[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 55 (Friday, March 20, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15930-15933]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-05709]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0602; Product Identifier 2019-NM-016-AD; Amendment
39-19874; AD 2020-05-24]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2010-26-
01, which applied to certain The Boeing Company Model 777-200 series
airplanes. AD 2010-26-01 required installing a new insulation blanket
on the latch beam firewall of each thrust reverser (T/R) half. This AD
requires retaining the requirements of 2010-26-01. This AD also adds
airplanes to the applicability. For those airplanes, this AD requires
an inspection to determine if the installed T/R has an affected part
number and, if an affected part number is found, installation of a new
insulation blanket. This AD was prompted by a report of an in-flight
shutdown due to an engine fire indication and a determination that
additional airplanes are affected. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 24, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 24,
2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of
January 20, 2011 (75 FR 78594, December 16, 2010).
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
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; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this service information at the
FAA, Transport Standards 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 on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
0602.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.govby searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
0602; 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, the regulatory evaluation, 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Laubaugh, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3622; email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2010-26-01, Amendment 39-16540 (75 FR
78594, December 16, 2010) (``AD 2010-26-01''). AD 2010-26-01 applied to
certain Model 777-200 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on August 9, 2019 (84 FR 39241). The NPRM was prompted
by a report of an in-flight shutdown due to an engine fire indication;
an under-cowl engine fire was extinguished after landing. The NPRM was
also prompted by a determination that additional airplanes are
affected. The NPRM proposed to continue to require installing a new
insulation blanket on the latch beam firewall of each T/R half. The
NPRM also proposed to add airplanes to the applicability. For those
airplanes, the NPRM proposed to require an inspection to determine if
the installed T/R has an affected part number and, if an affected part
number is found, installation of a new insulation blanket. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the potential for a fire from entering the
cowl or strut area, which could weaken T/R parts and result in reduced
structural integrity of the T/R, possible separation of T/R parts
during flight, and consequent damage to the airplane, injury to people,
and damage to property on the ground.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this AD. The following presents the comments received on the
NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
Support for the NPRM
The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) and United
Airlines stated their support for the NPRM.
Request To Revise the Cost of Compliance
Boeing requested that the FAA revise the Cost of Compliance
paragraph in the NPRM. Boeing stated that the proposed AD would affect
4 additional airplanes for a total of 29 airplanes of U.S. registry.
Boeing stated that the 4 additional airplanes are equipped with Model
GE 90-90B engines with line numbers greater than 413 and are therefore
not identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-78A0066, Revision
2, dated April 8, 2010, and not affected by AD 2010-26-01.
The FAA concurs with the request and has revised the Cost of
Compliance paragraph of this final rule to include 29 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The four additional airplanes are Model 777-200 series with
the specified engines already included in the applicability of the
proposed AD. Although the effectivity of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
777-78A0066, Revision 2, dated April 8, 2010, does not include those
four additional airplanes, the FAA determined that the actions in that
service information are applicable to the additional airplanes.
Request To Revise the Applicability
Boeing requested that the applicability paragraph in the proposed
AD also include Model 777-200 series airplanes equipped with General
Electric Company (GE) GE90-92B engines. Boeing stated that there are
two
[[Page 15931]]
airplanes equipped with GE90-92B engines that are affected by AD 2010-
26-01 and are not included in the applicability of the proposed AD.
The FAA disagrees with the commenter's request. The FAA has
investigated the circumstances surrounding the comment and determined
that the Model GE90-92B engine is not identified on the existing U.S.
type certificate data sheet (TCDS). At the engine manufacturer's
request, the Model GE90-92B engine was removed from the Engine TCDS No.
E00049EN at Revision 8, dated October 12, 2000. The FAA has also
confirmed with the engine manufacturer that there are no Model GE90-92B
engines in service or certified for installation on Boeing Model 777
airplanes, as specified in Airplane TCDS No. T00001SE, Revision 43,
dated August 28, 2019. The FAA has not changed this AD in this regard.
Request To Clarify T/R Interchangeability
Boeing requested that the FAA revise the section ``Actions Since AD
2010-26-01 Was Issued'' of the NPRM to state that the installation of a
T/R specified in AD 2010-26-01 onto an airplane outside of the
applicability of that AD is possible, but it is not allowed. Boeing
commented that the interchangeability of the T/Rs delivered on Model
777-200 series airplanes equipped with GE90-76B, -85B, -90B, -92B, or -
94B engines is controlled by the ``released engineering'' that defines
the type design, which includes the 315W1295 Interchangeability
Drawings (Sheets 1-9). Boeing also commented that there is a one-way
interchangeability restriction that does not allow the earlier,
affected T/Rs specified in AD 2010-26-01 to be installed on an airplane
that is not subject to that AD.
