[Federal Register: July 8, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 131)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 38893-38895]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr08jy08-6]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2008-0673; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-117-AD;
Amendment 39-15606; AD 2008-14-11]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and
-300ER Series Airplanes Approved for Extended-Range Twin-Engine
Operational Performance Standards (ETOPS)
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Boeing Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and -300ER series airplanes. This
AD requires a one-time inspection to determine the part number of the
cargo compartment fire suppression filter/regulator. This AD also
requires, for certain airplanes, a revision of the ``Maximum Diversion
Time in Minutes'' for ETOPS operation specified in the Operations
Specifications. For certain airplanes, this AD also provides for
optional replacement of the cargo compartment fire suppression filter/
regulator, which would allow revision of the ``Maximum Diversion Time
in Minutes'' for ETOPS operation specified in the Operations
Specifications to restore the airplane's full ETOPS capability. This AD
results from a report that the filter/regulator installed in the cargo
fire suppression system did not meter the Halon for the certified
duration during ETOPS flight tests. We are issuing this AD to prevent
ETOPS operation with insufficient cargo fire suppression capability,
which could result in an uncontained fire in the cargo compartment.
DATES: This AD is effective July 23, 2008.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of July 23,
2008.
We must receive comments on this AD by September 8, 2008.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://
www.regulations.gov; person at the Docket Management Facility between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket
Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments
will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Hettman, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6457; fax (425) 917-6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
This AD results from a report that the filter/regulator installed
in the cargo fire suppression system did not meter the Halon for the
certified duration during extended-range twin-engine operational
performance standards (ETOPS) flight tests conducted by Boeing. Results
of an investigation by the filter/regulator supplier, Kidde Aerospace,
showed that an incorrect test adapter was used during the calibration
procedure to set the filter/regulator flow rate. The incorrect test
adapter affected the calibrated flow rate setting, allowing the Halon
to flow too fast, resulting in less cargo fire suppression duration. It
is
[[Page 38894]]
uncertain how many cargo compartment fire suppression filters/
regulators were delivered with the incorrect calibration. To date, we
have received no reports of in-service events related to this issue.
ETOPS operation with insufficient cargo fire suppression
capability, if not corrected, could result in an uncontained fire in
the cargo compartment.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-26-0044,
dated April 24, 2008; and Revision 1, dated June 19, 2008 (for Model
777-200, -300, and -300ER series airplanes). The service bulletins
describe procedures for replacing the fire suppression filter/regulator
with a new filter/regulator, which restores the fire suppression
capability to the certified duration and allows the operator to resume
flights at the airplane's full ETOPS capability.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of the(se) same type
design(s). This AD requires a one-time inspection to determine the part
number of the cargo compartment fire suppression filter/regulator. This
AD also requires, for certain airplanes, a revision of the ``Maximum
Diversion Time in Minutes'' for ETOPS operation specified in the
Operations Specifications. For certain airplanes, this AD also provides
for optional replacement of the cargo compartment fire suppression
filter/regulator, which would allow revision of the ``Maximum Diversion
Time in Minutes'' for ETOPS operation specified in the Operations
Specifications to restore the airplane's full ETOPS capability.
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
An uncontained fire in the cargo compartment, especially during an
ETOPS flight where alternate airports may not be available, is a
critical safety risk. Because of our requirement to promote safe flight
of civil aircraft and thus, the critical need to assure the proper
functioning of the fire suppression system in the cargo compartment and
the short compliance time involved with this action, this AD must be
issued immediately.
Because an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate
adoption of this AD, we find that notice and opportunity for prior
public comment hereon are impracticable and that good cause exists for
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to
provide your comments before it becomes effective. However, we invite
you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send
your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include
``Docket No. FAA-2008-0673; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-117-AD'' at
the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the
overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this
AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may
amend this AD because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://
www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this AD.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), 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.
