Rule2021-15028
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
July 15, 2021
Effective
August 19, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 777-300ER series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that a production design change to certain insulation blankets inadvertently opened up leakage paths for halon and smoke to escape from the aft cargo compartment in the event of a fire. This AD requires installation of an insulation blanket assembly on top of existing insulation blankets in certain areas of the forward endwall in the aft cargo compartment. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 133 (Thursday, July 15, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 133 (Thursday, July 15, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 37219-37221]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-15028]
[[Page 37219]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-1030; Project Identifier AD-2020-01079-T;
Amendment 39-21607; AD 2021-13-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain The Boeing Company Model 777-300ER series airplanes. This AD
was prompted by a report that a production design change to certain
insulation blankets inadvertently opened up leakage paths for halon and
smoke to escape from the aft cargo compartment in the event of a fire.
This AD requires installation of an insulation blanket assembly on top
of existing insulation blankets in certain areas of the forward endwall
in the aft cargo compartment. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective August 19, 2021.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 19,
2021.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
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 <a href="https://www.myboeingfleet.com">https://www.myboeingfleet.com</a>. You may view this service information at the
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available at
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2020-1030.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-1030; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, any
comments received, and other information. The address for Docket
Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue
SE, Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Courtney Kronenberger, Aerospace
Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle
ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax:
206-231-3986; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5e3d312b2c2a303b27703f70352c31303b303c3b2c393b2c1e383f3f70393128"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c3a0acb6b1b7ada6baeda2eda8b1acada6ada1a6b1a4a6b183a5a2a2eda4acb5">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing
Company Model 777-300ER series airplanes. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on December 29, 2020 (85 FR 85557). The NPRM was
prompted by report indicating that a production design change to
certain insulation blankets inadvertently opened up leakage paths for
halon and smoke to escape from the aft cargo compartment in the event
of a fire. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require installation of an
insulation blanket assembly on top of existing insulation blankets in
certain areas of the forward endwall in the aft cargo compartment. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address increased leakage paths, which, in
the event of a fire, could result in loss of fire suppressant in the
cargo compartment, and could lead to an uncontained fire and subsequent
loss of the airplane.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from one commenter, Boeing, who supported
the NPRM without change.
The FAA received additional comments from one commenter, United
Airlines. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and
the FAA's response to each comment.
Request for Update to Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC)
United Airlines stated that it agrees with the intent of the
proposed AD. United Airlines also recommended that Boeing update the
applicable IPC to show configuration control of the new part numbers
that are installed during the accomplishment of the actions specified
in the referenced service information. United Airlines noted that the
update would provide proper configuration control and documentation
support to maintain the new insulation blanket installation changes
made prior to the release of the AD. United Airlines also asserted that
the change could mitigate incorrect blanket installation.
The FAA acknowledges the commenter's recommendation and reasoning.
However, the FAA does not control or require changes to the IPC. The
FAA has not changed this AD in this regard.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Except for minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as
proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic
burden on any operator.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin
777-25-0753 RB, dated July 31, 2020. This service information specifies
procedures for installing an insulation blanket assembly on top of
existing insulation blankets on the left and right side corner of the
forward endwall in the aft cargo compartment. 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 ADDRESSES.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 22 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Insulation blanket installation....... 1 work-hour x $85 per $240 $325 $7,150
hour = $85.
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[[Page 37220]]
According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected operators. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for
affected operators. As a result, the FAA has included all known costs
in the 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.
The FAA is 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
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will 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 that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) 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 Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES PROJECT NO. 15021-000
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] Project No. 15021-000
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2021-13-02 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-21607; Docket No. FAA-
2020-1030; Project Identifier AD-2020-01079-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 19, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-300ER series
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing
Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 777-25-0753 RB, dated July
31, 2020.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
Furnishings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that a production design change
to certain insulation blankets inadvertently opened up leakage paths
for halon and smoke to escape from the aft cargo compartment in the
event of a fire. The FAA is issuing this AD to address increased
leakage paths, which, in the event of a fire, could result in loss
of fire suppressant in the cargo compartment, and could lead to an
uncontained fire and subsequent loss of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the
applicable times specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing
Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 777-25-0753 RB, dated July
31, 2020, do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance
with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention
Requirements Bulletin 777-25-0753 RB, dated July 31, 2020.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 777-25-0753, dated July 31, 2020, which is referred to in
Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 777-25-0753 RB, dated
July 31, 2020.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
Where Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 777-25-0753
RB, dated July 31, 2020, uses the phrase ``the original issue date
of the Requirements Bulletin 777-25-0753 RB,'' this AD requires
using ``the effective date of this AD.''
(i) 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 responsible Flight Standards 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 (j)(1) of this AD. Information may be
emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#291004686764047a4c485d5d454c04686a66046864666a047b4c585c4c5a5d5a694f4848074e465f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="477e6a06090a6a14222633332b226a0604086a060a08046a15223632223433340721262669202831">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the responsible Flight Standards 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 Company Organization Designation
Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle
ACO Branch, FAA, 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.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Courtney
Kronenberger, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental
Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3986; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b5d6dac0c7c1dbd0cc9bd49bdec7dadbd0dbd7d0c7d2d0c7f5d3d4d49bd2dac3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e3808c9691978d869acd82cd88918c8d868d818691848691a3858282cd848c95">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (k)(3) and (4) of this AD.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 777-25-0753
RB, dated July 31, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) 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 <a href="https://www.myboeingfleet.com">https://www.myboeingfleet.com</a>.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability
of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the
[[Page 37221]]
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information
on the availability of this material at NARA, email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#82e4e7e6f0e7e5aceee7e5e3eec2ece3f0e3ace5edf4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="452320213720226b2920222429052b2437246b222a33">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued on June 9, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-15028 Filed 7-14-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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