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[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 1, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 5505-5507]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-2172]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0034; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-021-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 777-200 Series 
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 Model 777-200 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require 
installing a new circuit breaker, relays, and wiring to allow the 
flightcrew to turn off electrical power to the in-flight entertainment 
(IFE) systems and other non-essential electrical systems through a 
switch in the flight compartment, and doing other specified actions. 
The actions include removing the cabin system control panel (CSCP) core 
partition software, the cabin area control panel (CACP) operational 
program software (OPS), the zone management units (ZMU) OPS, and the 
cabin system management unit (CSMU) OPS; installing OPS for the CSCP, 
CACP, ZMU, and CSMU; and installing the new configuration database 
(CDB). This proposed AD would also require installing a new CSCP; 
installing a new cabin management system (CMS) CDB; and installing new 
OPS for the CSCP, ZMU, passenger address controller, cabin interphone 
controller, CACP, speaker drive module, overhead electronics units, and 
seat electronics unit. This proposed AD results from an IFE systems 
review. We are proposing this AD to ensure that the flightcrew is able 
to turn off electrical power to the IFE system and other non-essential 
electrical systems through a switch in the flight compartment in the 
event of smoke or flames. The flightcrew's inability to turn off 
electrical power to the IFE system and other non-essential electrical 
systems in the event of smoke or flames 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.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 18, 2011.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments 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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, 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, Washington 98124-2207; telephone 206-
544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; e-mail me.boecom@boeing.com; 
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, Washington. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://

[[Page 5506]]

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 (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joe Salameh, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-
3356; telephone (425) 917-6454; fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2011-0034; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-021-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

    In response to numerous reports of smoke or flames in the passenger 
cabin of various models of transport category airplanes, we conducted a 
comprehensive in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems review. Earlier 
investigation of the reports had revealed that the source of the smoke 
and flames was from cabin IFE system components, including electronic 
seat boxes mounted under passenger seats, IFE wiring, IFE monitors, 
cabin lighting, wall outlets, and other non-essential cabin electrical 
systems.
    The systems review disclosed 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. The 
flightcrew's inability to turn off power to the IFE system and other 
non-essential electrical systems in the event of smoke or flames, if 
not corrected, 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.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 777-23-0176, Revision 2, 
dated October 26, 2006. This service bulletin describes procedures for 
the following actions:
     Removing the cabin system control panel (CSCP) core 
partition (CP) software, the cabin area control panel (CACP) 
operational program software (OPS), the zone management unit (ZMU) OPS, 
and the cabin system management unit (CSMU) OPS.
     Installing CSCP-CP software.
     Installing CACP OPS software.
     Installing ZMU OPS software.
     Installing CSMU OPS software.
     Installing the new configuration database in the cabin 
management system (CMS) line replaceable units.
    Boeing Service Bulletin 777-23-0176, Revision 2, dated October 26, 
2006, specifies prior or concurrent accomplishment of Boeing Service 
Bulletin 777-23-0141, dated June 14, 2001, which describes procedures 
for replacing the OPS for the CSCP, the CACP, and the CSMU, and 
reinstalling the configuration database.
    Boeing Service Bulletin 777-23-0176, Revision 2, dated October 26, 
2006, also specifies prior or concurrent accomplishment of Boeing 
Service Bulletin 777-23-0010, dated April 25, 1996, which describes 
procedures for installing a new CSCP; a new CMS configuration database; 
and new OPS for the CSCP, ZMU, passenger address controller, cabin 
interphone controller, CACP, speaker drive module, overhead electronics 
unit, and seat electronics unit.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. 
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in 
the service information described previously, except as discussed under 
``Differences Between the Proposed AD and Service Information.''

Difference Between the Proposed AD and Service Information

    Boeing Service Bulletin 777-23-0176, Revision 2, dated October 26, 
2006, does not contain a compliance time for the proposed modification 
specified in paragraph (g) of this NPRM. This NPRM proposes a 
compliance time of 60 months. This difference has been coordinated with 
The Boeing Company.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 47 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. 
operators to comply with this proposed AD.

                                             Table--Estimated Costs
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                                                       Average
                                              Work      labor                Cost per  Number of U.S.-   Fleet
                  Action                     hours     rate per    Parts     product     registered       cost
                                                         hour                             airplanes
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Modification specified in Boeing Service           2        $85         $0       $170              47     $7,990
 Bulletin 777-23-0176....................
Concurrent modification, Boeing Service            6         85        920      1,430              47     67,210
 Bulletin 777-23-0010 \1\................
Concurrent modification, Boeing Service            3         85        450        705              47     33,135
 Bulletin 777-23-0141\1\.................
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\1\ Boeing states that warranty remedies are available for man-hour reimbursement and cost of parts.

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

[[Page 5507]]

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), 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.
    You can find our regulatory evaluation and the estimated costs of 
compliance in the AD Docket.

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

    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]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2011-0034; Directorate Identifier 
2010-NM-021-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by March 18, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200 series 
airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing 
Service Bulletin 777-23-0176, Revision 2, dated October 26, 2006.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 23: 
Communications.

Unsafe Condition

    (e) This AD results from an in-flight entertainment (IFE) 
systems review. We are issuing this AD to ensure that the flightcrew 
is able to turn off electrical power to the IFE system and other 
non-essential electrical systems through a switch in the flight 
compartment in the event of smoke or flames. The flightcrew's 
inability to turn off electrical power to the IFE system and other 
non-essential electrical systems in the event of smoke or flames 
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.

Compliance

    (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Modification

    (g) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD: At the 
cabin system control panel (CSCP), remove the CSCP core partition 
software, the cabin area control panel (CACP) operational program 
software (OPS), the zone management unit (ZMU) OPS, and the cabin 
system management unit (CSMU) OPS; install core partition software 
for the CSCP; install OPS for the CACP, ZMU, and CSMU; and install 
the new configuration database (CDB) in the cabin management system 
(CMS) line replaceable units; in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-23-0176, Revision 2, 
dated October 26, 2006.

Concurrent Requirements

    (h) Prior to or concurrently with accomplishing the requirements 
of paragraph (g) of this AD, replace the OPS for the CSCP, CACP, and 
CSMU, and reinstall the CDB, in accordance with Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-23-0141, dated June 14, 
2001.
    (i) Prior to or concurrently with accomplishing the requirements 
of paragraph (g) of this AD, install a new CSCP; install a new CMS 
CDB; and install new OPS for the CSCP, ZMU, passenger address 
controller, cabin interphone controller, CACP, speaker drive module, 
overhead electronics units, and seat electronics unit; in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-
23-0010, dated April 25, 1996.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (j)(1) 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. Send information to ATTN: Joe 
Salameh, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, 
FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6454; fax (425) 
917-6590. Information may be e-mailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
    (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different 
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. 
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. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this 
AD.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 25, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-2172 Filed 1-31-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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