[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 15 (Tuesday, January 23, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 1722-1724]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-846]



      
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 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
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 

  Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 15 / Tuesday, January 23, 1996 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 1722]]


DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-NM-22-AD]


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-100, -200, -300, and 
SP Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking; reopening of 
comment period.

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SUMMARY: This document revises an earlier proposed airworthiness 
directive (AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 747-100, -200, -300, 
and SP series airplanes, that would have required revising the Airplane 
Flight Manual (AFM) to prohibit the use of the autoland function. That 
proposal would have also required installation of a diode and a marker 
on certain shelves and making wiring changes to the flight mode 
annunciator of the autopilot/flight director system, which would have 
terminated the requirements for the AFM limitation. That proposal was 
prompted by a report that the flightcrew was unaware of the 
configuration of the autoland system during landing. This action 
revises the proposed rule by revising the applicability to include 
additional airplanes. The actions specified by this proposed AD are 
intended to ensure flightcrew awareness of the configuration of the 
autoland system in the event of a change from fail-operational to fail-
passive mode.

DATES: Comments must be received by January 29, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-NM-22-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this location 
between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, 
Washington 98124-2207. This information may be examined at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hania Younis, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue 
SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 227-2764; fax (206) 
227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as 
they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket Number 
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All 
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing 
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested 
persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 95-NM-22-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 95-NM-22-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98055-
4056.

Discussion

    A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR part 39) to add an airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to 
certain Boeing Model 747-100, -200, -300, and SP series airplanes, was 
published as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal 
Register on June 28, 1995 (60 FR 33373). That NPRM would have required 
revising the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight 
Manual (AFM) to prohibit the use of the LAND mode, if there is a flag 
on any channel. That NPRM would have also required installing a diode 
and a marker on certain shelves, and making wiring changes to the 
flight mode annunciator (FMA) of the autopilot/flight director system, 
which would terminate the requirement for the AFM limitation. 
Additionally, that NPRM would have required operational tests of the 
newly installed diodes.
    That NPRM was prompted by a report indicating that the flightcrew 
was unaware of the configuration of the autoland system during landing 
in which the autoland system failed to flare a Model 747-200 series 
airplane for landing, which resulted in a hard landing. That condition, 
if not corrected, could result in the flightcrew being unaware of the 
configuration of the autoland system in the event of a change from 
fail-operational to fail-passive mode.

Description of Revised Service Information

    Since the issuance of that NPRM, the FAA has reviewed and approved 
Revision 2 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-22A2213, dated June 22, 
1995. The installation and wiring change procedures described in this 
revision are essentially identical to those described in Revision 1 of 
the service bulletin (which was referenced in the NPRM). However, 
Revision 2 clarifies the preliminary set-up procedures and contains 
certain minor editorial changes. Additionally, Revision 2 deletes 
certain airplanes from its effectivity listing and includes certain 
other airplanes that are subject to the addressed unsafe condition.

[[Page 1723]]


Explanation of Changes Made to the Proposal

    The FAA has revised the applicability of the proposed rule to 
include those newly-identified airplanes that are now listed in 
Revision 2 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-22A2213. Since this 
change expands the scope of the originally proposed rule, the FAA has 
determined that it is necessary to reopen the comment period to provide 
additional opportunity for public comment.
    The FAA also has revised paragraphs (b) and (c) of the proposed 
rule to reference Revision 2 of the service bulletin as an additional 
source of service information.
    Additionally, the FAA has reconsidered the wording of the AFM 
limitation that would have been required by paragraph (a) of this 
originally-issued NPRM, and finds that the proposed wording must be 
revised to be more specific. Paragraph (a) of this supplemental NPRM 
has been revised accordingly.

