Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 131 (Monday, July 9, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31650-31653]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-14499]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0115; Product Identifier 2017-NM-110-AD; Amendment 
39-19322; AD 2018-14-02]
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 certain 
The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and -300ER series 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that additional areas of 
Boeing Material Specification (BMS) 8-39 flexible urethane foam were 
found during a routine inspection. This AD requires an inspection for 
foam insulation on the dripshield above the overhead panel support 
structure and replacement if necessary. For certain airplanes, this AD 
also requires replacement of foam insulation on the overhead panel 
support structure. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

[[Page 31651]]


DATES: This AD is effective August 13, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 13, 
2018.

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, 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-
0115.

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-
0115; 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 address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket Operations, 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: Scott Craig, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin 
Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3566; 
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 certain The Boeing Company 
Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and -300ER series airplanes. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on February 26, 2018 (83 FR 8199). 
The NPRM was prompted by reports that additional areas of BMS 8-39 
flexible urethane foam were found during a routine inspection. The NPRM 
proposed to require an inspection for foam insulation on the dripshield 
above the overhead panel support structure and replacement if 
necessary. For certain airplanes, the NPRM also proposed to require 
replacement of foam insulation on the overhead panel support structure.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. The following presents the comments received on the 
NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment. Boeing and United Airlines 
stated that they supported the NPRM.

Request To Correct a Typo in the Service Information

    Delta Airlines (DAL) requested that we correct a typo in Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0621, Revision 1, dated 
August 4, 2017. DAL stated that during its review of Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0621, Revision 1, dated August 4, 
2017, it found a typo in the instructions in step 4 of figures 1 and 3 
in the ``More Data'' column. DAL stated that the instructions refer to 
Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) chapter ``777 AMM 23-92-02,'' but the 
correct chapter should be ``777 AMM 23-93-02.''
    We agree with the commenter that there is a typo in Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0621, Revision 1, dated August 4, 
2017. The correct reference should be ``777 AMM 23-93-02.'' However, 
the typo is not in an ``RC'' (required for compliance) step in Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0621, Revision 1, dated 
August 4, 2017, and the AMM is provided only as a reference in Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0621, Revision 1, dated 
August 4, 2017. Therefore, we have not changed this AD 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 final rule 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 addressing 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 777-25-0621, 
Revision 1, dated August 4, 2017. This service information describes 
procedures for a general visual inspection for foam insulation on the 
dripshield above the overhead panel support structure and replacement 
if necessary. This service information also describes procedures for 
replacement of foam insulation on the overhead panel support structure. 
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 132 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 and replacement of    Up to 32 work-hours x            $5,611  Up to $8,331......  Up to $1,099,692
 foam insulation.                 $85 per hour = $2,720.
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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

[[Page 31652]]

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 and 
associated appliances 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:

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):

2018-14-02 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-19322; Docket No. FAA-
2018-0115; Product Identifier 2017-NM-110-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective August 13, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -
300, and -300ER series airplanes, certificated in any category, as 
identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0621, 
Revision 1, dated August 4, 2017.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
furnishings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports that additional areas of Boeing 
Material Specification (BMS) 8-39 flexible urethane foam were found 
during a routine inspection pursuant to a previously issued AD. The 
degradation of the foam over time increases the potential for an 
uncontrolled fire below the passenger compartment floor and other 
locations outside the areas covered by smoke detection and fire 
protection systems. We are issuing this AD to address BMS 8-39 
flexible urethane foam found in certain areas of an airplane, which, 
if exposed to an ignition source, could cause loss of control of the 
airplane during a fire.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection and Replacement of Foam Installation

    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 777-25-0621, Revision 1, 
dated August 4, 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 777-25-0621, Revision 1, dated August 4, 2017.

(h) Exception to Service Information Specifications

    For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements of 
this AD: Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-
0621, Revision 1, dated August 4, 2017, uses the phrase ``the 
original issue date of this service bulletin,'' this AD requires 
using ``the effective date of this AD.''

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the corresponding actions 
specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0621, dated December 10, 2014.

(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) For service information that contains steps that are labeled 
as 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

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Scott Craig, 
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, 
Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
phone and fax: 206-231-3566; 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)(3) and (l)(4) 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.
    (i) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0621, 
Revision 1, dated August 4, 2017.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial

[[Page 31653]]

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 June 27, 2018.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-14499 Filed 7-6-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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