Published 2012-07-12 · Federal Register document 2012-16333
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
Publication summary
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 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. This AD was prompted by several reports of electrical arcs at terminal "A" of the electrically heated flight deck window 1. This AD requires repetitive inspections for damage of the electrical connections at terminal "A" of the left and right flight deck window 1, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also allows for replacing a flight deck window 1 with a new improved flight deck window 1 equipped with different electrical connections, which would terminate the repetitive inspections for that window. We are issuing this AD to prevent smoke and fire in the cockpit, which could lead to loss of visibility, and injuries to or incapacitation of the flight crew.
Why this record is shown
Source: Federal Register annual FAA metadata. Acquired 2026-09-03T22:23:39.502075+00:00. The title, summary and date are source facts.
- Source revision
- federal_register_ad_metadata_2012-08bffa249ae9a205
- Source row
- results[220]
- Raw source SHA-256
- 08bffa249ae9a2053bbfc0d74663d089914e83fb91f9bc4c8409ea28239f6875
Final-rule publication
Recorded publication clauses
- AD identifier printed in this edition
- 2012-13-09
- Effective date printed in this edition
- 2012-08-16
Read 14 complete recorded clauses
Effective Date
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective August 16, 2012.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 24721–24784, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 4beb5cb9311c758489c6d14ee7a2730fa088e2dc79a1c0b9a4d8a775307cd34e
Affected ADs
(b) Affected ADs
None.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 24784–24813, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 871a4afc60ceeae06e8010585055188633d616078500c45937092bfe892239c0
Applicability wording · Applicability
(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 Service Bulletin 747-30-2081,
Revision 3, dated December 5, 2011.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 24813–25141, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: a050ec1e9745f6ec60b497a2aad32d0500469dcb984022044008edfce5872fdd
Subject
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 30: Ice and rain protection.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 25141–25276, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 084a17bb0c95f655073f799ff40bf26c808639b3bb34daf9df3e623d1cbabdcb
Unsafe Condition
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by several reports of electrical arcs at
the terminal ``A'' connections of the electrically heated flight
deck window 1. We are issuing this AD to prevent smoke and fire in
the cockpit, which could lead to loss of visibility, and injuries to
or incapacitation of the flightcrew.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 25276–25607, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: fb246388aba07cfb5a403f39cbbb414527487c014d548d89a1e3aab9568d2137
Compliance
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 25607–25709, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 00fbfa31932483f627d0ce0a11cbd2e35e15d9231842b91ac85623ce533912d3
Detailed Inspection and Corrective Actions
(g) Detailed Inspection and Corrective Actions
Within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do
a detailed inspection for damage (including but not limited to a
cross-threaded screw, arcing, loose terminal, and heat damage) of
the electrical terminal ``A'' block, connector, and wiring of the
left and right flightdeck window 1, and do all applicable corrective
actions, by accomplishing the actions specified in Work Packages 1
and 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin
747-30-2081, Revision 3, dated December 5, 2011. Except as provided
by paragraph (i) of this AD, do all applicable corrective actions
before further flight. Except as required by paragraph (h) of this
AD, repeat the detailed inspection thereafter at the applicable
intervals specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD. Doing
the replacement specified in paragraph (j) of this AD terminates the
repetitive inspection requirements of this paragraph for the
replaced flightdeck window 1.
(1) For flightdeck window 1 manufactured by GKN with screw/
connector electrical connections: Repeat the detailed inspection at
intervals not to exceed 12,000 flight hours or 48 months, whichever
occurs later.
(2) For flightdeck window 1 manufactured by PPG with screw/
connector electrical connections: Repeat the detailed inspection at
intervals not to exceed 6,000 flight hours or 24 months, whichever
occurs later.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 25709–27165, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: b607cdc86dc65f58f627d2cd79eb21c9674c974a3835479ce0bc4044f4d42ea2
Inspection for Replaced Windshield
(h) Inspection for Replaced Windshield
For any window 1 that is replaced with a window 1 that uses
screw and connector for the electrical heat connection in accordance
with Work Package 1 or 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-30-2081, Revision 3, dated December 5,
2011: Within 500 flight hours after the corrective action, do a
detailed inspection, in accordance with Work Package 1 or 2, as
applicable, of the
[[Page 41045]]
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-30-2081,
Revision 3, dated December 5, 2011, and repeat the detailed
inspection thereafter at the applicable intervals specified in
paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD. Doing the replacement
specified in paragraph (j) of this AD terminates the repetitive
inspection requirements of this paragraph for the replaced
flightdeck window 1.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 27165–28041, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 407be9439339cd666d9bbaea490d6a9cb2ad613dd7585405ff360bff0cbe3d97
Window 1 Conditional Replacement
(i) Window 1 Conditional Replacement
If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) or (h) of
this AD, a screw is found crossthreaded, do the applicable
corrective actions specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this
AD.
