Proposed Rule2024-02993
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
Primary source
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Published
February 14, 2024
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-8 and Model 737-9 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a Boeing review of the standby power system control unit (SPCU) design where a single point of failure exists internal to the SPCU. This proposed AD would require the installation of four diodes and changing wire bundles in the P5 panel, as well as performing installation and power tests 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 89 Issue 31 (Wednesday, February 14, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 31 (Wednesday, February 14, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 11231-11233]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-02993]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-0229; Project Identifier AD-2023-00485-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 737-8 and Model 737-9 airplanes.
This proposed AD was prompted by a Boeing review of the standby power
system control unit (SPCU) design where a single point of failure
exists internal to the SPCU. This proposed AD would require the
installation of four diodes and changing wire bundles in the P5 panel,
as well as performing installation and power tests 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 April 1,
2024.
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="http://regulations.gov">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.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-0229; 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> 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; website <a href="http://myboeingfleet.com">myboeingfleet.com</a>.
<bullet> 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="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2024-0229.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hoang Yen Dang, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone
206-231-3610; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#357d5a545b521b6c505b1b611b71545b52755354541b525a43"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a0e8cfc1cec78ef9c5ce8ef48ee4c1cec7e0c6c1c18ec7cfd6">[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-2024-0229; Project Identifier
AD-2023-00485-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="http://regulations.gov">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
[[Page 11232]]
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 Hoang Yen Dang, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3610; email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ce86a1afa0a9e097aba0e09ae08aafa0a98ea8afafe0a9a1b8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="70381f111e175e29151e5e245e34111e17301611115e171f06">[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 a report indicating that a Boeing review of
the SPCU design revealed that a potential single point of failure
exists internal to the SPCU. This condition, if not addressed, could
result in a non-latent single point of failure, which can result in a
non-latent loss of the entire battery buss and consequent un-
annunciated loss of control and indication of both engine anti-ice
(EAI) systems.
The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of
thrust on both engines due to damage from operation in icing conditions
without EAI and can result in loss of continued safe flight and
landing.
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 Requirements Bulletin 737-30A1083 RB,
dated November 18, 2022. This service information specifies procedures
for the installation of four diodes and changing wire bundles in the P5
panel, as well as performing an anti-ice diode installation test and an
engine anti-ice and wing anti-ice power test and applicable on-
condition actions. On-condition actions include doing applicable
corrective actions until the tests are passed.
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 and except for any
differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this
proposed AD. Interim Action.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 205 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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Installation, Wiring bundle Up to 18 work- Up to $3,760...... Up to $5,290...... Up to $1,084,450.
changes, and tests. hours x $85 per
hour = Up to
$1,530.
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The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition actions 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.
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-2024-0229; Project Identifier AD-
2023-00485-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by April 1, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-8 and 737-9
airplanes, certificated in any category, having a line number
identified in paragraph 1.A.,
[[Page 11233]]
``Effectivity,'' of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-30A1083
RB, dated November 18, 2022.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 30, Ice/Rain
Protection System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a Boeing review of the standby power
system control unit (SPCU) design that determined a potential single
point of failure exists in the SPCU. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address a potential single point of failure in the SPCU, which can
result in a non-latent loss of the entire battery buss and
consequent un-annunciated loss of control and indication of both
engine anti-ice (EAI) systems. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in loss of thrust on both engines due to
damage from operation in icing conditions without EAI and can result
in loss of continued safe flight and landing.
(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 737-30A1083 RB, dated November 18, 2022,
do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
737-30A1083 RB, dated November 18, 2022.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737-30A1083, dated November 18, 2022, which is referred to in Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-30A1083 RB, dated November 18, 2022.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) Where the Compliance Time columns of the table in the
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-
30A1083 RB, dated November 18, 2022, uses the phrase ``the original
issue date of Requirements Bulletin 737-30A1083 RB,'' this AD
requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where ``ACTION 3'' in the Action column of the table in the
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-
30A1083 RB, dated November 18, 2022, specifies to do applicable
corrective actions and repeat the test until the test passes if any
test fails, for this AD, the compliance time for those actions is
before further flight after accomplishing the test.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety 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 AIR-520, Continued
Operational Safety Branch, 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#dce5f19d9291f18fb9bda8a8b0b9f19d9f93f19d91939ff18eb9ada9b9afa8af9cbabdbdf2bbb3aa"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="efd6c2aea1a2c2bc8a8e9b9b838ac2aeaca0c2aea2a0acc2bd8a9e9a8a9c9b9caf898e8ec1888099">[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, AIR-
520, Continued Operational Safety 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 Hoang Yen Dang,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; telephone 206-231-3610; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1a52757b747d34437f74344e345e7b747d5a7c7b7b347d756c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b3fbdcd2ddd49dead6dd9de79df7d2ddd4f3d5d2d29dd4dcc5">[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 Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-30A1083 RB, dated
November 18, 2022.
(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; website <a href="http://myboeingfleet.com">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 material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#97f1e5b9fef9e4e7f2f4e3fef8f9d7f9f6e5f6b9f0f8e1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d6b0a4f8bfb8a5a6b3b5a2bfb9b896b8b7a4b7f8b1b9a0">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on February 8, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-02993 Filed 2-13-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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