Rule2022-07414
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
April 8, 2022
Effective
May 13, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-8F and 747-8 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of unusual flight instrument and engine indication and crew alerting system (EICAS) behavior. This AD requires inspecting the left, center, and right electronic flight instrument system (EFIS)/EICAS interface unit (EIU) for certain serial numbers and replacement if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 68 (Friday, April 8, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 68 (Friday, April 8, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20699-20701]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-07414]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0957; Project Identifier AD-2021-00469-T;
Amendment 39-21993; AD 2022-07-06]
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 747-8F and 747-8 series airplanes.
This AD was prompted by a report of unusual flight instrument and
engine indication and crew alerting system (EICAS) behavior. This AD
requires inspecting the left, center, and right electronic flight
instrument system (EFIS)/EICAS interface unit (EIU) for certain serial
numbers and replacement if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective May 13, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 13, 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-2021-0957.
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-2021-0957; 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: Jeffrey Palmer, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960
Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5351;
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0c66696a6a7e6975227b227c6d6061697e4c6a6d6d226b637a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="711b1417170314085f065f01101d1c1403311710105f161e07">[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 747-8F and 747-8 series airplanes. The NPRM published in
the Federal Register on November 15, 2021 (86 FR 62960). The NPRM was
prompted by a report of unusual flight instrument and EICAS behavior.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require inspecting the left, center,
and right EFIS/EIU for certain serial numbers and replacement if
necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the possible display
of incorrect information in the integrated display system (IDS). This
condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced ability of the
flightcrew to maintain continued safe flight and landing of the
aircraft.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from three commenters, including Boeing,
an individual, and Qatar Airways. The following presents the comments
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response.
Request To Add Missing Serial Number to List of Affected EIUs
Boeing and Qatar Airways requested a change to the proposed AD to
add serial number 181MR2 to the list of affected EIUs. The commenters
noted that the unit was inadvertently excluded from the affected serial
number list in Figure 1 of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-
31A2565 RB, Revision 1, dated September 14, 2021. Qatar Airways noted
that Boeing stated that the service information will be revised to
include this EIU serial number. Qatar Airways added that including the
affected EIU will ensure that affected part does not remain in service
while eliminating the need to obtain an alternative method of
compliance (AMOC) for accomplishing the actions required by this AD on
that EIU.
The FAA agrees with the request. The FAA has confirmed that this is
an affected EIU and that the operator with the EIU having serial number
181MR2 is aware that it is affected and plans to replace the unit as
required by this AD. The FAA has added paragraph (h)(2) of this AD to
clarify that serial number 181MR2 is also an affected EIU. The FAA has
also redesignated paragraph (h) of the proposed AD as paragraph (h)(1)
of this AD.
Request for Information About Registered Airplanes
An individual commenter asked how the information about the number
of affected airplanes was gathered and how many non-U.S. registered
planes are affected by the proposed AD.
The FAA gathers this information from public records and from the
airplane manufacturer. According to those sources, 68 of the airplanes
affected by this AD are registered outside of the United States.
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, and any other changes
described previously, 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 Requirements Bulletin 747-31A2565 RB,
Revision 1, dated September 14, 2021. This service information
specifies procedures for doing an inspection or a review of the
maintenance and delivery records of the left, center, and right EIUs
for any affected serial number, and replacing each affected EIU.
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 8 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The
[[Page 20700]]
FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspection......................... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour $0 $85 $680
= $85.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of aircraft
that might need these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Replacement........................ Up to 3 work-hours x $85 Up to $9,600.......... Up to $9,855.
per hour = Up to $255.
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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:
2022-07-06 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-21993; Docket No. FAA-
2021-0957; Project Identifier AD-2021-00469-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 13, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-8F and 747-8
series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-31A2565 RB, Revision 1, dated
September 14, 2021.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 31, Instruments.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of unusual flight instrument
and engine indication and crew alerting system (EICAS) behavior. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the possible display of incorrect
information in the integrated display system (IDS). This condition,
if not addressed, could result in reduced ability of the flightcrew
to maintain continued safe flight and landing of the aircraft.
(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
Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-31A2565 RB, Revision 1, dated
September 14, 2021, do all applicable actions identified in, and in
accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 747-31A2565 RB, Revision 1, dated September
14, 2021.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747-31A2565, Revision 1, dated September 14, 2021, which is referred
to in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-31A2565 RB, Revision 1,
dated September 14, 2021.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-31A2565 RB,
Revision 1, dated September 14, 2021, uses the phrase ``the Original
Issue date of Requirements Bulletin 747-31A2565 RB,'' this AD
requires using ``the effective date of this AD.''
(2) Where Table 1 in Figure 1 of Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 747-31A2565 RB, Revision 1, dated September 14, 2021, lists
affected EICAS interface unit (EIU) serial numbers, for this AD
serial number 181MR2 is also an affected serial number.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert
[[Page 20701]]
Requirements Bulletin 747-31A2565 RB, dated April 27, 2021.
(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 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#447d69050a0969172125303028216905070b6905090b07691621353121373037042225256a232b32"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5c65711d1211710f393d28283039711d1f13711d11131f710e392d29392f282f1c3a3d3d723b332a">[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.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Jeffrey Palmer,
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Los Angeles
ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137;
phone: 562-627-5351; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#214b4447475344580f560f51404d4c4453614740400f464e57"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="84eee1e2e2f6e1fdaaf3aaf4e5e8e9e1f6c4e2e5e5aae3ebf2">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) For information about AMOCs, contact Frank Carreras,
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Seattle ACO
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax:
206-231-3539; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#95f3e7f4fbfebbf6f4e7e7f0e7f4e6d5f3f4f4bbf2fae3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d6b0a4b7b8bdf8b5b7a4a4b3a4b7a596b0b7b7f8b1b9a0">[email protected]</span></a>.
(3) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (l)(3) and (4) of this AD.
(l) 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 Requirements Bulletin 747-31A2565 RB, Revision
1, dated September 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#96f0e4b8fff8e5e6f3f5e2fff9f8d6f8f7e4f7b8f1f9e0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="86e0f4a8efe8f5f6e3e5f2efe9e8c6e8e7f4e7a8e1e9f0">[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 March 17, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-07414 Filed 4-7-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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