[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 193 (Friday, October 6, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 46722-46724]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-21366]



[[Page 46722]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0905; Product Identifier 2017-NM-090-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 supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-01-
02, which applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-
100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 
747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes; and Model 757-
200, -200PF, and -300 series airplanes. AD 2013-01-02 requires 
replacing the control switches of certain cargo doors. Since we issued 
AD 2013-01-02, additional un-commanded cargo door operation has been 
reported. This proposed AD would require replacement of certain cargo 
door control switches with a new improved switch; installation of an 
arm switch in certain cargo doors; operational and functional tests; 
and applicable on-condition actions. This proposed AD would also add 
airplanes to the applicability. We are proposing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 20, 
2017.

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: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 
2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-5600; 
telephone: 562-797-1717; Internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You 
may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards Branch, 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-2017-0905.

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-2017-
0905; 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 NPRM, 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: Caspar Wang, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin 
Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 1601 
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6414; 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-2017-0905; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-090-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM 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

    On January 4, 2013, we issued AD 2013-01-02, Amendment 39-17316 (78 
FR 4051, January 18, 2013) (``AD 2013-01-02''), for certain The Boeing 
Company Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-
200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series 
airplanes; and Model 757-200, -200PF, and -300 series airplanes. AD 
2013-01-02 requires replacing the control switches of the forward, aft, 
and nose cargo doors of Model 747 airplanes; and replacing the control 
switches of cargo doors 1 and 2 of Model 757 series airplanes. AD 2013-
01-02 resulted from reports of problems associated with the uncommanded 
operation of cargo doors. We issued AD 2013-01-02 to prevent injuries 
to persons and damage to the airplane.

Actions Since AD 2013-01-02 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2013-01-02, additional un-commanded cargo door 
operation has been reported. In the most recent report the switch had 
only been installed for 44 months. Testing of failed switches found 
that the cargo door control switch can remain actuated after released 
to the OFF position. We have determined that the replacements required 
by AD 2013-01-02 do not adequately address the identified unsafe 
condition and that new improved switches must be installed. With a new 
cargo door control and arm switch configuration installed, the operator 
must manually move both switches to operate the cargo door. Both 
switches are spring loaded to the off position and releasing either 
switch will stop the door operation.
    We have also determined that certain Model 757-200CB series 
airplanes and Model 747-8F and 747-8 series airplanes are affected by 
the identified unsafe condition and must be included in this proposed 
AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed the following Boeing service information.
     Boeing Service Bulletin 747-52-2307, dated May 23, 2017, 
and Boeing Service Bulletin 747-52-2308, dated June 5, 2017. This 
service information describes procedures for replacement of the nose, 
forward, and aft cargo door control switches with new improved 
switches, installation of an arm switch in the forward and aft cargo 
doors, a nose cargo door normal operational test, forward and aft cargo 
door open and close functional tests, and applicable on-condition 
actions. These documents are distinct since they apply to different 
airplane models in different configurations.
     Boeing Service Bulletin 757-52-0093, Revision 1, dated 
April 21, 2017. This service information describes procedures for 
replacement of the forward and aft cargo door control

[[Page 46723]]

switches with new improved switches, installation of an arm switch in 
the forward and aft cargo doors, an operational test of the No. 1 and 
No. 2 cargo doors, repetitive functional tests of the No. 1 and No. 2 
cargo doors, and applicable on-condition actions.
    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 these same type 
designs.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would retain none of the requirements of AD 2013-
01-02. This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions 
identified as ``RC'' (required for compliance) in the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-52-2307, dated May 23, 
2017; Boeing Service Bulletin 747-52-2308, dated June 5, 2017; and 
Boeing Service Bulletin 757-52-0093, Revision 1, dated April 21, 2017; 
as applicable; except for any differences identified as exceptions in 
the regulatory text of this proposed AD. This proposed AD also would 
add airplanes to the applicability.
    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-2017-0905.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    The effectivity of Boeing Service Bulletin 757-52-0093, Revision 1, 
dated April 21, 2017, is limited to Model 757-200, -200CB, -200PF, and 
-300 series airplanes, line numbers 1 through 1050. However, the 
applicability of this proposed AD includes four additional Model 757 
airplanes, variable numbers NP901 through NP904 inclusive. We have 
included this difference because of new findings related to these 
additional airplanes indicating they are subject to the identified 
unsafe condition. This difference has been coordinated with Boeing. 
Additionally, Boeing has indicated that Boeing Service Bulletin 757-52-
0093, Revision 1, dated April 21, 2017, will be revised to include the 
additional airplanes. We will consider including the revised service 
information, if available, in the final rule.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 584 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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                                                                                               Cost on U.S.
            Action                Labor cost       Parts cost       Cost per  product            operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement (Boeing Service    78 work-hours x          $12,874  $19,504................  $273,056.
 Bulletin                       $85 per hour =
 747[dash]52[dash]2307) (14     $6,630.
 airplanes).
Replacement (Boeing Service    24 work-hours x              980  3,020..................  283,880.
 Bulletin                       $85 per hour =
 747[dash]52[dash]2308) (94     $2,040.
 airplanes).
Replacement (Boeing Service    51 work-hours x           10,626  14,961.................  7,121,436.
 Bulletin                       $85 per hour =
 757[dash]52[dash]0093) (476    $4,335.
 airplanes).
Repetitive Test (Boeing        3 work-hours x                 0  255 per test cycle.....  121,380 per test
 Service Bulletin               $85 per hour =                                             cycle.
 757[dash]52[dash]0093) (476    $255 per test
 airplanes).                    cycle.
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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 available 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.
    This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated 
by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as 
authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, 
issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and 
Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the 
Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable 
to transport category airplanes to the Director of the System Oversight 
Division.

