Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
Federal Register, Volume 78 Issue 70 (Thursday, April 11, 2013)
Federal Register Volume 78, Number 70 (Thursday, April 11, 2013)
Proposed Rules
Pages 21571-21573
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office www.gpo.gov
FR Doc No: 2013-08451
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Docket No. FAA-2013-0304; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-005-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 adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400, -400D, and -400F series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of water leakage into the main deck cargo wire integration unit (WIU). The water flowed from the drip shield through disbonded floor seams into the aft main equipment center (MEC) drip shield gutter, then onto the WIU. This proposed AD would require removing the cargo liner support; cleaning the aft MEC drip shield gutter; and doing a one-time general visual inspection for disbonded seams, and repair if necessary. This proposed AD would also require installing a fiberglass reinforcement overcoat to the top surface of the aft MEC drip shield gutters and installing the cargo liner support. We are proposing this AD to prevent water penetration into the MEC, which could result in the loss of flight critical systems.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 28, 2013.
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 proposed AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone 206-
544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet
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https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; 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: Francis Smith, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6596; fax (425) 917-6590; email francis.smith@faa.gov.
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-2013-0304; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-005-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
We received a report indicating that water leakage into the main deck cargo WIU was found. The water flowed from the drip shield through disbonded floor seams into the aft MEC drip shield gutter, then onto the WIU. Liquids can leak through the MEC drip shield due to disbonded aft MEC drip shield gutters, resulting in water intrusion into the WIU of the MEC. Disbonding can occur due to improper preparation of the drip shield/gutter material and aging of materials. This condition, if not corrected, could result in water penetration into the MEC, and loss of flight critical systems.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3613, dated June 22, 2012. For information on the procedures and compliance times, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. FAA-2013-0304.
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.
The phrase ``related investigative actions'' might be used in this proposed AD. ``Related investigative actions'' are follow-on actions that: (1) are related to the primary actions, and (2) further investigate the nature of any condition found. Related investigative actions in an AD could include, for example, inspections.
In addition, the phrase ``corrective actions'' might be used in this proposed AD. ``Corrective actions'' are actions that 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 79 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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Remove cargo liner support, clean 6 work-hours x $85 per $0 $510 $40,290
gutter, inspection. hour = $510.
Install fiberglass reinforcement and 6 work-hours x $85 per 100 610 48,190
cargo liner support. hour = $510.
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We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide a cost estimate 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 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 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
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(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
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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
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The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): Docket No. FAA-2013-0304; Directorate Identifier 2013-
NM-005-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by May 28, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-400, -400D, and -
400F series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3613, dated June 22, 2012.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25: Equipment/Furnishings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report indicating that water leakage into the main deck cargo wire integration unit (WIU) was found. The water flowed from the drip shield through disbonded floor seams into the aft main equipment center (MEC) drip shield gutter, then onto the WIU. We are issuing this AD to prevent water penetration into the MEC, which could result in the loss of flight critical systems.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.
(g) Removal/Cleaning/Inspection/Repair if Necessary/Installations
Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD: Do the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3613, dated June 22, 2012.
(1) Remove the cargo liner support, clean the aft MEC drip shield gutter, and do a general visual inspection for disbonded seams; repair before further flight if any seam disbonding is found.
(2) Install a fiberglass reinforcement overcoat to the top surface of the aft MEC drip shield gutters, and install a cargo liner support.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO, 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 the Related Information section of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(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 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. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the airplane and the approval must specifically refer to this AD.
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Francis Smith, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-
150S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6596; fax (425) 917-
6590; email francis.smith@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 29, 2013.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
FR Doc. 2013-08451 Filed 4-10-13; 8:45 am
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
