Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 94 (Tuesday, May 15, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 22360-22362]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-09865]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0362; Product Identifier 2018-NM-020-AD; Amendment 
39-19269; AD 2018-09-12]
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 747-200B, 747-300, and 747-400 series 
airplanes. This AD requires replacing certain low-pressure oxygen flex-
hoses with new non-conductive low-pressure oxygen flex-hoses in the 
gaseous passenger oxygen system in airplanes equipped with therapeutic 
oxygen. This AD also requires a general visual inspection of the low-
pressure passenger oxygen system to ensure there is minimum clearance 
of the oxygen system components from adjacent structure and systems. 
This AD was prompted by reports of low-pressure flex-hoses of the 
flightcrew oxygen system that burned through due to inadvertent 
electrical current from a short circuit. We are issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 30, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 30, 
2018.
    We must receive comments on this AD by June 29, 2018.

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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    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, 
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also 
available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0362.

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-2018-
0362; or in person at Docket Operations 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 street address for Docket Operations (phone: 
800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available 
in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan L. Monroe, Aerospace Engineer, 
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO 
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-
231-3570; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    This AD was prompted by reports of low-pressure oxygen flex-hoses 
in the continuously pressurized flightcrew oxygen system that burned 
through due to inadvertent electrical current from a short circuit. 
Conductive oxygen hoses in the flight deck were addressed previously in 
AD 2010-16-05, Amendment 39-16382 (75 FR 47208, August 5, 2010) (``AD 
2010-16-05'').
    The gaseous passenger oxygen system equipped with therapeutic 
oxygen is not continuously pressurized and must be activated by the 
flightcrew. Exposure to electrical faults, such as unintended short 
circuits, can result in localized electrical heating of the low-
pressure oxygen flex-hoses. This condition, if not corrected, could 
result in electrical current passing through the low-pressure oxygen 
flex-hoses, which can cause flex-hoses to melt or burn, and a 
consequent oxygen-fed fire in the passenger cabin.

Other Relevant Rulemaking

    We issued AD 2010-16-05 for certain The Boeing Company Model 747 
airplanes. AD 2010-16-05 was prompted by reports of low-pressure flex-
hoses of the flightcrew oxygen system that burned through due to 
inadvertent electrical current from a short circuit in the audio select 
panel. AD 2010-16-05 requires inspecting to verify the part number of 
the low-pressure flex-hoses of the flightcrew oxygen system installed 
under the oxygen mask stowage boxes in the flight deck, and replacing 
the flex-hose with a new non-conductive low-pressure flex-hose if 
necessary. We issued AD 2010-16-05 to prevent inadvertent electrical 
current, which can cause the low-pressure flex-hoses of the flightcrew 
oxygen system to melt or burn, causing oxygen system leakage and smoke 
or fire.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-35-2134, 
dated November 22, 2017. The service information describes procedures 
for replacing certain low-pressure oxygen flex-hose assemblies with 
non-conductive flex-hose assemblies at multiple locations and a general 
visual inspection to ensure the oxygen system components have minimum 
clearance from adjacent structure and systems. This service information 
is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to 
it through their normal course

[[Page 22361]]

of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

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 accomplishment of the actions identified as ``RC'' 
(required for compliance) in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-35-2134, dated November 22, 
2017, described previously, except as discussed under ``Differences 
Between this AD and the Service Information,'' and except for any 
differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD.
    For information on the procedures and compliance times, see this 
service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0362.

Differences Between This AD and the Service Information

    Where the Condition column of Table 3 in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-35-
2134, dated November 22, 2017, specifies ``all airplanes,'' for this 
AD, the Condition column of Table 3 is ``airplanes on which one or more 
hose assemblies were replaced or disconnected.'' As specified in step 
3.B.12 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 747-35-2134, dated November 22, 2017, the oxygen 
system low-pressure leak test and applicable corrective actions are 
only accomplished if one or more hose assemblies were replaced or 
disconnected.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    There are currently no domestic operators of this product. 
Therefore, we find that notice and opportunity for prior public comment 
are unnecessary 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 final rule. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2018-
0362 and Product Identifier 2018-NM-020-AD at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this final rule. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
final rule 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 final rule.

Costs of Compliance

    Currently, there are no affected U.S.-registered airplanes. If an 
affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the 
future, we provide the following cost estimates to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                      Labor cost              Parts cost              Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection and Replacement.........  Up to 22 work-hours x   Up to $4,535..........  Up to $6,405.
                                      $85 per hour = $1,870.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    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:

[[Page 22362]]

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):

2018-09-12 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-19269; Docket No. FAA-
2018-0362; Product Identifier 2018-NM-020-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective May 30, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-200B, 747-300, 
and 747-400 series airplanes, certificated in any category, as 
identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-35-2134, 
dated November 22, 2017.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 35, Oxygen.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of low-pressure flex-hoses of 
the flightcrew oxygen system that burned through due to inadvertent 
electrical current from a short circuit. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent electrical current from passing through the low-pressure 
oxygen flex-hoses in the gaseous passenger oxygen system, which can 
cause the flex-hoses to melt or burn, and a consequent oxygen-fed 
fire in the passenger cabin.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Except as required by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the 
applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of 
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-35-2134, dated 
November 22, 2017, do all applicable actions identified as ``RC'' 
(required for compliance) in, and in accordance with, the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 747-35-2134, dated November 22, 2017.

(h) Exception to Service Information Specifications

    (1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements 
of this AD: Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-35-
2134, dated November 22, 2017, uses the phrase ``the original issue 
date of this service bulletin,'' this AD requires using ``the 
effective date of this AD.''
    (2) Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-35-2134, 
dated November 22, 2017, specifies contacting Boeing, and specifies 
that action as RC: This AD requires repair using a method approved 
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this 
AD.
    (3) Where the Condition column of Table 3 in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-35-
2134, dated November 22, 2017, specifies ``all airplanes,'' for this 
AD, the Condition column of Table 3 is ``airplanes on which one or 
more hose assemblies were replaced or disconnected.''

(i) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on 
any airplane, the hose assembly part numbers identified as ``Removed 
hose assembly part numbers'' in Table 3, ``Hose Assembly 
Replacement,'' of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-35-
2134, dated November 22, 2017, in the locations for hose assembly 
installation as identified in Figures 1 through 14 of Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 747-35-2134, dated November 22, 2017.

(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) 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) Except as required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD: For 
service information that contains steps that are labeled as Required 
for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (j)(4)(i) and 
(j)(4)(ii) of this AD 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. If a step or substep is labeled ``RC Exempt,'' then the 
RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. 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.

(k) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Susan L. Monroe, 
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, 
FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
phone and fax: 206-231-3570; email: [email protected].

(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.
    (i) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-35-2134, dated 
November 22, 2017.
    (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-
5600; telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
206-231-3195.
    (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 Des Moines, Washington, on April 27, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-09865 Filed 5-14-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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