Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 37 (Monday, February 27, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 11795-11797]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-03362]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9053; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-075-AD; 
Amendment 39-18808; AD 2017-04-13]
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 747-8 and 747-8F series airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by reports of damaged vapor seals, block seals, and heat 
shield seals on the outboard pylons between the engine strut and aft 
fairing. This AD requires repetitive inspections for heat damage of the 
vapor seals between the engine strut and aft fairing, and replacement 
of the seals with new seals if necessary. We are issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 3, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 3, 
2017.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data 
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 
90740; telephone 562-797-1717; 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-2016-9053.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
9053; 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: Tung Tran, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6505; 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 747-8 and 747-8F series airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on August 30, 2016 (81 FR 59544). The NPRM was 
prompted by reports of damaged vapor seals, block seals, and heat 
shield seals on the outboard pylons between the engine strut and aft 
fairing. The NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections for heat 
damage of the vapor seals between the engine strut and aft fairing, and 
replacement of the seals with new seals if necessary. We are issuing 
this AD to detect and correct heat damage to the vapor seals between 
the engine strut and aft fairing. Such damage could allow flammable 
fluid leakage out of the aft fairing, which could result in an 
uncontrolled fire in the engine strut.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comment received on the NPRM and 
the FAA's response to the comment.

[[Page 11796]]

Request To Clarify the Unsafe Condition

    Boeing asked that we change the unsafe condition in the SUMMARY and 
Discussion sections and in paragraph (e) of the proposed AD from ``Such 
damage could allow flammable fluid leakage into the aft fairing . . .'' 
to ``Such damage could allow flammable fluid leakage out of the aft 
fairing . . .'' Boeing stated that the aft fairing is a flammable 
leakage zone, and escaping fluid passing the vapor seal is leaving the 
aft fairing.
    We agree with the commenter for the reason provided. However, the 
unsafe condition is not carried over into the SUMMARY section of this 
final rule. We have changed the unsafe condition in the Discussion 
section and paragraph (e) of this AD accordingly.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the change 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 for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    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 Alert Service Bulletin 747-54A2246, dated 
February 5, 2016. The service information describes procedures for 
repetitive inspections for heat damage of the vapor seals between the 
engine strut and aft fairing, and replacement of the seals with new 
seals. 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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 10 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vapor seal inspections.........  4 work-hours x $85 per               $0  $340 per            $3,400 per
                                  hour = $340 per                          inspection cycle.   inspection cycle.
                                  inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary seal 
replacement that will be required based on the results of the vapor 
seal inspection. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft 
that might need these seal replacements.

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                   Action                                 Labor cost                Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seal replacement...........................  132 work-hours x $85 per hour =                  $0         $11,220
                                              $11,220.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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

    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):

2017-04-13 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18808; Docket No.

[[Page 11797]]

FAA-2016-9053; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-075-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective April 3, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

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

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 54, Nacelles/
pylons.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of damaged vapor seals, block 
seals, and heat shield seals on the outboard pylons between the 
engine strut and aft fairing. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct heat damage to the vapor seals between the engine strut and 
aft fairing. Such damage could allow flammable fluid leakage out of 
the aft fairing, which could result in an uncontrolled fire in the 
engine strut.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Repetitive Inspections

    At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and 
(g)(2) of this AD: Do a detailed inspection for heat damage of the 
vapor seals on the outboard pylons between the strut and aft fairing 
of the numbers 1 and 4 engines, in accordance with Part 2 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
54A2246, dated February 5, 2016. Repeat the inspection thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 1,200 flight cycles.
    (1) Before the accumulation of 1,800 total flight cycles, or 
within 1,800 flight cycles after the most recent vapor seal, block 
seal, and heat shield seal replacement, whichever is later.
    (2) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD.

(h) Replacement

    If during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD 
any heat damage of any vapor seal is found: Before further flight, 
replace the vapor seal, heat shield seal, and block seal with new 
seals, in accordance with Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-54A2246, dated February 5, 
2016. Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD 
within 1,800 flight cycles after doing the replacement, and 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,200 flight cycles.

(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) 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, modification, or alteration 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. To be approved, the 
repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must 
meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must 
specifically refer to this AD.
    (4) For service information that contains steps that are labeled 
as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs 
(i)(4)(i) and (i)(4)(ii) apply.
    (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step 
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply 
with the AD. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps, 
including substeps and identified figures.
    (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted 
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection 
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC 
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done 
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition.

(j) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Tung Tran, Aerospace 
Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6505; 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 Alert Service Bulletin 747-54A2246, dated February 5, 
2016.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services 
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740; 
telephone 562-797-1717; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (4) You may view this 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 February 10, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-03362 Filed 2-24-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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