[Federal Register: September 13, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 176)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 55120-55122]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr13se04-13]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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[[Page 55120]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2004-19082; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-79-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-200F and -400 Series
Airplanes; Model 767-400ER Series Airplanes; and Model 777 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Boeing Model 747-200F and -400 series airplanes; Model 767-
400ER series airplanes; and Model 777 series airplanes. This proposed
AD would require replacing the frequency converter(s) used to supply
electrical power for utility outlets (for the galley, medical
equipment, or personal computers) with modified frequency converter(s).
This proposed AD also would require any specified action and related
concurrent actions, as necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by a
report that a hard short condition between the frequency converter's
output and its downstream circuit breakers will produce a continuous
circuit that could cause the undersized output wiring to overheat. We
are proposing this AD to prevent the overheating of the frequency
converter's undersized output wiring, which could lead to the failure
of a wire bundle, and consequent adverse effects on other systems
sharing the affected wire bundle.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 28,
2004.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW, Nassif Building, room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590.
By fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-
2207.
You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at
http://dms.dot.gov, or at the Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW, room PL-401, on
the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Binh Tran, Aerospace Engineer, Systems
and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone
(425) 917-6485; fax (425) 917-6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Docket Management System (DMS)
The FAA has implemented new procedures for maintaining AD dockets
electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new AD actions are posted on DMS
and assigned a docket number. We track each action and assign a
corresponding directorate identifier. The DMS AD docket number is in
the form ``Docket No. FAA-2004-99999.'' The Transport Airplane
Directorate identifier is in the form ``Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
999-AD.'' Each DMS AD docket also lists the directorate identifier
(``Old Docket Number'') as a cross-reference for searching purposes.
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any written relevant data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2004-19082;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-79-AD'' in the subject line of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov
, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of
that website, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union,
etc.). You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you
may visit http://dms.dot.gov.
We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of
our communications that affect you. You can get more information about
plain language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.Examining
the Docket
You can examine the AD docket, which contains the proposed AD,
comments, and any final disposition, in person at the Docket Management
Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office
(telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif
Building at the DOT street address stated in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS
receives them.
Discussion
Boeing analysis has shown that on certain Boeing Model 747-200F and
-400 series airplanes, Model 767-400ER series airplanes, and Model 777
series airplanes, a hard short condition between the output of the
frequency converter (usually located in the main
[[Page 55121]]
equipment center) and its downstream circuit breaker will produce a
continuous current of 55 amps. The continuous current causes the output
wiring to exceed its wire temperature rating of 150 degrees Celsius.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to the failure of a wire
bundle, and consequent adverse effects on other systems sharing the
affected wire bundle.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed and approved Boeing Service Bulletins 747-25-3313,
Revision 1, dated May 15, 2003 (for Model 747-200F and -400 series
airplanes); 767-25-0335, dated November 7, 2002 (for Model 767-400ER
series airplanes); and 777-25-0210, dated October 17, 2002 (for Model
777 series airplanes). The service bulletins describe procedures for
replacing the frequency converter used to supply electrical power to
utility outlets (for the galley, medical equipment, or personal
computers) with a modified frequency converter, and any other specified
actions, as applicable. The replacement involves removing the frequency
converters, sending the frequency converter to the vendor (Avionic
Instruments, Inc.) for rework, and installing the reworked frequency
converter. The other specified actions involve performing a functional
test, installing cautionary tags or placards on frequency converter
switches/outlets in the cabin, and contacting the vendor for rework
coordination, as applicable. Accomplishing the actions specified in the
service bulletins is intended to adequately address the unsafe
condition.
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3313 refers to JAMCO Service
Bulletin CAW74-25-1697, dated June 7, 2002, as an additional source of
service information for procedures to remove and install certain galley
frequency converters.
Concurrent Service Bulletin
For certain airplanes, Boeing Service Bulletin 777-25-0210
recommends prior or concurrent accomplishment of Monogram Systems
Service Bulletin 872869-25-2098, dated May 1, 2002. The Monogram
Systems service bulletin describes procedures for deactivating a galley
frequency converter.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes
of this same type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which
would require replacing the frequency converter(s) used to supply power
for utility outlets (for the galley, medical equipment, or personal
computers) with modified frequency converter(s); and any other
specified action and related concurrent actions, as necessary. The
proposed AD would require you to use the applicable Boeing service
information described previously to perform these actions.
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about 147 airplanes worldwide. The
following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to
comply with this proposed AD.
Estimated Costs
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Number of U.S.-
Boeing Model Work hours Average labor Cost per registered Fleet cost
rate per hour airplane airplanes
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747-200F, -400 series airplanes............ 5 per converter (1 converter on $65 $325 0 $0
each airplane).
5 per converter (2 converters on 65 650 0 0
each airplane).
767-400ER series airplane.................. 2 per airplanes.................... 65 130 21 2,730
777 series airplanes....................... 4 per airplane..................... 65 260 8 2,080
Additional concurrent action for 777 series 1 per airplane..................... 65 65 6 390
airplanes.
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Currently, there are no affected Model 747-200F or -400 series
airplanes on the U.S. Register. However, an affected airplane that is
imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future would be subject
to the costs specified above for those airplanes.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed
regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location
to examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
Boeing: Docket No. FAA-2004-19082; Directorate Identifier 2004-
NM-79-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive
comments on this AD action by October 28, 2004.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
[[Page 55122]]
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to the airplanes listed in Table 1 of this
AD, certificated in any category:
Table 1.--Applicability
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Boeing model-- As listed in Boeing service bulletin--
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747-200F and -400 series airplanes..... 747-25-3313, Revision 1, dated May 15, 2003.
767-400ER series airplanes............. 767-25-0335, dated November 7, 2002.
777 series airplanes................... 777-25-0210, dated October 17, 2002.
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Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by a report that a hard short condition
between the frequency converter's output and its downstream circuit
breakers will produce a continuous current, which could cause the
undersized output wiring to overheat. We are issuing this AD to
prevent the overheating of the frequency converter's output wiring
which could lead to the failure of a wire bundle, and consequent
adverse effects on other systems sharing the affected wire bundle.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Replacement
(f) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD,
replace the frequency converter(s) used to supply electrical power
to utility outlets (for the galley, medical equipment, or personal
computers) with modified frequency converter(s); and do other
applicable specified actions; by doing all of the actions in the
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin
listed in Table 2 of this AD.
Table 2.--Applicable Service Bulletins
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For model-- Use Boeing service bulletin--
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747-200F and -400 series airplanes..... 747-25-3313, Revision 1, dated May 15, 2003.
767-400ER series airplanes............. 767-25-0335, dated November 7, 2002.
777 series airplanes................... 777-25-0210, dated October 17, 2002.
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Note 1:
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3313, Revision 1, dated May 15,
2003, refers to JAMCO Service Bulletin CAW74-25-1697, dated June 7,
2002, as an additional source of information for procedures to
remove and install certain galley frequency converters.
Concurrent Service Bulletin
(g) For airplanes listed as Group 3 in the Effectivity of Boeing
Service Bulletin 777-25-0210, dated October 17, 2002: Prior to or
concurrently with the actions in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-25-
0210, dated October 17, 2002, deactivate the galley frequency
converter in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Monogram Systems Service Bulletin 872869-25-2098, dated May 1, 2002.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(h) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 1, 2004.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-20596 Filed 9-10-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P