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[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 137 (Wednesday, July 17, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 42727-42730]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-17139]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0544; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-057-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain the Boeing Company Model 777-200 series airplanes. This 
proposed AD was prompted by reports of smoke or flames in the passenger 
cabin of various transport category airplanes, related to the wiring 
for the passenger cabin in-flight entertainment (IFE) system, cabin 
lighting, and passenger seats. This proposed AD would require, for 
certain airplanes, doing an inspection of the electrical power control 
panel for a certain part number, and corrective action if necessary; 
and for certain other airplanes, installing a new electrical power 
control panel, and making changes to the wiring and certain electrical 
load management system (ELMS) panels. We are proposing this AD to 
ensure that the flightcrew is able to turn off electrical power to the 
IFE systems and other non-essential electrical systems through a switch 
in the flight compartment in the event of smoke or flames. In the event 
of smoke or flames in the airplane flight deck or passenger cabin, the 
flightcrew's inability to turn off electrical power to the IFE system 
and other non-essential electrical systems could result in the 
inability to control smoke or flames in the airplane flight deck or 
passenger cabin during a non-normal or emergency situation, and 
consequent loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 3, 
2013.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the referenced service 
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 425-227-2112.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ray Mei, Aerospace Engineer, Systems 
and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6467; fax: 425-917-6590; email: raymont.mei@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2013-0544; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-057-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    We have received reports of smoke or flames in the passenger cabin 
of various transport category airplanes (the Boeing Company Model MD-11 
and DC-9 airplanes and Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin 
Aeronautics Company Model L-1011 series airplanes), related to the 
wiring for the passenger cabin IFE system, cabin lighting, and 
passenger seats. In response to these reports of smoke or flames in the 
passenger cabin of various models of transport category airplanes, we 
conducted a comprehensive IFE systems review.
    The systems review determined that, in order to minimize the risk 
of smoke or flames in the passenger cabin, a switch is needed in the 
flight compartment to enable the flightcrew to turn off electrical 
power to the IFE system and other non-essential electrical systems. In 
the event of smoke or flames in the airplane flight deck or passenger 
cabin, the flightcrew's inability to turn off power to the IFE system 
and other non-essential electrical systems could result in the 
inability to control smoke or flames in the airplane flight deck or 
passenger cabin during a non-normal or emergency situation.

[[Page 42728]]

Other Relevant Rulemaking

     For certain the Boeing Company Model 777-200 and -300 
series airplanes: We have issued an NPRM (78 FR 27310, May 10, 2013), 
which proposes to require installing wiring and changing certain 
electrical load management system (ELMS) panels and other actions to 
ensure that the flightcrew is able to turn off electrical power to the 
IFE systems and other non-essential electrical systems through a switch 
in the flight compartment in the event of smoke or flames.
     For the Boeing Company Model 757-200 and -300 series 
airplanes: AD 2007-16-12, Amendment 39-15151 (72 FR 44740, August 9, 
2007), requires changes to existing wiring; installation of new circuit 
breakers, relays, relay connectors, and wiring; and replacement of 
certain circuit breakers with higher-rated circuit breakers. For 
certain airplanes, this AD also requires modification of wiring of the 
control module assembly for the electrical systems.
     For the Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, and -400ER 
series airplanes: AD 2008-23-15, Amendment 39-15736 (73 FR 70267, 
November 20, 2008), requires installing new relay(s), circuit breakers 
as applicable, and wiring to allow the flightcrew to turn off 
electrical power to the IFE systems and certain circuit breakers 
through a utility bus switch, and doing other specified actions.
     For the Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, -500, -600, -
700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes: AD 2009-12-06, Amendment 
39-15929 (74 FR 27698, June 11, 2009), requires installing a new 
circuit breaker, relays, and wiring to allow the flightcrew to turn off 
electrical power to the IFE systems and other non-essential electrical 
systems through a switch in the flight compartment, and doing other 
specified actions.
     For the Boeing Company Model 747-400 and -400D series 
airplanes: AD 2009-15-12, Amendment 39-15975 (74 FR 35789, July 21, 
2009), requires installing new relays to allow the flightcrew to turn 
off electrical power to the IFE system and other non-essential 
passenger cabin systems through the left and right utility bus 
switches, and other specified actions.
     For certain the Boeing Company Model 777-200 and -300 
series airplanes: We have issued an NPRM (78 FR 27310, May 10, 2013), 
which proposes to require installing wiring and changing certain 
electrical load management system (ELMS) panels and other actions to 
ensure that the flightcrew is able to turn off electrical power to the 
IFE systems and other non-essential electrical systems through a switch 
in the flight compartment in the event of smoke or flames.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0077, Revision 4, dated 
October 17, 2012. For information on the procedures and compliance 
times, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for Docket No. FAA-2013-0544.

