81_FR_9402 81 FR 9365 - Special Conditions: L-3 Communications Integrated Systems; Boeing Model 747-8 Series Airplanes, Large Non-Structural Glass in the Passenger Compartment

81 FR 9365 - Special Conditions: L-3 Communications Integrated Systems; Boeing Model 747-8 Series Airplanes, Large Non-Structural Glass in the Passenger Compartment

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 37 (February 25, 2016)

Page Range9365-9367
FR Document2016-03996

This action proposes special conditions for the Boeing Model 747-8 airplane. This airplane, as modified by L-3 Communications Integrated Systems, will have a novel or unusual design feature when compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness standards for transport-category airplanes. This design feature is large, non-structural glass panels in the passenger compartment. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These proposed special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 37 (Thursday, February 25, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 37 (Thursday, February 25, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 9365-9367]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-03996]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 25

[Docket No. FAA-2015-3324; Notice No. 25-16-04-SC]


Special Conditions: L-3 Communications Integrated Systems; Boeing 
Model 747-8 Series Airplanes, Large Non-Structural Glass in the 
Passenger Compartment

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed special conditions.

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

SUMMARY: This action proposes special conditions for the Boeing Model 
747-8 airplane. This airplane, as modified by L-3 Communications 
Integrated Systems, will have a novel or unusual design feature when 
compared to the state of technology envisioned in the airworthiness 
standards for transport-category airplanes. This design feature is 
large, non-structural glass panels in the passenger compartment. The 
applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain adequate or 
appropriate safety standards for this design feature. These proposed 
special conditions contain the additional safety standards that the 
Administrator considers necessary to establish a level of safety 
equivalent to that established by the existing airworthiness standards.

DATES: Send your comments on or before March 28, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Send comments identified by docket number FAA-2015-3324 
using any of the following methods:
     Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov/ and follow the online instructions for sending 
your comments electronically.
     Mail: Send comments to Docket Operations, M-30, U.S. 
Department of Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room 
W12-140, West Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC, 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery or Courier: Take comments to Docket 
Operations in Room W12-140 of the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Fax: Fax comments to Docket Operations at 202-493-2251.
    Privacy: The FAA will post all comments it receives, without 
change, to http://www.regulations.gov/, including any personal 
information the commenter provides. Using the search function of the 
docket Web site, anyone can find and read the electronic form of all 
comments received into any FAA docket, including the name of the 
individual sending the comment (or signing the comment for an 
association, business, labor union, etc.). DOT's complete Privacy Act 
Statement can be found in the Federal Register published on April 11, 
2000 (65 FR 19477-19478), as well as at http://DocketsInfo.dot.gov/.
    Docket: Background documents or comments received may be read at 
http://www.regulations.gov/ at any time. Follow the online instructions 
for accessing the docket or go to Docket Operations in Room W12-140 of 
the West Building Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jayson Claar, FAA, Airframe and Cabin 
Safety, ANM-115, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington, 98057-3356; 
telephone 425-227-2194; facsimile 425-227-1320.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite interested people to take part in this rulemaking by 
sending written comments, data, or views. The most helpful comments 
reference a specific portion of the special conditions, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data.
    We will consider all comments we receive by the closing date for 
comments. We may change these special conditions based on the comments 
we receive.

Background

    On May 10, 2011, L-3 Communications Integrated Systems applied for 
a supplemental type certificate for large, non-structural glass panels 
in the passenger compartment in Boeing Model 747-8 airplanes. The Model 
747-8 airplane is a derivative of the Boeing Model 747-400 airplane 
currently approved under type certificate no. A20WE. The airplane, as 
modified by L-3 Communications Integrated Systems, is a four-engine, 
jet-transport airplane that will have a maximum takeoff weight of 
970,000 lbs, capacity for 24 crewmembers, and taxi, takeoff, and 
landing seating for 143 passengers.

