[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 68 (Tuesday, April 11, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 17403-17405]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-07121]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 68 / Tuesday, April 11, 2017 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 17403]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2017-0247; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-180-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 supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012-05-
03, which applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-
100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400,
747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes. AD 2012-05-03
currently requires modifying the fluid drain path in the leading edge
area of the wing. Since we issued AD 2012-05-03, Boeing has informed us
that it did not provide work instructions to seal two of the drainage
holes in the wing leading edge area. This proposed AD would require
additional work to seal those drainage holes in the wing access panels.
We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 26, 2017.
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 NPRM, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS),
2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-5600;
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-2017-0247.
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-2017-
0247; 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: Tung Tran, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-
917-6505; 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 proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2017-0247;
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-180-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
On February 27, 2012, we issued AD 2012-05-03, Amendment 39-16975
(77 FR 16143, March 20, 2012) (``AD 2012-05-03''), for certain The
Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-
200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP
series airplanes. AD 2012-05-03 requires modifying the fluid drain path
in the leading edge area of the wing. AD 2012-05-03 resulted from a
design review following a ground fire incident and reports of flammable
fluid leaks from the wing leading edge area onto the engine exhaust
area. We issued AD 2012-05-03 to prevent flammable fluid from leaking
onto the engine exhaust nozzle, which could result in a fire.
Actions Since AD 2012-05-03 Was Issued
Since we issued AD 2012-05-03, Boeing has informed us that it did
not provide work instructions to seal two of the drainage holes in the
wing leading edge area.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2332,
Revision 2, dated February 22, 2016. This service information divides
the affected airplanes into 10 groups.
For all groups, this service information describes procedures for
modifying the fluid drain path in the leading edge area of the wing.
The modification consists of changing fluid dam assemblies at wing
outboard leading edge station (OLES) 1250, and installing seal
assemblies at OLES 1185. Additionally, this service information
specifies changing the lower leading edge wing panels through repairs
and installation of parts.
For Groups 1 through 6 airplanes, this service information also
specifies installing fluid dam assemblies at wing inboard leading edge
station 770.
[[Page 17404]]
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.
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 retain all of the requirements of AD 2012-
05-03. This proposed AD would also require sealing two drainage holes
in the wing access panels, as specified in the service information
described previously. For information on the procedures and compliance
times, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0247.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2332, Revision 2,
dated February 22, 2016, specifies a compliance time of within 60
months after April 24, 2012 (the effective date of AD 2012-05-03), to
accomplish the new proposed actions. We have determined that an
appropriate compliance time for accomplishing the new proposed actions
is within 2 years after the effective date of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 258 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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Fluid drainage modification (Groups 95 work-hours x $85 per $33,609 $41,684 $5,960,812
1-6) (143 airplanes) (actions hour = $8,075.
retained from AD
2012[dash]05[dash]03).
Fluid drainage modification (Groups 90 work-hours x $85 per 29,304 36,954 4,249,710
7-10) (115 airplanes) (actions hour = $7,650.
retained from AD
2012[dash]05[dash]03).
Drainage hole repair (258 2 work-hours x $85 per hour 9 179 46,182
airplanes) (new proposed action). = $170.
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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 have 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 that the 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2012-05-03, Amendment 39-16975 (77 FR 16143, March 20, 2012), and
adding the following new AD:
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2017-0247; Directorate
Identifier 2016-NM-180-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by May 26, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2012-05-03, Amendment 39-16975 (77 FR 16143,
March 20, 2012) (``AD 2012-05-03'').
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B,
747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-
400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes, certificated in
any category, as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 747-57-2332, Revision 2, dated February 22, 2016.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.
[[Page 17405]]
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a design review following a ground fire
incident and reports of flammable fluid leaks from the wing leading
edge area onto the engine exhaust area. We are issuing this AD to
prevent flammable fluid from leaking onto the engine exhaust nozzle,
which could result in a fire.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Retained Leading Edge Installation, With Revised Service
Information
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD
2012-05-03, with revised service information. Within 60 months after
April 24, 2012 (the effective date of AD 2012-05-03), modify the
fluid drain path in the leading edge area of the wing, in accordance
with all applicable parts of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2332, Revision 1,
dated July 25, 2011; or Revision 2, dated February 22, 2016.
(h) Retained Credit for Previous Actions, With No Changes
This paragraph restates the provisions of paragraph (h) of AD
2012-05-03, with no changes. This paragraph provides credit for
modification of the fluid drain path required by paragraph (g) of
this AD, if the modification was performed before April 24, 2012,
using Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2332, dated
November 9, 2010.
(i) New Addition of Drainage Hole Sealant
For airplanes on which the actions specified in Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2332, dated November 9, 2010; or
Revision 1, dated July 25, 2011; were done: Within 2 years after the
effective date of this AD, fill the drainage holes in wing panels
521EB and 621EB with sealant, in accordance with Part 5 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 747-57-2332, Revision 2, dated February 22, 2016.
(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 paragraph (k)(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) 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) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2012-05-03 are approved as
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraph (g) of this AD.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Tung Tran,
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, Seattle ACO, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6505;
fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].
(2) 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-
5600; 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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 3, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-07121 Filed 4-10-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P