Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 183 (Tuesday, September 22, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57083-57086]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-23539]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-0245; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-135-AD; 
Amendment 39-18268; AD 2015-19-06]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012-24-10 for 
certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400 and -400F series airplanes. AD 
2012-24-10 required installing new software, replacing the duct 
assembly with a new duct assembly, making wiring changes, and routing 
certain wire bundles. This new AD retains the requirements of AD 2012-
24-10 and requires installing a new or serviceable pressure switch 
bracket and altitude pressure switch. This new AD also adds an airplane 
to the applicability. This AD was prompted by reports of intermittent 
or blank displays of a certain integrated display unit (IDU) that were 
due to an intermittent false electrical ground that was not addressed 
by the software installation or wiring changes required by AD 2012-24-
10. We are issuing this AD to prevent IDU malfunctions, which could 
affect the ability of the flightcrew to read primary displays for 
airplane attitude, altitude, or airspeed, and consequently reduce the 
ability of the flightcrew to maintain control of the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective October 27, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of October 27, 
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-2015-
0245.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.govby searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
0245; 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: Francis Smith, Aerospace Engineer, 
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 
98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6596; fax: 425-917-6591; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to supersede AD 2012-24-10, Amendment 39-17280 (77 FR 73908, 
December 12, 2012). AD 2012-24-10 applied to certain The Boeing Company 
Model 747-400 and -400F series airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on February 18, 2015 (80 FR 8568). The NPRM was 
prompted by reports of intermittent or blank displays of a certain IDU 
that were due to an intermittent false electrical ground that was not 
addressed by the software installation or wiring changes required by AD 
2012-24-10.
    The NPRM (80 FR 8568, February 18, 2015) proposed to retain the 
requirements of AD 2012-24-10. The NPRM also proposed to require 
installing a new or serviceable pressure switch bracket and altitude 
pressure switch, and add an airplane having variable number RT061 as 
Group 21 to the applicability of the existing AD. We are issuing this 
AD to prevent IDU malfunctions, which could affect the ability of the 
flightcrew to read primary displays for airplane attitude, altitude, or 
airspeed, and consequently reduce the ability of the flightcrew to 
maintain control of the airplane.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comment received on the NPRM (80 FR 
8568, February 18, 2015) and the FAA's response.

Request To Clarify Purpose of Altitude Pressure Switch

    Boeing requested that we revise the wording in the Discussion 
section to clarify that the altitude pressure switch provides an 
independent and redundant signal to the equipment cooling three-way 
valve. Boeing explained that the logic to transition the three-way 
valve through an altitude of 25,000 feet was already present through a 
signal from the environmental control system miscellaneous card 
(ECSMC). The commenter added that the logic

[[Page 57084]]

redundancy is described correctly elsewhere in the NPRM (80 FR 8568, 
February 18, 2015).
    We agree with the commenter's request because changing the wording 
clarifies the intent of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-
21-2533, dated February 13, 2014, which describes procedures for 
installing an altitude pressure switch on the forward side of the 
station 400 bulkhead for the three-way valve of the equipment cooling 
system. We have revised the description of the service information, 
which is provided in the Related Service Information under 1 CFR part 
51 section in this final rule.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have 
determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (80 FR 8568, February 18, 2015) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (80 FR 8568, February 18, 2015).

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Boeing has issued the following service information.
    <bullet> Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-21A2523, Revision 2, 
dated June 7, 2013. This service information describes procedures for 
changing the wiring and operating logic of the equipment cooling three-
way valve and replacing the existing duct assembly with a new duct 
assembly on the main distribution manifold of the air conditioning 
system.
    <bullet> Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-21-2532, 
dated February 13, 2014. This service information describes procedures 
for installing an altitude pressure switch on the forward side of the 
station 400 bulkhead for the three-way valve of the equipment cooling 
system.
    <bullet> Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-21-2533, 
dated February 13, 2014. This service information describes procedures 
for adding a second altitude signal to the switching logic for the 
three-way valve to provide a second, independent altitude signal for 
the equipment cooling system.
    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 33 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Duct assembly and replacement wiring      44 work-hours x $85 per hour      $20,121      $23,861        $787,413
 changes (retained actions from AD 2012-   = $3,740.
 24-10, Amendment 39-17280 (77 FR 73908,
 December 12, 2012).
Software changes (retained actions from   3 work-hours x $85 per hour             0          255           8,415
 AD 2012-24-10, Amendment 39-17280 (77     = $255.
 FR 73908, December 12, 2012).
Altitude pressure switch installation     13 work-hours x $85 per hour        5,230        6,335         209,055
 (new action).                             = $1,105.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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, 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 have determined that 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2012-24-10, Amendment 39-17280 (77 FR 73908, December 12, 2012), and 
adding the following new AD:

2015-19-06 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18268; Docket No. FAA-
2015-0245; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-135-AD.

