[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 221 (Monday, November 17, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 68384-68388]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-27069]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2014-0773; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-068-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 all
The Boeing Company Model 787-8
[[Page 68385]]
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of a potential
latent failure of the valve actuator circuitry, which was not
identified during actuator development. This proposed AD would require
replacing certain engine and auxiliary power unit (APU) fuel shutoff
valve actuators with new actuators, and would also require revising the
maintenance or inspection program to include a new airworthiness
limitation into the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the
Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA). We are proposing this
AD to prevent latent failures of the fuel shutoff valve actuators,
which could result in the inability to shut off fuel to the engine or
APU in the case of an engine or APU fire. If the fuel cannot be shut
off to a fire, the engine or APU fire could be uncontrollable, which
could lead to structural failure.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 2, 2015.
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 view this 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0773; 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: Rebel Nichols, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6509; 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-2014-0773;
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-068-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 received reports on Model 787 airplanes of a potential latent
failure of the valve actuator circuitry, which was not identified
during actuator development. The fuel shutoff valve actuator circuit
design provides common input power through micro-switches to both the
motor and position indications. The latent failure condition has the
potential for a stuck micro-switch, which could lead to a disagreement
between the valve command and position indication. If a command is sent
to change the valve position and one of the internal micro-switches is
stuck in the depressed state, power would immediately provide
indication that the valve transitioned to its commanded state, when the
motor actually never received power to rotate. This condition, if not
corrected, could result in the inability to shut off fuel to the engine
or APU in the case of an engine or APU fire. If the fuel cannot be shut
off to a fire, the engine or APU fire could be uncontrollable, which
could lead to structural failure.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB280015-00, Issue
002, dated June 19, 2014. For information on the procedures and
compliance times, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. FAA-2014-0773.
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 airplanes with certain part number
shutoff valves to revise the maintenance or inspection program to add
airworthiness limitation number 28-AWL-ACT, ``Engine and APU Shut-Off
Valve Actuator Test.'' This proposed AD would also require
accomplishing the actions specified in the service information
described previously, except as discussed under ``Difference Between
this Proposed AD and the Service Information.''
This proposed AD would require revisions to certain operator
maintenance documents to include new inspections. Compliance with these
inspections is required by section 91.403(c) of the Federal Aviation
Regulations (14 CFR 91.403(c)). For airplanes that have been previously
modified, altered, or repaired in the areas addressed by these
inspections, an operator might not be able to accomplish the
inspections described in the revisions. In this situation, to comply
with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request approval of an
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the
provisions of paragraph (k) of this proposed AD. The request should
include a description of changes to the required inspections that will
ensure the continued operational safety of the airplane.
Explanation of ``RC'' Steps in Service Information
The FAA worked in conjunction with industry, under the
Airworthiness Directives Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee,
to enhance the AD system. One enhancement was a new process for
annotating which steps in the service information are required for
compliance with an AD. Differentiating these steps from other tasks in
the service information is expected to improve an owner's/operator's
understanding of crucial AD
[[Page 68386]]
requirements and help provide consistent judgment in AD compliance. The
actions specified in the service information described previously
include steps that are labeled as RC (required for compliance) because
these steps have a direct effect on detecting, preventing, resolving,
or eliminating an identified unsafe condition.
As noted in the specified service information, steps labeled as RC
and all subordinate steps must be done to comply with the proposed AD.
However, steps that are not labeled as RC are recommended. Those steps
that are not labeled as RC may be deviated from, done as part of other
actions, or done using accepted methods different from those identified
in the service information without obtaining approval of an AMOC,
provided the steps labeled as RC can be done and the airplane can be
put back in a serviceable condition. Any substitutions or changes to
steps labeled as RC will require approval of an alternative method of
compliance.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
Although Boeing Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB280015-00, Issue 002,
dated June 19, 2014, describes installing engine fuel shutoff valve and
APU fuel shutoff valve actuators having part number (P/N) 53-0037, this
proposed AD would prohibit installing valves having P/N 53-0037, and
require installing certain other valves. We have coordinated this
difference with Boeing.
The applicability of this proposed AD includes all Model 787-8
airplanes, which differs from the effectivity of the service
information referenced previously. The parts are rotable, therefore,
this proposed AD includes all Model 787-8 airplanes.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 6 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Maintenance program revision.......... 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $510
hour = $85.
Engine and APU fuel shutoff valve 10 work-hours x $85 per 0 850 5,100
actuator replacement. hour = $850.
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According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost
estimate.
