Document ID: FAA-2017-0246-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: The Boeing Company Airplanes
Posted Date: 2017-04-10T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 67 (Monday, April 10, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 17154-17156]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-06800]

 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 67 / Monday, April 10, 2017 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 17154]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0246; Directorate Identifier 2017-NM-011-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain The Boeing Company Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes 
equipped with Rolls-Royce Model RB211-Trent 800 engines. This proposed 
AD was prompted by reports of inadequate clearance between the thermal 
protection system (TPS) insulation blankets and the electronic engine 
control (EEC) wiring, which resulted in damaged wires. This proposed AD 
would require repetitive inspections of the EEC wire bundles and clips, 
and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 25, 2017.

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 NPRM, 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 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. It is also 
available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0246.

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-2017-
0246; 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: Kevin Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6501; fax: 425-917-6590; email: kevin.nguyen@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-2017-0246; 
Directorate Identifier 2017-NM-011-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 inadequate clearance between the TPS 
insulation blankets and the EEC wiring, which resulted in damaged 
wires. This condition, if not corrected, could result in in-flight 
shutdown of the engine, or the inability to properly control thrust, 
and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.
    We issued AD 2016-11-16, Amendment 39-18543 (81 FR 39547, June 17, 
2016) (``AD 2016-11-16''), on May 20, 2016. Among other actions, AD 
2016-11-16 requires repetitive inspections of the EEC wire bundles and 
clips for airplanes with certain TPS insulation blankets. Since AD 
2016-11-16 was issued, we have determined that these repetitive 
inspections were inadvertently terminated in AD 2016-11-16 through the 
installation of serviceable thrust reverser (T/R) halves. We are 
proposing this AD to reinstate the repetitive inspections of the EEC 
wire bundles and clips for certain airplanes.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 777-78-0082, Revision 1, dated 
June 15, 2015. The service information describes, among other things, 
procedures for repetitive inspections of the EEC wire bundles and 
clips, and corrective actions if necessary. 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.

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

[[Page 17155]]

previously. For information on the procedures and compliance times, see 
this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0246.
    The phrase ``corrective actions'' is used in this proposed AD. 
Corrective actions 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 55 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 (required    3 work-hours x $85 per                  $0  $255 per engine per    $28,050 (2 T/R halves
 for right T/R half      hour = $255 per engine                      inspection cycle.      per airplane) per
 only).                  per inspection cycle.                                              inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the repairs specified in this proposed AD. We 
estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 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 these 
repairs or replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                 Action                                Labor cost                  Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement of EEC wire harness.........  1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85....          $8,500           $8,585
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed 
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 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-2017-0246; Directorate Identifier 
2017-NM-011-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by May 25, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200 and -300 
series airplanes, certificated in any category, equipped with Rolls-
Royce Model RB211-Trent 800 engines, on which the actions specified 
in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-78A0094 have been incorporated, 
and the condition specified in either paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of 
this AD is met.
    (1) Thermal protection system (TPS) non-re-contoured insulation 
blankets having part numbers (P/N) 315W5115-2, -6, or -20 are 
installed on the thrust reverser (T/R) inner wall.
    (2) Rolls Royce Modification Service Bulletin RR.211-71-H824, 
dated July 30, 2014, has not been incorporated on the engine.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 78, Engine 
exhaust.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of inadequate clearance between 
the TPS insulation blankets and the electronic engine

[[Page 17156]]

control (EEC) wiring, which resulted in damaged wires. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct damaged wires, which could 
result in in-flight shutdown of the engine, or the inability to 
properly control thrust, and consequent reduced controllability of 
the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Repetitive EEC Wire Bundle Inspection

    Within 2,000 flight hours since the most recent EEC wire bundle 
inspection done as specified in Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 777-78-0071; or Boeing Service Bulletin 777-78-0082; or 
within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later: Do a detailed inspection for damage of the 
EEC wire bundles and clips, and do all applicable corrective 
actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-78-0082, Revision 1, dated June 15, 
2015. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight. 
Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,000 
flight hours.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using the service information specified in 
paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-78-0071, 
Revision 2, dated July 23, 2013.
    (2) Boeing Service Bulletin 777-78-0082, dated November 9, 2011.

(i) 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 (j)(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.
    (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 Commercial Airplanes Organization 
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the 
Manager, Seattle ACO, 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 Kevin Nguyen, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle ACO, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6501; 
fax: 425-917-6590; email: kevin.nguyen@faa.gov.
    (2) 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; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this 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 March 27, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-06800 Filed 4-7-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P