Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 234 (Wednesday, December 5, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 72200-72203]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-29405]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-1220; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-208-AD; 
Amendment 39-17277; AD 2012-24-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
The Boeing Company Model 787-8 airplanes. This AD requires ensuring 
that lockwire is installed correctly on the engine fuel feed manifold 
couplings. This AD also requires inspecting the assembly of the engine 
fuel feed manifold rigid and full flexible couplings. This AD was 
prompted by reports of fuel leaks due to improperly assembled engine 
fuel feed manifold couplings. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct improperly assembled couplings, which could result in fuel 
leaks and consequent fuel exhaustion, engine power loss or shutdown, or 
leaks on hot engine parts that could lead to a fire.

DATES: This AD is effective December 5, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of December 5, 
2012.
    We must receive comments on this AD by January 22, 2013.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
    <bullet> 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.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing 
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P. O. Box 
3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 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.

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 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: Sherry Vevea, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6514; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We have received reports of fuel leaks on two different in-service 
airplanes, and the subsequent discovery of several improperly assembled 
engine fuel feed manifold couplings on in-service and production 
airplanes. The improper coupling installations, which occurred during 
production, have included couplings with missing or improperly 
installed lockwire, parts within the couplings installed in the wrong 
locations, incorrect parts installed in the couplings, and couplings 
that have extra parts installed. These conditions, if not corrected, 
could result in fuel leaks, which could lead to fuel exhaustion, engine 
power loss or shutdown, or leaks on hot engine parts that could lead to 
a fire.

[[Page 72201]]

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM-MOM-12-0838-01B(R2), 
including Attachment A, dated November 25, 2012. For information on the 
procedures and compliance times, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. FAA-2012-1220.

FAA's Determination

    We are issuing 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.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service 
information described previously, except as discussed under 
``Differences Between the AD and the Service Information.''
    The phrase ``related investigative actions'' might be used in this 
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 AD. ``Corrective actions'' are actions that correct or address any 
condition found. Corrective actions in an AD could include, for 
example, repairs.

Differences Between the AD and the Service Information

    For engine fuel feed manifold couplings that have not been 
previously inspected, Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM-MOM-12-0838-
01B(R2), including Attachment A, dated November 25, 2012, recommends 
accomplishment of all actions specified in Action 1) within 7 days. 
This AD, however, requires only that operators ensure the correct 
lockwire installation within 7 days; the compliance time for the 
remaining actions is 21 days. We have determined that the additional 
time for the remaining actions is warranted, based on the assurance 
that the lockwire is installed correctly.
    In addition, for engine fuel feed manifold full flexible couplings 
that have been previously inspected, Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM-
MOM-12-0838-01B(R2), including Attachment A, dated November 25, 2012, 
specifies that operators do not need to re-inspect these couplings if 
review of the airplane maintenance records conclusively demonstrates 
that the corresponding actions are equivalent to steps 1 through 6 of 
Action 1) of Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM-MOM-12-0838-01B(R2), 
including Attachment A, dated November 25, 2012. We have determined 
that the potential for not identifying incorrect parts during prior 
inspection of the full flexible coupling warrants re-inspecting these 
couplings; this AD therefore requires inspection of these full flexible 
couplings.
    These differences have been coordinated with Boeing.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because 
improperly assembled engine fuel feed manifold couplings could result 
in fuel leaks and consequent fuel exhaustion, engine power loss or 
shutdown, or leaks on hot engine parts that could lead to a fire. 
Therefore, we find that notice and opportunity for prior public comment 
are impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment 
effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public 
comment. However, we invite you to send any written data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2012-1220 and 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-208-AD at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
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 AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 3 airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
               Action                        Labor cost           Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coupling inspection, o[dash]ring      10 work-hours x $85 per             $54             $904           $2,712
 replacement, retainer ring            hour = $850.
 installation, blade seal
 inspection, and lockwire
 installation.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed 
AD.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs'' 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
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

[[Page 72202]]

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):

