Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 115 (Tuesday, June 16, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34244-34246]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-14397]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0575; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-086-AD; 
Amendment 39-18181; AD 2015-12-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The 
Boeing Company Model 747-8F and 747-8 series airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by reports of delamination damage to leading edge (LE) 
variable camber krueger (VCK) flaps. This AD requires repetitive 
inspections to detect delamination damage of the lightning strike 
applique (LSA) on certain LE VCK flaps, and corrective actions if 
necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct delamination 
damage to certain LE VCK flaps, which can reduce the lightning strike 
protection capability on certain LE VCK flaps and result in an 
uncommanded motion of the trailing edge flap system; such uncommanded 
flap motion, without shutdown of the trailing edge or leading edge 
flaps, could cause unexpected changes in lift, potentially resulting in 
asymmetric lift and loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective July 21, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 21, 
2015.

ADDRESSES: 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 view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. It 
is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA 2014-0575.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://

[[Page 34245]]

www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0575; 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 Docket 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: Kelly McGuckin, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; 
phone: 425-917-6490; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all The Boeing Company 
Model 747-8F and 747-8 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on August 26, 2014 (79 FR 50875). The NPRM was 
prompted by reports of delamination damage to LE VCK flaps. The NPRM 
proposed to require repetitive inspections to detect delamination 
damage of the LSA on the LE VCK flaps at positions 6 through 9 (left 
wing) and 18 through 21 (right wing), and corrective actions if 
necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct delamination 
damage to certain LE VCK flaps, which can reduce the lightning strike 
protection capability on the LE VCK flaps and result in an uncommanded 
motion of the trailing edge flap system. Such uncommanded flap motion, 
without shutdown of the trailing edge or leading edge flaps, could 
cause unexpected changes in lift, potentially resulting in asymmetric 
lift and loss of control of the airplane.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM (79 
FR 50875, August 26, 2014) and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Revise Component Description

    Boeing requested that we revise the NPRM (79 FR 50875, August 26, 
2014) to describe the affected LE flaps with lightning strike applique 
installed as the LE VCK flaps at positions 6 through 9 (left wing) and 
18 through 21 (right wing). Boeing pointed out that only the affected 
flaps should be specified, instead of all LE VCK flaps.
    We agree with the commenter's request. Not all LE VCK flaps are 
affected by the identified unsafe condition. We have revised the 
SUMMARY section of this final rule and paragraph (e) of this AD to 
specify ``certain'' LE VCK flaps. We have also revised the DISCUSSION 
section of this final rule and paragraph (g) of this AD to specify LE 
VCK flaps at position 6 through 9 (left wing) and 18 through 21 (right 
wing).

Request To Correct Typographical Errors

    Boeing requested that we revise the service bulletin title in the 
``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the Service Information'' 
section and paragraphs (g) and (h) of the NPRM (79 FR 50875, August 26, 
2014) from Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-57-2338, dated January 14, 
2014; to Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2338, dated 
January 14, 2014.
    Boeing also requested that we revise ``Original issue'' in 
paragraph (h) of the NPRM (79 FR 50875, August 26, 2014) to ``Original 
Issue.''
    We agree with the commenter's request to correct the identified 
typographical errors. We have revised paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD 
accordingly. However, because the ``Differences Between this Proposed 
AD and the Service Information'' section is not repeated in the final 
rule, no change is necessary in this regard.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this 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 (79 FR 50875, August 26, 2014) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 50875, August 26, 2014).
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2338, 
dated January 14, 2014. The service information describes procedures 
for inspections to detect delamination damage of the LSA on the LE VCK 
flaps and corrective actions. 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 of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 6 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost     Cost per  product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection.......................  8 work-hours x $85               $0  $680 per inspection  $4,080 per
                                    per hour = $680                      cycle.               inspection cycle
                                    per inspection
                                    cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.
    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all 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:

[[Page 34246]]

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):

2015-12-07 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18181; Docket No. FAA-
2014-0575; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-086-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective July 21, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 747-8F and 747-8 
series airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of delamination damage to 
leading edge (LE) variable camber krueger (VCK) flaps. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct delamination damage to certain 
LE VCK flaps, which can reduce the lightning strike protection 
capability on certain LE VCK flaps and result in an uncommanded 
motion of the trailing edge flap system. Such uncommanded flap 
motion, without shutdown of the trailing edge or leading edge flaps, 
may cause unexpected changes in lift, potentially resulting in 
asymmetric lift and loss of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspections and Corrective Actions

    Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD, at the 
applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of 
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2338, dated January 
14, 2014: Do a general visual inspection to detect delamination 
damage of the lightning strike applique (LSA) on the LE VCK flaps at 
positions 6 through 9 (left wing) and 18 through 21 (right wing); 
and do all applicable corrective actions before further flight; in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2338, dated January 14, 2014. 
Repeat the inspection of the LSA on the LE VCK flaps at positions 6 
through 9 (left wing) and 18 through 21 (right wing) thereafter at 
the applicable intervals specified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-
2338, dated January 14, 2014.

(h) Exception to Service Information

    Where Paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2338, dated January 14, 2014, 
specifies a compliance time ``after the Original Issue date of this 
service bulletin,'' this AD requires compliance within the specified 
compliance time after the effective date of this AD.

(i) 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 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 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.

(j) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Kelly McGuckin, 
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, 
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6490; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
[email protected].

(k) 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 Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2338, dated 
January 14, 2014.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Boeing 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 referenced service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 
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 June 3, 2015.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-14397 Filed 6-15-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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