Rule2024-03082
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
February 15, 2024
Effective
March 21, 2024
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-8 and 747-8F series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that all six Integrated Display Units (IDUs) became blank when new flight plan data was entered in the Flight Management System (FMS), and by a determination that indication of decaying airspeed in certain scenarios is required. This AD requires installing updated software. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 32 (Thursday, February 15, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 32 (Thursday, February 15, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 11715-11718]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-03082]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-1649; Project Identifier AD-2022-00905-T;
Amendment 39-22667; AD 2024-02-03]
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 747-8 and 747-8F series airplanes.
This AD was prompted by a report that all six Integrated Display Units
(IDUs) became blank when new flight plan data was entered in the Flight
Management System (FMS), and by a determination that indication of
decaying airspeed in certain scenarios is required. This AD requires
installing updated software. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
[[Page 11716]]
DATES: This AD is effective March 21, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 21,
2024.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2023-1649; 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services, 2600 Westminster Boulevard., 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 Street, 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> under Docket No. FAA-2023-1649.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Raja Vengadasalam, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone
206-231-3537; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#03716269622d75666d6462676270626f626e436562622d646c75"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ddafbcb7bcf3abb8b3babcb9bcaebcb1bcb09dbbbcbcf3bab2ab">[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 747-8 and 747-8F series airplanes. The NPRM published in
the Federal Register on August 25, 2023 (88 FR 58120). The NPRM was
prompted by a report indicating all six IDUs became blank when new
flight plan data was entered in the FMS. It was determined that the
Jeppesen airport map database (AMDB) had an error in the data structure
tied to the Sydney airport (YSSY). The Electronic Flight
Instrumentation System/Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System
(EICAS) Interface Units (EIUs) were unable to process the data
structure, resulting in the displays blanking. Jeppesen subsequently
fixed the AMDB to address the issue with YSSY and additional airport
codes with an incorrect data structure. The current EIU software is
unable to process incorrect data structures, which results in an EIU
fault that cannot be cleared by the automated reset function of an EIU.
After five resets the EIU defaults to shut down, resulting in all six
IDUs, which are controlled by the EIUs, becoming blank. The EIU shut
down can also result in an autothrottle disconnect and a degraded
autopilot mode. The problem can occur on the ground when an airport
code with an incorrect data structure in the AMDB is entered as an
origin or destination and the flight plan is then put into operation by
the FMS. In flight, the problem can occur when an airport code with an
incorrect data structure in the AMDB is entered as the selected
diversion airport.
Additionally, the existing software does not provide an earlier
indication of decaying airspeed during the landing phase for flap
settings 25 and 30. The revised software provides an earlier threshold
for triggering the low airspeed alerting EICAS Caution message.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require installing updated
software. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in loss
of all flight deck displays (Primary Flight Display/EICAS/Navigation
Display, not including standby displays) combined with potential impact
to the autopilot and auto-throttle functionality and lack of crew
visibility of any subsequent system failures, which can prevent
continued safe flight and landing; it could also result in inadequate
alerting of decaying airspeed, unacceptably low airspeed, and loss of
control of the airplane.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from two commenters. Boeing stated it had
no technical objection to the proposed AD. An anonymous individual
commented generally on the manufacturer but provided no comments on the
proposed actions or on the determination of the costs.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products. 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 Requirements Bulletin 747-31A2544 RB,
dated March 31, 2020. This service information specifies procedures for
installing Integrated Display System (IDS) 804 software in each of the
six Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) IDUs and in each of the three EIUs, if
not already installed; followed by installing IDS 805 software, which
includes EIU software part number COL3F-0034-E805 and LCD software part
number 3177-COL-DL8-05.
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 section.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 19 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Software Installation........... Up to 6 work-hours Up to $650........ Up to $1,160...... Up to $22,040.
x $85 per hour =
$510.
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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
[[Page 11717]]
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:
2024-02-03 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-22667; Docket No. FAA-
2023-1649; Project Identifier AD-2022-00905-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 21, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-8 and 747-8F
series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-31A2544 RB, dated March 31,
2020.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code: 31,
Instruments.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that all six Integrated Display
Units (IDUs) became blank when new flight plan data was entered in
the Flight Management System, and by a determination that indication
of decaying airspeed in certain scenarios is required. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address problems with the Electronic Flight
Instrumentation System/Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System
(EICAS) Interface Units (EIUs), which control the IDUs. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of all flight deck
displays (Primary Flight Display/EICAS/Navigation Display, not
including standby displays) combined with potential impact to the
autopilot and auto-throttle functionality and lack of crew
visibility of any subsequent system failures, which can prevent
continued safe flight and landing; it could also result in
inadequate alerting of decaying airspeed, unacceptably low airspeed,
and loss of control of the airplane.
(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 747-31A2544 RB, dated March 31, 2020, do
all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
747-31A2544 RB, dated March 31, 2020.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747-31A2544, dated March 31, 2020, which is referred to in Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-31A2544 RB, dated March 31, 2020.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) Where the Compliance Time column of the table in the
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-
31A2544 RB, dated March 31, 2020, uses the phrase ``the original
issue date of Requirements Bulletin 747-31A2544 RB,'' this AD
requires using ``the effective date of this AD.''
(2) For Group 2 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert
Requirements Bulletin 747-31A2544 RB, dated March 31, 2020: The
concurrent requirements specified in Action 1 of Table 1 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
747-31A2544 RB, dated March 31, 2020, do not apply.
(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 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#7c45513d3231512f191d08081019513d3f33513d31333f512e190d09190f080f3c1a1d1d521b130a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dee7f39f9093f38dbbbfaaaab2bbf39f9d91f39f93919df38cbbafabbbadaaad9eb8bfbff0b9b1a8">[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 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
For more information about this AD, contact Raja Vengadasalam,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines,
WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3537; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f785969d96d98192999096939684969b969ab7919696d9909881"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1163707b703f67747f7670757062707d707c517770703f767e67">[email protected]</span></a>.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference 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 747-31A2544 RB, dated
March 31, 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services,
2600 Westminster Boulevard, 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 Street, 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#d0b6a2feb9bea3a0b5b3a4b9bfbe90beb1a2b1feb7bfa6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c1a7b3efa8afb2b1a4a2b5a8aeaf81afa0b3a0efa6aeb7">[email protected]</span></a>.
[[Page 11718]]
Issued on January 26, 2024.
Michael Linegang,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-03082 Filed 2-14-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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