Document ID: FAA-2012-0862-0007
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: The Boeing Company Airplanes
Posted Date: 2014-03-28T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 60 (Friday, March 28, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17403-17405]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-05558]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0862; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-198-AD; 
Amendment 39-17803; AD 2014-05-31]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2008-08-25 
that applied to certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400 and 747-400F 
series airplanes. AD 2008-08-25 required installing drains and drain 
tubes to eliminate water accumulation in the drip shield above the M826 
cardfile in the main equipment center. This new AD requires installing 
modified drain tubes, relocating wire bundle routing, installing a new 
drip shield and drip shield deflectors, and replacing insulation 
blankets. For certain airplanes, this new AD also concurrently requires 
sealing the drain slot, installing spuds, and installing drain tubes. 
This AD was prompted by reports of continued water damage to diode fire 
card 285U0072-1 in the M826 automatic fire overheat logic test system 
cardfile following a false FWD CARGO FIRE message, with no change in 
frequency, which resulted in an air turn back. We are issuing this AD 
to prevent water from exiting over the edge of the existing drip shield 
and contaminating electrical components in the M826 cardfile, which 
could result in an electrical short and potential loss of several 
functions essential for safe flight.

DATES: This AD is effective May 2, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of May 2, 2014.

ADDRESSES: 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 view this referenced service information 
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, WA 98057-3356. 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://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2012-
0862; 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket Management Facility, 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: Francis Smith, Aerospace Engineer, 
Cabin Safety & Environmental Control Systems, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; phone: 425-917-6596; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
francis.smith@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to supersede AD 2008-08-25, Amendment 39-15479 (73 FR 21240, 
April 21, 2008). AD 2008-08-25 applied to certain The Boeing Company 
Model 747-400 and 747-400F series airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on September 6, 2012 (77 FR 54854). The NPRM was 
prompted by reports of continued water damage to diode fire card 
285U0072-1 in the M826 automatic fire overheat logic test system 
cardfile following a false FWD CARGO FIRE message, with no change in 
frequency, which resulted in an air turn back. The NPRM proposed to 
require installing drain tubes, relocating wire bundle routing, 
installing a new drip shield and drip shield deflectors, and replacing 
insulation blankets. For certain airplanes, the NPRM also proposed to 
concurrently require sealing the drain slot, installing spuds, and 
installing drain tubes. We are issuing this AD to prevent water from 
exiting over the edge of the existing drip shield and contaminating 
electrical components in the M826 cardfile, which could result in an 
electrical short and potential loss of several functions essential for 
safe flight.

Relevant Service Information

    Since we issued the NPRM (77 FR 54854, September 6, 2012), we have 
reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3580, Revision 2, dated 
May 13, 2013. We referred to Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3580, 
Revision 1, dated July 14, 2011, as an appropriate source of service 
information for accomplishing certain actions specified in the NPRM.
    Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3580, Revision 2, dated May 
13, 2013, among other changes, revises line number 1087 to 1332 for 
group 1 airplanes to account for airplanes that had the drain tubes 
installed in production, adds figures to account for actions required 
by certain groups, adds brackets and rivets, and changes certain part 
numbers of certain brackets.
    Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3581, Revision 2, dated 
September 11, 2012, among other things, clarifies wire routing, allows 
for trimming of parts, and adds parts to the top kit.
    We have added a new paragraph (i) to this final rule to allow for 
credit for

[[Page 17404]]

actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-25A3580, Revision 1, dated July 14, 2011, which is 
not incorporated by reference in this AD. We have redesignated 
subsequent paragraphs accordingly.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal 
(77 FR 54854, September 6, 2012) and the FAA's response to each 
comment.

