[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 177 (Friday, September 12, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 54672-54674]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-21763]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
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 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.
 
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 

  Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 177 / Friday, September 12, 2014 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 54672]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0624 Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-005-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 717-200 airplanes; Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, 
DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40 and DC-10-
40F airplanes; Model MD-10-10F and MD-10-30F airplanes; Model DC-9-81 
(MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), and DC-9-87 (MD-87) 
airplanes; Model MD-88 airplanes; and Model MD-90-30 airplanes. This 
proposed AD was prompted by reports of latent air data transducer 
degradation. This proposed AD would require revising the maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate special compliance 
items (SCIs). We are proposing this AD to prevent erroneous air data 
information, which could lead to a mid-air collision within reduced 
vertical separation minimum (RVSM) airspace.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 27, 
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, 
3855 Lakewood Boulevard, MC D800-0019, Long Beach, CA 90846-0001; 
telephone 206-544-5000, extension 2; fax 206-766-5683; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.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 425-227-1221.

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-
0624; 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: Jen Pei, Aerospace Engineer, Systems 
and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-
627-5320; fax: 562-627-5210; 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-2014-0624; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-005-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 latent air data transducer degradation. 
This condition, if not corrected, could result in erroneous air data 
information, which could lead to a mid-air collision within reduced 
vertical separation minimum (RVSM) airspace.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed the following service information, which describes 
procedures for doing a functional test of the captain's and first 
officer's altimeters.
     Boeing Report No. MDC-02K1003, Trijet Special Compliance 
Item (SCI) Report 34-4, ``Functional Test of the Captain and First 
Officer's Altimeter,'' Revision K, dated February 1, 2013.
     Boeing Report No. MDC-92K9145, Twinjet SCI Report 34-1--
``Functional Test of the Captain and First Officer's Altimeter,'' 
Revision M, dated February 5, 2013.

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, as applicable, to incorporate special compliance 
items (SCIs).
    This proposed AD requires 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

[[Page 54673]]

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 required inspections that will ensure the continued 
operational safety of the airplane.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Boeing Report No. MDC-02K1003, Trijet SCI Report 34-4, ``Functional 
Test of the Captain and First Officer's Altimeter,'' Revision K, dated 
February 1, 2013, describes actions that apply to The Boeing Company 
Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes. Based on in-service data, we have 
determined that rulemaking action is unnecessary at this time for these 
airplanes. However, we might consider additional rulemaking if further 
data is received that identifies an unsafe condition on these 
airplanes.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 716 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
               Action                        Labor cost           Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maintenance or inspection program     1 work-hour x $85 per                $0              $85          $60,860
 revision.                             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. Amend Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2014-0624; Directorate Identifier 
2014-NM-005-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by October 27, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all The Boeing Company airplanes identified 
in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in 
any category.
    (1) The Boeing Company Model 717-200 airplanes.
    (2) The Boeing Company Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-
10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, and DC-10-40F 
airplanes; and Model MD-10-10F and MD-10-30F airplanes.
    (3) The Boeing Company Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), 
DC-9-83 (MD-83), and DC-9-87 (MD-87) airplanes; Model MD-88 
airplanes; and Model MD-90-30 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 34, Navigation.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of latent air data transducer 
degradation. We are issuing this AD to prevent erroneous air data 
information, which could lead to a mid-air collision within reduced 
vertical separation minimum (RVSM) airspace.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Maintenance or Operations Program Revision

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, by incorporating 
the information specified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of 
this AD, as applicable. The initial compliance time for the tasks is 
within 18 months after the effective date of this AD.
    (1) For Model 717-200 airplanes; Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 
(MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD-83), and DC-9-87 (MD-87) airplanes; Model MD-88 
airplanes; and Model MD-90-30 airplanes: Incorporate Special 
Compliance Item (SCI) 34-1, ``Functional Test of the Captain and 
First Officer's Altimeter'' into the Boeing Modification Services 
MDC-92K9145, ``Twinjet Special Compliance Items Report,'' Revision 
M, dated February 5, 2013.
    (2) For Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F 
(KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40 and DC-10-40F airplanes; Incorporate 
SCI 34-4, ``Functional Test of the Captain and First Officer's 
Altimeter'' into the Boeing Modification Services MDC-02K1003, 
``Trijet Special Compliance Item Report,'' Revision K, dated 
February 1, 2013.
    (3) For and Model MD-10-10F and MD-10-30F airplanes: Incorporate 
SCI 34-4, ``Functional Test of the Captain and First Officer's 
Altimeter'' into the Boeing Modification Services MDC-02K1003, 
``Trijet Special Compliance Item Report,'' Revision K, dated 
February 1, 2013.

[[Page 54674]]

(h) No Alternative Actions and Intervals

    After accomplishment of the 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) of this AD.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles 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, Los Angeles 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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Jen Pei, 
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Los 
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, 
Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5320; fax: 562-627-5210; 
email: [email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
3855 Lakewood Boulevard, MC D800-0019, Long Beach, CA 90846-0001; 
telephone 206-544-5000, extension 2; fax 206-766-5683; Internet 
https://www.myboeingfleet.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 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 5, 2014.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-21763 Filed 9-11-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P