2012-24-07 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-17277; Docket No. FAA-
2012-1220; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-208-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective December 5, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 787-8 airplanes, 
certificated in any category, serial numbers 34485, 34486, 34488, 
34490, 34493, 34494, 34497, 34502, 34506 through 34508 inclusive, 
34514, 34515, 34521, 34744 through 34747 inclusive, 34822, 34824, 
34829, 34832, 34834 through 34838 inclusive, 35938, 36276 through 
36278 inclusive, 38319, 38320, 38330, 38466, 38471, 40748, and 
40899.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of fuel leaks due to improperly 
assembled engine fuel feed manifold couplings. We are issuing this 
AD to detect and correct improperly assembled couplings, which could 
result in fuel leaks and consequent fuel exhaustion, engine power 
loss or shutdown, or leaks on hot engine parts that could lead to a 
fire.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Inspection

    Except as provided by paragraph (h) of this AD: Do the actions 
specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, in accordance 
with Action 1) of Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM-MOM-12-0838-
01B(R2), including Attachment A, dated November 25, 2012.
    (1) Within 7 days after the effective date of this AD, ensure 
that the lockwire installation on the rigid and full flexible 
couplings is correct.
    (2) Within 21 days after the effective date of this AD, inspect 
the rigid and full flexible couplings for correct assembly, 
including replacement of the o-rings with new o-rings, confirmation 
that the proper retainer rings are installed in the full flexible 
coupling, a general visual inspection for damage of the blade seals, 
and all applicable corrective actions. Do all applicable corrective 
actions before further flight.

(h) Requirements Based on Previous Accomplishment

    (1) For airplanes on which the fuel couplings have been 
inspected before the effective date of this AD as specified in 
``Method 1: AMM Method'' of Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM-MOM-
12-0838-01B, dated November 11, 2012, which is not incorporated by 
reference in this AD; or Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM-MOM-12-
0838-01B(R1), dated November 14, 2012, which is not incorporated by 
reference in this AD: A review of the airplane maintenance records 
is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph 
(g)(1) of this AD, if the records conclusively demonstrate that 
lockwire was installed correctly using a method equivalent to step 
6.a. of Action 1) of Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM-MOM-12-0838-
01B(R2), including Attachment A, dated November 25, 2012.
    (2) For airplanes on which the fuel couplings have been 
inspected before the effective date of this AD as specified in 
``Method 2: Non-Invasive Method'' of Boeing Multi Operator Message 
MOM-MOM-12-0838-01B, dated November 11, 2012, which is not 
incorporated by reference in this AD; or Boeing Multi Operator 
Message MOM-MOM-12-0838-01B(R1), dated November 14, 2012, which is 
not incorporated by reference in this AD: The actions specified in 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD are not required.
    (3) For airplanes on which the rigid fuel couplings have been 
inspected before the effective date of this AD as specified in 
``Method 1: AMM Method'' or ``Method 2: Non-Invasive Method'' of 
Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM-MOM-12-0838-01B, dated November 
11, 2012, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD; or 
Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM-MOM-12-0838-01B(R1), dated 
November 14, 2012, which is not incorporated by reference in this 
AD: The actions specified in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD are not 
required for the rigid fuel couplings only. However, the actions 
specified in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD are required for the full 
flexible couplings, even if inspected prior to the effective date of 
this AD as specified in Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM-MOM-12-
0838-01B, dated November 11, 2012, which is not incorporated by 
reference in this AD; or Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM-MOM-12-
0838-01B(R1), dated November 14, 2012, which is not incorporated by 
reference in this AD.

(i) No Reporting Requirement

    Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM-MOM-12-0838-01B(R2), including 
Attachment A, dated November 25, 2012, specifies reporting to Boeing 
any anomalies found during inspection of the assembly of the rigid 
and full flexible couplings, including anomalies of the lockwire 
installation. This AD does not require any report.

(j) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 
21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 
and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the airplane 
can be modified, provided the lockwire is correctly installed on the 
engine fuel feed manifold rigid and full flexible couplings in 
accordance with paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.

(k) 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 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.

(l) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Sherry Vevea, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 
98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6514; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
[email protected].

[[Page 72203]]

    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P. O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 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.

(m) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM-MOM-12-0838-01B(R2), 
including Attachment A, dated November 25, 2012. The document number 
and issue date are identified on page 1 of Boeing Multi Operator 
Message MOM-MOM-12-0838-01B(R2), including Attachment A, dated 
November 25, 2012, and on each page of Attachment A; no other page 
of this document contains this information.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P. O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at 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 view this 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 November 28, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-29405 Filed 12-4-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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