[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 91 (Friday, May 10, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 27310-27313]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-11063]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0368; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-058-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain The Boeing Company Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes. 
This proposed AD was prompted by reports

[[Page 27311]]

of smoke or flames in the passenger cabin of various transport category 
airplanes related to the wiring for the passenger cabin in-flight 
entertainment (IFE) system, cabin lighting, and passenger seats. This 
proposed AD would require installing wiring and changing certain 
electrical load management system (ELMS) panels and other concurrent 
requirements to ensure the flightcrew is able to turn off electrical 
power to the IFE systems and other non-essential electrical systems 
through a switch in the flight compartment in the event of smoke or 
flames. In the event of smoke or flames in the airplane flight deck or 
passenger cabin, the flightcrew's inability to turn off electrical 
power to the IFE system and other non-essential electrical systems 
could result in the inability to control smoke or flames in the 
airplane flight deck or passenger cabin during a non-normal or 
emergency situation, and consequent loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 24, 2013.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     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.
     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 proposed AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the referenced service 
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ray Mei, Aerospace Engineer, Systems 
and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6467; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2013-0368; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-058-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD 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 proposed AD.

Discussion

    In response to reports of smoke or flames in the passenger cabin of 
various models of transport category airplanes (The Boeing Company 
Model MD-11 and DC-9 airplanes and Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed 
Martin Aeronautics Company Model L-1011 series airplanes), we conducted 
a comprehensive IFE systems review. Earlier investigation of the 
reports had revealed that the source of the smoke and flames was from 
cabin IFE system components, passenger seats, and cabin lighting.
    We determined that, in order to minimize the risk of smoke or 
flames in the passenger cabin, a switch is needed in the flight 
compartment to enable the flightcrew to turn off electrical power to 
the IFE system and other non-essential electrical systems. In the event 
of smoke or flames in the airplane flight deck or passenger cabin, the 
flightcrew's inability to turn off power to the IFE system and other 
non-essential electrical systems, if not corrected, could result in the 
inability to control smoke or flames in the airplane flight deck or 
passenger cabin during a non-normal or emergency situation.

Other Relevant Rulemaking

     For the Boeing Company Model 757-200 and -300 series 
airplanes: AD 2007-16-12, Amendment 39-15151 (72 FR 44740, August 9, 
2007), requires changes to existing wiring; installation of new circuit 
breakers, relays, relay connectors, and wiring; and replacement of 
certain circuit breakers with higher-rated circuit breakers. For 
certain airplanes, that AD also requires modification of wiring of the 
control module assembly for the electrical systems.
     For the Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, and -400ER 
series airplanes: AD 2008-23-15, Amendment 39-15736 (73 FR 70267, 
November 20, 2008), requires installing new relay(s), circuit breakers 
(as applicable), and wiring to allow the flightcrew to turn off 
electrical power to the IFE systems and certain circuit breakers 
through a utility bus switch; and doing other specified actions.
     For the Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, -500, -600, -
700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes: AD 2009-12-06, Amendment 
39-15929 (74 FR 27698, June 11, 2009), requires installing a new 
circuit breaker, relays, and wiring to allow the flightcrew to turn off 
electrical power to the IFE systems and other non-essential electrical 
systems through a switch in the flight compartment; and doing other 
specified actions.
     For the Boeing Company Model 747-400 and -400D series 
airplanes: AD 2009-15-12, Amendment 39-15975 (74 FR 35789, July 21, 
2009), requires installing new relays to allow the flightcrew to turn 
off electrical power to the IFE system and other non-essential 
passenger cabin systems through the left and right utility bus 
switches; and doing other specified actions.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0075, Revision 3, dated 
August 26, 2010. For information on the procedures and compliance 
times, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for Docket No. FAA-2013-0368.

Concurrent Service Information

    Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0075, Revision 3, dated August 26, 
2010, specifies prior or concurrent accomplishment of Boeing Service 
Bulletins 777-23-0142, dated November 25, 2003; 777-23-0175, Revision 
2,

[[Page 27312]]

dated October 12, 2006; 777-24-0074, Revision 4, dated September 13, 
2012; and 777-24-0087, Revision 2, dated August 16, 2007. For 
information on the procedures, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. FAA-2013-0368.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing 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 these same type 
designs.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information identified previously, except as discussed 
under ``Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service 
Information.''
    The phrase ``related investigative actions'' might be used in this 
proposed AD. ``Related investigative actions'' are follow-on actions 
that (1) are related to the primary action, and (2) are actions that 
further investigate the nature of any condition found. Related 
investigative actions in an AD could include, for example, inspections.
    In addition, the phrase ``corrective actions'' might be used in 
this proposed AD. ``Corrective actions'' are actions that correct or 
address any condition found. Corrective actions in an AD could include, 
for example, repairs.

Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Section 1.B, ``Concurrent Requirements,'' of Boeing Service 
Bulletin 777-24-0075, Revision 3, dated August 26, 2010, identifies 
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0074, dated June 27, 2002; and Revision 
1, dated October 5, 2006; as concurrent service bulletins. However, 
this proposed AD would require Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0074, 
Revision 4, dated September 13, 2012, as a concurrent service bulletin.
    This proposed AD gives credit for Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-
0074, dated June 27, 2002; Revision 1, dated October 5, 2006; Revision 
2, dated May 20, 2010; and Revision 3, dated February 20, 2012; 
provided that certain concurrent requirements and additional work 
identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0074, Revision 4, dated 
September 13, 2012, are done.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 59 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Installation of wiring and changing     36 work-hours x $85 per           $2,503          $5,563        $328,217
 ELMS panel wiring.                      hour = $3,060.
Concurrent ELMS software installation   3 work-hours x 85 per                  0             255          15,045
 (Boeing Service Bulletin                hour = 255.
 777[dash]24[dash]0087, Revision 2,
 dated August 16, 2007).
Concurrent OPS change (Boeing Service   4 work-hours x 85 per                  0             340          20,060
 Bulletin 777-23-0175, Revision 2,       hour = 340.
 dated October 12, 2006).
Concurrent power isolation switch       5 work-hours x 85 per                751           1,176          69,384
 installation (Boeing Service Bulletin   hour = 425.
 777-24-0074, Revision 4, dated
 September 13, 2012).
Concurrent CSS hardware and software    10 work-hours x 85 per           119,959         120,809               0
 change (No affected U.S. operators;     hour = 850.
 Boeing Service Bulletin
 777[dash]23[dash]0142, dated November
 25, 2003).
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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 because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We 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 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),
    (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.

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

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

[[Page 27313]]

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2013-0368; Directorate Identifier 
2012-NM-058-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by June 24, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200 and -300 
series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in 
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0075, Revision 3, dated August 26, 
2010.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 24, Electrical Power.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of smoke or flames in the 
passenger cabin of various transport category airplanes related to 
the wiring for the passenger cabin in-flight entertainment (IFE) 
system, cabin lighting, and passenger seats. We are issuing this AD 
to ensure the flightcrew is able to turn off electrical power to the 
IFE systems and other non-essential electrical systems through a 
switch in the flight compartment in the event of smoke or flames. In 
the event of smoke or flames in the airplane flight deck or 
passenger cabin, the flightcrew's inability to turn off electrical 
power to the IFE system and other non-essential electrical systems 
could result in the inability to control smoke or flames in the 
airplane flight deck or passenger cabin during a non-normal or 
emergency situation, and consequent loss of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Installation

    Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, install 
certain wiring and change certain electrical load management system 
(ELMS) panels; as identified in, and in accordance with, the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0075, 
Revision 3, dated August 26, 2010.

(h) Concurrent Requirements

    (1) For airplanes identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-23-
0142, dated November 25, 2003: Prior to or concurrently with 
accomplishing the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD, change 
the hardware and software for the cabin services system, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin 777-23-0142, dated November 25, 2003.
    (2) For all airplanes: Prior to or concurrently with 
accomplishing the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD, change 
the operations software (OPS) of the cabin management system, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin 777-23-0175, Revision 2, dated October 12, 2006.
    (3) For Group 1, Configurations 1, 3, and 4 airplanes, specified 
in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0074, Revision 4, dated September 
13, 2012: Prior to or concurrently with accomplishing the 
requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD, install certain new 
electrical power control panels; as identified in, and in accordance 
with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 
777-24-0074, Revision 4, dated September 13, 2012.
    (4) For Group 1, Configuration 2 airplanes, specified in Boeing 
Service Bulletin 777-24-0074, Revision 4, dated September 13, 2012: 
Prior to or concurrently with accomplishing the requirements of 
paragraph (g) of this AD, inspect the electrical power control panel 
for a certain part number and change the part number, as applicable; 
as identified in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0074, Revision 4, 
dated September 13, 2012.
    (5) For all airplanes: Prior to or concurrently with 
accomplishing the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD, change 
the ELMS OPS and configuration database software (OPC) at the data 
loader, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
Service Bulletin 777-24-0087, Revision 2, dated August 16, 2007.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0075, 
dated August 21, 2003; or Revision 1, dated December 11, 2003; which 
are not incorporated by reference in this AD; provided that the 
Smiths Service Bulletin 5000ELM-24-379 identified on pages 8 and 19 
of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0075, Revision 1, dated December 
11, 2003, is not used.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0075, 
Revision 2, dated October 5, 2006.
    (3) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (h)(5) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
the effective date of this AD using Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-
0087, dated July 24, 2003; or Revision 1, dated December 18, 2003.
    (4) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraphs (h)(3) and (h)(4) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Service 
Bulletin 777-24-0074, dated June 27, 2002; Revision 1, dated October 
5, 2006; Revision 2, dated May 20, 2010; or Revision 3, dated 
February 20, 2012; provided all applicable concurrent requirements 
identified in Section 1.B of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0074, 
Revision 4, dated September 13, 2012, have been done prior to or 
concurrently with that revision; and provided that any additional 
work identified by the phrase ``More work is necessary'' in section 
1.D of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0074, Revision 4, dated 
September 13, 2012, is accomplished before the effective date of 
this AD.
    (5) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
the effective date of this AD using Boeing Service Bulletin 777-23-
0175, dated July 11, 2002; or Revision 1, dated July 17, 2003; 
provided that overhead electronics unit hardware, part number 
285W0029-5, is not installed.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
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 ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in the Related Information 
section 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 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 to make 
those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must 
meet the certification basis of the airplane and the approval must 
specifically refer to this AD.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Ray Mei, 
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, 
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6467; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the referenced 
service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 26, 2013.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-11063 Filed 5-9-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P