The FAA partially agrees. The FAA agrees that the T/R configuration
referenced in AD 2010-26-01 is not part of the manufacturer's type
design, based on the drawings the manufacturer provided. However, the
FAA disagrees with adding a clarification statement about the
manufacturer's type design to this AD because it is not relevant to the
purpose of this AD. The purpose of the AD is to address the safety
concern in the design of those parts. The manufacturer's type design
does not preclude an owner or operator from installing the affected
parts. The FAA has not changed this AD in this regard.
Request for Clarification of the Inspection
Japan Airlines (JAL) requested clarification of the inspection in
paragraph (h) of the proposed AD. JAL asked whether it is acceptable to
determine the T/R part number with the airplane delivery document from
Boeing if the following conditions are met: the T/R has never been
replaced since the airplane delivery from Boeing; and no modification
requiring change of the part number has been done on the T/R.
The FAA agrees to provide clarification. The FAA expects that the
inspection will contain a thorough review of all relevant airplane
configuration documentation and it is possible documentation alone may
be used to show compliance with this requirement. The principal
maintenance inspector responsible for accepting the documentation will
determine the adequacy of the supplied documentation in showing if the
affected parts are in service. The FAA has not revised this AD in this
regard.
Request for Collaboration To Address Rotable Parts
Boeing requested that the FAA and Boeing collaborate with its
airline partners, other original equipment manufacturers, and the
national Civil Aviation Authorities (CAA) to develop an action to
implement safe, fair, and consistent policy to address concerns on
rotable parts for the industry. Boeing stated that it acknowledges
there is a difference between the Boeing service information and the
FAA's rulemaking in capturing the airplane effectivity. Boeing
commented that there may be some instances where operators are rotating
parts outside of type design, beyond effectivity limits or having T/Rs
installed onto airplane configurations in which service information and
design changes have already been incorporated. Boeing stated it
understands the FAA's concerns with the possibility of parts being
rotated outside the effectivity contained in the Boeing service
information and would like to seek an alternative solution to address
these concerns.
The FAA supports the commenter's proposal to address rotable parts
under the collaborative efforts of the FAA, other civil aviation
authorities, airplane manufacturers, and airplane operators. Any future
collaborative efforts to address rotable parts will be coordinated
outside of this AD. The FAA has not changed this AD in this regard.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest
require adopting this AD as proposed, except for minor editorial
changes. The FAA has determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 777-78A0066, Revision 3,
dated April 28, 2011. This service information describes procedures for
installing a new insulation blanket on the latch beam firewall of each
T/R half. The installation includes, for certain airplanes, inspecting
to determine if fitting part number 315W1436-4 is installed on the aft
latch beam of the right side T/R and, for affected fittings, cutting
the clevis from the affected fitting.
This AD would also require Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-
78A0066, Revision 2, dated April 8, 2010, which the Director of the
Federal Register approved for incorporation by reference as of January
20, 2011 (75 FR 78594, December 16, 2010).
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 the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 29 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blanket installation (retained 7 work-hours x $85 Up to $5,253...... Up to $5,848...... Up to $122,808.
actions from AD 2010-26-01) (21 per hour = $595.
airplanes).
[[Page 15932]]
Inspection and blanket Up to 13 Up to $7,529...... Up to $8,634...... Up to $69,072.
installation (new proposed work[dash]hours x
action) (8 airplanes). $85 per hour = Up
to $1,105.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 has determined that 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.
Adoption of 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2010-26-01, Amendment 39-16540 (75 FR 78594, December 16, 2010), and
adding the following new AD:
2020-05-24 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-19874; Docket No. FAA-
2019-0602; Product Identifier 2019-NM-016-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective April 24, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2010-26-01, Amendment 39-16540 (75 FR 78594,
December 16, 2010) (``AD 2010-26-01'').
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200 series
airplanes, certificated in any category, equipped with General
Electric Company (GE) GE90-76B, -85B, -90B, or -94B engines.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 78, Engine
exhaust.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of an in-flight shutdown due to
an engine fire indication; an under-cowl engine fire was
extinguished after landing. This AD was also prompted by a
determination that additional airplanes are affected. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the potential for a fire from entering
the cowl or strut area, which could weaken thrust reverser (T/R)
parts and result in reduced structural integrity of the T/R,
possible separation of T/R parts during flight, and consequent
damage to the airplane, injury to people, and damage to property on
the ground.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Retained Installation of Insulation Blanket, with Revised Service
Information
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD
2010-26-01, with revised service information. For airplanes
identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-78A0066, Revision 2,
dated April 8, 2010: Within 60 months or 4,500 flight cycles after
January 20, 2011 (the effective date of AD 2010-26-01), whichever is
first, install a new insulation blanket on the latch beam firewall
of each T/R half by doing all the applicable actions specified in
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-
78A0066, Revision 3, dated April 28, 2011.
