Airworthiness directives: Boeing,
[Federal Register: September 19, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 182)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 54874-54876]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr19se03-33]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
[Docket No. 2000-NM-360-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-400, 777-200, and 777- 300 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Boeing Model 747-400, 777- 200, and 777-300 series airplanes. This proposal would require, for certain airplanes, replacement of the cell stack of the flight deck humidifier with a supplier-tested cell stack, or replacement with an end plate and subsequent deactivation of the flight deck humidifier. For other airplanes, this proposal would require replacement of the cell stack with a blanking plate or a new cell stack, or replacement of the blanking plate with a supplier-tested cell stack. This action is necessary to prevent an increased pressure drop across the humidifier and consequent reduced airflow to the flight deck, which could result in the inability to clear any smoke that might appear in the flight deck. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Comments must be received by November 3, 2003.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-360-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 9-anm-nprmcomment@faa.gov. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must contain ``Docket No. 2000-NM-360-AD'' in the subject line and need not be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 or 2000 or ASCII text.
The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey S. Palmer, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055- 4056; telephone (425) 917-6481; fax (425) 917-6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All communications received on or before the closing date for comments, specified above, will be considered before taking action on the proposed rule. The proposals contained in this action may be changed in light of the comments received.
Submit comments using the following format:
[sbull] Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a request to change the compliance time and a request to change the service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
[sbull] For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed AD is being requested.
[sbull] Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each request.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
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Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments to Docket Number 2000-NM-360-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.
Availability of NPRMs
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-360-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
Discussion
The FAA has received reports of sagging cell stack membranes of the flight deck humidifiers on certain Boeing Model 747-400, 777-200, and 777-300 series airplanes. The sagging has been attributed to difficulties encountered during the membrane welding process. The result of the sagging membranes is an increased pressure drop across the humidifier (if it is activated), and consequent reduced airflow to the flight deck. These conditions, if not corrected, could result in the inability to clear any smoke that might appear in the flight deck.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed and approved Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747- 21A2414, Revision 1, dated October 26, 2000 (for Model 747-400 series airplanes), and Boeing Service Bulletin 777-21A0048, Revision 1, dated September 7, 2000 (for Model 777-200 and 777-300 series airplanes). Service Bulletin 747-21A2414 describes procedures for replacement of the cell stack of the flight deck humidifier with a new or reworked cell stack, or replacement with an end plate and subsequent deactivation of the flight deck humidifier. Service Bulletin 777- 21A0048 describes procedures for replacement of the cell stack with a blanking plate or a supplier-tested cell stack, or replacement of the blanking plate with a supplier-tested cell stack. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletins is intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition.
Boeing Service Bulletins 747-21A2414 and 777-21A0048 refer to Hamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletins 821486-21-01 and 816086-21-01, respectively (both dated March 15, 2000), as additional sources of service information for replacement of the cell stack.
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-21A2414 also refers to Boeing Service Bulletin 747-21-2405, which provides information for activation and deactivation of the flight deck humidifier. Boeing Service Bulletin 777-21A0048 refers to Boeing Service Bulletin 777-21-0035, which provides information for activation of the flightdeck humidifier.
Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the proposed AD would require accomplishment of the actions specified in Boeing Service Bulletins 747-21A2414 and 777-21A0048, described previously, except as discussed below.
Differences Between Proposed AD and Service Bulletins
Boeing Service Bulletins 747-21A2414 and 777-21A0048 recommend replacing the cell stack within 60 days; the proposed AD would allow up to 90 days. In developing an appropriate compliance time, we considered the safety implications and operators' normal maintenance schedules for the timely replacement of the cell stack. Therefore, with manufacturer concurrence, we have determined that the proposed 90-day compliance time represents an appropriate interval to replace the cell stack and still maintain an adequate level of safety within the fleet.
