Document ID: FAA-2019-0602-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: The Boeing Company Airplanes
Posted Date: 2019-08-09T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 154 (Friday, August 9, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 39241-39244]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-16899]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0602; Product Identifier 2019-NM-016-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: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2010-26-01, which applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 777-200 
series airplanes. AD 2010-26-01 requires installing a new insulation 
blanket on the latch beam firewall of each thrust reverser (T/R) half. 
Since AD 2010-26-01 was issued, the agency received a report that the 
T/R affected by AD 2010-26-01 has the potential to be installed on 
airplanes outside of the applicability of that AD. This proposed AD 
would retain the requirements of 2010-26-01. This proposed AD would 
also add airplanes to the applicability. For those airplanes, this 
proposed AD would 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 proposing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

[[Page 39242]]

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 
23, 2019.

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 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.

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-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 NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.

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: 
james.laubaugh@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites 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-2019-0602; 
Product Identifier 2019-NM-016-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. The FAA will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
NPRM because of those comments.
    The FAA will post all comments we receive, without change, to 
http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive 
verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The FAA issued AD 2010-26-01, Amendment 39-16540 (75 FR 78594, 
December 16, 2010) (``AD 2010-26-01''), for certain Model 777-200 
series airplanes. AD 2010-26-01 requires installing a new insulation 
blanket on the latch beam firewall of each T/R half. AD 2010-26-01 
resulted from an in-flight shutdown due to an engine fire indication; 
an under-cowl engine fire was extinguished after landing. We issued AD 
2010-26-01 to prevent 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 and injury to people or damage to 
property on the ground.

Actions Since AD 2010-26-01 Was Issued

    Since AD 2010-26-01 was issued, the agency received a report that 
the T/R affected by AD 2010-26-01 has the potential to be installed on 
airplanes outside of the applicability of that AD. Therefore, the 
applicability in this proposed AD has been revised to specify The 
Boeing Company Model 777-200 series airplanes, equipped with General 
Electric Company (GE) GE90-76B, -85B, -90B, or -94B engines.

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 proposed 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.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is proposing this AD because the agency 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 retain all requirements of AD 2010-26-01. 
This proposed AD would also add airplanes to the applicability. For 
those airplanes, this proposed AD would 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.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 25 airplanes of 
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with 
this proposed AD:

                                                                     Estimated Costs
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               Action                      Labor cost               Parts cost                  Cost per  product             Cost on  U.S. operators
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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).
Inspection and blanket installation  Up to 13 work-hours x  Up to $7,529..............  Up to $8,634....................  Up to $34,536.
 (new proposed action) (4             $85 per hour = Up to
 airplanes).                          $1,105.
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[[Page 39243]]

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.
    This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated 
by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as 
authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, 
issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and 
Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the 
Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable 
to transport category airplanes and associated appliances to the 
Director of the System Oversight Division.

Regulatory Findings

    The FAA has 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 that the proposed 
regulation:
    (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.

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2010-26-01, Amendment 39-16540 (75 FR 78594, December 16, 2010), and 
adding the following new AD:

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2019-0602; Product Identifier 
2019-NM-016-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by September 23, 
2019.

(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 and a determination that additional 
airplanes are affected. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent 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 and injury to people or 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 (h)(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 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

[[Page 39244]]

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 the service information 
specified in paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), or (j)(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: 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 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: james.laubaugh@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. You may view this referenced 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.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on July 30, 2019.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-16899 Filed 8-8-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P