(1) If the connector is loose and cannot be tightened by
applying the correct torque, before further flight, replace that
window 1 in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-30-2081, Revision 3, dated December 5,
2011.
(2) If the connector is tight or can be tightened by applying
the correct torque, replace that window 1 within 500 flight hours
after the inspection, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-30-2081, Revision 3,
dated December 5, 2011.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 28041–28830, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 86a4a86dfd66218d8251f3d851033416ee55b56bd0e2f70e4eeda1b8c38aabe9
Optional Terminating Action
(j) Optional Terminating Action
Replacing a flightdeck window 1 that uses screw and connector
for the electrical heat connection with a flightdeck window 1 that
uses pin and socket for the electrical connection, in accordance
with Work Package 3 or 4 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-30-2081, Revision 3, dated December 5,
2011, ends the repetitive inspection requirements of this AD for
that window 1 only.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 28830–29283, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 8d7c906aec12029748e1d1cb81a4b5f3f8a0b73fe6e3f6a21ae14bc9d57ba7f1
Credit for Previous Actions
(k) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the inspections and
corrective actions required by this AD, and for the window
replacement specified in paragraph (j) of this AD for the replaced
window 1 only, if the corresponding actions were performed before
the effective date of this AD using the service information
identified in paragraph (k)(1), (k)(2), or (k)(3) of this AD.
(1) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-30-2081, dated
August 8, 2006.
(2) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-30-2081,
Revision 1, dated August 20, 2008.
(3) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-30-2081,
Revision 2, dated March 10, 2010.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 29283–29978, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: fe7ba51d414c4efe642066f71c41b0da0d08d7d334dd45b1fc549816160a38db
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
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 ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in the Related Information
section of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your Principal
Maintenance Inspector or Principal Avionics Inspector, as
appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight
Standards District Office.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 29978–30768, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 2bc8fd9d227d901811d2aeef065f1a2a8a7e74222e7afdec502b6e7a1966773a
Related Information
(m) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Louis Natsiopoulos,
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6478; fax: 425-917-6590;
email: [email protected].
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 30768–31089, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: c7564a75e6ad18f8ef1dcc331e1958291bc147e542045cae9da0655b3470f506
Material Incorporated by Reference
(n) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the following service
information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use the following service information to do the
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Service Bulletin 747-30-2081, Revision 3, dated
December 5, 2011.
(3) 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.
(4) You may review copies of the 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.
(5) You may also review copies of the 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.
Exact source excerpt. Text positions 31089–32344, end exclusive, in the original decoded publication. SHA-256: 59eaf626f212f0b63c6beb891bb36f16df219e64f7a304965dea70484774a77a
No replacement link has been established from this edition. The complete historical rule chain and current legal effect remain unknown.
Find all recorded historical references to AD 2012-13-09 · 0 printed reference observations in this pinned collection.
These are observations from one dated publication. Current legal status is unknown; aircraft applicability, installed configuration, compliance and burden require separate evidence. Missing or unparsed conditions remain unknown.
Why these observations are shown
They were extracted offline from the same immutable official HTML source as the complete recorded text. The dated source wording, original text coordinates and exact quote digests are retained. PDF/text agreement and current regulatory effect have not been qualified.
Observation revision: whole-ad-publication-clause-observations-1.0.1. Text SHA-256: 5d6a694466a86f1fb55b67c0b4b149a93d46b1f4fb3929f36c103dfdeae99769. Source manifest: 528ce15cc355ad1d9123db34beda67788aceddefd1d13e80ffdfea3959600d62.
Official source · 2012-07-12
Publication text
This is the complete recorded text of this dated publication.
Current legal effect is unknown. Aircraft applicability, installed configuration and compliance require separate evidence. PDF/text agreement has not been evaluated.