[[Page 57085]]

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective October 27, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2012-24-10, Amendment 39-17280 (77 FR 73908, 
December 12, 2012).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-400 and -400F 
series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-21A2523, Revision 2, dated June 7, 
2013.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 21, Air 
Conditioning; 31, Instruments.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of intermittent or blank 
displays of a certain integrated display unit (IDU) in the flight 
deck. We are issuing this AD to prevent IDU malfunctions, which 
could affect the ability of the flightcrew to read primary displays 
for airplane attitude, altitude, or airspeed, and consequently 
reduce the ability of the flightcrew to maintain control of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Software Update, With Revised Service Information

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2012-24-10, Amendment 39-17280 (77 FR 73908, December 12, 2012), 
with revised service information. Within 12 months after January 16, 
2013 (the effective date of AD 2012-24-10), except as provided by 
paragraph (j) of this AD: Install integrated display system 
software, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-21A2523, Revision 1, dated October 
3, 2011; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-21A2523, Revision 2, 
dated June 7, 2013. As of the effective date of this AD, only Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 747-21A2523, Revision 2, dated June 7, 2013, 
may be used to accomplish the actions required by this paragraph.

    Note 1 to paragraphs (g) and (j) of this AD: Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-21A2523, Revision 1, dated October 3, 2011; and 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-21A2523, Revision 2, dated June 7, 
2013; refer to Boeing Service Bulletin 747-31-2426, dated July 29, 
2010 (for airplanes with Rolls-Royce engines); Boeing Service 
Bulletin 747-31-2427, dated July 29, 2010 (for airplanes with 
General Electric engines); and Boeing Service Bulletin 747-31-2428, 
dated July 29, 2010 (for airplanes with Pratt & Whitney engines); as 
additional sources of guidance for the software installation 
specified by paragraph (g) of this AD.

(h) Retained Duct Assembly Replacement and Wiring Changes, With Revised 
Service Information

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2012-24-10, Amendment 39-17280 (77 FR 73908, December 12, 2012), 
with revised service information. Within 60 months after January 16, 
2013 (the effective date of AD 2012-24-10), except as provided by 
paragraph (j) of this AD: Replace the duct assembly with a new duct 
assembly, do wiring changes, and route certain wire bundles, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-21A2523, Revision 1, dated October 3, 2011; or 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-21A2523, Revision 2, dated June 7, 
2013. As of the effective date of this AD, only Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-21A2523, Revision 2, dated June 7, 2013, may be used to 
accomplish the actions required by this paragraph.

(i) New Installation of Pressure Switch Bracket and Altitude Pressure 
Switch

    Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD: Install a 
new or serviceable pressure switch bracket and a new or serviceable 
altitude pressure switch on the forward side of the station 400 
bulkhead, do wiring changes, route certain wire bundles, install a 
new hose assembly, and perform a leak check and a functional logic 
test, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
service information specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this 
AD, as applicable.
    (1) For Model 747-400F series airplanes: Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 747-21-2532, dated February 13, 2014.
    (2) For Model 747-400BCF series airplanes: Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 747-21-2533, dated February 13, 2014.

(j) Actions for Group 21 Airplanes

    For Group 21 airplanes, as identified in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-21A2523, Revision 2, dated June 7, 2013, do the actions 
specified in paragraphs (j)(1) and (j)(2) of this AD, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-21A2523, Revision 2, dated June 7, 2013.
    (1) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, 
install integrated display system software.
    (2) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, 
replace the duct assembly with a new duct assembly, do wiring 
changes, and route certain wire bundles.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed 
before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-21A2523, Revision 1, dated October 3, 2011, which was 
incorporated by reference in AD 2012-24-10, Amendment 39-17280 (77 
FR 73908, December 12, 2012).

(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 paragraph (m)(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 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.
    (4) AMOCs approved for AD 2012-24-10, Amendment 39-17280 (77 FR 
73908, December 12, 2012), are approved as AMOCs for the 
corresponding provisions of paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD.

(m) 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 (ACO), 1601 
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6596; fax: 
425-917-6591; email: [email protected].
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (n)(3) and (n)(4) of this AD.

(n) 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 Alert Service Bulletin 747-21A2523, Revision 2, dated 
June 7, 2013.
    (ii) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-21-2532, 
dated February 13, 2014.
    (iii) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-21-2533, 
dated February 13, 2014.
    (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 service information at 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

[[Page 57086]]

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 September 9, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-23539 Filed 9-21-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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