[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 165 (Tuesday, August 26, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 50875-50877]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-20218]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0575; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-086-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 all 
The Boeing Company Model 747-8F and 747-8 series airplanes. This 
proposed AD was prompted by reports of delamination damage to leading 
edge (LE) variable camber krueger (VCK) flaps. This proposed AD would 
require repetitive inspections to detect delamination damage of the 
lightning strike applique (LSA) on the LE VCK flaps, and corrective 
actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct 
delamination damage to the LE VCK flaps, which can reduce the lightning 
strike protection capability on the LE VCK flaps and result in an 
uncommanded motion of the trailing edge flap system. Such uncommanded 
flap motion, without shutdown of the trailing edge or leading edge 
flaps, may cause unexpected changes in lift, potentially resulting in 
asymmetric lift and loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 10, 
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.
    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 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 425-227-1221.

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-2014-
0575; 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: Kenneth Frey, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; 
phone: 425-917-6468; fax: 425-917-6190; 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-2014-0575; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-086-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 multiple reports of damage to the LSA on the LE 
VCK flaps found during ground inspections on Model 747-8F and 747-8 
series airplanes. The damage included delamination of topcoat and metal 
foil layers from the underlying dielectric layer of the LSA. In some 
cases, the LSA damage was incorrectly identified as missing or peeling 
paint.
    Excessive delamination damage can reduce the lightning strike 
protection capability on LE VCK flaps. Loss of lightning strike 
protection could expose the electrical traces of the leading edge 
failure indication (LEFI) system on the back side of the LE VCK flaps 
to a direct lightning strike. A direct lightning strike to the LE VCK 
flaps with existing LSA damage could result in direct lightning 
attachment to the high lift flap control units (FCUs), potentially 
resulting in an uncommanded motion of the trailing edge flap system. 
Such uncommanded flap motion, without shutdown of the trailing edge or 
leading edge flaps, may cause unexpected changes in lift, potentially 
resulting in asymmetric lift and loss of control of the airplane.

[[Page 50876]]

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2338, 
dated January 14, 2014. For information on the procedures and 
compliance times, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. FAA-2014-0575.

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 described previously, except as discussed 
under ``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the Service 
Information.''
    The phrase ``corrective actions'' is used in this proposed AD. 
``Corrective actions'' correct or address any condition found. 
Corrective actions in an AD could include, for example, repairs.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    The applicability in this proposed AD does not refer to paragraph 
1.A.1. ``Effectivity,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-57-2338, 
dated January 14, 2014. This service bulletin does not contain a 
comprehensive list of the airplanes affected by the identified unsafe 
condition. Therefore, the applicability of this proposed AD is all 
Model 747-8F and 747-8 series airplanes.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 6 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost      Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection.......................  8 work-hours x $85               $0  $680 per inspection  $4,080 per
                                    per hour = $680                      cycle.               inspection cycle.
                                    per inspection
                                    cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed 
AD.
    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed 
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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 proposed 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-2014-0575; Directorate Identifier 
2014-NM-086-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by October 10, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 747-8F and 747-8 
series airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of delamination damage to 
leading edge (LE) variable camber krueger (VCK) flaps. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct delamination damage to the LE 
VCK flaps, which can reduce the lightning strike protection 
capability on LE VCK flaps and result in an uncommanded motion of 
the trailing edge flap system. Such uncommanded flap motion, without 
shutdown of the trailing edge or leading edge flaps, may cause 
unexpected changes in lift, potentially resulting in asymmetric lift 
and loss of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

[[Page 50877]]

(g) Inspections and Corrective Actions

    Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD, at the 
applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of 
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2338, dated January 
14, 2014: Do a general visual inspection to detect delamination 
damage of the lightning strike applique (LSA) on the LE VCK flaps; 
and do all applicable corrective actions before further flight; in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2338, dated January 14, 2014. 
Repeat the inspection of the LSA on the LE VCK flaps thereafter at 
the applicable intervals specified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-57-2338, dated 
January 14, 2014.

(h) Exception to Service Information

    Where Paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-57-2338, dated January 14, 2014, specifies a compliance 
time ``after the Original issue date of this service bulletin,'' 
this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance time 
after the effective date 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)(1) 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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Kenneth Frey, 
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, 
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6468; fax: 425-917-6190; 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 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 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 15, 2014.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-20218 Filed 8-25-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P