Read the complete official publication text
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 134 (Thursday, July 12, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41041-41045]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-16333]
========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 134 / Thursday, July 12, 2012 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 41041]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-1115; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-221-AD;
Amendment 39-17111; AD 2012-13-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 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. This AD was prompted by several reports of
electrical arcs at terminal ``A'' of the electrically heated flight
deck window 1. This AD requires repetitive inspections for damage of
the electrical connections at terminal ``A'' of the left and right
flight deck window 1, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also
allows for replacing a flight deck window 1 with a new improved flight
deck window 1 equipped with different electrical connections, which
would terminate the repetitive inspections for that window. We are
issuing this AD to prevent smoke and fire in the cockpit, which could
lead to loss of visibility, and injuries to or incapacitation of the
flight crew.
DATES: This AD is effective August 16, 2012.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of August 16,
2012.
ADDRESSES: 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, 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The address for the
Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is Document 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: Louis Natsiopoulos, Aerospace
Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-
3356; phone: 425-917-6478; 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 include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
That NPRM published in the Federal Register on November 19, 2010 (75 FR
70868). That NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections for damage
of the electrical terminal at the left and right flightdeck window 1,
and corrective actions if necessary. That NPRM also proposed to allow
for replacing the flight deck window 1 with a new improved flight deck
window 1 equipped with different electrical connections, which would
terminate the repetitive inspections for that flight deck window.
Revised Service Information
The NPRM (75 FR 70868, November 19, 2010) referred to Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-30-2081, Revision 2, dated March
10, 2010, as the appropriate source of service information for the
proposed actions. Boeing has since revised this service information to
account for certain inconsistencies and omissions. Some of these
discrepancies were reported by operators, who commented on these
inconsistencies and omissions as noted below. We have reviewed Boeing
Service Bulletin 747-30-2081, Revision 3, dated December 5, 2011, which
addresses the following commenters' concerns:
<bullet> It extends the repetitive inspection intervals for the GKN
windshields to 12,000 flight hours or 48 months, whichever occurs
later, and provides more details for the conditions to look for during
the investigation and corrective actions.
<bullet> It changes the inspection specified in Work Packages 1 and
2 to a detailed inspection (the type of inspection had not been
specified).
<bullet> It revises Figures 1 and 2 to provide a better
illustration of the electrical connections, change certain data, and
add new data to the footnotes. Among other things, the new data
clarifies the conditions to look for when inspecting the connectors,
clarifies the associated corrective actions including replacing a
connector if it or its cover has melted; specifies inspection and
corrective actions of cross-threaded screws, and provides instructions
on how to select the correct screw for the opted windshield.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal
(75 FR 70868, November 19, 2010) and the FAA's response to each
comment.
Support for the NPRM (75 FR 70868, November 19, 2010)
Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), supported the
intent of the NPRM (75 FR 70868, November 19, 2010).
Request To Correct Service Information Discrepancies
United Airlines (UAL) reported a number of errors and
inconsistencies in
[[Page 41042]]
the information and procedures specified in Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 747-30-2081, Revision 2, dated March 10, 2010 (the
source of service information for the NPRM (75 FR 70868, November 19,
2010)).
As explained above, we reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 747-30-
2081, Revision 3, dated December 5, 2011, which addresses the
discrepancies noted by UAL. We have revised this final rule to refer to
Revision 3 of that service bulletin. We also removed paragraph (j) of
the NPRM (75 FR 70868, November 19, 2010) (that paragraph had explained
an exception to the proposed service information), and we re-identified
subsequent paragraphs accordingly. We have, however, retained paragraph
(i) in this final rule to ensure that operators are aware of the
conditions that require window replacement and the compliance time for
the replacement. We revised the NPRM to add credit for actions
accomplished before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 747-30-2081, Revision 2, dated March 10,
2010.
Request To Extend Initial Compliance Time
UAL questioned the validity of the initial 500-flight-hour
compliance time for the inspection, and requested that this compliance
time be extended to mitigate the risk of operational interruptions.
Based on the length of time Boeing and the FAA have been aware of the
issue, UAL felt that increasing this time would have no adverse effect
on flight safety.
We disagree to extend the compliance time. Most of the reported
arcing events occurred within 500 flight hours after incorrect assembly
of a screw/connector electrical connection during maintenance. We have
not changed this compliance time in the final rule.
Request To Exclude Certain GKN Windshields
GKN Aerospace (GKN) requested that we revise the NPRM (75 FR 70868,
November 19, 2010) to exclude its windshield part numbers 60B10028-17
and 60B10028-18 (GKN part numbers 06372 and 06373) from the proposed
inspections. As an alternative, GKN requested that those part numbers
be given longer compliance times because of the superior design of the
terminal block connections at both the cockpit and windshield sides of
the terminal block. GKN pointed out that the primary cause of arcing
that leads to high temperatures is the melting of the solder joint used
in the window side of the terminal block used by other manufacturers.
