[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 234 (Tuesday, December 7, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70539-70541]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-26792]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2004-19815; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-215-AD; 
Amendment 39-13894; AD 2004-25-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-
100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, and 747-300 Series Airplanes; 
and Model 747SP and 747SR Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-
200C, 747-200F, and 747-300 series airplanes; and Model 747SP and 747SR 
series airplanes. This AD requires revising the airplane flight manual 
to prohibit operation of the autopilot/flight director in command mode 
with performance management system selected on the speed mode switch 
during cruise in reduced vertical separation minimum (RVSM) airspace. 
This AD is prompted by reports of unexpected autopilot disconnects 
induced by the passing of another airplane within 1,000 feet below the 
airplane while they were operating in RVSM airspace. We are issuing 
this AD to prevent unexpected disconnect of the autopilot during 
operation in RVSM airspace due to close passage of another airplane, 
which may result in altitude deviation, and consequently, could lead to 
a possible mid-air collision or a near miss with aggressive evasive 
action (by either or both airplanes). Aggressive maneuvering at cruise 
altitudes and airspeeds could result in loss of control of the airplane 
and/or injury to passengers and crew.

DATES: Effective December 22, 2004.
    We must receive comments on this AD by February 7, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this 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.
     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 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 in person 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. This docket 
number is FAA-2004-19815; the directorate identifier for this docket is 
2004-NM-215-AD.

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.

Examining the Dockets

    You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Technical information: Samuel Slentz, 
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, 
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 917-6483; fax (425) 917-6590.
    Plain language information: Marcia Walters, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We have received reports of two separate 
incidents in which a Boeing Model 747-200 airplane equipped with a 
performance management system (PMS) had an unexpected autopilot 
disconnect induced by the passing of another airplane within 1,000 feet 
below the airplane while operating in reduced vertical separation 
minimum (RVSM) airspace. In both incidents, the PMS-equipped airplane 
lost 300 to 400 feet of altitude, causing it to come within 
approximately 650 feet of the other, lower aircraft (starting at 1,000 
feet separation), and received a traffic collision and avoidance system 
(TCAS) resolution advisory (RA) with instructions to ``climb, climb.''
    The PMS installed in certain Boeing Model 747 airplanes has an 
interlock that is activated with radar altitude. This interlock 
disconnects the autopilot upon receipt of a valid radar altitude signal 
of less than 2,500 feet. Because there is no means to accurately 
determine how the airplane is trimmed

[[Page 70540]]

when using the PMS, it cannot be predicted which direction the airplane 
will fly or how far it will depart from an assigned altitude. 
Unexpected disconnect of the autopilot during operation in RVSM 
airspace, if not corrected or if manual control is not promptly 
established, may result in altitude deviation, and consequently, could 
lead to a possible mid-air collision or a near miss with aggressive 
evasive action (by either or both airplanes). Aggressive maneuvering at 
cruise altitudes and airspeeds could result in loss of control of the 
airplane and/or injury to passengers and crew.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or 
develop on other airplanes of the same type design. Therefore, we are 
issuing this AD to prevent unexpected disconnect of the autopilot 
during operation in RVSM airspace, which could result in altitude 
deviation causing a mid-air collision or a near miss with aggressive 
evasive action (by either or both airplanes). Aggressive maneuvering at 
cruise altitudes and airspeeds could cause the airplane to exceed its 
structural limits, which could result in loss of control of the 
airplane and/or injury to passengers and crew. This AD requires 
revising the airplane flight manual to prohibit operation of the 
autopilot/flight director in command mode with performance management 
system selected on the speed mode switch during cruise in RVSM 
airspace.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD interim action. If final action is later 
identified, we may consider further rulemaking then.