Type Certification Basis

    The certification basis for the Boeing Model 747-8 airplane, as 
defined in type certificate no. A20WE, is title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations (14 CFR) part 25 as amended by amendments 25-1 through 25-
120, with exceptions for structures and systems that were unchanged 
from the 747-400 design.
    Under the provisions of Sec.  21.101, L-3 Communications Integrated 
Systems must show that the Model 747-8 airplane, as changed, continues 
to meet the applicable provisions of the regulations listed in type 
certificate no. A20WE, or the applicable regulations in effect on the 
date of application for the change, except for earlier amendments as 
agreed upon by the FAA.
    The regulations listed in the type certificate are commonly 
referred to as the ``original type certification basis.''
    In addition, the certification basis includes certain special 
conditions, exemptions, or later amended sections of the applicable 
part that are not relevant to these special conditions.
    If the Administrator finds that the applicable airworthiness 
regulations (i.e., 14 CFR part 25) do not contain adequate or 
appropriate safety standards for the Boeing Model 747-8 airplane 
because of a novel or unusual design feature, special conditions are 
prescribed under the provisions of Sec.  21.16.
    Special conditions are initially applicable to the model for which 
they are issued. Should the applicant apply for a supplemental type 
certificate to modify any other model included on the same type 
certificate to incorporate the same novel or unusual design feature, 
these special conditions would also apply to the other model under 
Sec.  21.101.
    In addition to the applicable airworthiness regulations and special 
conditions, the Model 747-8 airplane must comply with the fuel-vent and 
exhaust-emission requirements of 14 CFR part 34 and the noise-
certification requirements of 14 CFR part 36.
    The FAA issues special conditions, as defined in 14 CFR 11.19, in 
accordance with Sec.  11.38, and they become part of the type 
certification basis under Sec.  21.101.

[[Page 9366]]

Novel or Unusual Design Features

    L-3 Communications Integrated Systems is modifying a Boeing Model 
747-8 airplane to install a head-of-state interior arrangement. This 
airplane, as modified, will have a novel or unusual design feature 
associated with the installation of large, non-structural glass panels 
in the cabin area of an executive interior occupied by passengers and 
crew. The installation of these glass items in the passenger 
compartment, which can be occupied during taxi, takeoff, and landing, 
is a novel or unusual design feature with respect to the material being 
installed. The applicable airworthiness regulations do not contain 
adequate or appropriate safety standards for this design feature.
    The use of glass has resulted in trade-offs between the one unique 
characteristic of glass--its capability for undistorted or controlled 
light transmittance, or transparency--and the negative aspects of the 
material, such as extreme notch-sensitivity, low fracture resistance, 
low modulus of elasticity, and highly variable properties. While 
reasonably strong, glass is nonetheless not a desirable material for 
traditional airplane applications because it is heavy (about the same 
density as aluminum), and when it fails, it breaks into extremely sharp 
fragments that have the potential for injury and have been known to be 
lethal. Thus the use of glass traditionally has been limited to 
windshields, and instrument or display transparencies. The regulations 
only address, and thus only recognize, the use of glass in windshield 
or window applications. These regulations do address the adverse 
properties of glass, but even so, pilots are occasionally injured from 
shattered glass windshields. FAA policy allows glass on instruments and 
display transparencies.
    Other installations of large, non-structural glass items have 
included the following:
     Glass panels integrated onto a stairway handrail closeout.
     Glass panels mounted in doors to allow visibility through 
the door when desired.
     Glass doors on some galley compartments containing small 
amounts of service items.

Discussion

    No specific regulations address the design and installation of 
large glass components in airplane passenger cabins. Existing 
requirements, such as Sec. Sec.  25.561, 25.562, 25.601, 25.603, 
25.613, 25.775, and 25.789, in the Boeing Model 747-8 airplane 
certification basis applicable to this supplemental type certificate 
project, provide some design standards appropriate for large glass 
component installations. However, additional design standards for non-
structural glass augmenting the existing design are needed to 
complement the existing requirements. The addition of glass involved in 
this installation, and the potentially unsafe conditions caused by 
damage to such components from external sources, necessitate assuring 
that adequate safety standards are applied to the design and 
installation of the feature in Boeing Model 747-8 airplanes.
    For purposes of these special conditions, a large glass component 
is defined as a glass component weighing 4 kg (9 lbs) or more. 
Groupings of glass items that individually weigh less than 4 kg, but 
collectively weigh 4 kg or more, also would need to be included. The 
proposed special conditions also apply when showing compliance with the 
applicable performance standards in the regulations for the 
installation of these components. For example, heat-release and smoke-
density testing must not result in fragmentation of the component.
    These proposed special conditions will reduce the hazards from 
breakage, or from these panels' potential separation from the cabin 
interior. These proposed special conditions contain the additional 
safety standards that the Administrator considers necessary to 
establish a level of safety equivalent to that established by the 
existing airworthiness standards.