The GKN-designed and -manufactured windshields do not use a soldered
joint to connect the power braid to the back of the terminal block.
Instead, the GKN windshield employs a ring tag crimped to a carrier
wire, which is attached to the terminal insert by a screw and secured
against vibration by a lock washer. The carrier wire is mechanically
crimped to the braid wire from the windshield. The mechanical fixing of
the power braid to the terminal block at the windshield side is
superior to the soldered joint used in the standard alternative
windshields. GKN also pointed out that material choices can reduce the
potential for cross threading. GKN uses nickel-plated bronze terminal
inserts, which are aligned with industry-accepted standards for
electrical terminations that pass high power and high currents. Bronze
is also more resistive to cross threading than other softer materials
used in electrical connections by other manufacturers.
We agree to extend the repetitive inspection interval of GKN-
manufactured windshields with screw/connector electrical heat terminals
because the material used in the GKN 747 windshield terminal block has
significantly better high-temperature capability and behaves
significantly better than PPG's epoxy terminal blocks, and the internal
crimped connection prevents the sustained arcing that can occur with
PPG's internal soldered connections. We have revised paragraph (g) in
this final rule to extend the repetitive inspection intervals for GKN
windshields with screw/connector electrical connections to 12,000
flight hours or 48 months, whichever occurs later.
We disagree, however, to exclude those part numbers from the
required inspections. Two of five reported Model 747 windshield arcing
events occurred on these GKN windshields. The GKN windshields using
screw/connector type electrical terminal connections are therefore
susceptible to overheat caused by a loose screw or an incorrectly
assembled terminal. An overheated terminal could damage adjacent parts
and become an ignition source for combustible material close to the
overheated terminal. The GKN windshields with screw/connector-type
electrical terminal connections therefore are not excluded from the
required actions of the AD.
Request To Clarify Note (d) of Figures 1 and 2
UAL noted that STEP 2, Note (d), of Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 747-30-2081, Revision 2, dated March 10, 2010,
considers some movement (1-3 degrees) of a tight connection to be a
normal condition. UAL stated that it is not possible to distinguish
between 3 degrees and, for example, 4 degrees, and requested that we
clarify this condition.
We agree to provide the requested clarification. According to
Boeing, the referenced Note (d) was added in STEP 2, Figures 1 and 2,
of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-30-2081, Revision 2,
dated March 10, 2010 (which corresponds to Note (e) in Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-30-2081, Revision 3, dated December 5, 2011), in response
to multiple inquiries from airlines regarding the brass terminal insert
in the PPG windshield terminals. The airlines were concerned about the
lack of information regarding the slight movement of the connector with
light manual pressure while the terminal connection is tight (tight
screw and not crossthreaded). This Note was added to describe the small
movement--``approximately 1-3 degrees''--of the shipside of the
connector with light manual pressure as being normal and not to be
perceived as a loose terminal connection. The 1- to 3-degree movement
is an approximation and does not require measurement. We have
determined that this Note is sufficient as written and provides the
information requested by the airlines. We have not changed the final
rule regarding this issue.
Requests To Allow GKN Windshields as Terminating Action for AD
UAL requested we revise paragraph (k) of the NPRM (75 FR 70868,
November 19, 2010) (paragraph (j) in this final rule) to consider
installation of GKN screw-connector-type windshields as terminating
action in the NPRM. As an alternative, UAL requested that use of GKN
windshields with pin and socket arrangement part numbers 60B10028-21
and -22 be considered as terminating action. UAL also noted that the
primary cause of the electrical arcs is damaged solder joints. UAL
pointed out that the PPG windshield heat terminal contains an internal
solder joint, but the GKN windshield heat terminal does not. The GKN
windshields do not incorporate the design features that cause extreme
arcing, but use mechanical fasteners instead of solder in their
terminal internal joints.
We partially agree with the request. We agree that damaged solder
joints are the primary cause for the electrical arcs, because the heat
caused by a loose terminal exceeds the rated melting point of the
solder, resulting in high voltage
[[Page 41043]]
arcing that may damage the windshield glass. We also agree that the
failure rate of GKN windshields seems to be substantially lower than
that of the PPG windshields, and the severity of the failure conditions
of the GKN windshields is less than those of the PPG windshields. For
these reasons, we agree to extend the repetitive inspection intervals
for the GKN windshields. As explained previously, we have revised the
compliance times for these windshields in paragraph (g) in this final
rule.
