 4, 2023. This service information specifies work package 1 
inspection procedures to do an initial detailed inspection of the 
engine 1, engine 2, and engine 3 pylon thrust reverser control system 
wire harnesses. The service information also specifies work package 2 
procedures to do repetitive detailed inspections and wire integrity 
tests at the following locations: engine 1, engine 2, and engine 3 
thrust reverser control system wire harnesses (in the pylon); junction 
box and junction box cover (only detailed inspection); left side and 
right side thrust reverser electrical harnesses; core (engine 
compartment) miscellaneous wire harness assembly; and 30 degree 
bulkhead wire harness assembly. The service information also specifies 
applicable on-condition actions (includes repairs, replacements, 
installations, post-replacement inspections and tests, and return to 
service tests). The service information also specifies that 
accomplishing the initial inspections and tests by doing Action 1 
through Action 3 in work package 2 terminates the need to do the 
inspection in accordance with Part 2 as required in work package 1. 
However, this substitution of actions does not change the compliance 
time of work package 1 as specified in Table 1 of paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-78A017, dated 
December 4, 2023.
    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 ADDRESSES.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions identified 
as ``RC'' (required for compliance) in the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-78A017, dated December 4, 2023, 
already described and except for any differences identified as 
exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD. This proposed AD 
also requires reporting findings to Boeing. For information on the 
procedures and compliance times, see this service information at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-2403.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers this proposed AD to be an interim action. The 
reports that are required by this proposed AD will enable the 
manufacturer to obtain better insight into the nature, cause, and 
extent of the unsafe condition, and eventually to develop final action 
to address the unsafe condition. If final action is later identified, 
the FAA might consider further rulemaking.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 79 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following 
costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost    Cost per product          operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections and Tests............  Up to 78 work-hours            $0  Up to $6,630 per      Up to $523,770 per
                                    x $85 per hour = Up                inspection/test       inspection/test
                                    to $6,630 per                      cycle.                cycle.
                                    inspection/test
                                    cycle.

[[Page 90136]]

 
Reporting........................  1 work-hour x $85               0  85 per inspection/    6,715 per inspection/
                                    per hour = $85 per                 test cycle.           test cycle.
                                    inspection/test
                                    cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required based on the results of the 
proposed inspections and tests. The agency has no way of determining 
the number of aircraft that might need these repairs/replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Action                            Labor cost           Parts cost        Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repairs/Replacements/Tests...............  Up to 120 work-hours x $85          * $0  Up to $10,200.
                                            per hour = up to $10,200.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the FAA to provide a parts cost estimate for the on-
  condition repairs/replacements specified in this proposed AD.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of 
information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB 
Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public 
reporting for this collection of information is estimated to take 
approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing 
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and 
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate 
or any other aspect of this collection of information, including 
suggestions for reducing this burden, to Information Collection 
Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood 
Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.

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-2023-2403; Project Identifier AD-
2023-00888-T.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by February 12, 2024.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model MD-11 and MD-11F 
airplanes, certificated in any category, equipped with General 
Electric (GE) CF6-80C2D1F high-bypass turbofan engines.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 78, Engine 
Exhaust.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of a Model MD-11F airplane 
experiencing an uncommanded deployment of a thrust reverser at 
approximately 500 feet above ground level. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to address uncommanded deployment of a thrust reverser in-flight 
at low altitude, which could result in loss of flight control of the 
airplane and loss of continued safe flight and landing.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: At the 
applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-78A017, dated December 4, 2023, 
do all applicable actions identified as ``RC'' (required for 
compliance)

[[Page 90137]]

in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-78A017, dated December 4, 2023.

(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    (1) Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the 
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-
78A017, dated December 4, 2023, use the phrase ``the original issue 
date of this service bulletin,'' this AD requires using ``the 
effective date of this AD.''
    (2) Where step 6.c.(2)(a), ``CONDITION 14 OPTION 1 (ACTION 1)'' 
and step 6.c.(2)(b)4)d), ``CONDITION 14.4 OPTION 2 (ACTION 1)'' of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-
78017, dated December 4, 2023, specify to replace the junction box, 
that replacement must be accomplished in accordance with ``PART 12: 
JUNCTION BOX REPLACEMENT'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-78017, dated December 4, 2023.

(i) Reporting

    At the applicable time specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (2) of 
this AD, submit a report to The Boeing Company via the Boeing 
Communication System (BCS) and include the information specified in 
Appendix C of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-78A017, dated 
December 4, 2023.
    (1) If the inspection or test was done on or after the effective 
date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the 
inspection or test.
    (2) If the inspection or test was done before the effective date 
of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective 
date of this AD.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety 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 AIR-520, Continued 
Operational Safety Branch, send it to the attention of the person 
identified in paragraph (k) of this AD. Information may be emailed 
to [email protected].[FEDREG][VOL]*[/VOL][NO]*[/
NO][DATE]*[/DATE][PRORULES][PRORULE][PREAMB][AGENCY]*[/
AGENCY][SUBJECT]*[/SUBJECT][/PREAMB][SUPLINF][HED]*[/
HED][EXTRACT][P]*[/P]
    (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, AIR-
520, Continued Operational Safety 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.
    (4) Except as specified by paragraph (g) of this AD: For service 
information that contains steps that are labeled as Required for 
Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (j)(4)(i) and (ii) of 
this AD apply.
    (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step 
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply 
with the AD. If a step or substep is labeled ``RC Exempt,'' then the 
RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. An AMOC is 
required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and 
identified figures.
    (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted 
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection 
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC 
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done 
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition.

(k) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Kevin Nguyen, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 
98198; telephone 206-231-3555; 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 Alert Service Bulletin MD11-78A017, dated December 4, 
2023.
    (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; website 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 material at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].

    Issued on December 22, 2023.
Caitlin Locke,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-28721 Filed 12-28-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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