FR Doc 05-11711

[Federal Register: June 15, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 114)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 34646-34649]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr15jn05-9]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2004-19082; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-79-AD;
Amendment 39-14126; AD 2005-12-10]
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), Department of
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting 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 AD
requires 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 AD also
requires any specified action and related concurrent actions, as
necessary. This 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 current that could cause the
undersized output wiring to overheat. We are issuing 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: This AD becomes effective July 20, 2005.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the AD is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of July
20, 2005.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-
2207.
Docket: The AD docket contains the proposed AD, comments, and any
final disposition. You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at
http://dms.dot.gov, or 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 U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401,
Washington, DC. This docket number is FAA-2004-19082; the directorate
identifier for this docket is 2004-NM-79-AD.

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: The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39
with an AD for certain Boeing Model 747-200F and -400 series airplanes;
Model 767-400ER series airplanes; and Model 777 series airplanes. That
action, published in the Federal Register on September 13, 2004 (69 FR
55120), proposed to 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.

Comments

We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have considered the comments that have been
submitted on the proposed AD.

Request To Revise Applicability To List Frequency Converters

One commenter asks ``* * * why not write the AD against the part
instead of the aircraft?'' and suggests that listing the frequency
converter by manufacturer and part number may allow detection of
similar problems on other aircraft and possible parts manufacturer
approved (PMA) alternative units.
We disagree with revising the applicability. PMA parts frequently
have a part numbering scheme different from that of the original
manufacturer. For this reason, writing the AD against the part number
may not accurately identify the PMA parts. Should we become aware of
PMA parts that have similar characteristics as those addressed in this
AD, we would consider further rulemaking.
The FAA's practice regarding unsafe conditions that result from the
installation of a particular part in specific makes and models of
airplanes is to issue an AD that applies to the affected airplane
models. In doing so, U.S. operators of those airplanes will be notified
directly of the unsafe condition and the action required to correct it.
While we assume that operators can identify the airplane models they
operate, they may not be aware of specific items installed on those
airplanes. Therefore, specifying the airplane models in the
applicability as the subject of the AD prevents an operator's
``unknowing failure to comply'' with the AD. We have not changed the
final rule regarding this issue.

Request To Add Airplane Models to the Applicability of the AD

One commenter requests that certain Boeing Model 767-300 series
airplanes be added to the applicability of this AD. Boeing has
published Boeing Service Bulletin 767-25-0334, Revision 1, dated June
19, 2003, which addresses the same unsafe condition on some Model 767-
300 series airplanes that were also delivered with affected frequency
converters.
We agree that the Model 767-300 series airplanes are affected by
the unsafe condition. We inadvertently omitted the service bulletin in
the proposed AD. However, we disagree with revising the applicability
of this AD, because we are considering a separate rulemaking action for
the Model 767-300 series airplanes. A notice of proposed rulemaking for
the Model 767-300 series airplanes was published in the Federal
Register on March 17, 2005 (70 FR 12986). If we revise the
applicability of this AD to add Model 767-300 series airplanes, we
would need to reissue this AD as a revised notice. In light of the time
that would be needed to reissue the proposed AD, and in consideration
of the amount of time that has already elapsed since we issued the
original notice, we have determined that further delay of this AD is
not appropriate.

Request for Change of Terminology

One commenter requests that the phrase ``continuous circuit'' in
the Summary section of the proposed AD be changed to ``continuous
current.'' The commenter provides no reason/justification.

[[Page 34647]]

We agree that the word should be changed, because the word
``circuit'' is incorrectly used in the phrase. We have revised the
final rule to use the word ``current.''

Request To Revise the Description of the Unsafe Condition in the
Discussion Section

One commenter requests that we change ``55 amps'' to ``180% rated
current'' in the Discussion section of the proposed AD. The commenter
states that the value of 55 amps is accurate only for installations
that use a specific output (a 3.5 KVA, 115VAC rated output). For the
series of converters used on Boeing airplanes, a hard short circuit
fault on the output of the converter will produce a fault current that
is approximately 180% of the nominal rated output current. Since Boeing
installations use multiple converter part numbers with different rated
outputs, the short circuit fault current will vary depending on the
converter used.
We partially agree with the commenter's request. The hard short
circuit fault condition will produce a continuous output current of
approximately 170% to 200% of nominal current. However, since that
section of the preamble does not reappear in the final rule, no change
to the final rule is necessary regarding this issue.

Correction in Estimated Costs for Cost of Compliance

We provided a cost estimate in the proposed AD that used the cost
of replacing converters under warranty, not the cost of replacing parts
without a warranty. The cost impact information provided in the
proposed AD is correct for parts that are still under warranty.
However, we strive to provide a cost estimate that uses cost
information for parts not under warranty. The cost of a replacement
converter without a warranty is $1,800. We have revised the cost impact
information in this final rule to include the revised part cost.

Conclusion

We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the
comments that have been submitted, and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described
previously. We have determined that these changes will neither increase
the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

This AD will affect about 147 airplanes worldwide. The following
table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to comply with
this AD.

Estimated Costs
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Average Number of U.S.-
Boeing model Work hours hours labor rate Parts Cost per registered Fleet cost
per hour airplane airplanes
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747-200F and -400 series airplanes........... 5 per converter (1 converter on each $65 $1,800 $2,125 0 $0
airplane).
5 per converter (2 converters on 65 3,600 4,250 0 0
each airplane).
767-400ER series airplanes................... 2 per airplane...................... 65 3,600 3,730 21 78,330
777 series airplanes......................... 4 per airplane...................... 65 7,200 7,460 8 59,680
Additional concurrent action for 777 series 1 per airplane...................... 65 1,800 1,865 6 11,190
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.

Authority for This Rulemaking

Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701, ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

We have determined that 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); 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 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, 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):

[[Page 34648]]

2005-12-10 Boeing: Amendment 39-14126. Docket No. FAA-2004-19082;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-79-AD.

Effective Date

(a) This AD becomes effective July 20, 2005.

Affected ADs

(b) None.

Applicability

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, that 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.--Applicability 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.

Material Incorporated by Reference

(i) You must use the service information that is specified in
Table 3 of this AD to perform the actions that are required by this
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal
Register approves the incorporation by reference of those documents
in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To get copies
of the service information, go to Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O.
Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. To view the AD docket, go
to the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401, Nassif
Building, Washington, DC. To review copies of the service
information, go to 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
.

Table 3.--Material Incorporated by Reference
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Service bulletin Revision level Date
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Boeing Service Bulletin 747-25-3313...... 1........................... May 15, 2003.
Boeing Service Bulletin 767-25-0335...... Original.................... November 7, 2002.
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-25-0210...... Original.................... October 17, 2002.
Monogram Systems Service Bulletin 872869- Original.................... May 1, 2002.
25-2098.
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[[Page 34649]]

Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 27, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-11711 Filed 6-14-05; 8:45 am]

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