[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 160 (Tuesday, August 19, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48965-48968]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-18905]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0544; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-057-AD; 
Amendment 39-17935; AD 2014-16-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
The Boeing Company Model 777-200 series airplanes. 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. This AD requires, for certain airplanes, doing an 
inspection of the electrical power control panel for a certain part 
number, and corrective action if necessary; and, for certain other 
airplanes, installing a new electrical power control panel, and making 
changes to the wiring and certain electrical load management system 
(ELMS) panels. We are issuing this AD to ensure that the flightcrew is 
able to turn off electrical power to the IFE systems and other non-
essential electrical systems through one or two switches in the flight 
deck 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: This AD is effective September 23, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of September 23, 
2014.

ADDRESSES: For Boeing 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. For BAE Systems service information identified 
in this AD, contact BAE Systems, Attention: Commercial Product Support, 
600 Main Street, Room S18C, Johnson City, NY 13790-1806; phone: 607-
770-3084; fax: 607-770-3015; email: [email protected]; 
Internet: http://www.baesystems-ps.com/customersupport. For GE service 
information identified in this AD, contact GE Aviation, Customer 
Support Center, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 45215; phone: 513-552-
3272; email: [email protected]; Internet: http://www.geaviation.com. 
You may view this 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 425-227-2112.

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-
0544; 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

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: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing Company 
Model 777-200 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on July 17, 2013 (78 FR 42727). The NPRM 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 IFE 
system, cabin lighting, and passenger seats. The NPRM proposed to 
require, for certain airplanes, doing an inspection of the electrical 
power control panel for a certain part number, and corrective action if 
necessary; and, for certain other airplanes, installing a new 
electrical power control panel, and making changes to the wiring and 
certain ELMS panels. We are issuing this AD to ensure that the 
flightcrew is able to turn off electrical power to the IFE systems and 
other non-essential electrical systems through one or two switches in 
the flight deck 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.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal 
(78 FR 42727, July 17, 2013) and the FAA's response to each comment.

Support for the NPRM (78 FR 42727, July 17, 2013)

    United Airlines (UA) supported the NPRM (78 FR 42727, July 17, 
2013).

Request To Accept Modification Deviations Proposed by Japan Airlines 
(JAL)

    Japan Airlines (JAL) requested that we accept modification 
deviations proposed by JAL. JAL stated that there were problems with 
the repair kits including short electrical wire and missing wires. JAL 
proposed various deviations from the service bulletin instructions in 
order to address these problems.
    We disagree with the request to accept modification deviations. The 
issues that JAL experienced with the Boeing kit may not be applicable 
to other operators; therefore, we are not changing this final rule in 
this regard. Operators may, however, request approval of an alternative 
method of compliance (AMOC) for deviations for the Boeing repair kit in 
accordance with paragraph (k) of this AD.

[[Page 48966]]

Request To Use Alternative Service Information

    JAL requested that we allow the use of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-
23-0254 to load an alternative version of cabin management system (CMS) 
software. JAL stated that the NPRM (78 FR 42727, July 17, 2013), would 
require loading the CMS software in accordance with Boeing Service 
Bulletin 777-23-0176, Revision 2, dated October 26, 2006, as a 
concurrent requirement to Boeing Service Bulletin 777-23-0254. JAL 
stated that it has loaded this required software, but also loaded 
another version of the software for a cabin configuration change using 
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-23-0254. JAL stated that Boeing Service 
Bulletin 777-23-0254 identifies Boeing Service Bulletin 777-23-0176, 
Revision 2, dated October 26, 2006, as a concurrent requirement; JAL 
therefore requested that we include Boeing Service Bulletin 777-23-0254 
in the NPRM.
    We disagree with the request to use Boeing Service Bulletin 777-23-
0254 to load an alternative version of CMS software. Although Boeing 
Service Bulletin 777-23-0254 identifies Boeing Service Bulletin 777-23-
0176, Revision 2, dated October 26, 2006, as a concurrent requirement, 
we have not evaluated the alternative software to ensure it provides an 
acceptable level of safety to the AD requirements. Operators may 
request approval of an AMOC for installation of this alternative CMS 
software in accordance with paragraph (k) of this AD.

