[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 227 (Monday, November 26, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70355-70357]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-27908]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 227 / Monday, November 26, 2012 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 70355]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0595; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-055-AD;
Amendment 39-17262; AD 2012-23-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports
of failure of wire support clamps in the forward section of the aft
pressure bulkhead. This AD requires a detailed inspection of the clamps
on the power feeder cable of the auxiliary power unit (APU) to
determine if certain clamps are installed, and related investigative
and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent
failure of the clamp, which could result in wire chafing and potential
arcing and consequent fire in section 48 (a flammable fluid leakage
zone) or heat damage to the APU power feeder cable, insulation
blankets, or pressure bulkhead.
DATES: This AD is effective December 31, 2012.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of December 31,
2012.
ADDRESSES: 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.
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 AD, the regulatory evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The address for the
Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is Document Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Georgios Roussos, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356;
phone: (425) 917-6482; fax: (425) 917-6590; email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
That NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 12, 2012 (77 FR
34876). That NPRM proposed to require a detailed inspection of the
clamps on the power feeder cable of the APU to determine if certain
clamps are installed, and related investigative and corrective actions
if necessary.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal
and the FAA's response to each comment. American Airlines and United
Airlines stated they will incorporate the requirements of the NPRM (77
FR 34876, June 12, 2012).
Request To Remove Paragraph (h) of the NPRM (77 FR 34876, June 12,
2012)
Boeing requested that paragraph (h) of the NPRM (77 FR 34876, June
12, 2012), ``Exception to the Service Bulletin,'' be removed from the
NPRM. Boeing stated that paragraph (h) of the NPRM requires repair of
the APU power feeder, insulation blankets, and clamps, if no primer
discoloration or structural damage is found. Boeing stated that
paragraph (h) of the NPRM is redundant to steps 3.B.6.f.(2) of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-
24A0119, dated November 11, 2011, which accomplishes the replacement
and repair of all damaged components found during the progressive
detailed inspection outlined in that service bulletin.
We disagree with Boeing's request to remove paragraph (h) of this
AD. Step 3.B.6.f.(2) of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 777-24A0119, dated November 11, 2011, is part of the
requirements of step 3.B.6.b. of that service bulletin, which states,
``If visual indications of heat damage are found, do steps 6.c through
6.f.'' However, if no primer discoloration or structural deterioration
is detected after doing the inspection specified in 3.B.6.a. of that
service bulletin, the service information does not specify which step
to accomplish next, which is repairing the APU power feeder cable and
insulation blanket, and replacing the existing clamps. We have not
changed this final rule in this regard.
Request To Clarify the ``Differences Between the Proposed AD and the
Service Information'' Section of the NPRM (77 FR 34876, June 12, 2012)
FedEx requested clarification regarding the statement in the
``Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information''
section of the NPRM (77 FR 34876, June 12, 2012), and the statement in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-24A0119, dated November 11, 2011, to
contact Boeing for repair instructions. FedEx stated that, in the
``Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information''
section, the repairs will be addressed in one of the following ways: In
accordance with a method approved by the FAA, or using data that meets
the certification basis of the airplane, and
[[Page 70356]]
has been approved by Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization
Designation Authorization (ODA). FedEx stated that it would like to
know if any repair design by the airline will require an alternative
method of compliance (AMOC), and whether Boeing will provide repair
methods in a revised service bulletin, or if the airline will have to
provide Boeing with information on the damage and request a repair.
FedEx stated that standard repair methods, if listed in the service
information, would expedite the repair, especially if the repair would
need to be ``bought off'' by an airline certified structures inspector.
We agree to clarify the intent of the ``Differences Between the
Proposed AD and the Service Information'' section in the NPRM (77 FR
34876, June 12, 2012). Any deviation from the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-24A0119, dated
November 11, 2011, requires an AMOC approval. Also, as stated in
paragraph (i) of this AD, where that service bulletin specifies to
contact Boeing for the repair, the repair must be done in accordance
with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD, which is the
``Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)'' paragraph of this AD. The
AMOC requests, whether the structural repair design is developed by the
airline or by Boeing engineering, could either be approved by the
Manager of the Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, or by the Boeing
ODA that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to approve
AMOC requests specifically for this AD. We understand FedEx's concern
on the potential delays due to the absence of standard structural
repair methods in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-24A0119, dated
November 11, 2011; however, we have not received any information from
the manufacturer on whether that service bulletin will be revised. We
have not changed this final rule in this regard.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
the AD as proposed.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 164 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspection and Clamp Replacement.... 8 work-hours x $85 per $500 $1,180 $193,520
hour = $680.
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repairs that
would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no
way of determining the number of aircraft that might need this repair:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection and Repair of the Pressure 48 work-hours x $85 per hour = $0 $4,080
Bulkhead. $4,080.
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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
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2012-23-06 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-17262; Docket No. FAA-
2012-0595; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-055-AD.
[[Page 70357]]
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective December 31, 2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -
300, -300ER, and 777F series airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-
24A0119, dated November 11, 2011.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 2421; AC Generator-Alternator.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of failure of wire support
clamps in the forward section of the aft pressure bulkhead. We are
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the clamp, which could result
in wire chafing and potential arcing and consequent fire in section
48 (a flammable fluid leakage zone) or heat damage to the auxiliary
power unit (APU) power feeder cable, insulation blankets, or
pressure bulkhead.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Detailed Inspection of the Clamps
Within 48 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a
detailed inspection of the clamps on the APU power feeder cable to
determine if TA027063 clamps are installed, and all applicable
related investigative and corrective actions, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-
24A0119, dated November 11, 2011, except as required by paragraphs
(h) and (i) of this AD. Do all related investigative and corrective
actions before further flight.
(h) Exception to the Service Information
If during any inspection of the fuselage structure required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, no primer discoloration or structural
deterioration is found, before further flight, repair the APU power
feeder cable and insulation blanket and replace the existing clamps,
in accordance with steps 3.B.7, 3.B.8, and 3.B.9 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-
24A0119, dated November 11, 2011.
(i) Repair Approval
Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-24A0119, dated November
11, 2011, specifies to do the repair in accordance with the
instruction from Boeing, before further flight, repair using a
method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (j) of this AD.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, 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.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used for any structural repair required by this AD if it is approved
by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation
Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle
ACO, to make those findings. For a structural repair method to be
approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the
airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD.
(k) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Georgios Roussos,
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
WA 98057-3356; phone: (425) 917-6482; fax: (425) 917-6590; 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 777-24A0119, dated November
11, 2011.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For Boeing 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.
(4) You may view this 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.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 8, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-27908 Filed 11-23-12; 8:45 am]
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