[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 196 (Wednesday, October 10, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 61548-61550]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-24807]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-1041; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-272-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain The Boeing Company Model 727 airplanes; Model 737-100, -200,
and -200C series airplanes; and Model 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B,
-200C, -200F, -300, -400, -400D, -400F, 747SR, and 747SP series
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of an activation
of the control column shaker during takeoff. This proposed AD would
require performing a general visual inspection to determine if a
certain angle of attack (AOA) sensor with a paddle type vane is
installed, and, for affected sensors, performing an operational test of
the stall warning system, and replacing the AOA sensor with a new
sensor if necessary. We are proposing this AD to prevent erroneous
activation of the control column shaker during takeoff, which could
result in runway overrun, failure to clear terrain or obstacles after
takeoff, or reduced controllability of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 26,
2012.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://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 proposed AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone 206-
544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ray Mei, Aerospace Engineer, Systems
and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6467;
fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2012-1041;
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-272-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
We have received a report of an erroneous activation of the control
column shaker during takeoff of a Model 747-400 airplane. The control
column shaker activation continued while the airplane was in flight,
and engine-indicating and crew-alerting system (EICAS) messages ALT
DISAGREE and IAS DISAGREE displayed. The flightcrew used the alternate
air data computer (left ADC) and the altitude and airspeed indications
cancelled. After landing, the right ADC was replaced. On the subsequent
flight the control column shaker operated again at takeoff and the
flightcrew had to do a rejected takeoff (RTO). Troubleshooting steps
found that the right AOA sensor was unserviceable. Inspection of the
AOA sensors showed that the set screw connected to the synchro
transmitter was not correctly attached to the AOA sensor shaft. Certain
Model 727 and 737 airplanes also use Conrac/Ametek/Gulton AOA sensors
that are equivalent in design and construction to the defective AOA
sensor on the Model 747-400 airplane. This condition, if not corrected,
could result in runway overrun, failure to clear terrain or obstacles
after takeoff, or reduced controllability of the airplane.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed the following service information:
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-34-0245,
dated June 4, 2008 (for Model airplanes);
[[Page 61549]]
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-34-2102,
dated June 5, 2008 (for Model 737-100, -200, and -200C series
airplanes); and
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-34-2925,
dated June 4, 2008 (for Model 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B, -200C,
-200F, -300, -400, -400D, -400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes).
The service information describes procedures for performing a
general visual inspection to determine if a certain AOA sensor with a
paddle type vane is installed; and performing an operational test, and
replacing the AOA sensor with a new sensor if necessary.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in the service information described previously.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 1,013 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspection.......................... 3 work-hours x $85 per $0 $255 $258,315
hour = $255.
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection.
We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need
this replacement:
On-Condition Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Replacement.......................... Up to 2 work-hours x Up to $36,552.......... Up to $36,722.
$85 per hour = $170.
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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.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2012-1041; Directorate Identifier
2011-NM-272-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by November 26, 2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company series airplanes,
certificated in any category, as specified in paragraphs (c)(1),
(c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD.
(1) Model 727, 727C, -100, -100C, -200, and -200F series
airplanes, identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin
727-34-0245, dated June 4, 2008.
(2) Model 737-100, -200, and -200C series airplanes, identified
in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-34-2102, dated June
5, 2008.
(3) Model 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B, -200C, -200F, -300,
-400, -400D, -400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes, identified in
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-34-2925, dated June 4,
2008.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 3418, Stall Warning System.
[[Page 61550]]
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of an erroneous activation of
the control column shaker during takeoff. We are issuing this AD to
prevent erroneous activation of the control column shaker during
takeoff, which could result in runway overrun, failure to clear
terrain or obstacles after takeoff, or reduced controllability of
the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspection
Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a
general visual inspection of the left and right angle of attack
(AOA) sensor as applicable, to determine if a certain AOA sensor
with a paddle type vane is installed, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information
specified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD.
(1) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-34-0245, dated
June 4, 2008 (for Model 727 airplanes).
(2) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-34-2102, dated
June 5, 2008 (for Model 737-100, -200, and -200C series airplanes).
(3) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-34-2925, dated
June 4, 2008 (for Model 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B, -200C, -
200F, -300, -400, -400D, -400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes).
(h) Operational Test and Replacement
If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD,
an AOA sensor with a paddle type vane is installed: Before further
flight, do an operational test of the stall warning system, in
accordance with Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the
applicable service information specified in paragraph (g)(1),
(g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD.
(1) For group 2 airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 747-34-2925, dated June 4, 2008: If you cannot get
the values given in the table specified in Part 2 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 747-34-2925, dated June 4, 2008, before further flight,
replace the AOA sensor, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-34-
2925, dated June 4, 2008.
(2) For all airplanes, except those identified in paragraph
(h)(1) of this AD: If the AOA sensor fails to activate the control
column shaker in the operational test, replace the AOA sensor with a
new AOA sensor, in accordance with Part 3 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of the applicable service information specified in
paragraph (h)(2)(i), (h)(2)(ii), or (h)(2)(iii) of this AD.
(i) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-34-0245, dated
June 4, 2008 (for Model 727 airplanes).
(ii) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-34-2102,
dated June 5, 2008 (for Model 737-100, -200, and -200C series
airplanes).
(iii) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-34-2925,
dated June 4, 2008 (for Model 747-100, -100B, -100B SUD, -200B, -
200C, -200F, -300, -400, -400D, -400F, 747SR, and 747SP series
airplanes).
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, (ACO),
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14
CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in the Related Information
section of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Ray Mei,
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA
98057-3356; phone: (425) 917-6467; fax: (425) 917-6590; email:
[email protected].
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone
206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the referenced
service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 26, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-24807 Filed 10-9-12; 8:45 am]
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