We disagree, however, to consider installation of GKN windshields
with screw/connector-type heat terminals as terminating action. The
primary cause of an overheated terminal is a loose connection of the
screw due to incorrect torquing during the installation of the screw or
incorrect installation of the screw. A loose connection increases the
heat at the terminal, which causes damage to the adjacent parts and may
become an ignition source for any combustible material close to the
heated terminal. A loose or incorrectly installed screw is the result
of limited access on the airplane. The pin-socket connector is
assembled in a controlled environment on a bench. Installation with
full access is not subject to the same assembly errors as the screw/
connector terminal, and the robust pin/socket connection can be
verified by test during the assembly of the terminal. The screw/
connector design proposed by the commenter therefore does not provide
an acceptable level of safety as a terminating action.
We also disagree to allow GKN windshields with pin and socket
arrangement part numbers 60B10028-21 and -22 as terminating action
because those part numbers are not specified in Boeing Service Bulletin
747-30-2081, Revision 3, dated December 5, 2011, and the adequacy of
those parts is unknown. Under the provisions of paragraph (l) of the
final rule, however, we will consider requests to exclude from the
inspection pin/socket windshield part numbers not specified in that
service bulletin if sufficient data are submitted to substantiate that
those part numbers would provide an acceptable level of safety.
Request To Clarify Repetitive Interval
Paragraph (h) of the NPRM (75 FR 70868, November 19, 2010)
specified that a windshield replaced for failing an inspection must be
re-inspected within 500 flight hours after replacement. UAL asked
whether this repetitive inspection requirement applied to any replaced
windshield--regardless of the reason for the replacement--and
questioned why the re-inspection would be required only when a
windshield fails an inspection.
We agree to provide clarification. It is not necessary to revise
the AD to require inspection every time a windshield is replaced for
any other cause than failure of the inspection required by the AD
because, under those conditions, subsequent inspections are done as
specified in the airplane maintenance manual. We have not changed the
final rule regarding this issue.
Request To Clarify Intent of AD
ALPA suggested that we clarify the intent of the NPRM (75 FR 70868,
November 19, 2010) by explaining that an investigation showed that the
electrical arcs are caused by loose terminal ``A'' connections.
We agree with the request and have revised paragraphs (e) and (g)
of this final rule to add a reference to ``terminal `A' connections.''
Explanation of Compliance Time
While Boeing Service Bulletin 747-30-2081, Revision 3, dated
December 5, 2011, includes a compliance time of 500 flight hours or 150
days, whichever occurs first, for the detailed inspection specified in
paragraphs (g), (h) and (i) of this AD, we have determined that a
compliance time of 500 flight hours, as specified in the NPRM (75 FR
70868, November 19, 2010), represents an appropriate interval of time
in which the required actions can be performed and still maintain an
adequate level of safety.
Window Heat Power Connection Disassembled and Reassembled
If a window heat power connection, on a windshield that uses a
screw and connector for window heat power connection, is disassembled
and reassembled, Boeing Service Bulletin 747-30-2081, Revision 3, dated
December 5, 2011, specifies a detailed inspection and corrective
actions within 150 days or 500 flight hours, whichever occurs first,
after reassembly of the windshield heat power connection. This action
was not included in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-30-
2081, Revision 2, dated March 10, 2010, or in the NPRM. Adding this
action to the AD actions at this time would expand the scope of the
NPRM and necessitate issuing a supplemental NPRM to give the public the
opportunity to comment on the added actions. We do not wish to further
delay this action but may consider further rulemaking in the future to
require these actions.
Explanation of Additional Changes to NPRM (75 FR 70868, November 19,
2010)
We have clarified the replacement conditions for paragraph (i)(2)
of the NPRM (75 FR 70868, November 19, 2010). That paragraph specified
a 500-flight-hour compliance time for window replacement if the
connector is ``tight.'' We have extended this condition to connectors
that are ``tight or can be tightened by applying the correct torque.''
References to ``screw/lug'' have been changed to ``screw/
connector'' in this final rule to agree with the terminology used in
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-30-2081, Revision 3, dated December 5,
2011.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
the AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
<bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (75 FR 70868, November 19, 2010) for correcting the unsafe
condition; and
<bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (75 FR 70868, November 19, 2010).
We also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 251 airplanes of U.S.