Applicability

    As discussed above, these special conditions are applicable to 
Boeing Model 747-8 series airplanes. Should L-3 Communications 
Integrated Systems apply at a later date for a supplemental type 
certificate to modify any other model included on type certificate no. 
A20WE to incorporate the same novel or unusual design feature, these 
special conditions would apply to that model as well.

Conclusion

    This action affects only certain novel or unusual design features 
on one model series of airplane. It is not a rule of general 
applicability and affects only the applicant who applied to the FAA for 
approval of these features on the airplane.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25

    Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

    The authority citation for these special conditions is as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701, 44702, 44704.

The Proposed Special Conditions

    For large glass components installed in a cabin occupied by 
passengers or crew who are not otherwise protected from the injurious 
effects of failure of the glass installations, the L-3 Communications 
Integrated Systems glass installations on this Boeing 747-8 airplane 
must meet the following conditions:
    1. Material: The glass used must be tempered or otherwise treated 
to ensure that when fractured, it breaks into small pieces with 
relatively dull edges. This must be demonstrated by testing to failure.
    2. Fragmentation: The glass-component installation must control the 
fragmentation of the glass to minimize the danger from flying glass 
shards or pieces. This must be demonstrated by impact and puncture 
testing to failure.
    3. Component Strength: The glass component must be strong enough to 
meet the load requirements for all flight and landing loads, including 
any of the applicable emergency-landing conditions in subparts C & D of 
14 CFR part 25. In addition, glass components that are located such 
that they are not protected from contact with cabin occupants must not 
fail due to abusive loading, such as impact from occupants stumbling 
into, leaning against, sitting on, or performing other intentional or 
unintentional forceful contact with the glass component. The effect of 
design details such as geometric discontinuities or surface finish, 
e.g., embossing, etching, etc., must be assessed.
    4. Component Retention: The glass component, as installed in the 
airplane, must not come free of its restraint or mounting system in the 
event of an emergency landing. Both the directional loading and rebound 
conditions must be assessed. The effect of design details such as 
geometric discontinuities or surface finish, e.g., embossing, etching, 
etc., must be assessed.
    5. Instructions for Continued Airworthiness: The instructions for 
continued airworthiness must reflect the method used to fasten the 
panel to the cabin interior and must ensure the reliability of the 
methods used, e.g., life limit of adhesives, or clamp connection. The 
applicant must define any inspection methods and intervals based upon 
adhesion data from the manufacturer of the adhesive, or upon actual 
adhesion-test data, if necessary.


[[Page 9367]]


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 16, 2016.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-03996 Filed 2-24-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                                       Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 37 / Thursday, February 25, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                           9365

