81_FR_19579 81 FR 19514 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

81 FR 19514 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 65 (April 5, 2016)

Page Range19514-19516
FR Document2016-07578

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-8 and 747-8F series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that static strength analysis has shown that the aluminum transmission aft bearing plate assemblies have inadequate structural strength for one or more of the required load cases, including cases for drive system jam, flap skew, and structural damage tolerance. Inadequate structural strength can result in damage to the transmission aft bearing plate assemblies. This proposed AD would require removing aluminum transmission aft bearing plate assemblies from the flap track and installing titanium transmission aft bearing plate assemblies to the flap track. We are proposing this AD to prevent inadequate structural strength of transmission aft bearing plate assemblies. This condition could result in damaged transmission aft bearing plate assemblies, which could result in incorrect operation and departure of the flap from the airplane and consequent loss of controllability of the airplane.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 65 (Tuesday, April 5, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 65 (Tuesday, April 5, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 19514-19516]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-07578]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-5041; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-102-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 747-8 and 747-8F series airplanes. 
This proposed AD was prompted by a report that static strength analysis 
has shown that the aluminum transmission aft bearing plate assemblies 
have inadequate structural strength for one or more of the required 
load cases, including cases for drive system jam, flap skew, and 
structural damage tolerance. Inadequate structural strength can result 
in damage to the transmission aft bearing plate assemblies. This 
proposed AD would require removing aluminum transmission aft bearing 
plate assemblies from the flap track and installing titanium 
transmission aft bearing plate assemblies to the flap track. We are 
proposing this AD to prevent inadequate structural strength of 
transmission aft bearing plate assemblies. This condition could result 
in damaged transmission aft bearing plate assemblies, which could 
result in incorrect operation and departure of the flap from the 
airplane and consequent loss of controllability of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 20, 2016.

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: 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. It 
is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-5041.

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-2016-

[[Page 19515]]

5041; 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: Bill Ashforth, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6432; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].

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-2016-5041; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-102-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 a report that static strength analysis has shown 
that the aluminum transmission aft bearing plate assemblies have 
inadequate structural strength for one or more of the required load 
cases, including cases for drive system jam, flap skew, and structural 
damage tolerance. These types of load cases can cause a flap 
transmission torque brake to engage, which will then cause additional 
loading on the transmission aft bearing plate assemblies common to that 
flap. This could cause damage to the transmission aft bearing plate 
assemblies. This condition, if not corrected, could result in 
transmission aft bearing plate assemblies working incorrectly or 
departure of the flap from the airplane, which could result in loss of 
controllability of the airplane.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-57A2348, dated June 
12, 2015. The service information describes procedures for removing the 
aluminum transmission aft bearing plate assembly from the flap track 
and installing a new titanium transmission aft bearing plate assembly 
to the flap track. 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 previously.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 11 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement...........................  114 work-hours x $85 per         $48,682         $58,372        $642,092
                                         hour = $9,690.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, all 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:

[[Page 19516]]

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-2016-5041; Directorate Identifier 
2015-NM-102-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by May 20, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-8 and 747-8F 
series airplanes, certified in any category, as identified in Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 747-57A2348, dated June 12, 2015.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report that static strength analysis 
has shown that the aluminum transmission aft bearing plate 
assemblies have inadequate structural strength for one or more of 
the required load cases, including cases for drive system jam, flap 
skew, and structural damage tolerance. Inadequate structural 
strength can result in damage to the transmission aft bearing plate 
assemblies. We are issuing this AD to prevent inadequate structural 
strength of transmission aft bearing plate assemblies. This 
condition could result in damaged transmission aft bearing plate 
assemblies, which could result in incorrect operation and departure 
of the flap from the airplane and consequent loss of controllability 
of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Replacement

    Within 48 months after the effective date of this AD: Remove 
aluminum transmission aft bearing plate assemblies from the flap 
track and install new titanium transmission aft bearing plate 
assemblies to the flap track, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-57A2348, dated 
June 12, 2015.

(h) 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 (i)(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, 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.
    (4) For service information that contains steps that are labeled 
as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs 
(h)(4)(i) and (h)(4)(ii) of this AD 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.

