[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 176 (Monday, September 13, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 55120-55122]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-20596]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 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.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 176 / Monday, September 13, 2004 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 55120]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2004-19082; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-79-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-200F and -400 Series 
Airplanes; Model 767-400ER Series Airplanes; and Model 777 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Boeing Model 747-200F and -400 series airplanes; Model 767-
400ER series airplanes; and Model 777 series airplanes. This proposed 
AD would require replacing the frequency converter(s) used to supply 
electrical power for utility outlets (for the galley, medical 
equipment, or personal computers) with modified frequency converter(s). 
This proposed AD also would require any specified action and related 
concurrent actions, as necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by a 
report that a hard short condition between the frequency converter's 
output and its downstream circuit breakers will produce a continuous 
circuit that could cause the undersized output wiring to overheat. We 
are proposing this AD to prevent the overheating of the frequency 
converter's undersized output wiring, which could lead to the failure 
of a wire bundle, and consequent adverse effects on other systems 
sharing the affected wire bundle.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 28, 
2004.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this proposed AD.
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW, Nassif Building, room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.
     By fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-
2207.
    You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at 
http://dms.dot.gov, or at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW, room PL-401, on 
the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Binh Tran, Aerospace Engineer, Systems 
and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone 
(425) 917-6485; fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Docket Management System (DMS)

    The FAA has implemented new procedures for maintaining AD dockets 
electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new AD actions are posted on DMS 
and assigned a docket number. We track each action and assign a 
corresponding directorate identifier. The DMS AD docket number is in 
the form ``Docket No. FAA-2004-99999.'' The Transport Airplane 
Directorate identifier is in the form ``Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
999-AD.'' Each DMS AD docket also lists the directorate identifier 
(``Old Docket Number'') as a cross-reference for searching purposes.

Comments Invited

    We invite you to submit any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2004-19082; 
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-79-AD'' in the subject line of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will 
consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the 
proposed AD in light of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of 
that website, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our 
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or 
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, 
etc.). You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you 
may visit http://dms.dot.gov.
    We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory 
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of 
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of 
our communications that affect you. You can get more information about 
plain language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You can examine the AD docket, which contains the proposed AD, 
comments, and any final disposition, in person at the Docket Management 
Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office 
(telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif 
Building at the DOT street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS 
receives them.

Discussion

    Boeing analysis has shown that on certain Boeing Model 747-200F and 
-400 series airplanes, Model 767-400ER series airplanes, and Model 777 
series airplanes, a hard short condition between the output of the 
frequency converter (usually located in the main

[[Page 55121]]

equipment center) and its downstream circuit breaker will produce a 
continuous current of 55 amps. The continuous current causes the output 
wiring to exceed its wire temperature rating of 150 degrees Celsius. 
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to the failure of a wire 
bundle, and consequent adverse effects on other systems sharing the 
affected wire bundle.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed and approved Boeing Service Bulletins 747-25-3313, 
Revision 1, dated May 15, 2003 (for Model 747-200F and -400 series 
airplanes); 767-25-0335, dated November 7, 2002 (for Model 767-400ER 
series airplanes); and 777-25-0210, dated October 17, 2002 (for Model 
777 series airplanes). The service bulletins describe procedures for 
replacing the frequency converter used to supply electrical power to 
utility outlets (for the galley, medical equipment, or personal 
computers) with a modified frequency converter, and any other specified 
actions, as applicable. The replacement involves removing the frequency 
converters, sending the frequency converter to the vendor (Avionic 
Instruments, Inc.) for rework, and installing the reworked frequency 
converter. The other specified actions involve performing a functional 
test, installing cautionary tags or placards on frequency converter 
switches/outlets in the cabin, and contacting the vendor for rework 
coordination, as applicable. Accomplishing the actions specified in the 
service bulletins is intended to adequately address the unsafe 
condition.
    Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3313 refers to JAMCO Service 
Bulletin CAW74-25-1697, dated June 7, 2002, as an additional source of 
service information for procedures to remove and install certain galley 
frequency converters.

