[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 243 (Monday, December 20, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 71007-71009]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-32191]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 99-NM-114-AD; Amendment 39-11462; AD 99-26-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-400 and 767 Series
Airplanes Powered by Pratt & Whitney PW4000 Series Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Boeing Model 747-400 and 767 series airplanes,
that requires replacement of the existing deactivation pin, pin
bushing, and insert flange on each thrust reverser half, with new,
improved components. This amendment is prompted by reports of partial
deployment of deactivated thrust reversers during landing. The actions
specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the thrust
reverser deactivation pins, which could result in deployment of the
thrust reverser in flight and consequent reduced controllability of the
airplane.
DATES: Effective January 24, 2000.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of January 24, 2000.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124-2207. This information may be examined at the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules
Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of
the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700,
Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dorr Anderson, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington
[[Page 71008]]
98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2684; fax (425) 227-1181.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Boeing Model 747-400 and
767 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on September
15, 1999 (64 FR 50022). That action proposed to require replacement of
the existing deactivation pin, pin bushing, and insert flange on each
thrust reverser half, with new, improved components.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the single comment received.
The commenter supports the proposed rule.
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comment
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public
interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 201 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 39 Model 747-400 series
airplanes and 54 Model 767 series airplanes of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD. It will take approximately 6 work hours per engine
accomplish the required replacement, at an average labor rate of $60
per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $3,956 per
engine. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this AD on U.S.
operators of Model 747-400 series airplanes (4 engines per airplane) is
estimated to be $673,296, or $17,264 per airplane. The cost impact of
this AD on U.S. operators of Model 767 series airplanes (2 engines per
airplane) is estimated to be $466,128, or $8,632 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the
future if this AD were not adopted.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct
effects 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. Therefore, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
99-26-02 Boeing: Amendment 39-11462. Docket 99-NM-114-AD.
Applicability: Model 747-400 series airplanes powered by Pratt &
Whitney PW4000 series engines, as listed in Boeing Service Bulletin
747-78A2165, Revision 1, dated May 13, 1999; and Model 767 series
airplanes powered by Pratt & Whitney PW4000 series engines, as
listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-78A0080, dated February
25, 1999; certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified,
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent failure of the thrust reverser deactivation pins,
which could result in deployment of the thrust reverser in flight
and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish
the following:
Replacement
(a) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD,
replace the existing deactivation pin, pin bushing in the aft
cascade mounting ring, and insert flange on each thrust reverser
half, with new, improved components, in accordance with Boeing
Service Bulletin 747-78A2165, Revision 1, dated May 13, 1999 (for
Model 747-400 series airplanes); or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
767-78A0080, dated February 25, 1999 (for Model 767 series
airplanes); as applicable.
Note 2: The new, improved insert flange and pin bushing does not
preclude use of a deactivation pin having P/N 315T1604-2 or -5.
However, use of deactivation pins having P/N 315T1604-2 or -5 may
not prevent the thrust reversers from deploying in event of a full
powered deployment. Therefore, thrust reversers modified per this AD
require installation of the new, longer deactivation pins having P/N
315T1604-6, as specified in the applicable service bulletin.
Note 3: Replacements accomplished prior to the effective date of
this AD in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
78A2165, dated February 25, 1999, are considered acceptable for
compliance with the applicable action specified in this amendment.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall
submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the
Manager, Seattle ACO.
Note 4: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Seattle ACO.
Special Flight Permits
(c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance
Secs. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the
requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
Incorporation by Reference
(d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Service
Bulletin 747-78A2165, Revision 1, dated May 13, 1999, or Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 767-78A0080, dated February 25, 1999, as
applicable. This incorporation by reference was approved by
[[Page 71009]]
the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Boeing
Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-
2207. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite
700, Washington, DC.
(e) This amendment becomes effective on January 24, 2000.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 7, 1999.
D.L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-32191 Filed 12-17-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