Explanation of Certain Alternative Method of Compliance
Paragraph (c)(1) of this proposed AD would allow replacement of the cell stack with a blanking plate provided the humidifier system is deactivated. The service bulletin provides no procedures for deactivating the humidifier system. Therefore, this option must be done in accordance with a method approved by the FAA, or per data meeting the type certification basis of the airplane approved by a Boeing Company Designated Engineering Representative who has been authorized by the FAA to make such findings.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 35 airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 12 airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD. The FAA provides the following cost estimates, which would vary depending on the actions chosen by the operator, to comply with this proposed AD.
Work Hourly Parts Cost per Model/series
Action
hours rate cost airplane
747-400........................ Replace cell stack with supplier-
5
$65 $5,100 $5,425 tested cell stack. 747-400........................ Replace cell stack with end plate
6
65
0
390 and deactivate humidifier. 777-200........................ Replace cell stack with blanking
5
65
0
325 777-300........................ plate. 777-200........................ Replace cell stack with supplier-
5
65 6,053 6,378 777-300........................ tested cell stack. 777-200........................ Replace blanking plate with
3
65 6,053 6,248 777-300........................ supplier-tested cell stack.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future if this proposed AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other administrative actions.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations proposed herein 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. Therefore,
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it is determined that this proposal would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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); and (3) if promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
-
The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
-
Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive:
Boeing: Docket 2000-NM-360-AD.
Applicability: Model 747-400 series airplanes listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-21A2414, Revision 1, dated October 26, 2000; and Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes listed in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-21A0048, Revision 1, dated September 7, 2000; certificated in any category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.
To prevent an increased pressure drop across the humidifier and consequent reduced airflow to the flight deck, which could result in the inability to clear any smoke that might appear in the flight deck, accomplish the following:
Cell Stack Replacement: Model 747-400
(a) For Model 747-400 series airplanes: Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, do the actions specified in either paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD.
(1) Replace the cell stack of the flight deck humidifier with a supplier-tested cell stack, in accordance with Part 1 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-21A2414, Revision 1, dated October 26, 2000.
(2) Replace the cell stack with an end plate and before further flight deactivate the flight deck humidifier, in accordance with Part 2 of the alert service bulletin. Replacement of the cell stack with a supplier-tested cell stack in accordance with the 4 requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this AD, if accomplished, terminates the requirement to deactivate the humidifier.
Note 1: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-21A2414 refers to Boeing Service Bulletin 747-21-2405 as an additional source of service information for deactivating the humidifier.
(b) Replacement of the cell stack before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747- 21A2414, dated April 13, 2000, is acceptable for compliance with the applicable requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD.
Cell Stack Replacement: Model 777-200 and -300
(c) For Model 777-200 and 777-300 series airplanes: Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) or (c)(3) of this AD, in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 777-21A0048, Revision 1, dated September 7, 2000.
(1) Replace the cell stack with a blanking plate, in accordance with Part 1 of the service bulletin; and deactivate the humidifier system before further flight in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or per data meeting the type certification basis of the airplane approved by a Boeing Company Designated Engineering Representative who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make such findings. For a deactivation method to be approved, the approval must specifically reference this AD.
(2) Replace the cell stack with a supplier-tested cell stack, in accordance with Part 2 of the service bulletin.
(3) Replace the blanking plate with a supplier-tested cell stack, in accordance with Part 3 of the service bulletin.
Note 2: Boeing Service Bulletins 747-21A2414 and 777-21A0048 refer to Hamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletins 821486-21-01 and 816086-21-01, respectively, as additional sources of service information for the cell stack replacement.
Part Installation
(d) On Model 747-400 series airplanes: As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a flight deck humidifier cell stack having part number (P/N) 821482-1, unless ``DEV 13433'' is also marked next to the cell stack part number.
(e) On Model 777-200 and 777-300 series airplanes: As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a flight deck dehumidifier cell stack having P/N 822976-2, unless ``DEV 13433'' is also marked next to the cell stack part number.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(f) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 15, 2003. Ali Bahrami, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-23934 Filed 9-18-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