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:

[[Page 46724]]

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2013-01-02, Amendment 39-17316 (78 FR 4051, January 18, 2013), and 
adding the following new AD:

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2017-0905; Product Identifier 
2017-NM-090-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by November 20, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2013-01-02, Amendment 39-17316 (78 FR 4051, 
January 18, 2013) (``AD 2013-01-02'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company airplanes; certificated in 
any category; as identified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), 
and (c)(4) of this AD.
    (1) Model 747-8F and 747-8 series airplanes as identified in 
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-52-2307, dated May 23, 2017.
    (2) Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 
747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP 
series airplanes as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-52-
2308, dated June 5, 2017.
    (3) Model 757-200, -200PF, -200CB, and -300 series airplanes as 
identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 757-52-0093, Revision 1, dated 
April 21, 2017.
    (4) Model 757-200, -200PF, -200CB, and -300 series airplanes, 
variable numbers NP901 through NP904 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of un-commanded cargo door 
operation. We are issuing this AD to prevent failures of the cargo 
door control switch from allowing un-commanded movement of the cargo 
door, which if not corrected, could lead to injuries to persons and 
damage to the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Except as required by paragraph (h) of this AD: Do the 
applicable actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), (g)(3), 
and (g)(4) of this AD.
    (1) For airplanes identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-52-
2307, dated May 23, 2017: At the applicable time specified in 
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-52-
2307, dated May 23, 2017, do all applicable actions identified as 
``RC'' (required for compliance) in, and in accordance with, the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-52-2307, 
dated May 23, 2017.
    (2) For airplanes identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-52-
2308, dated June 5, 2017: At the applicable time specified in 
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-52-
2308, dated June 5, 2017, do all applicable actions identified as RC 
in, and in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
Service Bulletin 747-52-2308, dated June 5, 2017.
    (3) For airplanes identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 757-52-
0093, Revision 1, dated April 21, 2017: At the applicable times 
specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Service 
Bulletin 757-52-0093, Revision 1, dated April 21, 2017, do all 
applicable actions identified as RC in, and in accordance with, the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 757-52-0093, 
Revision 1, dated April 21, 2017.
    (4) For airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(4) of this AD: 
Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the 
nose, forward, and aft cargo door control switches, as applicable, 
with new improved switches, install an arm switch in the forward and 
aft cargo doors, do operational and functional tests, and do 
applicable on-condition actions, in accordance with a method 
approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA.

(h) Exceptions to Service Information

    Where Boeing Service Bulletin 747-52-2307, dated May 23, 2017; 
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-52-2308, dated June 5, 2017; and Boeing 
Service Bulletin 757-52-0093, Revision 1, dated April 21, 2017; 
specify 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) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraph (g)(3) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
the effective date of this AD using Boeing Service Bulletin 757-52-
0093, dated May 5, 2016.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (k)(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 Branch, 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 RC, the provisions of paragraphs (j)(4)(i) and (j)(4)(ii) of this 
AD 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. If a step or substep is labeled ``RC Exempt,'' then the 
RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. 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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Caspar Wang, 
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, 
FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; phone: 425-917-6414; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services 
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-
5600; telephone: 562-797-1717; Internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 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 27, 2017.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-21366 Filed 10-5-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P