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 41044]]
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection..................... 1 work-hour x $85 per None............. $85 per $21,335 per
hour = $85 per inspection cycle. inspection
inspection cycle. cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements
that would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have
no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these
replacements:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement of windshield.......... Up to 18 work-hours x $85 Up to $47,592......... Up to $49,122.
per hour = $1,530.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2012-13-09 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-17111; Docket No. FAA-
2010-1115; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-221-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective August 16, 2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(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 Service Bulletin 747-30-2081,
Revision 3, dated December 5, 2011.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 30: Ice and rain protection.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by several reports of electrical arcs at
the terminal ``A'' connections of the electrically heated flight
deck window 1. We are issuing this AD to prevent smoke and fire in
the cockpit, which could lead to loss of visibility, and injuries to
or incapacitation of the flightcrew.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Detailed Inspection and Corrective Actions
Within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do
a detailed inspection for damage (including but not limited to a
cross-threaded screw, arcing, loose terminal, and heat damage) of
the electrical terminal ``A'' block, connector, and wiring of the
left and right flightdeck window 1, and do all applicable corrective
actions, by accomplishing the actions specified in Work Packages 1
and 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin
747-30-2081, Revision 3, dated December 5, 2011. Except as provided
by paragraph (i) of this AD, do all applicable corrective actions
before further flight. Except as required by paragraph (h) of this
AD, repeat the detailed inspection thereafter at the applicable
intervals specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD. Doing
the replacement specified in paragraph (j) of this AD terminates the
repetitive inspection requirements of this paragraph for the
replaced flightdeck window 1.
(1) For flightdeck window 1 manufactured by GKN with screw/
connector electrical connections: Repeat the detailed inspection at
intervals not to exceed 12,000 flight hours or 48 months, whichever
occurs later.
(2) For flightdeck window 1 manufactured by PPG with screw/
connector electrical connections: Repeat the detailed inspection at
intervals not to exceed 6,000 flight hours or 24 months, whichever
occurs later.
(h) Inspection for Replaced Windshield
For any window 1 that is replaced with a window 1 that uses
screw and connector for the electrical heat connection in accordance
with Work Package 1 or 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-30-2081, Revision 3, dated December 5,
2011: Within 500 flight hours after the corrective action, do a
detailed inspection, in accordance with Work Package 1 or 2, as
applicable, of the
[[Page 41045]]
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-30-2081,
Revision 3, dated December 5, 2011, and repeat the detailed
inspection thereafter at the applicable intervals specified in
paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD. Doing the replacement
specified in paragraph (j) of this AD terminates the repetitive
inspection requirements of this paragraph for the replaced
flightdeck window 1.
(i) Window 1 Conditional Replacement
If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) or (h) of
this AD, a screw is found crossthreaded, do the applicable
corrective actions specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this
AD.
(1) If the connector is loose and cannot be tightened by
applying the correct torque, before further flight, replace that
window 1 in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-30-2081, Revision 3, dated December 5,
2011.
(2) If the connector is tight or can be tightened by applying
the correct torque, replace that window 1 within 500 flight hours
after the inspection, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-30-2081, Revision 3,
dated December 5, 2011.
(j) Optional Terminating Action
Replacing a flightdeck window 1 that uses screw and connector
for the electrical heat connection with a flightdeck window 1 that
uses pin and socket for the electrical connection, in accordance
with Work Package 3 or 4 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-30-2081, Revision 3, dated December 5,
2011, ends the repetitive inspection requirements of this AD for
that window 1 only.
(k) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the inspections and
corrective actions required by this AD, and for the window
replacement specified in paragraph (j) of this AD for the replaced
window 1 only, if the corresponding actions were performed before
the effective date of this AD using the service information
identified in paragraph (k)(1), (k)(2), or (k)(3) of this AD.
(1) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-30-2081, dated
August 8, 2006.
(2) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-30-2081,
Revision 1, dated August 20, 2008.
(3) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-30-2081,
Revision 2, dated March 10, 2010.
(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
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 ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in the Related Information
section of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your Principal
Maintenance Inspector or Principal Avionics Inspector, as
appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight
Standards District Office.
(m) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Louis Natsiopoulos,
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6478; fax: 425-917-6590;
email: [email protected].
(n) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the following service
information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use the following service information to do the
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Service Bulletin 747-30-2081, Revision 3, dated
December 5, 2011.
(3) 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.
(4) You may review copies of the 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.
(5) You may also review copies of the 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 June 27, 2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-16333 Filed 7-11-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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