99-32191. Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-400 and 767 Series Airplanes Powered by Pratt & Whitney PW4000 Series Engines  

  • [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]
    
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    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.
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    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
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
1/24/2000
Published:
12/20/1999
Department:
Federal Aviation Administration
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
99-32191
Dates:
Effective January 24, 2000.
Pages:
71007-71009 (3 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 99-NM-114-AD, Amendment 39-11462, AD 99-26-02
RINs:
2120-AA64: Airworthiness Directives
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2120-AA64/airworthiness-directives
PDF File:
99-32191.pdf
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13