                                                 The applicant must define any                              • Hand Delivery or Courier: Take                   Model 747–8 airplane is a derivative of
                                                 inspection methods and intervals based                  comments to Docket Operations in                      the Boeing Model 747–400 airplane
                                                 upon adhesion data from the                             Room W12–140 of the West Building                     currently approved under type
                                                 manufacturer of the adhesive, or upon                   Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey                       certificate no. A20WE. The airplane, as
                                                 actual adhesion-test data, if necessary.                Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9                 modified by L–3 Communications
                                                   Issued in Renton, Washington, on February             a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through                       Integrated Systems, is a four-engine, jet-
                                                 16, 2016.                                               Friday, except Federal holidays.                      transport airplane that will have a
                                                 Dionne Palermo,                                            • Fax: Fax comments to Docket                      maximum takeoff weight of 970,000 lbs,
                                                 Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
                                                                                                         Operations at 202–493–2251.                           capacity for 24 crewmembers, and taxi,
                                                 Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.               Privacy: The FAA will post all                     takeoff, and landing seating for 143
                                                 [FR Doc. 2016–03997 Filed 2–24–16; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                         comments it receives, without change,                 passengers.
                                                                                                         to http://www.regulations.gov/,                       Type Certification Basis
                                                 BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                                                                                         including any personal information the
                                                                                                         commenter provides. Using the search                     The certification basis for the Boeing
                                                                                                         function of the docket Web site, anyone               Model 747–8 airplane, as defined in
                                                 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                                                                                  type certificate no. A20WE, is title 14,
                                                                                                         can find and read the electronic form of
                                                 Federal Aviation Administration                         all comments received into any FAA                    Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR)
                                                                                                         docket, including the name of the                     part 25 as amended by amendments 25–
                                                 14 CFR Part 25                                          individual sending the comment (or                    1 through 25–120, with exceptions for
                                                                                                         signing the comment for an association,               structures and systems that were
                                                 [Docket No. FAA–2015–3324; Notice No. 25–                                                                     unchanged from the 747–400 design.
                                                                                                         business, labor union, etc.). DOT’s
                                                 16–04–SC]                                                                                                        Under the provisions of § 21.101, L–
                                                                                                         complete Privacy Act Statement can be
                                                                                                         found in the Federal Register published               3 Communications Integrated Systems
                                                 Special Conditions: L–3                                                                                       must show that the Model 747–8
                                                 Communications Integrated Systems;                      on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–19478),
                                                                                                         as well as at                                         airplane, as changed, continues to meet
                                                 Boeing Model 747–8 Series Airplanes,                                                                          the applicable provisions of the
                                                 Large Non-Structural Glass in the                       http://DocketsInfo.dot.gov/.
                                                                                                            Docket: Background documents or                    regulations listed in type certificate no.
                                                 Passenger Compartment                                                                                         A20WE, or the applicable regulations in
                                                                                                         comments received may be read at
                                                 AGENCY: Federal Aviation                                http://www.regulations.gov/ at any time.              effect on the date of application for the
                                                 Administration (FAA), DOT.                              Follow the online instructions for                    change, except for earlier amendments
                                                 ACTION: Notice of proposed special                      accessing the docket or go to Docket                  as agreed upon by the FAA.
                                                                                                         Operations in Room W12–140 of the                        The regulations listed in the type
                                                 conditions.
                                                                                                         West Building Ground Floor at 1200                    certificate are commonly referred to as
                                                 SUMMARY:    This action proposes special                New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,                    the ‘‘original type certification basis.’’
                                                 conditions for the Boeing Model 747–8                                                                            In addition, the certification basis
                                                                                                         DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
