81 FR 26682 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 86 (May 4, 2016)

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-8 series airplanes. This AD requires a detailed inspection for correct installation of the flex hose clamp of the occupant backup air supply and a general visual inspection for damage of the flex hose, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted by a report indicating that flex hoses of the occupant backup air supply were found disconnected from the adjacent fiberglass duct on two airplanes. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct an incorrect clamp installation on the inboard end of the flex hose, which allows the flex hose to slowly become disconnected from the adjacent fiberglass duct, and damage to the hose. This condition, in conjunction with a cargo fire event, can potentially lead to decreased airflow to the main deck, possibly resulting in smoke and/ or toxic fumes penetrating into the main deck passenger compartment, which could result in injury to the passengers or cabin crew.

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 86 (Wednesday, May 4, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 26682-26685]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-10158]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-6147; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-021-AD; 
Amendment 39-18506; AD 2016-09-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
The Boeing Company Model 747-8 series airplanes. This AD requires a 
detailed inspection for correct installation of the flex hose clamp of 
the occupant backup air supply and a general visual inspection for 
damage of the flex hose, and related investigative and corrective 
actions if necessary. This AD was prompted by a report indicating that 
flex hoses of the occupant backup air supply were found disconnected 
from the adjacent fiberglass duct on two airplanes. We are issuing this 
AD to detect and correct an incorrect clamp installation on the inboard 
end of the

[[Page 26683]]

flex hose, which allows the flex hose to slowly become disconnected 
from the adjacent fiberglass duct, and damage to the hose. This 
condition, in conjunction with a cargo fire event, can potentially lead 
to decreased airflow to the main deck, possibly resulting in smoke and/
or toxic fumes penetrating into the main deck passenger compartment, 
which could result in injury to the passengers or cabin crew.

DATES: This AD is effective May 19, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 19, 
2016.
    We must receive comments on this AD by June 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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this final rule, 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-
6147.

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-
6147; 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 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: Stanley Chen, Aerospace Engineer, 
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 
98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6585; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We have received a report indicating that an operator, while on a 
maintenance visit, found a flex hose of the occupant backup air supply 
disconnected from the adjacent fiberglass duct on two airplanes. One of 
the flex hoses had a tear on the disconnected edge. A Boeing 
investigation found that these incidents were caused by the incorrect 
clamp installation on the inboard end of the flex hose, which is a 
quality control problem that allowed the flex hose to slowly become 
disconnected from the adjacent fiberglass duct. No related system 
faults were reported. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct an 
incorrect clamp installation on the inboard end of the flex hose, which 
allows the flex hose to slowly become disconnected from the adjacent 
fiberglass duct, and damage to the hose. This condition, in conjunction 
with a cargo fire event, can potentially lead to decreased airflow to 
the main deck, possibly resulting in smoke and/or toxic fumes 
penetrating into the main deck passenger compartment, which could 
result in injury to the passengers or cabin crew.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-21A2571, dated 
December 4, 2015. The service information describes procedures for a 
detailed visual inspection of the clamp installation on the inboard end 
of the flex hose and general visual inspection of the flex hose for 
damage, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. 
This service information is reasonably available because the interested 
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by 
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination

    We are issuing 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.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service 
information described previously.
    The phrase ``related investigative actions'' is used in this AD. 
Related investigative actions are follow-on actions that (1) are 
related to the primary action, and (2) further investigate the nature 
of any condition found. Related investigative actions in an AD could 
include, for example, inspections.
    The phrase ``corrective actions'' is used in this AD. Corrective 
actions correct or address any condition found. Corrective actions in 
an AD could include, for example, repairs.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    There are currently no domestic operators of this product. 
Therefore, we find that notice and opportunity for prior public comment 
are unnecessary and that good cause exists for making this amendment 
effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public 
comment. However, we invite you to send any written data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2016-6147 and 
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-021-AD at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
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 AD.

Costs of Compliance

    Currently, there are no affected airplanes on the U.S. Register. 
However, if an affected airplane is imported and

[[Page 26684]]

placed on the U.S. Register in the future, we estimate the following 
costs to comply with this AD:

                             Estimated Costs
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Action                   Labor cost       Cost per product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection of inboard end of the  3 work-hours x $85  $255 per
 flex hose.                        per hour = $255     inspection cycle
                                   per inspection
                                   cycle.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repairs that 
would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no 
way of determining the number of aircraft that might need this repair:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                 Action                           Labor cost                  Parts cost              product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repair or replacement of inboard end of   Up to 3 work-hours x $85    $65 per flex hose.........            $320
 the flex hose.                            per hour = $255.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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):

2016-09-08 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18506; Docket No. FAA-
2016-6147; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-021-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective May 19, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-8 series 
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 747-21A2571, dated December 4, 2015.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report indicating that flex hoses of 
the occupant backup air supply were found disconnected from the 
adjacent fiberglass duct on two airplanes. We are issuing this AD to 
detect and correct an incorrect clamp installation on the inboard 
end of the flex hose, which allows the flex hose to slowly become 
disconnected from the adjacent fiberglass duct, and damage to the 
hose. This condition, in conjunction with a cargo fire event, can 
potentially lead to decreased airflow to the main deck, possibly 
resulting in smoke and/or toxic fumes penetrating into the main deck 
passenger compartment, which could result in injury to the 
passengers or cabin crew.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection and Repair of Backup Air Supply Clamp and Flex Hose

    Except as required by paragraph (h) of this AD, at the 
applicable time in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-21A2571, dated December 4, 2015, do a detailed 
inspection for correct installation of the backup air supply clamp, 
and before further flight, do all applicable related investigative 
and corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-21A2571, dated December 4, 2015.

(h) Exception to the Service Information

    Where paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-21A2571, dated December 4, 2015, specifies a compliance 
time ``after the original issue date of this service bulletin,'' 
this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance time 
after the effective date of this AD.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if

[[Page 26685]]

requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance 
with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or 
local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending 
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) 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 
(i)(4)(i) and (i)(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.

(j) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Stanley Chen, 
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, 
ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; phone: 425-917-6585; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
[email protected].

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-21A2571, dated December 4, 
2015.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (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 April 21, 2016.
John P. Piccola, Jr.,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-10158 Filed 5-3-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P