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. Amend Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2014-0773; Directorate Identifier
2014-NM-068-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by January 2, 2015.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 787-8 airplanes,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of an error in the valve
actuator design. We are issuing this AD to prevent latent failures
of the fuel shutoff valve actuators, which could result in the
inability to shut off fuel to the engine or APU in the case of an
engine or APU fire. If the fuel cannot be shut off to a fire the
engine or APU fire could be uncontrollable which could lead to
structural failure.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision
Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the
maintenance or inspection
[[Page 68387]]
program, as applicable, to add airworthiness limitation number 28-
AWL-ACT, by incorporating the information specified in figure 1 to
paragraph (g) of this AD into the Airworthiness Limitations Section
of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness. This may be
accomplished by inserting a copy of airworthiness limitation number
28-AWL-ACT into the maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable. For the airplanes identified in the applicability note
of airworthiness limitation number 28-AWL-ACT, the initial
compliance time for accomplishing the actions specified in figure 1
to paragraph (g) of this AD is within 10 days after accomplishment
of the maintenance or inspection program revision required by this
paragraph. When the engine and APU fuel shutoff valve actuators have
been replaced as required by paragraph (i) of this AD, the
airworthiness limitation number 28-AWL-ACT required by this
paragraph may be removed from the maintenance or inspection program,
as applicable.
Figure 1 to Paragraph (g) of This AD: Engine and APU Shut-Off Valve Actuator Test
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AWL No. Task Interval Applicability Description
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28-AWL-ACT..................... ALI............................ 10 Days NOTE................... ALL NOTE....................... Engine and APU Shut-
Off Valve Actuator
Test.
Concern: The fuel
shutoff valve
actuator design can
result in airplanes
operating with a
failed fuel shutoff
actuator that is
not reported. A
latently failed
fuel shutoff
actuator would
prevent fuel shut
off to an engine.
In the event of
certain engine
fires, the
potential exists
for an engine fire
to be
uncontrollable.
Perform the
following tests in
accordance with
Boeing Service
Bulletin B787-81205-
SB280015-00, Issue
002, dated June 19,
2014.
1. Do PART 1: ENGINE
FUEL SHUTOFF VALVE
ACTUATOR TEST as
described in Boeing
Service Bulletin
B787-81205-SB280015
-00, Issue 002,
dated June 19,
2014.
a. If the left
engine fuel
shutoff valve
actuator has Part
Number 53-0037,
perform the left
engine fuel
shutoff valve
actuator test.
b. If the right
engine fuel
shutoff valve
actuator has Part
Number 53-0037,
perform the right
engine fuel
shutoff valve
actuator test.
c. If either test
fails, repair
faults as
required (refer
to Boeing
Airplane
Maintenance
Manual 28-22-02).
2. Do PART 2: APU
FUEL SHUTOFF VALVE
ACTUATOR TEST as
described in Boeing
Service Bulletin
B787-81205-SB280015
-00, Issue 002,
dated June 19,
2014.
a. If the APU fuel
shutoff valve
actuator has part
number 53-0037,
perform the APU
fuel shutoff
valve actuator
test.
b. If the test
fails, before
further flight
requiring APU
availability,
repair If the
test fails,
before further
flight requiring
APU availability,
repair faults as
required (refer
to Boeing
Airplane
Maintenance
Manual 28-25-03).
NOTE: Dispatch may
be permitted per
MMEL 28-25-03 if
APU is not required
for flight.
INTERVAL NOTE: Not
required on days
when the airplane
is not used in
revenue service.
Must be done before
further flight if
it has been 10 or
more calendar days
since last
inspection
APPLICABILITY NOTE:
This AWL applies to
airplanes with
Eaton Aerospace Ltd
fuel shutoff valve
actuators having
Part Number 53-0037
installed at the
engine or APU spar
shutoff location.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(h) No Alternative Actions and Intervals
Except as specified in paragraph (i) of this AD: After
accomplishment of the maintenance or inspection program revision
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g.,
inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions or
intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC)
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (k) of this
AD.
(i) Replacement
Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, replace
the engine and APU fuel shutoff valve actuators having part number
(P/N) 53-0037 with P/N 53-0049, in accordance with Part 5 or Part 6
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin B787-
81205-SB280015-00, Issue 002, dated June 19, 2014, as applicable.
When all the engine and APU fuel shutoff valve actuators have been
replaced as required by this paragraph, the airworthiness limitation
number 28-AWL-ACT required by paragraph (g) of this AD may be
removed from the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable.
(j) Parts Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a
motor operated valve actuator having P/N 53-0037 on any airplane in
the following locations: Engine fuel shutoff valve, APU fuel shutoff
valve, crossfeed valve, and defuel/isolation valve.
[[Page 68388]]
(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 paragraph (l)(1) 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) If the service information contains steps that are labeled
as RC (Required for Compliance), those steps and all subordinate
steps must be done to comply with this AD; any steps that are not
labeled as RC are recommended. Those steps that are not labeled as
RC may be deviated from, done as part of other actions, or done
using accepted methods different from those identified in the
specified service information without obtaining approval of an AMOC,
provided the steps labeled as RC can be done and the airplane can be
put back in a serviceable condition. Any substitutions or changes to
steps labeled as RC require approval of an AMOC.
(l) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Rebel Nichols,
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA
98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6509; 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 view this 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 November 5, 2014.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-27069 Filed 11-14-14; 8:45 am]
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