                                                 airplane. This airplane, as modified by                                                                       includes certain special conditions,
                                                                                                         through Friday, except Federal holidays.
                                                 L–3 Communications Integrated                                                                                 exemptions, or later amended sections
                                                                                                         FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      of the applicable part that are not
                                                 Systems, will have a novel or unusual                   Jayson Claar, FAA, Airframe and Cabin
                                                 design feature when compared to the                                                                           relevant to these special conditions.
                                                                                                         Safety, ANM–115, Transport Airplane                      If the Administrator finds that the
                                                 state of technology envisioned in the                   Directorate, Aircraft Certification
                                                 airworthiness standards for transport-                                                                        applicable airworthiness regulations
                                                                                                         Service, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,                        (i.e., 14 CFR part 25) do not contain
                                                 category airplanes. This design feature                 Renton, Washington, 98057–3356;
                                                 is large, non-structural glass panels in                                                                      adequate or appropriate safety standards
                                                                                                         telephone 425–227–2194; facsimile                     for the Boeing Model 747–8 airplane
                                                 the passenger compartment. The                          425–227–1320.
                                                 applicable airworthiness regulations do                                                                       because of a novel or unusual design
                                                                                                         SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            feature, special conditions are
                                                 not contain adequate or appropriate
                                                 safety standards for this design feature.                                                                     prescribed under the provisions of
                                                                                                         Comments Invited
                                                 These proposed special conditions                                                                             § 21.16.
                                                                                                           We invite interested people to take                    Special conditions are initially
                                                 contain the additional safety standards
                                                                                                         part in this rulemaking by sending                    applicable to the model for which they
                                                 that the Administrator considers
                                                                                                         written comments, data, or views. The                 are issued. Should the applicant apply
                                                 necessary to establish a level of safety
                                                                                                         most helpful comments reference a                     for a supplemental type certificate to
                                                 equivalent to that established by the
                                                                                                         specific portion of the special                       modify any other model included on the
                                                 existing airworthiness standards.
                                                                                                         conditions, explain the reason for any                same type certificate to incorporate the
                                                 DATES: Send your comments on or                         recommended change, and include                       same novel or unusual design feature,
                                                 before March 28, 2016.                                  supporting data.                                      these special conditions would also
                                                 ADDRESSES: Send comments identified                       We will consider all comments we                    apply to the other model under § 21.101.
                                                 by docket number FAA–2015–3324                          receive by the closing date for                          In addition to the applicable
                                                 using any of the following methods:                     comments. We may change these special                 airworthiness regulations and special
                                                    • Federal eRegulations Portal: Go to                 conditions based on the comments we                   conditions, the Model 747–8 airplane
                                                 http://www.regulations.gov/ and follow                  receive.                                              must comply with the fuel-vent and
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                                                 the online instructions for sending your                                                                      exhaust-emission requirements of 14
                                                 comments electronically.                                Background
                                                                                                                                                               CFR part 34 and the noise-certification
                                                    • Mail: Send comments to Docket                        On May 10, 2011, L–3                                requirements of 14 CFR part 36.
                                                 Operations, M–30, U.S. Department of                    Communications Integrated Systems                        The FAA issues special conditions, as
                                                 Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey                   applied for a supplemental type                       defined in 14 CFR 11.19, in accordance
                                                 Avenue SE., Room W12–140, West                          certificate for large, non-structural glass           with § 11.38, and they become part of
                                                 Building Ground Floor, Washington,                      panels in the passenger compartment in                the type certification basis under
                                                 DC, 20590–0001.                                         Boeing Model 747–8 airplanes. The                     § 21.101.


