[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 168 (Thursday, August 31, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41326-41329]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-18397]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2017-0247; Product Identifier 2016-NM-180-AD; Amendment
39-19015; AD 2017-18-06]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012-05-03,
which applied 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 required
modifying the fluid drain path in the leading edge area of the wing.
This AD requires additional work to seal those drainage holes in the
wing access panels. This AD was prompted by a design review following a
ground fire
[[Page 41327]]
incident and reports of flammable fluid leaks from the wing leading
edge area onto the engine exhaust area. We are issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 5, 2017.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 5,
2017.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of April
24, 2012 (77 FR 16143, March 20, 2012).
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
90740-5600; telephone 562-797-1717; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this service information at the
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 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 final rule, 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 Section, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, 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 to supersede AD 2012-05-03, Amendment 39-16975 (77 FR 16143,
March 20, 2012) (``AD 2012-05-03''). AD 2012-05-03 applied 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. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
April 11, 2017 (82 FR 17403). The NPRM 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. The NPRM
proposed to continue to require modifying the fluid drain path in the
leading edge area of the wing. The NPRM also proposed to require
additional work to seal those drainage holes in the wing access panels.
We are issuing this AD to prevent flammable fluid from leaking onto the
engine exhaust nozzle, which could result in a fire.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed, except for
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.
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 OLES 770.
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 will affect 258 airplanes of U.S.
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this 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 1- 95 work-hours x $85 per $33,609 $41,684 $5,960,812
6) (143 airplanes) (actions retained hour = $8,075.
from AD 2012-05-03).
Fluid drainage modification (Groups 7- 90 work-hours x $85 per 29,304 36,954 4,249,710
10) (115 airplanes) (actions retained hour = $7,650.
from AD 2012-05-03).
Drainage hole repair (258 airplanes) 2 work-hours x $85 per 9 179 46,182
(new action). hour = $170.
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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.
[[Page 41328]]
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.
This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes to
the Director of the System Oversight Division.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2012-05-03, Amendment 39-16975 (77 FR 16143, March 20, 2012), and
adding the following new AD:
2017-18-06 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-19015; Docket No. FAA-
2017-0247; Product Identifier 2016-NM-180-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective October 5, 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.
(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 Requirement to Seal Drainage Holes
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 ACO Branch, 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 certification office, 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 Branch, 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, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6505; fax: 425-
917-6590; email: [email protected].
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (l)(5) and (l)(6) of this AD.
(l) 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.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on
October 5, 2017.
(i) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2332,
Revision 2, dated February 22, 2016.
(ii) Reserved.
[[Page 41329]]
(4) The following service information was approved for IBR on
April 24, 2012 (77 FR 16143, March 20, 2012).
(i) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2332,
Revision 1, dated July 25, 2011.
(ii) Reserved.
(5) 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.
(6) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport
Standards Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
(7) 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 August 21, 2017.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-18397 Filed 8-30-17; 8:45 am]
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