Concurrent Service Information

    Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0077, Revision 4, dated October 17, 
2012, specifies concurrent or prior accomplishment of Boeing Service 
Bulletin 777-23-0176, Revision 2, dated October 26, 2006; and Boeing 
Service Bulletin 777-24-0087, Revision 2, dated August 16, 2007. For 
information on the procedures, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. FAA-2013-0544.

Other Service Information

    BAE Systems Service Bulletin 233W3202-24-04, Revision 2, dated 
October 2, 2006, specifies identifying the electrical power control 
panels 233W3202-12 and 233W3202-13.
    GE Aviation Service Bulletin 6000ELM-24-614, Revision 1, dated 
November 9, 2009, specifies putting the P210 power panel back to the 
correct standard.
    GE Aviation Service Bulletin 6200ELM-24-616, Revision 1, dated 
March 5, 2010, specifies putting the P210 power panel back to the 
correct standard.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously.
    The phrase ``related investigative actions'' might be used in this 
proposed AD. ``Related investigative actions'' are follow-on actions 
that (1) are related to the primary action, and (2) are actions that 
further investigate the nature of any condition found. Related 
investigative actions in an AD could include, for example, inspections.
    In addition, the phrase ``corrective actions'' might be used in 
this proposed AD. ``Corrective actions'' are actions that correct or 
address any condition found. Corrective actions in an AD could include, 
for example, repairs.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 49 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost      Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection/installation and        Up to 28 work-hours          $1,436  Up to $3,816.......  Up to $186,984.
 changes.                           x $85 per hour =
                                    $2,380.
Concurrent installation (Boeing    2 work-hours x $85               $0  $170...............  $8,330.
 Service Bulletin 777-23-0176,      per hour = $170.
 Revision 2, dated October 26,
 2006).
Concurrent installation (Boeing    3 work-hours x $85               $0  $255...............  $12,495.
 Service Bulletin 777-24-0087,      per hour = $255.
 Revision 2, dated August 16,
 2007).
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[[Page 42729]]

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary change that 
would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. We 
have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need this 
replacement:

                                               On-Condition Costs
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                                                                                                     Cost per
                  Action                                Labor cost                 Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change part number........................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85..              $0              $85
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    We are 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

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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 Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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 (AD):

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2013-0544; Directorate Identifier 
2012-NM-057-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by September 3, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Boeing Company Model 777-200 series 
airplanes, certificated in any category, as specified in Boeing 
Service Bulletin 777-24-0077, Revision 4, dated October 17, 2012.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 24, Electrical power.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of smoke or flames in the 
passenger cabin of various transport category airplanes related to 
the wiring for the passenger cabin in-flight entertainment (IFE) 
system, cabin lighting, and passenger seats. We are issuing this AD 
to ensure that the flightcrew is able to turn off electrical power 
to the IFE systems and other non-essential electrical systems 
through a switch in the flight compartment in the event of smoke or 
flames. In the event of smoke or flames in the airplane flight deck 
or passenger cabin, the flightcrew's inability to turn off 
electrical power to the IFE system and other non-essential 
electrical systems could result in the inability to control smoke or 
flames in the airplane flight deck or passenger cabin during a non-
normal or emergency situation, and consequent loss of control of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Installation

    For Group 1, Configuration 1, airplanes, as identified in Boeing 
Service Bulletin 777-24-0077, Revision 4, dated October 17, 2012: 
Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, install a new 
electrical power control panel and make changes to the wiring and 
certain electrical load management system (ELMS) panels, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin 777-24-0077, Revision 4, dated October 17, 2012.

