Proposed Rule2022-20320
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
September 20, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400 and 747-8 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of three opened door 5 right ceiling stowage boxes that fell freely and injured a flight attendant in each event. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD would require replacing certain snubbers of the door 5 ceiling stowage boxes and, for certain other airplanes, replacing certain snubbers and changing the location of the snubber attachments. This proposed AD would also require an operation check of the stowage boxes or snubber, as applicable, 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 87 Issue 181 (Tuesday, September 20, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 181 (Tuesday, September 20, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 57422-57424]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-20320]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 181 / Tuesday, September 20, 2022 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 57422]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0985; Project Identifier AD-2022-00096-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 certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400 and 747-8 series
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of three opened
door 5 right ceiling stowage boxes that fell freely and injured a
flight attendant in each event. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD
would require replacing certain snubbers of the door 5 ceiling stowage
boxes and, for certain other airplanes, replacing certain snubbers and
changing the location of the snubber attachments. This proposed AD
would also require an operation check of the stowage boxes or snubber,
as applicable, 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 November 4,
2022.
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 referenced 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-2022-
0985.
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-2022-0985; 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: Julie Linn, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin
Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3684;
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#09637c65606c2765606767496f6868276e667f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fb918e97929ed597929595bb9d9a9ad59c948d">[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-2022-0985; Project Identifier
AD-2022-00096-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
this 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 Julie
Linn, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems
Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3684; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#68021d04010d4604010606280e0909460f071e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="97fde2fbfef2b9fbfef9f9d7f1f6f6b9f0f8e1">[email protected]</span></a>. Any
commentary that the FAA receives that is not specifically designated as
CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
The FAA has received reports of an opened door 5 right ceiling
stowage box that fell freely approximately 12 inches on a Model 747-8
airplane, and two additional door 5 ceiling stowage box free fall
events on Model 747-400 airplanes. In one reported occurrence, an
opened door 5 ceiling stowage box fell freely approximately 10 inches;
in another, the stowage box fell freely approximately 8 inches. In each
occurrence, a flight attendant was injured. Boeing and the supplier
have since investigated and analyzed affected snubbers, part number (P/
N) SP5378, used on the door 5 ceiling stowage boxes on Model 747-400
and 747-8 airplanes. It was determined that over time, air can get into
the cylinder of the affected snubber and delay its damping
[[Page 57423]]
functionality, which means the affected snubber will not meet the
requirement of the door 5 ceiling stowage boxes to open at a rate of
not more than 15 degrees per second, when open more than 2.5 inches.
The supplier has designed a replacement snubber, P/N SP26172, which
meets those requirements. An unlatched door 5 ceiling stowage box, if
not addressed, can open and fall freely more than 2.5 inches, possibly
resulting in injury to the flightcrew or maintenance personnel.
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 Special Attention Requirements Bulletin
747-25-3726 RB, dated January 6, 2022. This service information
specifies procedures for replacing certain snubbers of the door 5
ceiling stowage boxes on certain airplanes, and for replacing certain
snubbers and changing the location of the snubber attachments on other
airplanes. The service information also specifies procedures for an
operation check of the stowage boxes or snubbers, as applicable, to
ensure that the free-fall distance is no greater than 2.5 inches, and
applicable on-condition actions. The on-condition actions include a
post-snubber-replacement check until eventual replacement of any
affected snubber.
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 specified
in the service information 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-2022-0985.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 45 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates 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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Replace snubber and do operation 2 work-hours x $85 per $3,712 $3,882 $174,690
check. hour = $170.
Replace snubber, relocate snubber 7 work-hours x $85 per 4,232 4,827 217,215
attachment, and do operation check. hour = $595.
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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
proposed inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need this replacements:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Replace snubber............................... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 $928 $1,013
Post-snubber-replacement check................ 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 0 85
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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
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:
[[Page 57424]]
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:
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2022-0985; Project Identifier AD-
2022-00096-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by November 4, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-400 and 747-8
series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in
Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 747-25-3726 RB, dated
January 6, 2022.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
Furnishings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of three opened door 5 right
ceiling stowage boxes that fell freely and injured a flight
attendant in each event. The FAA is issuing this AD to address an
unlatched door 5 ceiling stowage box, which can open and fall freely
more than 2.5 inches, possibly resulting in injury to the flightcrew
or maintenance personnel.
(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 747-25-3726 RB, dated
January 6, 2022, do all applicable actions identified in, and in
accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special
Attention Requirements Bulletin 747-25-3726 RB, dated January 6,
2022.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 747-25-3726, dated January 6, 2022, which is referred to in
Boeing Special Attention Requirements Bulletin 747-25-3726 RB, dated
January 6, 2022.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Special Attention Requirements
Bulletin 747-25-3726 RB, dated January 6, 2022, use the phrase ``the
original issue date of Requirements Bulletin 747-25-3726 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) of this AD. Information may be emailed
to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a1988ce0efec8cf2c4c0d5d5cdc48ce0e2ee8ce0eceee28cf3c4d0d4c4d2d5d2e1c7c0c08fc6ced7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="11283c505f5c3c42747065657d743c50525e3c505c5e523c4374606474626562517770703f767e67">[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 Julie Linn,
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section,
FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
phone and fax: 206-231-3684; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#513b243d38347f3d383f3f113730307f363e27"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b2d8c7dedbd79cdedbdcdcf2d4d3d39cd5ddc4">[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 referenced 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 26, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-20320 Filed 9-19-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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