Request To Add New Optional Action

    Boeing and JAL requested that we revise the Costs of Compliance 
section and paragraph (i)(2) of the NPRM (78 FR 42727, July 17, 2013) 
to add Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0039, Revision 2, dated September 
20, 2010, as an option to Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0077, Revision 
4, dated October 17, 2012, for installation of additional ELMS 
software.
    The commenters stated that the new ELMS software is required for 
compliance to another AD (AD 2011-09-15, Amendment 39-16677 (76 FR 
24345, May 2, 2011)). The commenters stated that AD 2011-09-15 requires 
installing new panels in the main equipment center and installing new 
ELMS software in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0037, 
Revision 2, dated September 20, 2010, in order to prevent potential 
ignition sources inside fuel tanks. The commenters also stated that AD 
2011-09-15 identifies Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0039, Revision 2, 
dated September 20, 2010, as an additional source of guidance for 
installing ELMS software.
    Boeing and JAL stated that requiring ELMS software to be installed 
according to Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0087, Revision 2, dated 
August 16, 2007, as proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 42727, July 17, 2013), 
will create a conflict with the requirements of AD 2011-09-15, 
Amendment 39-16677 (76 FR 24345, May 2, 2011). Boeing stated that it 
intends to revise Service Bulletin 777-24-0077 to Revision 5 to include 
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0039, Revision 2, dated September 20, 
2010, as concurrent service information.
    We agree to add an option to use Boeing Service Bulletin 777-
28A0039, Revision 2, dated September 20, 2010, for installation of 
additional ELMS software. We have added this reference to the Costs of 
Compliance section and to paragraph (i)(2) of this final rule, as 
requested.

Change to Final Rule

    For editorial purposes, we have moved the credit service bulletin 
references from paragraph (j)(3) of the NPRM (78 FR 42727, July 17, 
2013) to new paragraphs (j)(3)(i) through (j)(3)(v) of this final rule.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     [Agr]re consistent with the intent that was proposed in 
the NPRM (78 FR 42727, July 17, 2013) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 42727, July 17, 2013).
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 49 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                               Cost on U.S.
             Action                  Labor cost       Parts cost     Cost per product            operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection/installation and      Up to 28 work-           $1,436  Up to $3,816..........  Up to $186,984.
 changes.                         hours x $85 per
                                  hour = $2,380.
Concurrent installation (Boeing  2 work-hours x $85            0  $170..................  $8,330.
 Service Bulletin 777-23-0176,    per hour = $170.
 Revision 2, dated October 26,
 2006).
Concurrent installation (Boeing  3 work-hours x $85            0  $255..................  $12,495.
 Service Bulletin 777-24-0077,    per hour = $255.
 Revision 4, dated October 17,
 2012; Boeing Service Bulletin
 777-24-0087, Revision 2, dated
 August 16, 2007; or Boeing
 Service Bulletin 777-28A0039,
 Revision 2, dated September
 20, 2010).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary change that 
would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no 
way of determining the number of aircraft that might need this 
replacement:

[[Page 48967]]



                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change part number...........................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour =                 $0              $85
                                                $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

    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 this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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.

Adoption of the Amendment

    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):

2014-16-11 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-17935; Docket No. FAA-
2013-0544; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-057-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective September 23, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200 series 
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing 
Service Bulletin 777-24-0077, Revision 4, dated October 17, 2012.

(d) Subject

    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 that the flightcrew is able to turn off electrical power 
to the IFE systems and other non-essential electrical systems 
through one or two switches in the flight deck 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

    For Group 1, Configuration 1, airplanes, as identified in Boeing 
Service Bulletin 777-24-0077, Revision 4, dated October 17, 2012: 
Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, install a new 
electrical power control panel and make changes to the wiring and 
certain electrical load management system (ELMS) panels, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin 777-24-0077, Revision 4, dated October 17, 2012.

(h) Inspection

    For Group 1, Configuration 2, airplanes, as identified in Boeing 
Service Bulletin 777-24-0077, Revision 4, dated October 17, 2012: 
Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect the 
electrical power control panel to determine the part number, and do 
all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0077, 
Revision 4, dated October 17, 2012. Do all applicable corrective 
actions before further flight.

(i) Concurrent Actions

    (1) For Group 1, Configuration 1, airplanes, as identified in 
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0077, Revision 4, dated October 17, 
2012: Prior to or concurrently with accomplishing the requirements 
of paragraph (g) of this AD, install new operational software (OPS) 
in the cabin management system to change the operation of the cabin 
lighting system when the CABIN/UTILITY switch is installed, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin 777-23-0176, Revision 2, dated October 26, 2006.
    (2) For Group 1, Configuration 1, airplanes, as identified in 
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0077, Revision 4, dated October 17, 
2012: Concurrently with accomplishing the requirements of paragraph 
(g) of this AD, change the ELMS OPS and configuration database 
software to decrease the number of ELMS P110, ELMS P210, and ELMS 
P310 panel engine indication and crew alerting system status 
messages, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0087, Revision 2, dated August 16, 
2007; or Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0039, Revision 2, dated 
September 20, 2010.

