80 FR 30928 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 104 (June 1, 2015)

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747-8F, and 747-8 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of very high temperatures, near the floor in the aft lower lobe cargo compartment. This AD requires installing an additional zone temperature sensor (ZTS) assembly in the aft cargo compartment, and, for certain airplanes, installing tape and replacing the markers in the bulk cargo compartment. We are issuing this AD to prevent overheating of the aft lower lobe cargo compartment, where, if temperature sensitive cargo is present, the release of flammable vapors could result in a fire or explosion if exposed to an ignition source.

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 104 (Monday, June 1, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30928-30931]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-13018]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0342; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-007-AD; 
Amendment 39-18168; AD 2015-11-05]
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 adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
The Boeing Company Model 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747-8F, and 747-8 
series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of very high 
temperatures, near the floor in the aft lower lobe cargo compartment. 
This AD requires installing an additional zone temperature sensor (ZTS) 
assembly in the aft cargo compartment, and, for certain airplanes, 
installing tape and replacing the markers in the bulk cargo 
compartment. We are issuing this AD to prevent overheating of the aft 
lower lobe cargo compartment, where, if temperature sensitive cargo is 
present, the release of flammable vapors could result in a fire or 
explosion if exposed to an ignition source.

DATES: This AD is effective July 6, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of July 6, 2015.

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, Washington. 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

[[Page 30929]]

and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-0342.

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-2014-
0342; 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: Susan Monroe, Aerospace Engineer, 
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA; phone: 425-917-6457; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing Company 
Model 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747-8F, and 747-8 series airplanes. 
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on June 25, 2014 (79 FR 
35968). The NPRM was prompted by reports of very high temperatures, up 
to 67 degrees Celsius (152 degrees Fahrenheit), near the floor in the 
aft lower lobe cargo compartment on certain Model 747 airplanes. The 
NPRM proposed to require installing an additional ZTS in the aft cargo 
compartment. For certain airplanes, the NPRM proposed to first require 
installing tape and replacing the markers in the bulk cargo 
compartment, unless terminated by the early installation of the ZTS. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent overheating of the aft lower lobe cargo 
compartment, where, if temperature sensitive cargo is present, the 
release of flammable vapors could result in a fire or explosion if 
exposed to an ignition source.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM (79 
FR 35968, June 25, 2014) and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Clarify ``Required for Compliance'' (RC) Steps

    United Airlines (UA) asked that we clarify the actions required in 
the NPRM (79 FR 35968, June 25, 2014) by adding instructions for steps 
labeled, and not labeled, as ``RC'' in the required service 
information. UA did not provide a reason for this request.
    We infer that the commenter is referring to Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 747-21-2550, dated December 6, 2013, which 
includes ``RC'' language. (Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 
747-21-2544, Revision 2, dated December 11, 2014, does not include 
``RC'' language.) We acknowledge the commenter's request and provide 
the following clarification.
    The actions specified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 
747-21-2550, dated December 6, 2013, include steps that are identified 
as RC because these steps have a direct effect on detecting, 
preventing, resolving, or eliminating an identified unsafe condition. 
Therefore, for service information that incorporates the RC concept, 
steps that are identified as RC, including substeps and identified 
figures, must be done to comply with the AD. The RC concept does not 
apply to Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-21-2544, 
Revision 2, dated December 11, 2014, which does not include any RC 
steps. We have added a new paragraph (j)(4) in this AD to describe the 
RC concept.

Request To Clarify Certain Language in the Summary Section

    Boeing asked that we clarify certain language in the Summary 
section of the NPRM (79 FR 35968, June 25, 2014) to specify that the 
solution to the unsafe condition is the installation of a ``zone 
temperature sensor assembly,'' rather than a ``zone temperature 
sensor.'' Boeing stated that the ZTS is a component within the ZTS 
assembly, and added that omitting the word ``assembly'' could confuse 
operators.
    We agree with the commenter for the reason provided. We have 
included the word ``assembly'' after references to the ZTS in the 
SUMMARY of this final rule.

Request To Clarify Certain Language in the Discussion Section

    Boeing asked that we clarify the first sentence of the Discussion 
section of the NPRM (79 FR 35968, June 25, 2014) to specify that the 
high temperatures near the floor in the aft lower lobe cargo 
compartment were found only on certain Model 747 airplanes. Boeing 
stated that the wording in the NPRM is too broad for the investigation 
that took place.
    We agree with the request. We have changed the Discussion section 
of this final rule accordingly.
    Boeing also asked that we clarify the following sentence of the 
Discussion section of the NPRM (79 FR 35968, June 25, 2014): ``Under 
these conditions, the switches will not command the system valves 
properly, and the switches may fail to shut off the flow of hot air to 
the lower lobe cargo compartment, causing compartment temperatures to 
rise beyond 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit).'' Boeing asked 
that the word ``will'' be changed to ``may'' in that sentence, because 
the blockage condition does not guarantee that the temperature switches 
will not control the system properly.
    We acknowledge and agree with the commenter's concern. However, 
since that level of detail does not reappear in a final rule, no change 
to this final rule is necessary in this regard.