Concurrent Service Bulletin

    For certain airplanes, Boeing Service Bulletin 777-25-0210 
recommends prior or concurrent accomplishment of Monogram Systems 
Service Bulletin 872869-25-2098, dated May 1, 2002. The Monogram 
Systems service bulletin describes procedures for deactivating a galley 
frequency converter.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an 
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes 
of this same type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which 
would require replacing the frequency converter(s) used to supply power 
for utility outlets (for the galley, medical equipment, or personal 
computers) with modified frequency converter(s); and any other 
specified action and related concurrent actions, as necessary. The 
proposed AD would require you to use the applicable Boeing service 
information described previously to perform these actions.

Costs of Compliance

    This proposed AD would affect about 147 airplanes worldwide. The 
following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to 
comply with this proposed AD.

                                                                     Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                      Number of  U.S.-
                Boeing Model                              Work hours                Average labor       Cost per         registered        Fleet cost
                                                                                    rate per hour       airplane          airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
747-200F, -400 series airplanes............  5 per converter (1 converter on                   $65              $325                 0                $0
                                              each airplane).
                                             5 per converter (2 converters on                   65               650                 0                 0
                                              each airplane).
767-400ER series airplane..................  2 per airplanes....................                65               130                21             2,730
777 series airplanes.......................  4 per airplane.....................                65               260                 8             2,080
Additional concurrent action for 777 series  1 per airplane.....................                65                65                 6               390
 airplanes.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Currently, there are no affected Model 747-200F or -400 series 
airplanes on the U.S. Register. However, an affected airplane that is 
imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future would be subject 
to the costs specified above for those airplanes.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 the 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. 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location 
to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive (AD):

    Boeing: Docket No. FAA-2004-19082; Directorate Identifier 2004-
NM-79-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive 
comments on this AD action by October 28, 2004.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

[[Page 55122]]

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to the airplanes listed in Table 1 of this 
AD, certificated in any category:

                                             Table 1.--Applicability
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Boeing model--                               As listed in Boeing service bulletin--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
747-200F and -400 series airplanes.....  747-25-3313, Revision 1, dated May 15, 2003.
767-400ER series airplanes.............  767-25-0335, dated November 7, 2002.
777 series airplanes...................  777-25-0210, dated October 17, 2002.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by a report that a hard short condition 
between the frequency converter's output and its downstream circuit 
breakers will produce a continuous current, which could cause the 
undersized output wiring to overheat. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent the overheating of the frequency converter's output wiring 
which could lead to the failure of a wire bundle, and consequent 
adverse effects on other systems sharing the affected wire bundle.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Replacement

    (f) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, 
replace the frequency converter(s) used to supply electrical power 
to utility outlets (for the galley, medical equipment, or personal 
computers) with modified frequency converter(s); and do other 
applicable specified actions; by doing all of the actions in the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin 
listed in Table 2 of this AD.

                                     Table 2.--Applicable Service Bulletins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              For model--                                     Use Boeing service bulletin--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
747-200F and -400 series airplanes.....  747-25-3313, Revision 1, dated May 15, 2003.
767-400ER series airplanes.............  767-25-0335, dated November 7, 2002.
777 series airplanes...................  777-25-0210, dated October 17, 2002.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 1:
    Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3313, Revision 1, dated May 15, 
2003, refers to JAMCO Service Bulletin CAW74-25-1697, dated June 7, 
2002, as an additional source of information for procedures to 
remove and install certain galley frequency converters.

Concurrent Service Bulletin

    (g) For airplanes listed as Group 3 in the Effectivity of Boeing 
Service Bulletin 777-25-0210, dated October 17, 2002: Prior to or 
concurrently with the actions in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-25-
0210, dated October 17, 2002, deactivate the galley frequency 
converter in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Monogram Systems Service Bulletin 872869-25-2098, dated May 1, 2002.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (h) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in 
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 1, 2004.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-20596 Filed 9-10-04; 8:45 am]
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