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                                                 9366                  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 37 / Thursday, February 25, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                                 Novel or Unusual Design Features                        certification basis applicable to this                  The authority citation for these
                                                    L–3 Communications Integrated                        supplemental type certificate project,                special conditions is as follows:
                                                 Systems is modifying a Boeing Model                     provide some design standards                           Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701,
                                                 747–8 airplane to install a head-of-state               appropriate for large glass component                 44702, 44704.
                                                 interior arrangement. This airplane, as                 installations. However, additional
                                                                                                         design standards for non-structural glass             The Proposed Special Conditions
                                                 modified, will have a novel or unusual
                                                 design feature associated with the                      augmenting the existing design are                       For large glass components installed
                                                 installation of large, non-structural glass             needed to complement the existing                     in a cabin occupied by passengers or
                                                 panels in the cabin area of an executive                requirements. The addition of glass                   crew who are not otherwise protected
                                                 interior occupied by passengers and                     involved in this installation, and the                from the injurious effects of failure of
                                                 crew. The installation of these glass                   potentially unsafe conditions caused by               the glass installations, the L–3
                                                 items in the passenger compartment,                     damage to such components from                        Communications Integrated Systems
                                                 which can be occupied during taxi,                      external sources, necessitate assuring                glass installations on this Boeing 747–8
                                                 takeoff, and landing, is a novel or                     that adequate safety standards are                    airplane must meet the following
                                                 unusual design feature with respect to                  applied to the design and installation of             conditions:
                                                 the material being installed. The                       the feature in Boeing Model 747–8
                                                                                                                                                                  1. Material: The glass used must be
                                                 applicable airworthiness regulations do                 airplanes.
                                                                                                                                                               tempered or otherwise treated to ensure
                                                 not contain adequate or appropriate                        For purposes of these special                      that when fractured, it breaks into small
                                                 safety standards for this design feature.               conditions, a large glass component is                pieces with relatively dull edges. This
                                                    The use of glass has resulted in trade-              defined as a glass component weighing                 must be demonstrated by testing to
                                                 offs between the one unique                             4 kg (9 lbs) or more. Groupings of glass              failure.
                                                 characteristic of glass—its capability for              items that individually weigh less than
                                                                                                         4 kg, but collectively weigh 4 kg or                     2. Fragmentation: The glass-
                                                 undistorted or controlled light                                                                               component installation must control the
                                                 transmittance, or transparency—and the                  more, also would need to be included.
                                                                                                         The proposed special conditions also                  fragmentation of the glass to minimize
                                                 negative aspects of the material, such as                                                                     the danger from flying glass shards or
                                                 extreme notch-sensitivity, low fracture                 apply when showing compliance with
                                                                                                         the applicable performance standards in               pieces. This must be demonstrated by
                                                 resistance, low modulus of elasticity,                                                                        impact and puncture testing to failure.
                                                 and highly variable properties. While                   the regulations for the installation of
                                                                                                         these components. For example, heat-                     3. Component Strength: The glass
                                                 reasonably strong, glass is nonetheless
                                                                                                         release and smoke-density testing must                component must be strong enough to
                                                 not a desirable material for traditional
                                                                                                         not result in fragmentation of the                    meet the load requirements for all flight
                                                 airplane applications because it is heavy
                                                                                                         component.                                            and landing loads, including any of the
                                                 (about the same density as aluminum),
                                                                                                            These proposed special conditions                  applicable emergency-landing
                                                 and when it fails, it breaks into
                                                                                                         will reduce the hazards from breakage,                conditions in subparts C & D of 14 CFR
                                                 extremely sharp fragments that have the
                                                                                                         or from these panels’ potential                       part 25. In addition, glass components
                                                 potential for injury and have been
                                                                                                         separation from the cabin interior.                   that are located such that they are not
                                                 known to be lethal. Thus the use of glass
                                                                                                         These proposed special conditions                     protected from contact with cabin
                                                 traditionally has been limited to
                                                                                                         contain the additional safety standards               occupants must not fail due to abusive
                                                 windshields, and instrument or display
                                                                                                         that the Administrator considers                      loading, such as impact from occupants
                                                 transparencies. The regulations only
                                                                                                         necessary to establish a level of safety              stumbling into, leaning against, sitting
                                                 address, and thus only recognize, the
                                                                                                         equivalent to that established by the                 on, or performing other intentional or
                                                 use of glass in windshield or window
                                                                                                         existing airworthiness standards.                     unintentional forceful contact with the
                                                 applications. These regulations do
                                                                                                                                                               glass component. The effect of design
                                                 address the adverse properties of glass,                Applicability                                         details such as geometric discontinuities
                                                 but even so, pilots are occasionally
                                                                                                           As discussed above, these special                   or surface finish, e.g., embossing,
                                                 injured from shattered glass
                                                                                                         conditions are applicable to Boeing                   etching, etc., must be assessed.
                                                 windshields. FAA policy allows glass
                                                 on instruments and display                              Model 747–8 series airplanes. Should                     4. Component Retention: The glass
                                                 transparencies.                                         L–3 Communications Integrated                         component, as installed in the airplane,
                                                    Other installations of large, non-                   Systems apply at a later date for a                   must not come free of its restraint or
                                                 structural glass items have included the                supplemental type certificate to modify               mounting system in the event of an
                                                 following:                                              any other model included on type                      emergency landing. Both the directional
                                                    • Glass panels integrated onto a                     certificate no. A20WE to incorporate the              loading and rebound conditions must be
                                                 stairway handrail closeout.                             same novel or unusual design feature,                 assessed. The effect of design details
                                                    • Glass panels mounted in doors to                   these special conditions would apply to               such as geometric discontinuities or
                                                 allow visibility through the door when                  that model as well.                                   surface finish, e.g., embossing, etching,
                                                 desired.                                                                                                      etc., must be assessed.
                                                                                                         Conclusion
                                                    • Glass doors on some galley                                                                                  5. Instructions for Continued
                                                 compartments containing small                             This action affects only certain novel              Airworthiness: The instructions for
                                                 amounts of service items.                               or unusual design features on one model               continued airworthiness must reflect the
                                                                                                         series of airplane. It is not a rule of               method used to fasten the panel to the
                                                 Discussion
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                                                                                                         general applicability and affects only                cabin interior and must ensure the
                                                   No specific regulations address the                   the applicant who applied to the FAA                  reliability of the methods used, e.g., life
                                                 design and installation of large glass                  for approval of these features on the                 limit of adhesives, or clamp connection.
                                                 components in airplane passenger                        airplane.                                             The applicant must define any
                                                 cabins. Existing requirements, such as                                                                        inspection methods and intervals based
                                                                                                         List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25
                                                 §§ 25.561, 25.562, 25.601, 25.603,                                                                            upon adhesion data from the
                                                 25.613, 25.775, and 25.789, in the                        Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting                manufacturer of the adhesive, or upon
                                                 Boeing Model 747–8 airplane                             and recordkeeping requirements.                       actual adhesion-test data, if necessary.


