Rule2024-20390
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 10, 2024
Effective
October 15, 2024
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that the nitrogen enriched air distribution system (NEADS) cover plate assembly attached to a certain vent stringer in the center wing tank was installed without a designed electrical bond. This AD requires installing electrical bonding and grounding, installing the cover plate assembly with new fasteners, and revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new airworthiness limitations. 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 175 (Tuesday, September 10, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 175 (Tuesday, September 10, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 73269-73271]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-20390]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-0761; Project Identifier AD-2023-01256-T;
Amendment 39-22798; AD 2024-15-07]
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 777 airplanes. This AD was prompted by
a determination that the nitrogen enriched air distribution system
(NEADS) cover plate assembly attached to a certain vent stringer in the
center wing tank was installed without a designed electrical bond. This
AD requires installing electrical bonding and grounding, installing the
cover plate assembly with new fasteners, and revising the existing
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new
airworthiness limitations. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 15, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 15,
2024.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-0761; 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 Boeing material identified in this AD, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS),
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 material 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> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-0761.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anthony Decaro, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone:
562-627-5374; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e0a18e94888f8e99cea4cea4858381928fa0868181ce878f96"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a5e4cbd1cdcacbdc8be18be1c0c6c4d7cae5c3c4c48bc2cad3">[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 777 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register
on March 25, 2024 (89 FR 20555). The NPRM was prompted by a report
indicating a production audit by the design approval holder found that
the design of the NEADS cover plate assembly did not comply with the
requirements for nitrogen generation system certification (14 CFR
25.981). It was discovered that the NEADS cover plate assembly attached
to a certain vent stringer in the center wing tank was installed
without a designed electrical bond for electrostatic dissipation. In
the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require installing electrical bonding and
grounding, installing the cover plate assembly with new fasteners, and
revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable,
to incorporate new airworthiness limitations. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the accumulation of electrostatic charge in the cover
plate assembly and float valve assembly during airplane refueling,
which could lead to electrostatic discharge to the surrounding
structure. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
result in an ignition source inside the fuel tank and subsequent fire
or explosion.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from the Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA) who supported the NPRM without change and a
comment from United Airlines who reviewed the
[[Page 73270]]
NPRM and provided no additional comment. The FAA received an additional
comment from Boeing. The following presents the comment received on the
NPRM and the FAA's response to that comment.
Request To Clarify the Unsafe Condition
Boeing requested the unsafe condition be revised to clarify when
the accumulation of electrostatic charge on the vent float valve
assembly could occur. Specifically, Boeing requested adding the words
``during airplane refueling'' to the unsafe condition because the
threat of accumulation is only present during refueling operation when
charged fuel is introduced to the fuel tank from the airport refueling
infrastructure, and that other airplane operations such as flight do
not introduce a threat to the installation.
The FAA agrees with clarifying the unsafe condition. The FAA has
revised the Background section and paragraph (e) to clarify that the
FAA is issuing this AD to address the accumulation of electrostatic
charge in the cover plate assembly and float valve assembly during
airplane refueling, which could lead to electrostatic discharge to the
surrounding structure.
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, 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 777-47A0007 RB,
dated November 21, 2023. This material specifies procedures for
removing the cover plate assembly and its attached float valve
assembly, installing electrical bonding and grounding, measuring the
bonding resistance between the bolt heads/cover plate assembly/float
valve assembly mounting flange and the vent stringer No. 15 and between
the nuts and the cover plate assembly, and installing the cover plate
assembly with new fasteners. This material also specifies revising the
operator's maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, by
incorporating new airworthiness limitations (AWLs). This material is
reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it
through their normal course of business or by the means identified in
the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 292 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The 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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Electrical bond installation.......... 27 work-hours x $85 per $93 $2,388 $697,296
hour = $2,295.
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The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or
inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator,
although the agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator
to operator. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection
program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined
that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane
estimate. Therefore, the agency estimates the average total cost per
operator to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-hour).
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:
2024-15-07 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-22798; Docket No. FAA-
2024-0761; Project Identifier AD-2023-01256-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 15, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -
300, -300ER, and 777F series airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in Boeing Alert
[[Page 73271]]
Requirements Bulletin 777-47A0007 RB, dated November 21, 2023.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a determination that the nitrogen
enriched air distribution system (NEADS) cover plate assembly
attached to vent stringer No. 15 in the center wing tank was
installed without a designed electrical bond. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address the accumulation of electrostatic charge in the
cover plate assembly and float valve assembly during airplane
refueling, which could lead to electrostatic discharge to the
surrounding structure. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in an ignition source inside the fuel tank and subsequent
fire or explosion.
(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 777-47A0007 RB, dated November 21, 2023,
do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
777-47A0007 RB, dated November 21, 2023.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
777-47A0007, dated November 21, 2023, which is referred to in Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 777-47A0007 RB, dated November 21, 2023.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) Where the ``Effectivity'' paragraph and Compliance Time
columns of the tables in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 777-47A0007 RB, dated November 21, 2023,
refer to the original issue date of Requirements Bulletin 777-
47A0007 RB, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where the compliance time for ``ACTION 3: Incorporate
Maintenance Planning Data (MPD),'' in the ``Compliance'' paragraph
of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 777-47A0007 RB, dated November
21, 2023, refers to before further flight after accomplishing ACTION
1 and ACTION 2, this AD requires incorporating the MPD within 60
days after the effective date of this AD.
(i) No Alternative Actions, Intervals, or Critical Design Configuration
Control Limitations (CDCCLs)
After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been
revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative
actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, or CDCCLs may be used unless
the actions, intervals, and CDCCLs are approved as an alternative
method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures
specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.
(j) 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
(k)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1554585a56557374743b727a63"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d0919d9f9390b6b1b1feb7bfa6">[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.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Anthony Decaro,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; telephone: 562-627-5374; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9edff0eaf6f1f0e7b0dab0dafbfdffecf1def8ffffb0f9f1e8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a5e4cbd1cdcacbdc8be18be1c0c6c4d7cae5c3c4c48bc2cad3">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Material identified in this AD that is not incorporated by
reference is available at the address specified in paragraph (l)(3)
of this AD.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 777-47A0007 RB, dated
November 21, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For this material, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes,
Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 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 material 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#c8aebae6a1a6bbb8adabbca1a7a688a6a9baa9e6afa7be"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3e584c1057504d4e5b5d4a5751507e505f4c5f10595148">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on September 5, 2024.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-20390 Filed 9-9-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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