Request To Require Additional Actions for Certain Airplanes

    Boeing asked that airplanes having certain variable numbers 
specified in paragraph (g)(1) of the proposed AD (79 FR 35968, June 25, 
2014) be required to accomplish the actions specified in paragraph 
(g)(2) of the proposed AD. Boeing stated that airplanes having those 
variable numbers might have had a partial installation done in 
production. Boeing also stated that in the next revision of Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-21-2544, the action for those 
airplanes will be a general visual inspection to determine if both 
markers and tape are installed, and installation of the markers and 
tape if necessary.
    We agree with the commenter. Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 747-21-2544, Revision 2, dated December 11, 2014, has been 
issued and addresses the concerns identified by the commenter. 
Therefore, we have revised this final rule to remove paragraphs (g)(1) 
and (g)(2) of the proposed AD. We have also revised paragraph (g) of 
this AD to include Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-21-
2544, Revision 2, dated December 11, 2014, as well as the option of 
contacting the FAA for an approval method to accomplish the actions. We 
have added Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-21-2544, 
Revision 1, dated September 30, 2013, to paragraph (i) of this AD.

Request To Remove Airplane Variable Number RC520

    Boeing asked that we change paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of the proposed AD 
(79 FR 35968, June 25, 2014) to remove airplane variable number RC520

[[Page 30930]]

because it is not a valid airplane variable number.
    We agree with the commenter for the reason provided. That airplane 
was identified in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of the NPRM (79 FR 35968, June 
25, 2014). That paragraph, as explained previously, is not included in 
this final rule.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the changes described previously, except for minor 
editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (79 FR 35968, June 25, 2014) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 35968, June 25, 2014).
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-21-2544, 
Revision 2, dated December 11, 2014; and Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 747-21-2550, dated December 6, 2013. The service 
information describes procedures for installing warning tape and 
markers in the bulk cargo compartment and installing an additional zone 
temperature sensor assembly in the aft cargo compartment. 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 of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 130 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
              Action                        Labor cost            Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Install ZTS assembly..............  91 work-hours x $85 per            $7,545          $15,280       $1,986,400
                                     hour = $7,735.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do the optional actions 
specified in this AD.

                                                 Optional Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                  Action                                Labor cost                 Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Install tape and markers..................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85..             $33             $118
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    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.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2015-11-05 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18168; Docket No. FAA-
2014-0342; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-007-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective July 6, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-400, 747-400D, 
747-400F, 747-8F, and 747-8 series airplanes, certificated in any 
category, as identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.

[[Page 30931]]

    (1) Airplanes identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-21-2550, 
dated December 6, 2013.
    (2) Airplanes identified in paragraph (h)(2) of this AD.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 21, Air 
conditioning.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of very high temperatures, near 
the floor in the aft lower lobe cargo compartment. We are issuing 
this AD to prevent overheating of the aft lower lobe cargo 
compartment, where, if temperature sensitive cargo is present, the 
release of flammable vapors could result in a fire or explosion if 
exposed to an ignition source.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Installation for Certain Airplanes (Interim Action)

    Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, remove the 
existing markers and install tape and new markers in the bulk cargo 
compartment, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-21-2544, Revision 2, 
dated December 11, 2014; or using a method approved in accordance 
with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD, as 
applicable. Accomplishing the actions specified in paragraph (h) of 
this AD within 12 months after the effective date of this AD 
terminates the requirements of this paragraph.

(h) Installation for All Airplanes (Terminating Action)

    Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, install an 
additional zone temperature sensor assembly in the aft cargo 
compartment, as specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD, 
as applicable. Doing this action within 12 months after the 
effective date of this AD terminates the requirements of paragraph 
(g) of this AD.
    (1) For airplanes identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-21-
2550, dated December 6, 2013: Do the actions in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 747-21-2550, 
dated December 6, 2013.
    (2) For airplanes having variable numbers RC021 and RC573: Do 
the actions using a method approved in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for removing the existing markers 
and installing tape and new markers in the bulk cargo compartment, 
as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Service 
Bulletin 747-21-2544, dated January 15, 2013; or Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 747-21-2544, Revision 1, dated September 
30, 2013. This service information 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: [email protected].
    (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.
    (4) If the service information contains steps that are labeled 
as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs 
(j)(4)(i) and (j)(4)(ii) apply.
    (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step 
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply 
with the AD. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps, 
including substeps and identified figures.
    (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted 
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection 
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC 
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done 
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD that is not incorporated 
by reference, contact Susan Monroe, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety 
and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue 
SW., Renton, WA; phone: 425-917-6457; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
[email protected].
    (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 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.

(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 Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-21-2544, 
Revision 2, dated December 11, 2014.
    (ii) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-21-2550, 
dated December 6, 2013.
    (3) 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.
    (4) You may view this 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.
    (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 May 21, 2015.
John P. Piccola, Jr.,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-13018 Filed 5-29-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P