[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 7 (Friday, January 10, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 1772-1774]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-00234]


 ========================================================================
 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. 79, No. 7 / Friday, January 10, 2014 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 1772]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-1071; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-204-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted 
by reports of latently failed fuel shutoff valves discovered during 
fuel filter replacement. This proposed AD would require revising the 
maintenance or inspection program to include a new airworthiness 
limitation. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct latent 
failures of the fuel shutoff valve to the engine, which could result in 
the inability to shut off fuel to the engine and, in case of certain 
engine fires, an uncontrollable fire that could lead to wing failure.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 24, 
2014.

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.

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-2013-
1071; 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: Rebel Nichols, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: (425) 917-
6509; 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-2013-1071; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-204-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

    We have received reports of latently failed fuel shutoff valves 
discovered during fuel filter replacement. Deficiencies in the valve 
actuator design have resulted in latent failures of the fuel shutoff 
valve to the engine. This condition, if not detected and corrected, 
could result in latent failures of the fuel shutoff valve to the 
engine, which could result in the inability to shut off fuel to the 
engine and, in case of certain engine fires, an uncontrollable fire 
that could lead to wing failure.

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 the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require revising the maintenance or 
inspection program to include a new airworthiness limitation.
    This proposed AD would require revisions to certain operator 
maintenance documents to include new inspections. Compliance with these 
inspections is required by section 91.403(c) of the Federal Aviation 
Regulations (14 CFR 91.403(c)). For airplanes that have been previously 
modified, altered, or repaired in the areas addressed by these 
inspections, an operator might not be able to accomplish the 
inspections described in the revisions. In this situation, to comply 
with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request approval of an 
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the 
provisions of paragraph (i) of this proposed AD. The request should 
include a description of changes to the proposed inspections that will 
ensure the continued operational safety of the airplane.

Interim Action

    We consider this proposed AD interim action. The manufacturer is 
currently developing a modification that will address the unsafe 
condition identified in this proposed AD. Once this modification is 
developed, approved, and available, we might consider additional 
rulemaking.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 190 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

[[Page 1773]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
               Action                        Labor cost           Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Incorporating Airworthiness           1 work-hour x $85 per                $0              $85          $16,150
 Limitation.                           hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.


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-2013-1071; Directorate Identifier 
2013-NM-204-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by February 24, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, 
-300, -300ER, and 777F series airplanes, certificated in any 
category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2823, Fuel Selector/
Shut-off Valve.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of latently failed fuel shutoff 
valves discovered during fuel filter replacement. We are issuing 
this AD to detect and correct latent failures of the fuel shutoff 
valve to the engine, which could result in the inability to shut off 
fuel to the engine and, in case of certain engine fires, an 
uncontrollable fire that could lead to wing failure.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Revision of Maintenance or Inspection Program

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to add 
airworthiness limitation number 28-AWL-MOV by incorporating the 
information specified in Figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD into 
the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the Instructions for 
Continued Airworthiness. The initial compliance time for 
accomplishing the actions specified in Figure 1 to paragraph (g) of 
this AD is within 7 days after accomplishing the maintenance or 
inspection program revision required by this paragraph.

      Figure 1 to Paragraph (g) of This AD: Engine Shut-Off Valve (Fuel Spar Valve) MOV Actuator Inspection
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        AWL No.                  Task                 Interval            Applicability          Description
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28-AWL-MOV............  ALI..................  WEEKLY...............  ALL.................  Engine Shut-Off
                                                                                             Valve (Fuel Spar
                                                                                             Valve) MOV Actuator
                                                                                             Inspection.
                                                                                            Concern: The MOV
                                                                                             actuator design can
                                                                                             result in airplanes
                                                                                             operating with a
                                                                                             failed MOV actuator
                                                                                             that is not
                                                                                             reported. A
                                                                                             latently failed MOV
                                                                                             actuator would
                                                                                             prevent fuel
                                                                                             shutoff to an
                                                                                             engine. In the
                                                                                             event of certain
                                                                                             engine fires, the
                                                                                             potential exists
                                                                                             for an engine fire
                                                                                             to be
                                                                                             uncontrollable.
                                                                                            Perform an
                                                                                             inspection of the
                                                                                             Fuel Spar Valve MOV
                                                                                             Actuator position
                                                                                             (refer to Boeing
                                                                                             AMM 28-22-00).
                                                                                            NOTE: The Fuel Spar
                                                                                             Valve MOV Actuator
                                                                                             is located behind
                                                                                             latch panel 551 DB
                                                                                             (left engine) and
                                                                                             latch panel 651 DB
                                                                                             (right engine).

[[Page 1774]]

 
                                                                                            1. Make sure both
                                                                                             Engine Control
                                                                                             Switches are in the
                                                                                             CUTOFF position.
                                                                                            2. Inspect the left
                                                                                             engine fuel spar
                                                                                             valve actuator
                                                                                             located in the left
                                                                                             rear spar.
                                                                                            a. Verify the manual
                                                                                             override handle on
                                                                                             the engine fuel
                                                                                             spar valve actuator
                                                                                             is in the CLOSED
                                                                                             position.
                                                                                            b. Repair or replace
                                                                                             any MOV actuator
                                                                                             that is not in the
                                                                                             CLOSED position
                                                                                             (refer to Boeing
                                                                                             Airplane
                                                                                             Maintenance Manual,
                                                                                             28-22-02).
                                                                                            3. Inspect the right
                                                                                             engine fuel spar
                                                                                             valve actuator
                                                                                             located in the
                                                                                             right rear spar.
                                                                                            a. Verify the manual
                                                                                             override handle on
                                                                                             the engine fuel
                                                                                             spar valve actuator
                                                                                             is in the CLOSED
                                                                                             position.
                                                                                            b. Repair or replace
                                                                                             any MOV actuator
                                                                                             that is not in the
                                                                                             CLOSED position
                                                                                             (refer to Boeing
                                                                                             Airplane
                                                                                             Maintenance Manual,
                                                                                             28-22-02).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(h) No Alternative Actions and Intervals

    After accomplishment of the maintenance or inspection program 
revision required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative 
actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be used unless the 
actions or intervals are approved as an alternative method of 
compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (i)(1) of this AD.

(i) 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 paragraph (j) 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.

(j) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Rebel Nichols, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 
98057-3356; phone: (425) 917-6509; fax: (425) 917-6590; email: 
[email protected].

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 30, 2013.
John P. Piccola,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-00234 Filed 1-9-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P