You can find our regulatory evaluation and the estimated costs of
compliance in the AD Docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
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 AD:
2008-14-11 Boeing: Amendment 39-15606. Docket No. FAA-2008-0673;
Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-117-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 23,
2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and -
300ER series airplanes, certificated in any category; approved for
extended-range twin-engine operational performance standards
(ETOPS).
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report that the filter/regulator
installed in the cargo fire suppression system did not meter the
Halon for the certified duration during ETOPS flight tests. We are
issuing this AD to prevent ETOPS operation with insufficient cargo
fire suppression capability, which could result in an uncontained
fire in the cargo compartment.
Compliance
(e) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
Inspection To Determine Part Number of the Filter/Regulator
(f) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, inspect
the filter/regulator for the
[[Page 38895]]
fire suppression system in the lower cargo compartment to determine
whether a Kidde Aerospace filter/regulator having a part number
identified in Table 1 of this AD is installed. A review of airplane
maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the
part number of the filter/regulator can be conclusively determined
from that review.
Table 1.--Applicable Kidde Aerospace Filters/Regulators
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Model Filter/Regulator Part No.
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(1) 777-200 and -200LR series airplanes 473494-1, -2, or -3; or 473995-
1, -2, or -3.
(2) 777-300 and 777-300ER series 473857-1, -2, or -3.
airplanes.
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Revision of the Operations Specifications
(g) Except as provided in paragraph (i) of this AD, if a Kidde
Aerospace cargo compartment fire suppression filter/regulator
identified in Table 1 of this AD is found installed during the
inspection or records check required by paragraph (f) of this AD:
Before further flight after doing the inspection or records check
required by paragraph (f) of this AD, revise the ``Maximum Diversion
Time In Minutes,'' specified in the FAA-approved Operations
Specifications, Document D086, in accordance with the applicable
instructions contained in Boeing Model 777 ETOPS Configuration,
Maintenance, and Procedures, Document D044W054, Revision K, dated
June 12, 2008.
Optional Replacement of the Filter/Regulator for Certain Airplanes
(h) For Model 777-200, -300, and -300ER series airplanes: Once
the cargo compartment fire suppression filter/regulator has been
replaced with a new or serviceable filter/regulator in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 777-26-0044, dated April 24, 2008; or Revision 1,
dated June 19, 2008; the ``Maximum Diversion Time In Minutes,''
specified in the FAA-approved Operations Specifications, Document
D086, may be revised in accordance with the applicable instructions
contained in Boeing Model 777 ETOPS Configuration, Maintenance, and
Procedures, Document D044W054, Revision K, dated June 12, 2008, to
restore the airplane's full ETOPS capability.
Exception to Operations Specifications Revision
(i) The revision to the Operations Specifications specified in
paragraph (g) of this AD is not required if, before further flight
after a Kidde Aerospace cargo compartment fire suppression filter/
regulator identified in Table 1 of this AD is found installed on any
airplane, the filter/regulator replacement described in paragraph
(h) of this AD is accomplished.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(j)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
FAA, ATTN: Robert Hettman, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems
Branch, ANM-150S, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-
3356; telephone (425) 917-6457; fax (425) 917-6590; has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(2) To request a different method of compliance or a different
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19.
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(k) You must use Boeing Model 777 ETOPS Configuration,
Maintenance, and Procedures, Document D044W054, Revision K, dated
June 12, 2008, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD
specifies otherwise. If you accomplish the optional actions
specified by this AD, you must use Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 777-26-0044, dated April 24, 2008; or Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 777-26-0044, Revision 1, dated June 19,
2008; as applicable; to do those actions, unless the AD specifies
otherwise. (The revision date of Boeing Model 777 ETOPS
Configuration, Maintenance, and Procedures, Document D044W054,
Revision K, is located on the last page of the document; no other
page of this document contains the revision date.)
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington
98124-2207.
(3) You may review copies of the service information
incorporated by reference at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information
on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or
go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_
regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 25, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-15371 Filed 7-7-08; 8:45 am]
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