(i) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Bill Ashforth, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle ACO, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6432; 
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. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 24, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-07578 Filed 4-4-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                               19514                     Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 65 / Tuesday, April 5, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                               widespread fatigue damage (WFD). We are                 deviation, or alteration deviation must meet           AD was prompted by a report that static
                                               issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue           the certification basis of the airplane and the        strength analysis has shown that the
                                               cracking around certain fastener locations              approval must specifically refer to this AD.           aluminum transmission aft bearing plate
                                               that could cause multiple window corner                    (4) Except as required by paragraph (h) of
                                                                                                       this AD: For service information that
                                                                                                                                                              assemblies have inadequate structural
                                               skin cracks, which could result in rapid
                                               decompression and consequent reduced                    contains steps that are labeled as RC, the             strength for one or more of the required
                                               structural integrity of the airplane.                   provisions of paragraphs (i)(4)(i) and (i)(4)(ii)      load cases, including cases for drive
                                                                                                       of this AD apply.                                      system jam, flap skew, and structural
                                               (f) Compliance                                             (i) The steps labeled as RC, including              damage tolerance. Inadequate structural
                                                  Comply with this AD within the                       substeps under an RC step and any figures              strength can result in damage to the
                                               compliance times specified, unless already              identified in an RC step, must be done to              transmission aft bearing plate
                                               done.                                                   comply with the AD. An AMOC is required                assemblies. This proposed AD would
                                                                                                       for any deviations to RC steps, including
                                               (g) Repetitive Inspections and Repair
                                                                                                       substeps and identified figures.
                                                                                                                                                              require removing aluminum
                                                  At the applicable time specified in                     (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be                 transmission aft bearing plate
                                               paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing               deviated from using accepted methods in                assemblies from the flap track and
                                               Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1351, dated               accordance with the operator’s maintenance             installing titanium transmission aft
                                               July 8, 2015: Do an external high frequency             or inspection program without obtaining                bearing plate assemblies to the flap
                                               eddy current (HFEC) inspection for cracking             approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps,            track. We are proposing this AD to
                                               of the skin around the fastener locations at            including substeps and identified figures, can         prevent inadequate structural strength
                                               the upper forward and lower aft corners of              still be done as specified, and the airplane
                                               each window between station (STA) 360 and
                                                                                                                                                              of transmission aft bearing plate
                                                                                                       can be put back in an airworthy condition.
                                               STA 540, as applicable, and at the lower                                                                       assemblies. This condition could result
                                               forward and upper aft corners of each                   (j) Related Information                                in damaged transmission aft bearing
                                               window between STA 727 and STA 887, in                     (1) For more information about this AD,             plate assemblies, which could result in
                                               accordance with the Accomplishment                      contact Jason Deutschman, Aerospace                    incorrect operation and departure of the
                                               Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin           Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120S,                   flap from the airplane and consequent
                                               737–53A1351, dated July 8, 2015. Repeat the             FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,                loss of controllability of the airplane.
                                               inspection thereafter at the applicable times           Renton, WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–
                                               specified in paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of                                                                DATES: We must receive comments on
                                                                                                       6595; fax: 425–917–6590; email:
                                               Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–53A1351,              jason.deutschman@faa.gov.                              this proposed AD by May 20, 2016.
                                               dated July 8, 2015. If any crack is found                  (2) For service information identified in           ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
                                               during any inspection, repair before further            this AD, contact Boeing Commercial                     using the procedures found in 14 CFR
                                               flight using a method approved in                       Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services                  11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
                                               accordance with the procedures specified in             Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65,                   methods:
                                               paragraph (i) of this AD.                               Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone: 206–
                                                                                                                                                                 • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
                                                                                                       544–5000, extension 1; fax: 206–766–5680;