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                                                                       Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 37 / Thursday, February 25, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                                9367

                                                   Issued in Renton, Washington, on February             and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,                    have the failure mode (failure of the
                                                 16, 2016.                                               except Federal holidays. The AD docket                hydraulic actuator rod end or attach
                                                 Dionne Palermo,                                         contains this AD action, the NPRM (76                 fitting due to severe wear-out) addressed
                                                 Acting Manager, Transport Airplane                      FR 15864, March 22, 2011), the                        in the NPRM. Based on field reports and
                                                 Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.            regulatory evaluation, any comments                   design review, the manufacturer found
                                                 [FR Doc. 2016–03996 Filed 2–24–16; 8:45 am]             received, and other information. The                  that certain hydraulic actuators do not
                                                 BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                  address for the Docket Office (telephone              have this failure mode. Based on this
                                                                                                         800–647–5527) is the Docket                           new manufacturer finding, a new safety
                                                                                                         Management Facility, U.S. Department                  analysis was conducted and we
                                                 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                            of Transportation, Docket Operations,                 determined that this issue is no longer
                                                                                                         M–30, West Building Ground Floor,                     a safety concern.
                                                 Federal Aviation Administration                         Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
                                                                                                                                                               FAA’s Conclusions
                                                                                                         Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
                                                 14 CFR Part 39                                                                                                  Upon further consideration, we have
                                                                                                         FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tak
                                                 [Docket No. FAA–2011–0254; Directorate                  Kobayashi, Aerospace Engineer,                        determined that the safety concern
                                                 Identifier 2010–NM–180–AD]                              Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, FAA,                     identified in the NPRM does not affect
                                                                                                         Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,                The Boeing Company Model 737–600,
                                                 RIN 2120–AA64                                                                                                 –700, –700C, –800, –900, and –900ER
                                                                                                         1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA
                                                 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing                    98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6499; fax:                 series airplanes identified in the NPRM.
                                                 Company Airplanes                                       425–917–6590; email:                                  Accordingly, the NPRM is withdrawn.
                                                                                                         Takahisa.Kobayashi@faa.gov.                             Withdrawal of the NPRM does not
                                                 AGENCY:  Federal Aviation                                                                                     preclude the FAA from issuing another
                                                                                                         SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                 Administration (FAA), Department of                                                                           related action or commit the FAA to any
                                                 Transportation (DOT).                                   Discussion                                            course of action in the future.
                                                 ACTION: Proposed rule; withdrawal.                         We proposed to amend part 39 of the                Regulatory Impact
                                                                                                         Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
                                                 SUMMARY:    The FAA withdraws a notice                                                                           Since this action only withdraws an
                                                                                                         part 39) with a notice of proposed
                                                 of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that                                                                            NPRM, it is neither a proposed nor a
                                                                                                         rulemaking (NPRM) for a new AD for
                                                 proposed a new airworthiness directive                                                                        final rule and therefore is not covered
                                                                                                         certain The Boeing Company Model
                                                 (AD), which would have applied to                                                                             under Executive Order 12866, the
                                                                                                         737–600, –700, –700C, –800, –900, and
                                                 certain The Boeing Company Model                                                                              Regulatory Flexibility Act, or DOT
                                                                                                         –900ER series airplanes. The NPRM
                                                 737–600, –700, –700C, –800, –900, and                                                                         Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44
                                                                                                         published in the Federal Register on
                                                 –900ER series airplanes. For certain                                                                          FR 11034, February 26, 1979).
                                                                                                         March 22, 2011 (76 FR 15864) (‘‘the
                                                 airplanes, the NPRM would have
                                                                                                         NPRM’’). For certain airplanes, the                   List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
                                                 required a one-time inspection for
                                                                                                         NPRM would have required a one-time                     Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