Consideration of Comments Received

    In addition, the FAA has given due consideration to the following 
comments that were received in response to the originally-issued NPRM:
    One commenter requests that the description of the unsafe 
condition, as stated in the notice, be clarified. The description in 
the Summary section of the preamble to the notice states that ``* * * 
to prevent failure of the autoland system to flare the airplane for 
landing, which could subsequently result in a hard landing.'' However, 
the commenter asserts that a more accurate description of the unsafe 
condition is ``* * * to ensure flightcrew awareness of autoland system 
configuration in the event of a change from fail-operational to fail-
passive mode.'' The FAA agrees that the commenter's wording describes 
the addressed unsafe condition more accurately. The FAA has revised all 
references to the unsafe condition accordingly throughout this 
supplemental NPRM.
    Two commenters note that the AFM revision in paragraph (a) of the 
proposal states that ``* * * If there is a flag on ANY channel, the 
approach must be down-graded to dual channel, CAT II configuration, and 
the autopilot must be disconnected prior to landing.'' The commenters 
agree that the approach should be down-graded to CAT II. However, the 
commenters request that the FAA revise the language of the AFM revision 
specified in paragraph (a) of the proposed rule to allow for 
continuation of the approach with the autopilot engaged. One of these 
commenters states that, once the anomalous channel is disconnected, the 
remaining two channels provide for a normal dual channel configuration, 
which is certified for CAT II weather operations.
    The FAA does not concur with the commenter's request to revise 
paragraph (a) of the proposal. While the FAA acknowledges that the two 
remaining channels could provide for a normal dual channel autoland, 
the FAA finds that the annunciation system would no longer be adequate 
to support such an autoland. The FAA also finds an increased potential 
for the pilot to disconnect the wrong autopilot channel. Such a 
situation could result in the flightcrew being misled into thinking 
that there are two properly functioning autopilot channels engaged. 
Therefore, the FAA has determined that the autopilot must still be 
disconnected prior to landing.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 179 Model 747-100, -200, -300, and SP 
series airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA 
estimates that 12 airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this 
proposed AD.
    It would take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish 
the proposed revision to the AFM, at an average labor rate of $60 per 
work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this proposed 
requirement on U.S. operators is estimated to be $720, or $60 per 
airplane.
    It would take approximately 10 work hours per airplane to 
accomplish the proposed installation and operational test, at an 
average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost 
approximately $613 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of these proposed requirements on U.S. operators is estimated to 
be $14,556, or $1,213 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements 
of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions 
in the future if this AD were not adopted.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein would not have substantial direct 
effects 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this 
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 
and (3) if promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as 
follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    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]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

Boeing: Docket 95-NM-22-AD.

    Applicability: Model 747-100, -200, -300, and SP series 
airplanes, equipped with triple channel autoland autopilots; as 
listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-22A2212, Revision 1, 
dated April 27, 1995, and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-22A2213, 
Revision 2, dated June 22, 1995; certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must use the authority 
provided in paragraph (d) of this AD to request approval from the 
FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current 
configuration eliminates the unsafe condition; or different actions 
necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such 
a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed 
configuration on the unsafe condition 

[[Page 1724]]
addressed by this AD. In no case does the presence of any modification, 
alteration, or repair remove any airplane from the applicability of 
this AD.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To ensure flightcrew awareness of the configuration of the 
autoland system in the event of a change from fail-operational to 
fail-passive mode, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual 
(AFM) to include the following statement. This may be accomplished 
by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM.
    ``Pay close attention to all 3 NAV receiver flags immediately 
after FLARE ARM is annunciated on the FMA's. If there is a flag on 
any NAV receiver, the corresponding autopilot channel must be 
disconnected; the approach must be down-graded to dual channel, CAT 
II configuration; and the autopilot must be disconnected prior to 
landing.''
    (b) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, 
install a diode and a marker on the E1-4, E1-5, and E1-6 shelves, 
and make wiring changes to the flight mode annunciator of the 
autopilot/flight director system, in accordance with Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-22A2212, Revision 1, dated April 27, 1995; or 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-22A2213, Revision 1, dated April 
27, 1995, or Revision 2, dated June 22, 1995; as applicable. After 
this installation and wiring change is accomplished, the AFM 
limitation required by paragraph (a) of this AD may be removed from 
the AFM.
    (c) Prior to further flight after accomplishment of paragraph 
(b) of this AD, perform an operational test of the newly installed 
diodes, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
22A2212, Revision 1, dated April 27, 1995; or Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-22A2213, Revision 1, dated April 27, 1995, or Revision 
2, dated June 22, 1995; as applicable. Thereafter, repeat the 
operational test at intervals not to exceed 20,000 flight hours.
    (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall 
submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Seattle ACO.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Seattle ACO.

    (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 17, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-846 Filed 1-22-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U