                                               (h) Exception to the Service Bulletin                                                                          http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
                                                                                                       Internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
                                               Specifications                                                                                                 instructions for submitting comments.
                                                                                                       You may view the referenced service
                                                 Although Boeing Alert Service Bulletin                information at the FAA, Transport Airplane                • Fax: 202–493–2251.
                                               737–53A1351, dated July 8, 2015, specifies to           Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,                • Mail: U.S. Department of
                                               contact Boeing for repair instructions, and             WA. For information on the availability of             Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
                                               specifies that action as ‘‘RC’’ (Required for           this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.           30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
                                               Compliance), this AD requires repair before
                                                                                                         Issued in Renton, Washington, on March               W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
                                               further flight using a method approved in
                                               accordance with the procedures specified in             24, 2016.                                              Washington, DC 20590.
                                               paragraph (i) of this AD.                               Michael Kaszycki,                                         • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
                                                                                                       Acting Manager, Transport Airplane                     address above between 9 a.m. and 5
                                               (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance                                                                          p.m., Monday through Friday, except
                                               (AMOCs)                                                 Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
                                                                                                       [FR Doc. 2016–07577 Filed 4–4–16; 8:45 am]             Federal holidays.
                                                  (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft                                                                              For service information identified in
                                               Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the                BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                                                                                                                                              this NPRM, contact Boeing Commercial
                                               authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
                                               requested using the procedures found in 14
                                                                                                                                                              Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services
                                               CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,             DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                           Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65,
                                               send your request to your principal inspector                                                                  Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone
                                               or local Flight Standards District Office, as           Federal Aviation Administration                        206–544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–
                                               appropriate. If sending information directly                                                                   766–5680; Internet https://
                                               to the manager of the ACO, send it to the               14 CFR Part 39                                         www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view
                                               attention of the person identified in                                                                          this referenced service information at
                                               paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. Information may            [Docket No. FAA–2016–5041; Directorate
                                                                                                       Identifier 2015–NM–102–AD]                             the FAA, Transport Airplane
                                               be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-
                                               Requests@faa.gov.
                                                                                                                                                              Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
                                                                                                       RIN 2120–AA64                                          Renton, WA. For information on the
                                                  (2) Before using any approved AMOC,
                                               notify your appropriate principal inspector,                                                                   availability of this material at the FAA,
                                                                                                       Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing                   call 425–227–1221. It is also available
                                               or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
                                               of the local flight standards district office/          Company Airplanes                                      on the Internet at http://
                                               certificate holding district office.                    AGENCY: Federal Aviation                               www.regulations.gov by searching for
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                                                  (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable              Administration (FAA), DOT.                             and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
                                               level of safety may be used for any repair,                                                                    5041.
                                               modification, or alteration required by this            ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
                                               AD if it is approved by the Boeing                      (NPRM).                                                Examining the AD Docket
                                               Commercial Airplanes Organization
                                               Designation Authorization (ODA) that has                SUMMARY:  We propose to adopt a new                      You may examine the AD docket on
                                               been authorized by the Manager, Seattle                 airworthiness directive (AD) for certain               the Internet at http://
                                               ACO, to make those findings. To be                      The Boeing Company Model 747–8 and                     www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                               approved, the repair method, modification               747–8F series airplanes. This proposed                 and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–