                                                 damage of the hydraulic actuator rod
                                                                                                         inspection for damage of the hydraulic                safety, Incorporation by reference,
                                                 ends and actuator attach fittings on the
                                                                                                         actuator rod ends and actuator attach                 Safety.
                                                 thrust reversers, and repair or
                                                                                                         fittings on the thrust reversers, and
                                                 replacement if necessary. For all                                                                             The Withdrawal
                                                                                                         repair or replacement if necessary. For
                                                 airplanes, the NPRM would have
                                                                                                         all airplanes, the NPRM would have                      Accordingly, we withdraw the NPRM,
                                                 required repetitive inspections for
                                                                                                         required repetitive inspections for                   Docket No. FAA–2011–0254, Directorate
                                                 damage of the hydraulic actuator rod
                                                                                                         damage of the hydraulic actuator rod                  Identifier 2010–NM–180–AD, which
                                                 ends, attach bolts, and nuts; repetitive
                                                                                                         ends, attach bolts, and nuts; repetitive              was published in the Federal Register
                                                 inspections for damage of fitting
                                                                                                         inspections for damage of fitting                     on March 22, 2011 (76 FR 15864).
                                                 assemblies, wear spacers, and actuator
                                                                                                         assemblies, wear spacers, and actuator
                                                 attach fittings on the thrust reverser;                                                                         Issued in Renton, Washington, on February
                                                                                                         attach fittings on the thrust reverser;
                                                 repetitive measurements of the wear                                                                           15, 2016.
                                                                                                         repetitive measurements of the wear
                                                 spacer; and corrective actions if                                                                             Michael Kaszycki,
                                                                                                         spacer; and corrective actions if
                                                 necessary. Since the NPRM was issued,                                                                         Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
                                                                                                         necessary.
                                                 the manufacturer notified us that an                                                                          Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
                                                                                                            The NPRM was prompted by reports
                                                 assumption regarding a failure mode of                                                                        [FR Doc. 2016–03693 Filed 2–24–16; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                         of in-service damage of the attachment
                                                 the rod ends or attachment fittings for
                                                                                                         fittings for the thrust reverser actuator.            BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                                 the thrust reverser actuator used in the
                                                                                                         The proposed actions were intended to
                                                 original safety assessment was incorrect.
                                                                                                         detect and correct such damage, which
                                                 A new safety analysis was conducted                                                                           DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                                                                         could result in actuator attach fitting
                                                 and we determined that this issue is no
                                                                                                         failure, loss of the thrust reverser auto             Federal Aviation Administration
                                                 longer a safety concern. Accordingly,
                                                                                                         restow function, and consequent loss of
                                                 the NPRM is withdrawn.
                                                                                                         control of the airplane.                              14 CFR Part 39
                                                 DATES: As of February 25, 2016, the
                                                 proposed rule, which was published in                   Actions Since NPRM Was Issued
                                                                                                                                                               [Docket No. FAA–2016–3703; Directorate
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                 the Federal Register on March 22, 2011                    Since we issued the NPRM, the                       Identifier 2015–NM–115–AD]
                                                 (76 FR 15864), is withdrawn.                            manufacturer has notified us that an
                                                                                                         assumption regarding a failure mode of                RIN 2120–AA64
                                                 ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD
                                                 docket on the Internet at http://                       the attachment fittings for the thrust                Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
                                                 www.regulations.gov by searching for                    reverser actuator used in the original                Company Airplanes
                                                 and locating Docket No. FAA–2011–                       safety assessment was incorrect. It was
                                                 0254; or in person at the Docket                        originally assumed that all hydraulic                 AGENCY:Federal Aviation
                                                 Management Facility between 9 a.m.                      actuators attached to the thrust reverser             Administration (FAA), DOT.


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Document Created: 2018-02-02 14:34:59
Document Modified: 2018-02-02 14:34:59
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 special conditions.
DatesSend your comments on or before March 28, 2016.
ContactJayson Claar, FAA, Airframe and Cabin Safety, ANM-115, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington, 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-2194; facsimile 425-227-1320.
FR Citation81 FR 9365 
CFR AssociatedAircraft; Aviation Safety and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements

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