(j) Provisional Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraphs (g) and (h) this AD, if those actions were performed 
before the effective date of this AD using the service information 
identified in paragraph (k) of this AD, provided that, within 60 
months after the effective date of this AD, the actions specified in 
paragraphs (j)(1)(i) and (j)(1)(ii) of this AD are done, and wire 
kit 280W5110-105W is used.
    (i) Identify the electrical power control panels 233W3202-12 and 
233W3202-13, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
BAE Systems Service Bulletin 233W3202-24-04, Revision 2, dated 
October 2, 2006. The correct part number for the

[[Page 48968]]

changed 233W3202-12 panel is 233W3202-18, and the correct part 
number for the changed 233W3202-13 panel is 233W3202-19.
    (ii) Put back the P210 power panel to the correct standard, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of GE Aviation 
Service Bulletin 6000ELM-24-614, Revision 1, dated November 9, 2009; 
or GE Aviation Service Bulletin 6200ELM-24-616, Revision 1, dated 
March 5, 2010.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraph (i)(1) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
the effective date of this AD using Boeing Service Bulletin 777-23-
0176, dated January 9, 2003; or Boeing Service Bulletin 777-23-0176, 
Revision 1, dated March 11, 2004; which are not incorporated by 
reference in this AD; provided that the actions specified in Boeing 
Service Bulletin 777-23-0141, dated June 14, 2001, were done prior 
to or concurrently with the actions specified in Boeing Service 
Bulletin 777-23-0176, dated January 9, 2003; or Boeing Service 
Bulletin 777-23-0176, Revision 1, dated March 11, 2004.
    (3) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraph (i)(2) 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 Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0087, 
Revision 1, dated December 18, 2003; which are not incorporated by 
reference in this AD; provided that the actions specified in Boeing 
Service Bulletin 777-24-0087, dated July 24, 2003; or Boeing Service 
Bulletin 777-24-0087, Revision 1, dated December 18, 2003; were done 
concurrently with the actions specified in the service information 
identified in paragraphs (j)(3)(i) through (j)(3)(v) of this AD.
    (i) Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0077, dated August 21, 2003, 
which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (ii) Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0077, Revision 1, dated May 
24, 2007, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (iii) Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0077, Revision 2, dated 
December 17, 2009, 2007, which is not incorporated by reference in 
this AD.
    (iv) Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0077, Revision 3, dated 
December 6, 2011, 2007, which is not incorporated by reference in 
this AD.
    (v) Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0077, Revision 4, dated 
October 17, 2012.

(k) 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 (l) 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.

(l) 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) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (m)(3), (m)(4), (m)(5), and (m)(6) of this AD, as 
applicable.

(m) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) BAE Systems Service Bulletin 233W3202-24-04, Revision 2, 
dated October 2, 2006.
    (ii) Boeing Service Bulletin 777-23-0176, Revision 2, dated 
October 26, 2006.
    (iii) Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0077, Revision 4, dated 
October 17, 2012.
    (iv) Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0087, Revision 2, dated 
August 16, 2007.
    (v) Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0039, Revision 2, dated 
September 20, 2010.
    (vi) GE Aviation Service Bulletin 6000ELM-24-614, Revision 1, 
dated November 9, 2009.
    (vii) GE Aviation Service Bulletin 6200ELM-24-616, Revision 1, 
dated March 5, 2010.
    (3) For Boeing 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.
    (4) For BAE Systems service information identified in this AD, 
contact BAE Systems, Attention: Commercial Product Support, 600 Main 
Street, Room S18C, Johnson City, NY 13790-1806; phone: 607-770-3084; 
fax: 607-770-3015; email: [email protected]; 
Internet: http://www.baesystems-ps.com/customersupport.
    (5) For GE service information identified in this AD, contact GE 
Aviation, Customer Support Center, 1 Neumann Way, Cincinnati, OH 
45215; phone: 513-552-3272; email: [email protected]; Internet: 
http://www.geaviation.com.
    (6) You may view this service information at 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.
    (7) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 1, 2014.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-18905 Filed 8-18-14; 8:45 am]
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