[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 37 (Monday, February 27, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 11795-11797]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-03362]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-9053; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-075-AD;
Amendment 39-18808; AD 2017-04-13]
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 all The
Boeing Company Model 747-8 and 747-8F series airplanes. This AD was
prompted by reports of damaged vapor seals, block seals, and heat
shield seals on the outboard pylons between the engine strut and aft
fairing. This AD requires repetitive inspections for heat damage of the
vapor seals between the engine strut and aft fairing, and replacement
of the seals with new seals if necessary. We are issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 3, 2017.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 3,
2017.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA
90740; telephone 562-797-1717; 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. It
is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-9053.
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-2016-
9053; 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 Docket 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: Tung Tran, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6505; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all The Boeing Company
Model 747-8 and 747-8F series airplanes. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on August 30, 2016 (81 FR 59544). The NPRM was
prompted by reports of damaged vapor seals, block seals, and heat
shield seals on the outboard pylons between the engine strut and aft
fairing. The NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections for heat
damage of the vapor seals between the engine strut and aft fairing, and
replacement of the seals with new seals if necessary. We are issuing
this AD to detect and correct heat damage to the vapor seals between
the engine strut and aft fairing. Such damage could allow flammable
fluid leakage out of the aft fairing, which could result in an
uncontrolled fire in the engine strut.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comment received on the NPRM and
the FAA's response to the comment.
[[Page 11796]]
Request To Clarify the Unsafe Condition
Boeing asked that we change the unsafe condition in the SUMMARY and
Discussion sections and in paragraph (e) of the proposed AD from ``Such
damage could allow flammable fluid leakage into the aft fairing . . .''
to ``Such damage could allow flammable fluid leakage out of the aft
fairing . . .'' Boeing stated that the aft fairing is a flammable
leakage zone, and escaping fluid passing the vapor seal is leaving the
aft fairing.
We agree with the commenter for the reason provided. However, the
unsafe condition is not carried over into the SUMMARY section of this
final rule. We have changed the unsafe condition in the Discussion
section and paragraph (e) of this AD accordingly.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this AD with the change described previously and minor editorial
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
We also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-54A2246, dated
February 5, 2016. The service information describes procedures for
repetitive inspections for heat damage of the vapor seals between the
engine strut and aft fairing, and replacement of the seals with new
seals. This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 10 airplanes of U.S. registry. We
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Vapor seal inspections......... 4 work-hours x $85 per $0 $340 per $3,400 per
hour = $340 per inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
inspection cycle.
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary seal
replacement that will be required based on the results of the vapor
seal inspection. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft
that might need these seal replacements.
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seal replacement........................... 132 work-hours x $85 per hour = $0 $11,220
$11,220.
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According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this 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
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):
2017-04-13 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18808; Docket No.
[[Page 11797]]
FAA-2016-9053; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-075-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective April 3, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 747-8 and 747-8F
series airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 54, Nacelles/
pylons.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of damaged vapor seals, block
seals, and heat shield seals on the outboard pylons between the
engine strut and aft fairing. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct heat damage to the vapor seals between the engine strut and
aft fairing. Such damage could allow flammable fluid leakage out of
the aft fairing, which could result in an uncontrolled fire in the
engine strut.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Repetitive Inspections
At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and
(g)(2) of this AD: Do a detailed inspection for heat damage of the
vapor seals on the outboard pylons between the strut and aft fairing
of the numbers 1 and 4 engines, in accordance with Part 2 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
54A2246, dated February 5, 2016. Repeat the inspection thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 1,200 flight cycles.
(1) Before the accumulation of 1,800 total flight cycles, or
within 1,800 flight cycles after the most recent vapor seal, block
seal, and heat shield seal replacement, whichever is later.
(2) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD.
(h) Replacement
If during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD
any heat damage of any vapor seal is found: Before further flight,
replace the vapor seal, heat shield seal, and block seal with new
seals, in accordance with Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions
of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-54A2246, dated February 5,
2016. Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD
within 1,800 flight cycles after doing the replacement, and
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,200 flight cycles.
(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 paragraph (j) 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, modification, or alteration 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. To be approved, the
repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must
meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must
specifically refer to this AD.
(4) For service information that contains steps that are labeled
as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs
(i)(4)(i) and (i)(4)(ii) apply.
(i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply
with the AD. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps,
including substeps and identified figures.
(ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy
condition.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Tung Tran, Aerospace
Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6505; fax: 425-
917-6590; email: [email protected].
(k) 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 747-54A2246, dated February 5,
2016.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740;
telephone 562-797-1717; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
(4) You may view this 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.
(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 February 10, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-03362 Filed 2-24-17; 8:45 am]
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