[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 168 (Tuesday, August 30, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 59544-59546]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-20667]
[[Page 59544]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-9053; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-075-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 747-8 and 747-8F series airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by reports of damaged vapor seals, block
seals, and heat shield seals on the outboard pylons between the engine
strut and aft fairing. This proposed AD would require repetitive
inspections for heat damage of the vapor seals between the engine strut
and aft fairing, and replacement of the seals with new seals if
necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct heat damage
to the vapor seals between the engine strut and aft fairing. Such
damage could allow flammable fluid leakage into the aft fairing, which
could result in an uncontrolled fire in the engine strut.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 14,
2016.
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 NPRM, 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 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. It
is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-9053.
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-2016-
9053; 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: Sue Lucier, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6438; 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-2016-9053;
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-075-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 damaged vapor seals, block seals, and
heat shield seals on the outboard pylons between the aft fairing and
engine strut on the number 1 and number 4 engines. The reports indicate
that vapor seal damage occurring on the outboard pylons at 1,468 flight
cycles, fully compromised the vapor seals at 2,768 flight cycles and
3,626 flight cycles. It was determined that this condition affects only
the outboard pylons because the vapor seal is located directly above
the heat shield seal in these pylons. Heat from the exhaust nozzle to
the vapor seal damages the seal and degrades the sealing quality. The
vapor seal is a safety feature that is designed to isolate flammable
hydraulic fluid from an ignition source. If the vapor seal has heat
damage and there is a hydraulic leak that sprays onto the strut
bulkhead, fluid could drain across the worn seal and contact heat
shield surfaces below the seals. Flammable fluid leakage into the aft
fairing could result in an uncontrolled fire in the engine strut.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-54A2246, dated
February 5, 2016. The service information describes procedures for
repetitive inspections for heat damage of the vapor seals between the
engine strut and aft fairing, and replacement of the seals with new
seals. This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
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 accomplishing the actions specified
in the service information described previously, except as discussed
under ``Difference Between this Proposed AD and the Service
Information.'' For information on the procedures and compliance times,
see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-9053.
Difference Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-54A2246, dated February 5, 2016,
recommends accomplishment of Part 4, ``Structural Inspection and Repair
for Heat Damage'' (economic related), during accomplishment of Part 3,
``Seal Replacement'' (safety related), before installation of new
seals. Part 4 is included as an economic consideration to prevent
possible operational
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disruptions. However, this NPRM would not require those structural
inspections.
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 10 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
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Vapor seal inspections......... 4 work-hours X $85 per $0 $340 per $3,400 per
hour = $340 per inspection cycle. inspection cycle
inspection cycle.
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary seal
replacement that would be required based on the results of the proposed
vapor seal inspection. We have no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need these seal replacements.
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seal replacement........................... 132 work-hours x $85 per hour = $0 $11,220
$11,220.
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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 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-2016-9053; Directorate Identifier
2016-NM-075-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by October 14, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 747-8 and 747-8F
series airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 54 Nacelles/
pylons.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of damaged vapor seals, block
seals, and heat shield seals on the outboard pylons between the
engine strut and aft fairing. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct heat damage to the vapor seals between the engine strut and
aft fairing. Such damage could allow flammable fluid leakage into
the aft fairing, which could result in an uncontrolled fire in the
engine strut.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Repetitive Inspections
At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and
(g)(2) of this AD: Do a detailed inspection for heat damage of the
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vapor seals on the outboard pylons between the strut and aft fairing
of the numbers 1 and 4 engines, in accordance with Part 2 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
54A2246, dated February 5, 2016. Repeat the inspection thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 1,200 flight cycles.
(i) Before the accumulation of 1,800 total flight cycles, or
within 1,800 flight cycles after the most recent vapor seal, block
seal, and heat shield seal replacement, whichever is later.
(ii) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD.
(h) Replacement
If during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD
any heat damage of any vapor seal is found: Before further flight,
replace the vapor seal, heat shield seal, and block seal with new
seals, in accordance with Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions
of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-54A2246, dated February 5,
2016. Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD
within 1,800 flight cycles after doing the replacement, and
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,200 flight cycles.
(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, modification, or alteration 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. To be approved, the
repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must
meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must
specifically refer to this AD.
(4) For service information that contains steps that are labeled
as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs
(i)(4)(i) and (i)(4)(ii) apply.
(i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply
with the AD. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps,
including substeps and identified figures.
(ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy
condition.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Sue Lucier,
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle ACO,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6438;
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 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 August 19, 2016.
Dorr M. Anderson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-20667 Filed 8-29-16; 8:45 am]
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