(h) New Requirement: Installation of Insulation Blanket for Additional
Airplanes
For airplanes not identified in paragraph (g) of this AD: Within
60 months or 4,500 flight cycles after the effective date of this
AD, whichever is first, inspect to determine if the installed T/R
has any affected part number as identified in paragraphs (h)(1)
through (5) of this AD. If an affected T/R is found or if it cannot
be determined which T/R is installed, within 60 months or 4,500
flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever is
first, install a new insulation blanket on the latch beam firewall
of each T/R half by doing all the applicable actions specified in
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-
78A0066, Revision 3, dated April 28, 2011, except as specified in
paragraph (i) of this AD. A review of airplane maintenance records
is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if it can be conclusively
determined from that review that the installed T/R is not an
affected T/R. A review of airplane maintenance records is also
acceptable in lieu of this inspection if it can be conclusively
determined from that review that an affected T/R is installed and
the actions specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-78A0066,
Revision 3, dated April 28, 2011, have already been done on that T/
R.
(1) 315W1001-XX (all--where ``XX'' is any combination of numbers
and letters that follow the dash).
(2) 315W1295-1 through 315W1295-222 inclusive.
(3) 315W1295-5001 through 315W1295-5222 inclusive.
(4) 315W1295-5501 through 315W1295-5722 inclusive.
(5) 315W1295-6101 through 315W1295-6322 inclusive.
(i) Exceptions to Service Information Specification
(1) Boeing Service Bulletin 777-78A0066, Revision 3, dated April
28, 2011, defines Group 1 as ``all 777-200 airplanes with GE90
engines through line number 413 with a forward insulation blanket'';
however, for paragraph (h) of this AD, Group 1 is defined as ``all
777-200 airplanes with GE90 engines with a forward insulation
blanket.''
(2) Boeing Service Bulletin 777-78A0066, Revision 3, dated April
28, 2011, defines
[[Page 15933]]
Group 2 as ``all 777-200 airplanes with GE90 engines through line
number 413 without a forward insulation blanket''; however, for
paragraph (h) of this AD, Group 2 is defined as ``all 777-200
airplanes with GE90 engines without a forward insulation blanket.''
(3) Boeing Service Bulletin 777-78A0066, Revision 3, dated April
28, 2011, defines Group 2 Configuration 1 as ``all 777-200 airplanes
with GE90 engines through line number 413 without a forward
insulation blanket and without the fitting assembly at the aft
insulation blanket location''; however, for paragraph (h) of this
AD, Group 2 Configuration 1 is defined as ``all 777-200 airplanes
with GE90 engines without a forward insulation blanket and without
the fitting assembly at the aft insulation blanket location.''
(4) Boeing Service Bulletin 777-78A0066, Revision 3, dated April
28, 2011, defines Group 2 Configuration 2 as ``all 777-200 airplanes
with GE90 engines through line number 413 without a forward
insulation blanket and with the fitting assembly at the aft
insulation blanket location''; however, for paragraph (h) of this
AD, Group 2 Configuration 2 is defined as ``all 777-200 airplanes
with GE90 engines without a forward insulation blanket and with the
fitting assembly at the aft insulation blanket location.''
(j) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed
before the effective date of this AD using one of the service
bulletins specified in paragraphs (j)(1) through (3) of this AD.
(1) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-78A0066, dated June 5,
2008.
(2) Boeing Service Bulletin 777-78A0066, Revision 1, dated March
12, 2009.
(3) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-78A0066, Revision 2, dated
April 8, 2010.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO 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 local Flight Standards District
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 (l)(1) of this AD. Information may be
emailed to: [email protected].
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district 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, Seattle
ACO 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.
(4) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2010-26-01 are approved as
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraph (g) of this AD.
(l) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact James Laubaugh,
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-
3622; email: [email protected].
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (m)(5) and (6) of this AD.
(m) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on
April 24, 2020.
(i) Boeing Service Bulletin 777-78A0066, Revision 3, dated April
28, 2011.
(ii) [Reserved]
(4) The following service information was approved for IBR on
January 20, 2011 (75 FR 78594, December 16, 2010).
(i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-78A0066, Revision 2, dated
April 8, 2010.
(ii) [Reserved]
(5) 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.
(6) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
206-231-3195.
(7) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on March 9, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-05709 Filed 3-19-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P