                                          VerDate Sep<11>2014   13:17 Apr 04, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00015   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\05APP1.SGM   05APP1


                                                                            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 65 / Tuesday, April 5, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                            19515

                                               5041; or in person at the Docket                           proposed AD because of those                           Related Service Information Under 1
                                               Management Facility between 9 a.m.                         comments.                                              CFR Part 51
                                               and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,                           We will post all comments we                            We reviewed Boeing Alert Service
                                               except Federal holidays. The AD docket                     receive, without change, to http://                    Bulletin 747–57A2348, dated June 12,
                                               contains this proposed AD, the                             www.regulations.gov, including any                     2015. The service information describes
                                               regulatory evaluation, any comments                                                                               procedures for removing the aluminum
                                                                                                          personal information you provide. We
                                               received, and other information. The                                                                              transmission aft bearing plate assembly
                                                                                                          will also post a report summarizing each
                                               street address for the Docket Office                                                                              from the flap track and installing a new
                                               (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the                            substantive verbal contact we receive
                                                                                                          about this proposed AD.                                titanium transmission aft bearing plate
                                               ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
                                                                                                                                                                 assembly to the flap track. This service
                                               available in the AD docket shortly after                   Discussion                                             information is reasonably available
                                               receipt.                                                                                                          because the interested parties have
                                               FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill                         We have received a report that static
                                                                                                                                                                 access to it through their normal course
                                               Ashforth, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe                     strength analysis has shown that the
                                                                                                                                                                 of business or by the means identified
                                               Branch, ANM–120S, FAA, Seattle                             aluminum transmission aft bearing plate                in the ADDRESSES section.
                                               Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601                  assemblies have inadequate structural
                                               Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–                         strength for one or more of the required               FAA’s Determination
                                               3356; phone: 425–917–6432; fax: 425–                       load cases, including cases for drive                    We are proposing this AD because we
                                               917–6590; email: bill.ashforth@faa.gov.                    system jam, flap skew, and structural                  evaluated all the relevant information
                                               SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                                 damage tolerance. These types of load                  and determined the unsafe condition
                                                                                                          cases can cause a flap transmission                    described previously is likely to exist or
                                               Comments Invited
                                                                                                          torque brake to engage, which will then                develop in other products of the same
                                                 We invite you to send any written                        cause additional loading on the                        type design.
                                               relevant data, views, or arguments about                   transmission aft bearing plate
                                               this proposal. Send your comments to                                                                              Proposed AD Requirements
                                                                                                          assemblies common to that flap. This
                                               an address listed under the ADDRESSES                      could cause damage to the transmission                   This proposed AD would require
                                               section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–                         aft bearing plate assemblies. This                     accomplishing the actions specified in
                                               2016–5041; Directorate Identifier 2015–                    condition, if not corrected, could result              the service information described
                                               NM–102–AD’’ at the beginning of your                       in transmission aft bearing plate                      previously.
                                               comments. We specifically invite
                                                                                                          assemblies working incorrectly or                      Costs of Compliance
                                               comments on the overall regulatory,
                                                                                                          departure of the flap from the airplane,
                                               economic, environmental, and energy                                                                                  We estimate that this proposed AD
                                                                                                          which could result in loss of
                                               aspects of this proposed AD. We will                                                                              affects 11 airplanes of U.S. registry.
                                               consider all comments received by the                      controllability of the airplane.                          We estimate the following costs to
                                               closing date and may amend this                                                                                   comply with this proposed AD:
                                                                                                                        ESTIMATED COSTS
                                                                                                                                                                                  Cost per     Cost on U.S.
                                                              Action                                                Labor cost                                  Parts cost        product       operators

                                               Replacement ..........................   114 work-hours × $85 per hour = $9,690 ..............................        $48,682         $58,372       $642,092



                                                 According to the manufacturer, all of                    for practices, methods, and procedures                   (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
                                               the costs of this proposed AD may be                       the Administrator finds necessary for                  the DOT Regulatory Policies and
                                               covered under warranty, thereby                            safety in air commerce. This regulation                Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26,
                                               reducing the cost impact on affected                       is within the scope of that authority                  1979),
                                               individuals. We do not control warranty                    because it addresses an unsafe condition                 (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
                                               coverage for affected individuals. As a                    that is likely to exist or develop on
                                                                                                                                                                 in Alaska, and
                                               result, we have included all costs in our                  products identified in this rulemaking
                                               cost estimate.                                             action.                                                  (4) Will not have a significant
                                                                                                                                                                 economic impact, positive or negative,
                                               Authority for This Rulemaking                              Regulatory Findings                                    on a substantial number of small entities
                                                  Title 49 of the United States Code                        We determined that this proposed AD                  under the criteria of the Regulatory
                                               specifies the FAA’s authority to issue                     would not have federalism implications                 Flexibility Act.
                                               rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,                      under Executive Order 13132. This
                                               section 106, describes the authority of                                                                           List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
                                                                                                          proposed AD would not have a
                                               the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:                       substantial direct effect on the States, on
                                               Aviation Programs, describes in more                                                                                Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
                                                                                                          the relationship between the national                  safety, Incorporation by reference,
                                               detail the scope of the Agency’s                           Government and the States, or on the                   Safety.
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                                               authority.
                                                                                                          distribution of power and
                                                  We are issuing this rulemaking under                                                                           The Proposed Amendment
                                                                                                          responsibilities among the various
                                               the authority described in Subtitle VII,
                                               Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:                        levels of government.
                                                                                                                                                                   Accordingly, under the authority
                                               ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that                         For the reasons discussed above, I                   delegated to me by the Administrator,
                                               section, Congress charges the FAA with                     certify this proposed regulation:                      the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
                                               promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in                   (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory                39 as follows:
                                               air commerce by prescribing regulations                    action’’ under Executive Order 12866,


