Proposed Rule2021-17362
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
August 18, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports indicating incidents of wires chafing against the inboard upper corner of the observer station circuit breaker panel. This proposed AD would require, depending on airplane configuration, doing a general visual inspection of the right observer station upper main circuit breaker panel and wiring for certain missing parts; doing an inspection of the right observer station upper main circuit breaker panel to determine if a certain bracket part number is installed; doing a general visual inspection of certain wire assemblies for any damage; modifying the observer station upper main circuit breaker panel; and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 157 (Wednesday, August 18, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 157 (Wednesday, August 18, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 46167-46169]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-17362]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0564; Project Identifier AD-2020-01350-T]
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: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all The Boeing Company Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by reports indicating incidents of wires
chafing against the inboard upper corner of the observer station
circuit breaker panel. This proposed AD would require, depending on
airplane configuration, doing a general visual inspection of the right
observer station upper main circuit breaker panel and wiring for
certain missing parts; doing an inspection of the right observer
station upper main circuit breaker panel to determine if a certain
bracket part number is installed; doing a general visual inspection of
certain wire assemblies for any damage; modifying the observer station
upper main circuit breaker panel; and applicable on-condition actions.
The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 4,
2021.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
<bullet> 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.
<bullet> 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 <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-2021-0564.
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-2021-0564; 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 NPRM, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for Docket
Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric Igama, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960
Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5388; fax:
562-627-5210; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#22704d4647504b41490c6b45434f43624443430c454d54"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6c3e0308091e050f0742250b0d010d2c0a0d0d420b031a">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-0564; Project Identifier
AD-2020-01350-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
the proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Eric
Igama, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Los
Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137;
phone: 562-627-5388; fax: 562-627-5210; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1a48757e7f6873797134537d7b777b5a7c7b7b347d756c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cb99a4afaeb9a2a8a0e582acaaa6aa8badaaaae5aca4bd">[email protected]</span></a>.
Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically
designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this
rulemaking.
Background
The FAA has received reports indicating incidents of wires chafing
against the inboard upper corner of the observer station circuit
breaker panel. It has been determined that this condition allows for
the chafed electrical wires to arc against the metal panel during the
opening and closing of the panel. This condition, if not addressed,
could result in wire chafing and arcing on the panel,
[[Page 46168]]
which could cause damage to equipment, and result in loss of electrical
power and a possible in-flight fire.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other
products of the same type design.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A204,
Revision 2, dated April 14, 2021. For certain airplanes, this service
information describes procedures for doing a general visual inspection
of the right observer station upper main circuit breaker panel and
wiring for missing installation of sleeving, grommets, and spacers;
doing an inspection of the right observer station upper main circuit
breaker panel to determine if bracket part number SR11240046-11 is
installed; and applicable on-condition actions. On-condition actions
include repairing or replacing damaged wires, installing sleeves and
routing wires, trimming and re-identifying the bracket, and replacing
any missing grommets or spacers.
For certain other airplanes, this service information describes
procedures for doing a general visual inspection of wire assemblies
ABS9110 and ABS9115 for any damage (i.e., wire chafing, arcing),
modifying the observer station upper main circuit breaker panel, and
applicable on-condition actions. On-condition actions include repairing
or replacing damaged wires.
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.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions identified
as ``RC'' (required for compliance) in the Accomplishment Instructions
of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A204, Revision 2, dated April
14, 2021, already described, except for any differences identified as
exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD. For information
on the procedures and compliance times, see this service information at
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2021-0564.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 118 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Inspections.................... Up to 17 work-hours x $0 Up to $1,445...... Up to $170,510.
$85 per hour = Up to
$1,445.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary actions
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection.
The FAA has no way of determining the number of aircraft that might
need these actions:
On-Condition Costs *
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Replacement, installation and Up to 3 work-hours x $85 per $428 Up to $683.
trimming. hour = Up to $255.
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* The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost estimates for the on-condition repairs
specified in this proposed AD.
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of
this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the
cost impact on affected operators.
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
The FAA 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) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would 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.
[[Page 46169]]
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2021-0564; Project Identifier AD-
2020-01350-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by October 4, 2021.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model MD-11 and MD-11F
airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 24, Electrical
power.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports indicating incidents of wires
chafing against the inboard upper corner of the observer station
circuit breaker panel. The FAA is issuing this AD to address wire
chafing and arcing on the panel, which could cause damage to
equipment, and result in loss of electrical power and a possible in-
flight fire.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: At the
applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A204, Revision 2, dated April
14, 2021, do all applicable actions identified as ``RC'' (required
for compliance) in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A204, Revision
2, dated April 14, 2021.
(h) Exception to Service Information Specifications
Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A204, Revision 2,
dated April 14, 2021, uses the phrase ``the Revision 2 date of this
service bulletin,'' this AD requires using ``the effective date of
this AD.''
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Los Angeles 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 Related Information. Information may be emailed
to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ecd5c1ada2a1c1a0adadafa3c1ada1a3afc1be899d99899f989fac8a8d8dc28b839a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ecd5c1ada2a1c1a0adadafa3c1ada1a3afc1be899d99899f989fac8a8d8dc28b839a">[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, Los
Angeles 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.
(4) For service information that contains steps that are labeled
as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs
(i)(4)(i) and (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.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Eric Igama,
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Los Angeles
ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137;
phone: 562-627-5388; fax: 562-627-5210; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3664595253445f555d187f51575b577650575718515940"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c496aba0a1b6ada7afea8da3a5a9a584a2a5a5eaa3abb2">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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 <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.
Issued on July 9, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-17362 Filed 8-17-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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