Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
| Published date | 10 August 2020 |
| Citation | 85 FR 48122 |
| Record Number | 2020-17362 |
| Section | Proposed rules |
| Court | Federal Aviation Administration |
Federal Register, Volume 85 Issue 154 (Monday, August 10, 2020)
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 154 (Monday, August 10, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 48122-48124]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-17362]
========================================================================
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.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 154 / Monday, August 10, 2020 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 48122]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0680; Product Identifier 2020-NM-079-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2016-25-29, which applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 767-200
and -300 series airplanes. AD 2016-25-29 requires replacing the cargo
compartment insulation blankets on the left and right sides with new
insulation blankets that incorporate fire stops. Since the FAA issued
AD 2016-25-29, it was determined that an incorrect part number was
specified for certain insulation blankets, and the FAA has determined
that additional insulation blankets need to be replaced and that
additional airplanes are subject to the unsafe condition. This proposed
AD would continue to require the actions in AD 2016-25-29 for certain
airplanes. This proposed AD would also add airplanes to the
applicability and would require a general visual inspection of the
replacement insulation blankets to determine if the blankets are in
serviceable condition and correctly installed, and applicable on-
condition actions. For certain airplanes, this AD would also require an
inspection to determine the insulation blanket part number installed;
replacement of additional insulation blankets; and applicable on-
condition actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by September
24, 2020.
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 https://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, Airworthiness Products
Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines,
WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA,
call 206-231-3195. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0680.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0680; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this NPRM, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for Docket Operations is listed above. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Julie Linn, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin
Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3584;
email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites 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-2020-0680;
Product Identifier 2020-NM-079-AD'' at the beginning of your comments.
The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal,
explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting
data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date
and may amend this NPRM because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you
provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive
verbal contact received about this proposed AD.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to the
person identified in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. Any
commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated
as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.
Discussion
The FAA issued AD 2016-25-29, Amendment 39-18755 (81 FR 94956,
December 27, 2016) (``AD 2016-25-29''), for certain The Boeing Company
Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes. AD 2016-25-29 requires
replacing the cargo compartment
[[Page 48123]]
insulation blankets on the left and right sides with new insulation
blankets that incorporate fire stops. AD 2016-25-29 resulted from a
report of a fire in the bilge area of the cargo compartment that burned
through the insulation blankets that were intended to prevent smoke
from migrating behind the cargo compartment sidewall liners and upward
into the main cabin. The FAA issued AD 2016-25-29 to address a fire in
the bilge area of the cargo compartment burning through the insulation
blankets and consequently allowing smoke to migrate behind the cargo
compartment sidewall liners and upward into the main cabin.
Actions Since AD 2016-25-29 Was Issued
Since the FAA issued AD 2016-25-29, it was determined that an
incorrect part number was specified for certain insulation blankets.
Based on those findings, the FAA determined that certain insulation
blankets that were replaced, as required by AD 2016-25-29, must be
replaced with those having the improved design. In addition, the FAA
determined that additional insulation blankets need to be replaced and
that additional airplanes are subject to the unsafe condition.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-25-
0550, Revision 1, dated December 4, 2019. The service information
describes procedures for replacing cargo compartment insulation
blankets between stringers 29 and 33, on the left and right sides, with
new insulation blankets that incorporate fire stops; an inspection to
determine the insulation blanket part number installed between
stringers 29 and 33, on the left and right sides; a general visual
inspection of the replacement insulation blankets between stringers 29
and 33, on the left and right sides to determine if the blankets are in
serviceable condition and correctly installed; and applicable on-
condition actions. On-condition actions include repair, replacement,
and correction of insulation blanket installations.
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
The FAA is proposing this AD because the agency 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
Although this proposed AD does not explicitly restate the
requirements of AD 2016-25-29, this proposed AD would retain certain of
the requirements of AD 2016-25-29. Those requirements are referenced in
the service information identified previously, which, in turn, is
referenced in paragraph (g) of this proposed AD. This proposed AD would
add airplanes to the applicability. This proposed AD would also require
accomplishment of the actions identified as ``RC'' (required for
compliance) in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 767-25-0550, Revision 1, dated December 4,
2019, described previously.
For information on the procedures and compliance times, see this
service information at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0680.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 329 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement (retained actions Up to 54 work- *................. Up to $4,590...... Up to $1,510,110.
from AD 2016-25-29). hours x $85 per
hour = Up to
$4,590.
Inspections and replacements Up to 62 work-hour Up to $35,900..... Up to $41,170..... Up to $13,944,530.
(new proposed action). x $85 per hour =
Up to $5,270.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable providing parts cost estimates for the retained
actions specified in this proposed AD.
The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable us to
provide cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this
proposed AD.
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. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for
affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all available
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.
The FAA is 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
The FAA has 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative,
[[Page 48124]]
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)
2016-25-29, Amendment 39-18755 (81 FR 94956, December 27, 2016), and
adding the following new AD:
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2020-0680; Product Identifier
2020-NM-079-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by September 24,
2020.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2016-25-29, Amendment 39-18755 (81 FR 94956,
December 27, 2016) (``AD 2016-25-29'').
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, -
300F, and -400ER series airplanes, certificated in any category, as
identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-25-0550,
Revision 1, dated December 4, 2019.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
furnishings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a fire in the bilge area of
the cargo compartment that burned through the insulation blankets
that were intended to prevent smoke from migrating behind the cargo
compartment sidewall liners and upward into the main cabin. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address a fire in the bilge area of the cargo
compartment, which if not contained could lead to a possible smoke
and fire event in the passenger compartment.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the
applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-25-0550, Revision 1,
dated December 4, 2019, do all applicable actions identified as
``RC'' (required for compliance) in, and in accordance with, the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 767-25-0550, Revision 1, dated December 4, 2019.
(h) Exception to Service Information Specifications
Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-25-0550,
Revision 1, dated December 4, 2019, uses the phrase ``the Revision 1
date of this service bulletin,'' this AD requires using ``the
effective date of this AD.''
(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 Company Organization Designation
Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle
ACO Branch, FAA, 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 2016-25-29 are approved as
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 767-25-0550, Revision 1, dated December 4, 2019,
that are required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
(5) For service information that contains steps that are labeled
as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs
(i)(5)(i) and (ii) of this AD 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. If a step or substep is labeled ``RC Exempt,'' then the
RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. 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
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Julie Linn,
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section,
FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
phone and fax: 206-231-3584; 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, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
Issued on July 29, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-17362 Filed 8-7-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
