[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 2, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 80-83]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-28151]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1176; Product Identifier 2017-NM-123-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 
certain The Boeing Company Model 747-8 series airplanes. This proposed 
AD was prompted by a report of restricted movement of the right brake 
pedals after landing rollout. This proposed AD would require revising 
the airplane flight manual (AFM) by adding an autobrake system 
limitation. This proposed AD would also require modifying intercostal 
webs near a main entry door, which would terminate the AFM limitation. 
We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 16, 
2018.

[[Page 81]]


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 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-2017-1176.

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-
1176; 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: Kelly McGuckin, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Section, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW, Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6490; 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-2017-1176; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-123-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 NPRM.

Discussion

    We have received a report of restricted movement of the right brake 
pedals after landing rollout after the flight crew disengaged the 
autobrakes using manual brake inputs. An investigation determined that 
the in-service event had occurred because ice had formed during the 
flight on the right brake control cable pulleys near door 3R due to 
inadequate routing and drainage of water. The left brake control system 
is also vulnerable to ice accumulation because the door 3L and door 3R 
designs are similar. We are proposing this AD to prevent restricted 
motion of the brake pedals, which could affect stopping performance and 
directional control of the airplane. This restricted motion could lead 
to high speed runway excursion or lateral runway excursion.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-32A2525 RB, 
dated September 6, 2017. This service information describes procedures 
for modifying intercostal webs near main entry door 3 by drilling two 
drain holes in the station-18 intercostal web at door stop 8 and 
applying sealant at the fore-aft drain path of the upper main sill web 
at station 16 near door 3R and door 3L. 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 revising the AFM to incorporate an 
autobrake system limitation. This proposed AD would also require 
accomplishment of the actions identified in the Boeing Alert 
Requirements Bulletin 747-32A2525 RB, dated September 6, 2017, except 
as discussed under Differences Between this Proposed AD and the Service 
Information,'' and except for any differences identified as exceptions 
in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
    Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information 
described previously would be terminating action for the AFM autobrake 
system limitation. For information on the procedures and compliance 
times for Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-32A2525 RB, dated 
September 6, 2017, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
1176.

Difference Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-32A2525 RB, dated September 
6, 2017, is applicable to ``Model 747-8 series airplanes having line 
numbers 1434 through 1539 inclusive.'' However, this proposed AD would 
exclude airplanes having line numbers 1443, 1451, 1453, 1456, 1470, 
1472, 1475, 1477, 1480, 1492, 1494, 1497, 1498, 1500, 1503, 1511, 1512, 
1513, and 1514, because those airplanes were previously modified to 
address the identified unsafe condition.
    Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-32A2525 RB, dated September 
6, 2017, does not specify the type of sealant that must be used. 
However, this AD specifies using BMS 5-142, TYPE 2; BMS 5-95; PR-1826; 
or PR-1828 sealant.
    We have coordinated these differences with Boeing.

Explanation of ``RB'' (Requirements Bulletin)

    The FAA worked in conjunction with industry, under the 
Airworthiness Directive Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee 
(AD ARC), to enhance the AD system. One enhancement is a process for 
annotating which steps in the service information are ``required for 
compliance'' (RC) with an AD. Boeing has implemented this RC concept 
into Boeing service bulletins.
    In an effort to further improve the quality of ADs and AD-related 
Boeing service information, a joint process improvement initiative was 
worked between the FAA and Boeing. The initiative resulted in the 
development of a new process in which the service information more 
clearly identifies the actions needed to address the unsafe condition 
in the ``Accomplishment

[[Page 82]]

Instructions.'' The new process results in a Boeing Requirements 
Bulletin, which contains only the actions needed to address the unsafe 
condition (i.e., only the RC actions).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 2 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
               Action                         Labor cost            Parts cost        product        operators
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AFM revision.......................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour               $0             $85            $170
                                      = $85.
Modification.......................  10 work-hours x $85 per               (\1\)             850           1,700
                                      hour = $850.
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\1\ We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide parts cost estimates for the
  modification 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 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:

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-2017-1176; Product Identifier 
2017-NM-123-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by February 16, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-8 series 
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing 
Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-32A2525 RB, dated September 6, 2017, 
except for airplanes having line numbers 1443, 1451, 1453, 1456, 
1470, 1472, 1475, 1477, 1480, 1492, 1494, 1497, 1498, 1500, 1503, 
1511, 1512, 1513, and 1514.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing 
gear.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of restricted movement of the 
brake pedals after landing rollout. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent restricted motion of the brake pedals, which can affect 
stopping performance and directional control of the airplane. This 
restricted motion can lead to high speed runway excursion or lateral 
runway excursion.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Within 120 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise the 
airplane flight manual (AFM) by incorporating the limitation 
specified in figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD.

       Figure 1 to Paragraph (g) of This AD--Autobrake Limitation
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Autobrakes (Required by AD ***-**-**)
Takeoff is prohibited without an operative autobrake system.
The autobrake system must be used for landing, unless EICAS messages
 AUTOBRAKES or ANTISKID are displayed.
The autobrake system may be disengaged after slowing to a safe taxi
 speed or to a full stop, and only by use of the brake pedals.
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[[Page 83]]

(h) Terminating Action for AFM Limitation

    Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, do all 
applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 
747-32A2525 RB, dated September 6, 2017, except where the 
requirements bulletin specifies applying sealant, the following type 
of sealant must be used: BMS 5-142, TYPE 2; BMS 5-95; PR-1826; or 
PR-1828. Doing the actions specified in this paragraph terminates 
the AFM limitation required by paragraph (g) of this AD. The AFM 
limitation required by paragraph (g) of this AD may be removed from 
the AFM after accomplishing the actions specified in this paragraph.

    Note 1 to paragraph (h) of this AD:  Guidance for accomplishing 
the actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD can be found in 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-32A2525, dated September 6, 2017, 
which is referred to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-
32A2525 RB, dated September 6, 2017.

(i) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and 
Section 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 
and 21.199), are not allowed, except as provided by paragraph (j) of 
this AD.

(j) Ferry Flight Limitations

    Operators who are prohibited from further flight due to the 
autobrake system being inoperative may perform a one-time non-
revenue ferry flight to fly the airplane to a maintenance facility 
to either fix the autobrake system or incorporate the terminating 
action specified in paragraph (h) of this AD. This ferry flight must 
be performed without passengers, and with interior modifications to 
allow heated cabin air to warm the brake control cables and pulleys 
in the vicinity of door 3L and door 3R. These interior modifications 
must include, at a minimum, temporarily removing the side panels and 
insulation immediately aft of door 3L and door 3R.

(k) 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 (l)(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.

(l) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Kelly McGuckin, 
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Section, Seattle ACO 
Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW, Renton, WA 98057 3356; phone: 425-
917-6490; 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 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 December 14, 2017.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-28151 Filed 12-29-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P