Rule2024-20834
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 16, 2024
Effective
October 21, 2024
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400F series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that cap seals were not applied to certain fasteners in the fuel tanks during production. This AD requires applying cap seals to certain fastener collars inside the fuel tanks. 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 179 (Monday, September 16, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 179 (Monday, September 16, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 75462-75464]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-20834]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-1000; Project Identifier AD-2023-01051-T;
Amendment 39-22809; AD 2024-16-03]
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 747-400F series airplanes. This AD was
prompted by a report that cap seals were not applied to certain
fasteners in the fuel tanks during production. This AD requires
applying cap seals to certain fastener collars inside the fuel tanks.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 21, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 21,
2024.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-1000; 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 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-2024-1000.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Samuel Dorsey, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone
206-231-3415; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1261737f67777e3c783c767d6061776b527473733c757d64"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1360727e66767f3d793d777c6160766a537572723d747c65">[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 747-400F series airplanes. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on April 12, 2024 (89 FR 25823). The NPRM was prompted
by a report indicating that cap seals were not applied to certain
fasteners in the fuel tank during production. The FAA issued AD 2022-
10-11, Amendment 39-22049 (87 FR 34120, June 6, 2022) to require, among
other actions, application of cap seals to certain fasteners in the
fuel tank on airplanes having line numbers 645 through 1363 inclusive.
Cap seals were determined to be a necessary feature by SFAR 88 reviews
and were required to be
[[Page 75463]]
retrofitted onto existing airplanes by AD 2022-10-11 and earlier ADs.
Boeing intended to incorporate similar changes on future airplanes,
ultimately those having line numbers 1364 through 1419 inclusive, via a
production design change. However, Boeing discovered that the design
change omitted application of the cap seals on eight fasteners (four
each on the left and right wings in the inboard main fuel tanks).
Without these cap seals, the ends of the fasteners do not have
sufficient electrical insulation to prevent arcing in the event of a
lightning strike or high-powered short circuit, possibly creating an
ignition source in the inboard main fuel tanks. A failure to prevent
possible ignition sources in the fuel tank, in combination with
flammable fuel vapors, could result in an explosion or fire and
consequent loss of the airplane. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to
require applying cap seals to certain fastener collars inside the fuel
tanks. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA) and an individual who supported the NPRM without
change. The FAA also received an additional four comments from
individuals who had no objection to the NPRM. One commenter expressed
concern about the effect on safety of certain internal Boeing
practices. This comment is outside the scope of the NPRM.
The FAA received an additional comment from Boeing. The following
presents that comment and the FAA's response.
Request for Clarification of Sealant Part Number
Boeing requested an exception be added to paragraph (h) of the
proposed AD to correct an incorrect part number listed in the service
bulletin for the sealant. Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-
57A2371 RB, dated September 29, 2023, inadvertently specifies the
application of sealant Boeing Material Specification (BMS) 5-45, CLASS
B-2, GRADE 1, for certain required actions. GRADE 1 does not apply to
the specification noted. Boeing informed customers of this
typographical error via Information Notice 747-57A2371 IN-01 dated May
20, 2024.
The FAA agrees and has added an exception in paragraph (h)(2) of
this AD to correct the typographical error. As stated by Boeing, Class
B BMS 5-45 sealant does not have an additional grade identifier. Only
Class A BMS 5-45 sealant possesses a grade identifier.
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 747-57A2371 RB,
dated September 29, 2023. This material specifies procedures for
applying cap seals to four fastener collars inside the fuel tank common
to the stiffeners located at the front spar on the left and right
wings. 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 15 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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Apply cap seals....................... 37 work-hours x $85 per $1,000 $4,145 $62,175
hour = $3,145.
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The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of
this 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
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.
[[Page 75464]]
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2024-16-03 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-22809; Docket No. FAA-
2024-1000; Project Identifier AD-2023-01051-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-400F series
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-57A2371 RB, dated September 29,
2023.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that cap seals were not applied
to certain fasteners in the fuel tanks during production. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address missing cap seals in the fuel tanks. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in a failure to
prevent possible ignition sources in the fuel tanks, which in
combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in an explosion
or fire and consequent loss 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 747-57A2371 RB, dated September 29,
2023, do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance
with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements
Bulletin 747-57A2371 RB, dated September 29, 2023.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747-57A2371, dated September 29, 2023, which is referred to in
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-57A2371 RB, dated September
29, 2023.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) Where Compliance Time columns of the tables in the
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-
57A2371 RB, dated September 29, 2023, use the phrase ``the original
issue date of Requirements Bulletin 747-57A2371 RB,'' this AD
requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-57A2371 RB,
dated September 29, 2023, states ``BMS 5-45, CLASS B-2, GRADE 1,''
this AD requires replacing that text with ``BMS 5-45, CLASS B-2.''
(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)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b0899df1fefd9de3d5d1c4c4dcd59df1f3ff9df1fdfff39de2d5c1c5d5c3c4c3f0d6d1d19ed7dfc6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d0e9fd919e9dfd83b5b1a4a4bcb5fd91939ffd919d9f93fd82b5a1a5b5a3a4a390b6b1b1feb7bfa6">[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 Samuel Dorsey,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th Street, Des Moines,
WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3415; email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#394a58544c5c551753175d564b4a5c40795f5858175e564f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4635272b33232a682c6822293435233f0620272768212930">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the address specified in
paragraph (k)(3) of this AD.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) 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 747-57A2371 RB, dated
September 29, 2023.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) 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>.
(4) You may view this material 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="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#09356829617b6c6f34" http: www.archives.gov federal-register cfr ibr-locationsoremailfr.inspection@nara.gov">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/<span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f29b9080df9e9d9193869b9d9c819d80979f939b9e9480dc9b9c81829791869b9d9cb29c938093dc959d84">[email protected]</span></a>"><a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locationsoremailfr.inspection@nara.gov">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/<span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="aec7ccdc83c2c1cdcfdac7c1c0ddc1dccbc3cfc7c2c8dc80c7c0dddecbcddac7c1c0eec0cfdccf80c9c1d8">[email protected]</span></a></a>.
Issued on July 30, 2024.
Peter A. White,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-20834 Filed 9-13-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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