Rule2021-27958
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
December 28, 2021
Effective
February 1, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports indicating incidents of wires chafing against the inboard upper corner of the observer station circuit breaker panel. This AD requires, 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 issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 246 (Tuesday, December 28, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 246 (Tuesday, December 28, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 73664-73667]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-27958]
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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;
Amendment 39-21823; AD 2021-24-02]
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 all
The Boeing Company Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes. This AD was
prompted by reports indicating incidents of wires chafing against the
inboard upper corner of the observer station circuit breaker panel.
This AD requires, 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
[[Page 73665]]
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 issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective February 1, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 1,
2022.
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-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 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: 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#7c2e1318190e151f1752351b1d111d3c1a1d1d521b130a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8edce1eaebfce7ede5a0c7e9efe3efcee8efefa0e9e1f8">[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 all The Boeing Company
Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on August 18, 2021 (86 FR 46167). The NPRM was prompted by
reports indicating incidents of wires chafing against the inboard upper
corner of the observer station circuit breaker panel. In the NPRM, the
FAA proposed to 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 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.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from The Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA) and Boeing who supported the NPRM without change.
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 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 118 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Inspections..................... Up to 17 work-hours $0 Up to $1,445....... Up to $170,510
x $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 inspection. The FAA
has no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these
actions:
[[Page 73666]]
On-Condition Costs *
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Replacement, installation and trimming.. Up to 3 work-hours x $85 $428 Up to $683
per 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 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 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
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
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:
2021-24-02 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-21823; Docket No. FAA-
2021-0564; Project Identifier AD-2020-01350-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 1, 2022.
(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#192034585754345558585a56345854565a344b7c686c7c6a6d6a597f7878377e766f"><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
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;
[[Page 73667]]
phone: 562-627-5388; fax: 562-627-5210; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f5a79a9190879c969edbbc92949894b5939494db929a83"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2c7e4348495e454f4702654b4d414d6c4a4d4d024b435a">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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 Alert Service Bulletin MD11-24A204, Revision 2, dated
April 14, 2021.
(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 National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2b4d59054245585b4e485f4244456b454a594a054c445d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bed8cc90d7d0cdcedbddcad7d1d0fed0dfccdf90d9d1c8">[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 November 9, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-27958 Filed 12-27-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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