Rule2025-02643
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 14, 2025
Effective
March 21, 2025
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400, 747-400F, 747-8F, and 747-8 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that, during potable water servicing, there were multiple engine indicating and crew alerting system messages. The cause was the separation of a fitting and steel water supply tube above an electronics equipment cooling air filter, behind the forward cargo compartment left sidewall. This AD requires, depending on configuration, installing at certain locations: conduits on exposed potable water supply lines, envelope assemblies over all exposed potable water line fittings and exposed potable water supply lines, a slitted spray shield, a two-piece deflector shield around the equipment cooling system (ECS) air inlet, and/or a shroud on exposed potable water supply lines. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 30 (Friday, February 14, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 30 (Friday, February 14, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9590-9592]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-02643]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2024-2408; Project Identifier AD-2024-00362-T;
Amendment 39-22958; AD 2025-03-10]
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 747-400, 747-400F, 747-8F, and 747-8
series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that, during potable
water servicing, there were multiple engine indicating and crew
alerting system messages. The cause was the separation of a fitting and
steel water supply tube above an electronics equipment cooling air
filter, behind the forward cargo compartment left sidewall. This AD
requires, depending on configuration, installing at certain locations:
conduits on exposed potable water supply lines, envelope assemblies
over all exposed potable water line fittings and exposed potable water
supply lines, a slitted spray shield, a two-piece deflector shield
around the equipment cooling system (ECS) air inlet, and/or a shroud on
exposed potable water supply lines. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 21, 2025.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 21,
2025.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2024-2408; 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 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 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-2024-2408.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Courtney Tuck, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-
231-3986; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c281adb7b0b6aca7bbec89ec96b7a1a982a4a3a3eca5adb4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="10537f6562647e75693e5b3e4465737b507671713e777f66">[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 747-400, 747-400F, 747-8F, and 747-8 series airplanes.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on November 12, 2024 (89 FR
88906). The NPRM was prompted by a report that, during potable water
servicing, there were multiple engine indicating and crew alerting
system messages. The cause was the separation of a fitting and steel
water supply tube above an electronics equipment cooling air filter,
behind the forward cargo compartment left sidewall. In the NPRM, the
FAA proposed to require, depending on configuration, installing at
certain locations: conduits on exposed potable water supply lines,
envelope assemblies over all exposed potable water line fittings and
exposed potable water supply lines, a slitted spray shield, a two-piece
deflector shield around the ECS air inlet, and/or a shroud on exposed
potable water supply lines. The FAA is issuing this AD to address water
leaks into the main electronics center. This condition, if not
addressed, could result in an adverse impact on the function of
multiple electronics and line replaceable units (LRUs) in the equipment
bay racks that are essential for safe flight, which can lead to the
loss of continued safe flight and landing.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA) who supported the NPRM without change.
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.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-38A2146 RB,
dated August 7, 2024. This material specifies procedures for, depending
on configuration, installing: conduits on exposed potable water supply
lines between station (STA) 580 and STA 650, between STA 575 and STA
650, or between STA 595 and STA 650, as applicable; envelope assemblies
over all exposed potable water line fittings and exposed potable water
supply lines between STA 650 and STA 660, between STA 640 and STA 660,
between STA 570 and STA 580, between STA 570 and STA 580 and between
STA 650 and STA 660, between STA 580 and STA 600 and between STA 650
and STA 660, or between STA 580 and STA 600, as applicable; a slitted
spray shield; a two-piece deflector shield around the ECS air inlet STA
610; a spray shield; and/or a shroud on exposed potable water supply
line between STA 550 and STA 680.
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.
[[Page 9591]]
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 178 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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Installations.................. Up to 22 work-hours x Up to $4,980..... Up to $6,850..... Up to $1,219,300.
$85 per hour = Up to
$1,870.
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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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2025-03-10 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-22958; Docket No. FAA-
2024-2408; Project Identifier AD-2024-00362-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 21, 2025.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-400, 747-400F,
747-8F, and 747-8 series airplanes, certificated in any category, as
identified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-38A2146 RB,
dated August 7, 2024.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 38, Water/waste.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that, during potable water
servicing, there were multiple engine indicating and crew alerting
system messages. The cause was the separation of a fitting and steel
water supply tube above an electronics equipment cooling air filter,
behind the forward cargo compartment left sidewall. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address water leaks into the main electronics
center. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in an
adverse impact on the function of multiple electronics and line
replaceable units (LRUs) in the equipment bay racks that are
essential for safe flight, which can lead to the 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 747-38A2146 RB, dated August 7, 2024, do
all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
747-38A2146 RB, dated August 7, 2024.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747-38A2146, dated August 7, 2024, which is referred to in Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-38A2146 RB, dated August 7, 2024.
(h) Exception to Requirements Bulletin Specifications
Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 747-
38A2146 RB, dated August 7, 2024, refer to the original issue date
of Requirements Bulletin 747-38A2146 RB, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(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#0445494b47446265652a636b72"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="01404c4e42416760602f666e77">[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
[[Page 9592]]
(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 Courtney Tuck,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone: 206-231-3986; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#591a362c2b2d373c207712770d2c3a32193f3838773e362f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4e0d213b3c3a202b376005601a3b2d250e282f2f60292138">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Material 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 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 747-38A2146 RB, dated
August 7, 2024.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For Boeing material 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 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#660014480f0815160305120f0908260807140748010910"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b9dfcb97d0d7cac9dcdacdd0d6d7f9d7d8cbd897ded6cf">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on February 7, 2025.
John P. Piccola, Jr.,
Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-02643 Filed 2-13-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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