Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 168 (Thursday, August 31, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41326-41329]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-18397]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0247; Product Identifier 2016-NM-180-AD; Amendment 
39-19015; AD 2017-18-06]
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) 2012-05-03, 
which applied to 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. AD 2012-05-03 required 
modifying the fluid drain path in the leading edge area of the wing. 
This AD requires additional work to seal those drainage holes in the 
wing access panels. This AD was prompted by a design review following a 
ground fire

[[Page 41327]]

incident and reports of flammable fluid leaks from the wing leading 
edge area onto the engine exhaust area. We are issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 5, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 5, 
2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of April 
24, 2012 (77 FR 16143, March 20, 2012).

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 
90740-5600; telephone 562-797-1717; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this service information at the 
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 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-2017-
0247.

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-2017-
0247; 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 final rule, 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 Section, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, 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 to supersede AD 2012-05-03, Amendment 39-16975 (77 FR 16143, 
March 20, 2012) (``AD 2012-05-03''). AD 2012-05-03 applied to 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. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
April 11, 2017 (82 FR 17403). The NPRM was prompted by a design review 
following a ground fire incident and reports of flammable fluid leaks 
from the wing leading edge area onto the engine exhaust area. The NPRM 
proposed to continue to require modifying the fluid drain path in the 
leading edge area of the wing. The NPRM also proposed to require 
additional work to seal those drainage holes in the wing access panels. 
We are issuing this AD to prevent flammable fluid from leaking onto the 
engine exhaust nozzle, which could result in a fire.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data 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 for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2332, 
Revision 2, dated February 22, 2016. This service information divides 
the affected airplanes into 10 groups.
    For all groups, this service information describes procedures for 
modifying the fluid drain path in the leading edge area of the wing. 
The modification consists of changing fluid dam assemblies at wing 
outboard leading edge station (OLES) 1250, and installing seal 
assemblies at OLES 1185. Additionally, this service information 
specifies changing the lower leading edge wing panels through repairs 
and installation of parts.
    For Groups 1 through 6 airplanes, this service information also 
specifies installing fluid dam assemblies at wing OLES 770.
    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 will affect 258 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fluid drainage modification (Groups 1-  95 work-hours x $85 per          $33,609         $41,684      $5,960,812
 6) (143 airplanes) (actions retained    hour = $8,075.
 from AD 2012-05-03).
Fluid drainage modification (Groups 7-  90 work-hours x $85 per           29,304          36,954       4,249,710
 10) (115 airplanes) (actions retained   hour = $7,650.
 from AD 2012-05-03).
Drainage hole repair (258 airplanes)    2 work-hours x $85 per                 9             179          46,182
 (new action).                           hour = $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.

[[Page 41328]]

    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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes to 
the Director of the System Oversight Division.

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) 
2012-05-03, Amendment 39-16975 (77 FR 16143, March 20, 2012), and 
adding the following new AD:

2017-18-06 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-19015; Docket No. FAA-
2017-0247; Product Identifier 2016-NM-180-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective October 5, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2012-05-03, Amendment 39-16975 (77 FR 16143, 
March 20, 2012) (``AD 2012-05-03'').

(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 Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 747-57-2332, Revision 2, dated February 22, 2016.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a design review following a ground fire 
incident and reports of flammable fluid leaks from the wing leading 
edge area onto the engine exhaust area. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent flammable fluid from leaking onto the engine exhaust nozzle, 
which could result in a fire.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Leading Edge Installation, With Revised Service 
Information

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2012-05-03, with revised service information. Within 60 months after 
April 24, 2012 (the effective date of AD 2012-05-03), modify the 
fluid drain path in the leading edge area of the wing, in accordance 
with all applicable parts of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2332, Revision 1, 
dated July 25, 2011; or Revision 2, dated February 22, 2016.

(h) Retained Credit for Previous Actions, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the provisions of paragraph (h) of AD 
2012-05-03, with no changes. This paragraph provides credit for 
modification of the fluid drain path required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD, if the modification was performed before April 24, 2012, 
using Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2332, dated 
November 9, 2010.

(i) New Requirement to Seal Drainage Holes

    For airplanes on which the actions specified in Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2332, dated November 9, 2010; or 
Revision 1, dated July 25, 2011; were done: Within 2 years after the 
effective date of this AD, fill the drainage holes in wing panels 
521EB and 621EB with sealant, in accordance with Part 5 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 747-57-2332, Revision 2, dated February 22, 2016.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (k)(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, 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 Branch, 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) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2012-05-03 are approved as 
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraph (g) of this AD.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Tung Tran, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6505; fax: 425-
917-6590; email: [email protected].
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (l)(5) and (l)(6) of this AD.

(l) 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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
October 5, 2017.
    (i) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2332, 
Revision 2, dated February 22, 2016.
    (ii) Reserved.

[[Page 41329]]

    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
April 24, 2012 (77 FR 16143, March 20, 2012).
    (i) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2332, 
Revision 1, dated July 25, 2011.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (5) 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-
5600; telephone 562-797-1717; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (6) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
    (7) 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 August 21, 2017.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-18397 Filed 8-30-17; 8:45 am]
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