[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 137 (Wednesday, July 17, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 42727-42730]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-17139]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0544; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-057-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 series airplanes. This
proposed 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. This proposed AD would require, for
certain airplanes, doing an inspection of the electrical power control
panel for a certain part number, and corrective action if necessary;
and for certain other airplanes, installing a new electrical power
control panel, and making changes to the wiring and certain electrical
load management system (ELMS) panels. We are proposing this AD to
ensure that 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 September 3,
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 425-227-2112.
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-2013-0544;
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-057-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 reports of smoke or flames in the passenger cabin
of various 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), related to the
wiring for the passenger cabin IFE system, cabin lighting, and
passenger seats. In response to these reports of smoke or flames in the
passenger cabin of various models of transport category airplanes, we
conducted a comprehensive IFE systems review.
The systems review 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 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.
[[Page 42728]]
Other Relevant Rulemaking
For certain the Boeing Company Model 777-200 and -300
series airplanes: We have issued an NPRM (78 FR 27310, May 10, 2013),
which proposes to require installing wiring and changing certain
electrical load management system (ELMS) panels and other actions to
ensure that 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.
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, this 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 other specified actions.
For certain the Boeing Company Model 777-200 and -300
series airplanes: We have issued an NPRM (78 FR 27310, May 10, 2013),
which proposes to require installing wiring and changing certain
electrical load management system (ELMS) panels and other actions to
ensure that 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.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0077, Revision 4, dated
October 17, 2012. For information on the procedures and compliance
times, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by
searching for Docket No. FAA-2013-0544.
Concurrent Service Information
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0077, Revision 4, dated October 17,
2012, specifies concurrent or prior accomplishment of Boeing Service
Bulletin 777-23-0176, Revision 2, dated October 26, 2006; and Boeing
Service Bulletin 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-2013-0544.
Other Service Information
BAE Systems Service Bulletin 233W3202-24-04, Revision 2, dated
October 2, 2006, specifies identifying the electrical power control
panels 233W3202-12 and 233W3202-13.
GE Aviation Service Bulletin 6000ELM-24-614, Revision 1, dated
November 9, 2009, specifies putting the P210 power panel back to the
correct standard.
GE Aviation Service Bulletin 6200ELM-24-616, Revision 1, dated
March 5, 2010, specifies putting the P210 power panel back to the
correct standard.
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.
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.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 49 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Inspection/installation and Up to 28 work-hours $1,436 Up to $3,816....... Up to $186,984.
changes. x $85 per hour =
$2,380.
Concurrent installation (Boeing 2 work-hours x $85 $0 $170............... $8,330.
Service Bulletin 777-23-0176, per hour = $170.
Revision 2, dated October 26,
2006).
Concurrent installation (Boeing 3 work-hours x $85 $0 $255............... $12,495.
Service Bulletin 777-24-0087, per hour = $255.
Revision 2, dated August 16,
2007).
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[[Page 42729]]
We estimate the following costs to do any necessary change 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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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Change part number........................ 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85.. $0 $85
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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.
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-2013-0544; Directorate Identifier
2012-NM-057-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by September 3, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Boeing Company Model 777-200 series
airplanes, certificated in any category, as specified in Boeing
Service Bulletin 777-24-0077, Revision 4, dated October 17, 2012.
(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 that 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
For Group 1, Configuration 1, airplanes, as identified in Boeing
Service Bulletin 777-24-0077, Revision 4, dated October 17, 2012:
Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, install a new
electrical power control panel and make changes to the wiring and
certain electrical load management system (ELMS) panels, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service
Bulletin 777-24-0077, Revision 4, dated October 17, 2012.
(h) Inspection
For Group 1, Configuration 2, airplanes, as identified in Boeing
Service Bulletin 777-24-0077, Revision 4, dated October 17, 2012:
Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect the
electrical power control panel to determine the part number, and do
all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0077,
Revision 4, dated October 17, 2012. Do all applicable corrective
actions before further flight.
(i) Concurrent Actions
(1) For Group 1, Configuration 1, airplanes, as identified in
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0077, Revision 4, dated October 17,
2012: Prior to or concurrently with accomplishing the requirements
of paragraph (g) of this AD, install new operational software (OPS)
in the cabin management system to change the operation of the cabin
lighting system when the CABIN/UTILITY switch is installed, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service
Bulletin 777-23-0176, Revision 2, dated October 26, 2006.
(2) For Group 1, Configuration 1, airplanes, as identified in
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0077, Revision 4, dated October 17,
2012: Concurrently with accomplishing the requirements of paragraph
(g) of this AD, change the ELMS OPS and configuration database
software (OPC) to decrease the number of ELMS P110, ELMS P210, and
ELMS P310 panel engine indication and crew alerting system (EICAS)
status messages, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions
of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0087, Revision 2, dated August 16,
2007.
(j) Credit for Previous Actions
(1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in
paragraphs (g) and (h) this AD, if those actions were performed
before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Service Bulletin
777-24-0077, dated
[[Page 42730]]
August 21, 2003; Revision 1, dated May 24, 2007; Revision 2, dated
December 17, 2009; or Revision 3, dated December 6, 2011; which are
not incorporated by reference in this AD; provided that, within 60
months after the effective date of this AD, the actions specified in
paragraphs (j)(1)(i) and (j)(1)(ii) of this AD are done, and wire
kit 280W5110-105W is used.
(i) Identify the electrical power control panels 233W3202-12 and
233W3202-13 in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
BAE Systems Service Bulletin 233W3202-24-04, Revision 2, dated
October 2, 2006. The correct part number for the changed 233W3202-12
panel is 233W3202-18, and the correct part number for the changed
233W3202-13 panel is 233W3202-19.
(ii) Put back the P210 power panel to the correct standard, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of GE Aviation
Service Bulletin 6000ELM-24-614, Revision 1, dated November 9, 2009;
or 6200ELM-24-616, Revision 1, dated March 5, 2010.
(2) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in
paragraph (i)(1) of this AD, if those actions were performed before
the effective date of this AD using Boeing Service Bulletin 777-23-
0176, dated January 9, 2003, or Revision 1, dated March 11, 2004;
provided that the actions specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-
23-0141, dated June 14, 2001, were done prior to or concurrently
with the actions specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-23-0176,
dated January 9, 2003, or Revision 1, dated March 11, 2004, which
are not incorporated by reference in this AD.
(3) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in
paragraph (i)(2) 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;
provided that the actions specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-
24-0087, dated July 24, 2003, or Revision 1, dated December 18,
2003, were done concurrently with the actions specified in Boeing
Service Bulletin 777-24-0077, dated August 21, 2003; Revision 1,
dated May 24, 2007; Revision 2, dated December 17, 2009; Revision 3,
dated December 6, 2011; or Revision 4, dated October 17, 2012.
(k) 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.
(l) 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 June 26, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-17139 Filed 7-16-13; 8:45 am]
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