Changes to 14 CFR Part 39/Effect on the AD Relating to Special Flight 
Permits

    On July 10, 2002, we issued a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 
47997, July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's airworthiness directives 
system. The regulation now includes material that relates to altered 
products, special flight permits, and alternative methods of compliance 
(AMOC). This material is included in part 39, except that the office 
authorized to approve AMOCs is identified in each individual AD. 
However, as amended, part 39 provides for the FAA to add special 
requirements for operating an airplane to a repair facility to do the 
work required by an airworthiness directive. For purposes of this AD, 
we have determined that such a special flight permit is prohibited.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD; therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment 
before the AD is issued is impracticable, and good cause exists to make 
this AD effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect 
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for 
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any relevant written 
data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an 
address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2004-19815; 
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-215-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD. We will consider 
all comments received by the closing date and may amend the 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 AD. Using the search function of our docket 
Web site, 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 can review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal 
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you can 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 with you. You can get more information about plain 
language at http://www/faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    The FAA's authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is 
found in Title 49 of the United States Code. 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.
    This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, the FAA is charged 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 AD.

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 the 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 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.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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):

2004-25-06 Boeing: Amendment 39-13894. Docket No. FAA-2004-19815; 
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-215-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective December 22, 2004.

[[Page 70541]]

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B 
SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, and 747-300 series airplanes; and 
Model 747SP and 747SR series airplanes; certificated in any 
category; having variable numbers listed in Table 1 of this AD or 
modified in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate SA960GL or 
SA1080EA-D; excluding airplanes on which Boeing Service Bulletin 
747-34-2294, dated May 25, 1989, or Boeing Service Bulletin 747-34-
2296, dated July 1, 1989, has been accomplished.

       Table 1.--Certain Applicable Airplanes By Variable Numbers
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RA521-RA528 inclusive.
RA532-RA535 inclusive.
RA537-RA548 inclusive.
RA671-RA675 inclusive.
RA677.
RB071-RB075 inclusive.
RB601-RB607 inclusive.
RB681-RB685 inclusive.
RB687.
RB690-RB693 inclusive.
RB695-RB697 inclusive.
RB721-RB723 inclusive.
RD055.
RD082.
RD083.
RD221-RD227 inclusive.
RD231-RD235 inclusive.
RD301.
RD302.
RD381-RD383 inclusive.
RD461.
RD601-RD607 inclusive.
RD741.
RD781-RD783 inclusive.
RG173.
RG174.
RH101.
RH102.
RJ321.
RJ322.
RR024.
RR025.
RR261-RR263 inclusive.
RR264-RR267 inclusive.
RR361.
RR362.
RR451.
RR522.
RR526.
RR551-RR556 inclusive.
RR566.
RS001.
RS002.
RS211.
RS212.
RS221.
RS222.
RS232.
RS233.
RS235.
RS236.
RS237-RS241 inclusive.
RS251-RS259 inclusive.
RS263.
RS265-RS268 inclusive.
RS292.
RS311-RS320 inclusive.
RS699.
RS701-RS703 inclusive.
RS711-RS713 inclusive.
RS731.
RS732.
RS741-RS743 inclusive.
RS771.
RS786.
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Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by reports of unexpected autopilot 
disconnects induced by the passing of another airplane within 1,000 
feet below the airplane while they were operating in reduced 
vertical separation minimum (RVSM) airspace. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to prevent unexpected disconnect of the autopilot during 
operation in RVSM airspace due to close passage of another airplane, 
which may result in altitude deviation, and consequently, could lead 
to a possible mid-air collision or a near miss with aggressive 
evasive action (by either or both airplanes). Aggressive maneuvering 
at cruise altitudes and airspeeds could result in loss of control of 
the airplane and/or injury to passengers and crew.

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.

Airplane Flight Manual Revision

    (f) Within 10 days after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the Limitations section of the Boeing 747 Airplane Flight Manual 
(AFM) to include the following statement. This may be done by 
inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM.
    ``Operation of the autopilot/flight director in command mode 
with Performance Management System (PMS) selected on the speed mode 
switch during cruise in Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) 
airspace is prohibited.
    Use of PMS generated airspeeds and autopilot modes (e.g., IAS/
Mach) with manually crew-entered airspeeds (via Mode Selector Panel) 
are allowed.''

    Note 1: When a statement identical to that in paragraph (f) of 
this AD has been included in the general revisions of the AFM, the 
general revisions may be inserted into the AFM, and the copy of this 
AD may be removed from the AFM.

Special Flight Permit

    (g) Special flight permits (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) are not 
allowed.

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.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) None.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 30, 2004.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-26792 Filed 12-6-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P