Request To Use Latest Service Information

    United Parcel Service (UPS) and Boeing requested that we revise the 
NPRM (77 FR 54854, September 6, 2012) to replace Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-25A3581, Revision 1, dated June 30, 2011, with Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3581, Revision 2, dated September 11, 
2012. UPS explained that Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3581, 
Revision 2, dated September 11, 2012, revises the effectivity, and 
includes changes, corrections, and clarifications to the work 
instructions. UPS reasoned that in order to avoid additional efforts of 
applying for, approving, and documenting alternative methods of 
compliance for using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3581, 
Revision 2, dated September 11, 2012, we should instead revise the NPRM 
to incorporate Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3581, Revision 2, 
dated September 11, 2012, which, according to Boeing, would change 
paragraphs (c)(2), (g), and (h) of the NPRM.
    We partially agree. We disagree with the request to change 
paragraphs (c)(2) and (h) of this AD. Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
747-25A3581, Revision 2, dated September 11, 2012, adds one new 
airplane to the effectivity and would require resubmittal of the NPRM 
(77 FR 54854, September 6, 2012) for public comment on this change, 
which would delay the publication of this final rule. To delay this 
action would be inappropriate, since we have determined that an unsafe 
condition exists and that the required actions must be conducted to 
ensure continued safety. We might consider further rulemaking at a 
later time to address the additional airplane. However, we do agree to 
revise paragraph (g) of this AD by also referring to Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-25A3581, Revision 2, dated September 11, 2012, as 
an appropriate method of compliance for the actions required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (77 FR 54854, September 6, 2012) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 54854, September 6, 2012).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 38 airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
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            Action                  Labor cost         Parts cost      Cost per product   Cost on U.S. operators
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Installation, relocation, and   Up to 23 work-     Up to $8,887.....  Up to $10,842....  Up to $411,996.
 replacement.                    hours x $85 per
                                 hour = $1,955.
Concurrent installation.......  8 work-hours x     $1,801...........  $2,481...........  $94,278.
                                 $85 per hour =
                                 680.
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    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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 have 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) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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.

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.

[[Page 17405]]

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD): 
2008-08-25, Amendment 39-15479 (73 FR 21240, April 21, 2008), and 
adding the following new AD:

2014-05-31 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-17803; Docket No. FAA-
2012-0862; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-198-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective May 2, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2008-08-25, Amendment 39-15479 (73 FR 
21240, April 21, 2008).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company airplanes, certificated in 
any category, as specified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this 
AD.
    (1) Model 747-400F series airplanes, as identified in Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3580, Revision 2, dated May 13, 2013.
    (2) Model 747-400 series airplanes, as identified in Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3581, Revision 1, dated June 30, 2011.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
Furnishings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of continued water damage to 
diode fire card 285U0072-1 in the M826 automatic fire overheat logic 
test system cardfile following a false FWD CARGO FIRE message, with 
no change in frequency, which resulted in an air turn back. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent water from exiting over the edge of the 
existing drip shield and contaminating electrical components in the 
M826 cardfile, which could result in an electrical short and 
potential loss of several functions essential for safe flight.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Installation and Replacement

    Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, install 
aft and forward drain tubes, relocate wire bundle routing, install a 
new drip shield and drip shield deflectors, and replace insulation 
blankets, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
service information identified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or 
(g)(3); as applicable; of this AD.
    (1) (For Model 747-400F series airplanes) Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-25A3580, Revision 2, dated May 13, 2013.
    (2) (For Model 747-400 series airplanes) Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-25A3581, Revision 1, dated June 30, 2011.
    (3) (For Model 747-400 series airplanes) Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-25A3581, Revision 2, dated September 11, 2012 (for 
Model 747-400 series airplanes).

(h) Concurrent Actions

    For Group 1 airplanes as identified in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-25A3581, Revision 1, dated June 30, 2011: Prior to or 
concurrently with the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
seal the drain slot, install spuds, and install left- and right-side 
drain tubes, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3526, Revision 1, dated 
February 20, 2009 (for Model 747-400 series airplanes), except as 
specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Steps 1 through 5 of Figure 2 of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-25A3526, Revision 1, dated February 20, 2009, are not 
required if work is being accomplished concurrently with the actions 
specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3581, Revision 1, 
dated June 30, 2011 (for Model 747-400 series airplanes).
    (2) The portion of ``More Data'' in step 8 of Figure 3 of Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3526, Revision 1, dated February 20, 
2009, which says ``Attach drain tube and strap above bead on the 
spud,'' is not required.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
25A3580, Revision 1, dated July 14, 2011, which is not incorporated 
by reference in this AD.

(j) 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 paragraph (k)(1) 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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Francis Smith, 
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety & Environmental Control Systems, 
ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6596; fax: 
425-917-6590; email: francis.smith@faa.gov.
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference in this AD may be obtained at the 
addresses specified in paragraphs (l)(3) and (l)(4) of this AD.

(l) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.

(i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3526, Revision 1, dated 
February 20, 2009.
(ii) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3580, Revision 2, dated 
May 13, 2013.
(iii) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3581, Revision 1, dated 
June 30, 2011.
(iv) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-25A3581, Revision 2, dated 
September 11, 2012.

    (3) For Boeing 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.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 425-227-1221.
    (5) 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, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 5, 2014.
Michael J. Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-05558 Filed 3-27-14; 8:45 am]
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