[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 91 (Friday, May 10, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 27310-27313]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-11063]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0368; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-058-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 777-200 and -300 series airplanes.
This proposed AD was prompted by reports
[[Page 27311]]
of smoke or flames in the passenger cabin of various transport category
airplanes related to the wiring for the passenger cabin in-flight
entertainment (IFE) system, cabin lighting, and passenger seats. This
proposed AD would require installing wiring and changing certain
electrical load management system (ELMS) panels and other concurrent
requirements to ensure the flightcrew is able to turn off electrical
power to the IFE systems and other non-essential electrical systems
through a switch in the flight compartment in the event of smoke or
flames. In the event of smoke or flames in the airplane flight deck or
passenger cabin, the flightcrew's inability to turn off electrical
power to the IFE system and other non-essential electrical systems
could result in the inability to control smoke or flames in the
airplane flight deck or passenger cabin during a non-normal or
emergency situation, and consequent loss of control of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 24, 2013.
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, WA 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, WA. 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, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office, 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-2013-0368;
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-058-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
In response to reports of smoke or flames in the passenger cabin of
various models of transport category airplanes (The Boeing Company
Model MD-11 and DC-9 airplanes and Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed
Martin Aeronautics Company Model L-1011 series airplanes), we conducted
a comprehensive IFE systems review. Earlier investigation of the
reports had revealed that the source of the smoke and flames was from
cabin IFE system components, passenger seats, and cabin lighting.
We determined that, in order to minimize the risk of smoke or
flames in the passenger cabin, a switch is needed in the flight
compartment to enable the flightcrew to turn off electrical power to
the IFE system and other non-essential electrical systems. In the event
of smoke or flames in the airplane flight deck or passenger cabin, the
flightcrew's inability to turn off power to the IFE system and other
non-essential electrical systems, if not corrected, could result in the
inability to control smoke or flames in the airplane flight deck or
passenger cabin during a non-normal or emergency situation.
Other Relevant Rulemaking
For the Boeing Company Model 757-200 and -300 series
airplanes: AD 2007-16-12, Amendment 39-15151 (72 FR 44740, August 9,
2007), requires changes to existing wiring; installation of new circuit
breakers, relays, relay connectors, and wiring; and replacement of
certain circuit breakers with higher-rated circuit breakers. For
certain airplanes, that AD also requires modification of wiring of the
control module assembly for the electrical systems.
For the Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, and -400ER
series airplanes: AD 2008-23-15, Amendment 39-15736 (73 FR 70267,
November 20, 2008), requires installing new relay(s), circuit breakers
(as applicable), and wiring to allow the flightcrew to turn off
electrical power to the IFE systems and certain circuit breakers
through a utility bus switch; and doing other specified actions.
For the Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, -500, -600, -
700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes: AD 2009-12-06, Amendment
39-15929 (74 FR 27698, June 11, 2009), requires installing a new
circuit breaker, relays, and wiring to allow the flightcrew to turn off
electrical power to the IFE systems and other non-essential electrical
systems through a switch in the flight compartment; and doing other
specified actions.
For the Boeing Company Model 747-400 and -400D series
airplanes: AD 2009-15-12, Amendment 39-15975 (74 FR 35789, July 21,
2009), requires installing new relays to allow the flightcrew to turn
off electrical power to the IFE system and other non-essential
passenger cabin systems through the left and right utility bus
switches; and doing other specified actions.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0075, Revision 3, dated
August 26, 2010. For information on the procedures and compliance
times, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by
searching for Docket No. FAA-2013-0368.
Concurrent Service Information
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0075, Revision 3, dated August 26,
2010, specifies prior or concurrent accomplishment of Boeing Service
Bulletins 777-23-0142, dated November 25, 2003; 777-23-0175, Revision
2,
[[Page 27312]]
dated October 12, 2006; 777-24-0074, Revision 4, dated September 13,
2012; and 777-24-0087, Revision 2, dated August 16, 2007. For
information on the procedures, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. FAA-2013-0368.
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 these same type
designs.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in the service information identified previously, except as discussed
under ``Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service
Information.''
The phrase ``related investigative actions'' might be used in this
proposed AD. ``Related investigative actions'' are follow-on actions
that (1) are related to the primary action, and (2) are actions that
further investigate the nature of any condition found. Related
investigative actions in an AD could include, for example, inspections.
In addition, the phrase ``corrective actions'' might be used in
this proposed AD. ``Corrective actions'' are actions that correct or
address any condition found. Corrective actions in an AD could include,
for example, repairs.
Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information
Section 1.B, ``Concurrent Requirements,'' of Boeing Service
Bulletin 777-24-0075, Revision 3, dated August 26, 2010, identifies
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0074, dated June 27, 2002; and Revision
1, dated October 5, 2006; as concurrent service bulletins. However,
this proposed AD would require Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0074,
Revision 4, dated September 13, 2012, as a concurrent service bulletin.
