[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 193 (Friday, October 6, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 46719-46721]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-21365]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2017-0904; Product Identifier 2017-NM-071-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain The Boeing Company Model 787-8 and 787-9 airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by a report of an in-service reliability issue
of a latent flow sensor failure combined with single cabin air
compressor (CAC) operation. This condition resulted in reduced airflow
which led to a persistent single CAC surge condition that caused
overheat damage to the CAC inlet. This proposed AD would require
installing new pack control unit (PCU) software for the cabin air
conditioning and temperature control system (CACTCS) and new CAC outlet
pressure sensor J-tube hardware, and doing related investigative and
corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 20,
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 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-2017-0904.
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-
0904; 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
[[Page 46720]]
contains this NPRM, 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: Caspar Wang, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin
Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 1601
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6414; 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-2017-0904;
Product Identifier 2017-NM-071-AD'' at the beginning of your comments.
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM 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 NPRM.
Discussion
Boeing Model 787-8 and 787-9 airplanes have two air conditioning
packs, one on each side of the airplane. Each pack contains two CACs
that function together under normal operating conditions. The Smarter
Environmental Control System ensures that airflow is distributed
equally across the CACs. If the airflow is low, a single operating CAC
on a pack can be driven into an undetected surge. We have received a
report of an in-service reliability issue involving a latent flow
sensor failure combined with single CAC operation, which resulted in
reduced airflow and a persistent single CAC surge condition. During the
surge, the temperature exceeded the 450-degree Fahrenheit maximum
allowable temperature and generated enough heat energy to degrade the
structural integrity of the CAC inlet. The PCU software logic was only
designed to detect the surge when both CACs were operating on the same
pack, and therefore, it was unable to detect a persistent single CAC
surge condition which led to CAC inlet overheating. This overheating
condition resulted in structural degradation of the CAC inlet, fumes in
the cabin and flight deck, and interruption to in-service air
conditioning.
In addition, we received a report of an in-service event involving
foreign object debris in the CAC inlet and accumulation at the ozone
converter that also led to a persistent single CAC surge resulting in
overheat damage to the CAC inlet housing. The proposed PCU software
change would redistribute the airflow to provide more flow to a single
CAC, reducing the potential for a CAC surge. Reduced airflow leading to
persistent CAC surge conditions and CAC inlet overheating, if not
corrected, could result in structural degradation of the CAC inlet, and
fumes in the cabin and flight deck, as well as causing interruption to
in-service air conditioning.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB210075-00, Issue
003, dated March 29, 2017; and Boeing Service Bulletin B787-81205-
SB210077-00, Issue 003, dated October 20, 2016. The service information
describes procedures for installing new PCU software for the CACTCS and
new CAC outlet pressure sensor J-tube hardware, and doing related
investigative and corrective actions. These documents are distinct
since they apply to different airplane models. 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 require accomplishing the actions 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-
0904.
The phrase ``related investigative actions'' is used in this
proposed AD. Related investigative actions are follow-on actions that
(1) are related to the primary action, and (2) further investigate the
nature of any condition found. Related investigative actions in an AD
could include, for example, inspections.
The phrase ``corrective actions'' is used in this proposed AD.
Corrective actions 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 62 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Software Installation.............. 1 work-hour x $85 per hour $0 $85 $5,270
= $85.
Modify Left and Right Inboard and 20 work-hours x $85 per 22,821 24,521 1,520,302
Outboard CAC Modules. hour = $1,700.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed
AD.
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
[[Page 46721]]
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 proposed 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 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-2017-0904; Product Identifier
2017-NM-071-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by November 20, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 787-8 and 787-9
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in the
applicable service information specified in paragraphs (c)(1) and
(c)(2) of this AD.
(1) Boeing Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB210075-00, Issue 003,
dated March 29, 2017 (for Model 787-8 airplanes).
(2) Boeing Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB210077-00, Issue 003,
dated October 20, 2016 (for Model 787-9 airplanes).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 21, Air
conditioning.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of an in-service reliability
issue involving a latent flow sensor failure combined with single
cabin air compressor (CAC) operation. This condition resulted in
reduced airflow which led to a persistent single CAC surge condition
that caused overheat damage to the CAC inlet. We are issuing this AD
to prevent CAC inlet overheating leading to structural degradation
of the CAC inlet, fumes in the cabin and flight deck, and
interruption to in-service air conditioning.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Software and Hardware Installation
Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD: Install
new pack control unit software for the cabin air conditioning and
temperature control system and new CAC outlet pressure sensor J-tube
hardware, and do all applicable related investigative and corrective
actions; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the
applicable service information specified in paragraphs (g)(1) or
(g)(2) of this AD. Related investigative and corrective actions must
be done before further flight.
(1) For Boeing Model 787-8 airplanes: Boeing Service Bulletin
B787-81205-SB210075-00, Issue 003, dated March 29, 2017.
(2) For Boeing Model 787-9 airplanes: Boeing Service Bulletin
B787-81205-SB210077-00, Issue 003, dated October 20, 2016.
(h) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using the applicable service information
specified in paragraphs (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD.
(1) Boeing Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB210075-00, Issue 002,
dated May 11, 2016 (for Model 787-8 airplanes).
(2) Boeing Service Bulletin B787-81205-SB210077-00, Issue 002,
dated May 11, 2016 (for Model 787-9 airplanes).
(i) 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 (j)(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.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Caspar Wang,
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section,
FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; phone: 425-917-6414; 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 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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 25, 2017.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-21365 Filed 10-5-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P