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                                               19516                     Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 65 / Tuesday, April 5, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                               PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS                                   send your request to your principal inspector          DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                               DIRECTIVES                                              or local Flight Standards District Office, as
                                                                                                       appropriate. If sending information directly           Federal Aviation Administration
                                               ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39                 to the manager of the ACO, send it to the
                                               continues to read as follows:                           attention of the person identified in                  14 CFR Part 39
                                                   Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.          paragraph (i)(1) of this AD. Information may
                                                                                                                                                              [Docket No. FAA–2016–4123; Directorate
                                                                                                       be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-
                                                                                                                                                              Identifier 2016–NE–06–AD]
                                               § 39.13   [Amended]                                     Requests@faa.gov.
                                               ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding                      (2) Before using any approved AMOC,                 RIN 2120–AA64
                                               the following new airworthiness                         notify your appropriate principal inspector,
                                                                                                       or lacking a principal inspector, the manager          Airworthiness Directives; International
                                               directive (AD):
                                                                                                       of the local flight standards district office/         Aero Engines AG Turbofan Engines
                                               The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA–                     certificate holding district office.
                                                   2016–5041; Directorate Identifier 2015–                                                                    AGENCY: Federal Aviation
                                                                                                          (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable             Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                                   NM–102–AD.
                                                                                                       level of safety may be used for any repair,
                                               (a) Comments Due Date                                                                                          ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
                                                                                                       modification, or alteration required by this
                                                                                                       AD if it is approved by the Boeing                     (NPRM).
                                                 We must receive comments by May 20,
                                               2016.                                                   Commercial Airplanes Organization                      SUMMARY:    We propose to adopt a new
                                                                                                       Designation Authorization (ODA) that has               airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
                                               (b) Affected ADs
                                                                                                       been authorized by the Manager, Seattle                International Aero Engines AG (IAE)
                                                 None.                                                 ACO, to make those findings. To be                     V2522–A5, V2524–A5, V2525–D5,
                                               (c) Applicability                                       approved, the repair method, modification              V2527–A5, V2527E–A5, V2527M–A5,
                                                  This AD applies to The Boeing Company                deviation, or alteration deviation must meet
                                                                                                                                                              V2528–D5, V2530–A5, and V2533–A5
                                               Model 747–8 and 747–8F series airplanes,                the certification basis of the airplane, and the
                                                                                                                                                              turbofan engines. This proposed AD was
                                               certified in any category, as identified in             approval must specifically refer to this AD.
                                                                                                                                                              prompted by the fracture of the high-
                                               Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747–57A2348,                 (4) For service information that contains
                                                                                                                                                              pressure turbine (HPT) stage 2 hub
                                               dated June 12, 2015.                                    steps that are labeled as Required for
                                                                                                                                                              during flight, which resulted in an in-
                                                                                                       Compliance (RC), the provisions of
                                               (d) Subject                                                                                                    flight shutdown (IFSD), undercowl fire,
                                                                                                       paragraphs (h)(4)(i) and (h)(4)(ii) of this AD
                                                 Air Transport Association (ATA) of                    apply.
                                                                                                                                                              and smoke in the cabin. This proposed
                                               America Code 57, Wings.
                                                                                                          (i) The steps labeled as RC, including
                                                                                                                                                              AD would require inspecting the HPT
                                               (e) Unsafe Condition                                    substeps under an RC step and any figures
                                                                                                                                                              stage 1 hub and HPT stage 2 hub, and,
                                                                                                       identified in an RC step, must be done to              if necessary, their replacement with
                                                  This AD was prompted by a report that                                                                       parts that are eligible for installation.
                                               static strength analysis has shown that the             comply with the AD. An AMOC is required
                                               aluminum transmission aft bearing plate                 for any deviations to RC steps, including              We are proposing this AD to prevent