This proposed AD gives credit for Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-
0074, dated June 27, 2002; Revision 1, dated October 5, 2006; Revision
2, dated May 20, 2010; and Revision 3, dated February 20, 2012;
provided that certain concurrent requirements and additional work
identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0074, Revision 4, dated
September 13, 2012, are done.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 59 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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Installation of wiring and changing 36 work-hours x $85 per $2,503 $5,563 $328,217
ELMS panel wiring. hour = $3,060.
Concurrent ELMS software installation 3 work-hours x 85 per 0 255 15,045
(Boeing Service Bulletin hour = 255.
777[dash]24[dash]0087, Revision 2,
dated August 16, 2007).
Concurrent OPS change (Boeing Service 4 work-hours x 85 per 0 340 20,060
Bulletin 777-23-0175, Revision 2, hour = 340.
dated October 12, 2006).
Concurrent power isolation switch 5 work-hours x 85 per 751 1,176 69,384
installation (Boeing Service Bulletin hour = 425.
777-24-0074, Revision 4, dated
September 13, 2012).
Concurrent CSS hardware and software 10 work-hours x 85 per 119,959 120,809 0
change (No affected U.S. operators; hour = 850.
Boeing Service Bulletin
777[dash]23[dash]0142, dated November
25, 2003).
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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
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
[[Page 27313]]
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2013-0368; Directorate Identifier
2012-NM-058-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by June 24, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200 and -300
series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0075, Revision 3, dated August 26,
2010.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 24, Electrical Power.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of smoke or flames in the
passenger cabin of various transport category airplanes related to
the wiring for the passenger cabin in-flight entertainment (IFE)
system, cabin lighting, and passenger seats. We are issuing this AD
to ensure the flightcrew is able to turn off electrical power to the
IFE systems and other non-essential electrical systems through a
switch in the flight compartment in the event of smoke or flames. In
the event of smoke or flames in the airplane flight deck or
passenger cabin, the flightcrew's inability to turn off electrical
power to the IFE system and other non-essential electrical systems
could result in the inability to control smoke or flames in the
airplane flight deck or passenger cabin during a non-normal or
emergency situation, and consequent loss of control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Installation
Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, install
certain wiring and change certain electrical load management system
(ELMS) panels; as identified in, and in accordance with, the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0075,
Revision 3, dated August 26, 2010.
(h) Concurrent Requirements
(1) For airplanes identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-23-
0142, dated November 25, 2003: Prior to or concurrently with
accomplishing the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD, change
the hardware and software for the cabin services system, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service
Bulletin 777-23-0142, dated November 25, 2003.
(2) For all airplanes: Prior to or concurrently with
accomplishing the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD, change
the operations software (OPS) of the cabin management system, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service
Bulletin 777-23-0175, Revision 2, dated October 12, 2006.
(3) For Group 1, Configurations 1, 3, and 4 airplanes, specified
in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0074, Revision 4, dated September
13, 2012: Prior to or concurrently with accomplishing the
requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD, install certain new
electrical power control panels; as identified in, and in accordance
with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin
777-24-0074, Revision 4, dated September 13, 2012.
(4) For Group 1, Configuration 2 airplanes, specified in Boeing
Service Bulletin 777-24-0074, Revision 4, dated September 13, 2012:
Prior to or concurrently with accomplishing the requirements of
paragraph (g) of this AD, inspect the electrical power control panel
for a certain part number and change the part number, as applicable;
as identified in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0074, Revision 4,
dated September 13, 2012.
(5) For all airplanes: Prior to or concurrently with
accomplishing the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD, change
the ELMS OPS and configuration database software (OPC) at the data
loader, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Service Bulletin 777-24-0087, Revision 2, dated August 16, 2007.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
(1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0075,
dated August 21, 2003; or Revision 1, dated December 11, 2003; which
are not incorporated by reference in this AD; provided that the
Smiths Service Bulletin 5000ELM-24-379 identified on pages 8 and 19
of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0075, Revision 1, dated December
11, 2003, is not used.
(2) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0075,
Revision 2, dated October 5, 2006.
(3) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraph (h)(5) of this AD, if those actions were performed before
the effective date of this AD using Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-
0087, dated July 24, 2003; or Revision 1, dated December 18, 2003.
(4) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraphs (h)(3) and (h)(4) of this AD, if those actions were
performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Service
Bulletin 777-24-0074, dated June 27, 2002; Revision 1, dated October
5, 2006; Revision 2, dated May 20, 2010; or Revision 3, dated
February 20, 2012; provided all applicable concurrent requirements
identified in Section 1.B of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0074,
Revision 4, dated September 13, 2012, have been done prior to or
concurrently with that revision; and provided that any additional
work identified by the phrase ``More work is necessary'' in section
1.D of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0074, Revision 4, dated
September 13, 2012, is accomplished before the effective date of
this AD.
(5) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, if those actions were performed before
the effective date of this AD using Boeing Service Bulletin 777-23-
0175, dated July 11, 2002; or Revision 1, dated July 17, 2003;
provided that overhead electronics unit hardware, part number
285W0029-5, is not installed.
(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 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 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
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Ray Mei,
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 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, WA 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, WA. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 26, 2013.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-11063 Filed 5-9-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P