(h) Inspection

    For Group 1, Configuration 2, airplanes, as identified in Boeing 
Service Bulletin 777-24-0077, Revision 4, dated October 17, 2012: 
Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect the 
electrical power control panel to determine the part number, and do 
all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0077, 
Revision 4, dated October 17, 2012. Do all applicable corrective 
actions before further flight.

(i) Concurrent Actions

    (1) For Group 1, Configuration 1, airplanes, as identified in 
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0077, Revision 4, dated October 17, 
2012: Prior to or concurrently with accomplishing the requirements 
of paragraph (g) of this AD, install new operational software (OPS) 
in the cabin management system to change the operation of the cabin 
lighting system when the CABIN/UTILITY switch is installed, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin 777-23-0176, Revision 2, dated October 26, 2006.
    (2) For Group 1, Configuration 1, airplanes, as identified in 
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0077, Revision 4, dated October 17, 
2012: Concurrently with accomplishing the requirements of paragraph 
(g) of this AD, change the ELMS OPS and configuration database 
software (OPC) to decrease the number of ELMS P110, ELMS P210, and 
ELMS P310 panel engine indication and crew alerting system (EICAS) 
status messages, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-0087, Revision 2, dated August 16, 
2007.

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraphs (g) and (h) this AD, if those actions were performed 
before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Service Bulletin 
777-24-0077, dated

[[Page 42730]]

August 21, 2003; Revision 1, dated May 24, 2007; Revision 2, dated 
December 17, 2009; or Revision 3, dated December 6, 2011; which are 
not incorporated by reference in this AD; provided that, within 60 
months after the effective date of this AD, the actions specified in 
paragraphs (j)(1)(i) and (j)(1)(ii) of this AD are done, and wire 
kit 280W5110-105W is used.
    (i) Identify the electrical power control panels 233W3202-12 and 
233W3202-13 in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
BAE Systems Service Bulletin 233W3202-24-04, Revision 2, dated 
October 2, 2006. The correct part number for the changed 233W3202-12 
panel is 233W3202-18, and the correct part number for the changed 
233W3202-13 panel is 233W3202-19.
    (ii) Put back the P210 power panel to the correct standard, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of GE Aviation 
Service Bulletin 6000ELM-24-614, Revision 1, dated November 9, 2009; 
or 6200ELM-24-616, Revision 1, dated March 5, 2010.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraph (i)(1) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
the effective date of this AD using Boeing Service Bulletin 777-23-
0176, dated January 9, 2003, or Revision 1, dated March 11, 2004; 
provided that the actions specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-
23-0141, dated June 14, 2001, were done prior to or concurrently 
with the actions specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-23-0176, 
dated January 9, 2003, or Revision 1, dated March 11, 2004, which 
are not incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (3) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
the effective date of this AD using Boeing Service Bulletin 777-24-
0087, dated July 24, 2003, or Revision 1, dated December 18, 2003; 
provided that the actions specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-
24-0087, dated July 24, 2003, or Revision 1, dated December 18, 
2003, were done concurrently with the actions specified in Boeing 
Service Bulletin 777-24-0077, dated August 21, 2003; Revision 1, 
dated May 24, 2007; Revision 2, dated December 17, 2009; Revision 3, 
dated December 6, 2011; or Revision 4, dated October 17, 2012.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
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 ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in the Related Information 
section of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
    (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 required by this AD if it is approved by the 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization 
(ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO to make 
those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must 
meet the certification basis of the airplane and the approval must 
specifically refer to this AD.

(l) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Ray Mei, 
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, 
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6467; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
raymont.mei@faa.gov.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the referenced 
service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 26, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-17139 Filed 7-16-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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