                                               assemblies have inadequate structural                   substeps and identified figures.                       failure of the HPT stage 1 or HPT stage
                                               strength for one or more of the required load              (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be                 2 hubs, which could result in
                                               cases, including cases for drive system jam,            deviated from using accepted methods in                uncontained HPT blade release, damage
                                               flap skew, and structural damage tolerance.             accordance with the operator’s maintenance             to the engine, and damage to the
                                               Inadequate structural strength can result in            or inspection program without obtaining                airplane.
                                               damage to the transmission aft bearing plate
                                                                                                       approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps,            DATES:  We must receive comments on
                                               assemblies. We are issuing this AD to prevent
                                                                                                       including substeps and identified figures, can         this proposed AD by June 6, 2016.
                                               inadequate structural strength of
                                               transmission aft bearing plate assemblies.              still be done as specified, and the airplane           ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
                                               This condition could result in damaged                  can be put back in an airworthy condition.             using the procedures found in 14 CFR
                                               transmission aft bearing plate assemblies,              (i) Related Information                                11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
                                               which could result in incorrect operation and                                                                  methods:
                                               departure of the flap from the airplane and               (1) For more information about this AD,
                                                                                                       contact Bill Ashforth, Aerospace Engineer,
                                                                                                                                                                • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
                                               consequent loss of controllability of the
                                               airplane.                                               Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA, Seattle
                                                                                                                                                              http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
                                                                                                       ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA                  instructions for submitting comments.
                                               (f) Compliance
                                                                                                       98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6432; fax: 425–               • Fax: 202–493–2251.
                                                  Comply with this AD within the                       917–6590; email: bill.ashforth@faa.gov.
                                                                                                                                                                • Mail: U.S. Department of
                                               compliance times specified, unless already                (2) For service information identified in            Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
                                               done.                                                                                                          30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
                                                                                                       this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
                                               (g) Replacement                                         Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services                  W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
                                                                                                       Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65,                   Washington, DC 20590.
                                                  Within 48 months after the effective date
                                                                                                       Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone 206–                   • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
                                               of this AD: Remove aluminum transmission
                                               aft bearing plate assemblies from the flap              544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766–5680;               address above between 9 a.m. and 5
                                               track and install new titanium transmission             Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. For            p.m., Monday through Friday, except
                                               aft bearing plate assemblies to the flap track,         information on the availability of this                Federal holidays.
                                               in accordance with the Accomplishment                   material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.                  For service information identified in
                                               Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin                                                                  this NPRM, contact International Aero
                                                                                                         Issued in Renton, Washington, on March
Lhorne on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                               747–57A2348, dated June 12, 2015.                                                                              Engines AG, 400 Main Street, East
                                                                                                       24, 2016.                                              Hartford, CT 06118; phone: 860–368–
                                               (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance
                                               (AMOCs)                                                 Michael Kaszycki,                                      3700; fax: 860–368–4600; email:
                                                 (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft                     Acting Manager, Transport Airplane                     iaeinfo@iaev2500.com; Internet: https://
                                               Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the                Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.           www.iaeworld.com. You may view this
                                               authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if              [FR Doc. 2016–07578 Filed 4–4–16; 8:45 am]             service information at the FAA, Engine
                                               requested using the procedures found in 14              BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                 & Propeller Directorate, 1200 District
                                               CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,                                                                    Avenue, Burlington, MA. For


                                          VerDate Sep<11>2014   13:17 Apr 04, 2016   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00017   Fmt 4702   Sfmt 4702   E:\FR\FM\05APP1.SGM   05APP1



Document Created: 2018-02-07 13:53:54
Document Modified: 2018-02-07 13:53:54
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionNotice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
DatesWe must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 20, 2016.
ContactBill Ashforth, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917- 6432; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected]
FR Citation81 FR 19514 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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