[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 58 (Friday, March 25, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 17035-17037]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-06315]



[[Page 17035]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0156; Project Identifier AD-2021-01474-T]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD 
2021-06-03, which applies to all The Boeing Company Model 777F series 
airplanes. AD 2021-06-03 requires deactivating the potable water 
system. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-06-03, Boeing developed new 
actions to address the unsafe condition, which terminate the action 
required by AD 2021-06-03. This proposed AD would retain the actions 
required by AD 2021-06-03 and would require installing a shroud to the 
water supply line in the forward cargo compartment, and performing a 
leak test of the potable water system. For certain airplanes, this 
proposed AD would also require replacing tubes and hoses from the water 
supply line and installing a shroud to the water return line. The FAA 
is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 9, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Boeing 
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 
2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-5600; 
telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may 
view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products 
Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, 
WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 206-231-3195. It is also available at https://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0156.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0156; or in person at 
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for Docket 
Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Courtney Tuck, Aerospace Engineer, 
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO 
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-
231-3986; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2022-0156; Project Identifier 
AD-2021-01474-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
the proposal because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact received about this proposed AD.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to 
Courtney Tuck, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental 
Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3986; email: 
[email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is 
not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket 
for this rulemaking.

Background

    The FAA issued AD 2021-06-03, Amendment 39-21469 (86 FR 12809, 
March 5, 2021) (AD 2021-06-03), for all The Boeing Company Model 777F 
series airplanes. AD 2021-06-03 was prompted by a report of a water 
supply line that detached above an electronic equipment (EE) cooling 
filter, leading to water intrusion into the forward EE bay. AD 2021-06-
03 requires deactivating the potable water system. The agency issued AD 
2021-06-03 to address water entering the EE cooling system via the 
cooling filter, which can affect multiple EE bay racks and line 
replaceable units (LRUs), resulting in loss of functionality or 
inaccurate output of critical electrical systems and possible loss of 
control of the airplane.
    The reported water supply detachment occurred on a Model 777F 
series airplane with 34,000 total flight hours and 6,000 total flight 
cycles. During potable water servicing on ground, the operator received 
multiple messages appearing on the engine indication and crew alert 
system (EICAS) indicating multiple affected EE LRUs. Further 
investigation revealed that the location of a joint on a swaged end 
fitting ferrule of a corrosion resistant stainless steel (CRES) water 
supply line had become partially or fully detached from the tube, 
causing water to spill onto an EE cooling filter (directly below the 
fitting) in the left-hand sidewall at station (STA) 571. The amount and 
duration of the water spillage are unknown. Water saturated the cooling 
filter, which was then blown via the EE cooling system into multiple EE 
LRUs located in the EE bay.
    Model 777F series airplanes line numbers (L/Ns) 960 and subsequent

[[Page 17036]]

have a joint at this location from the factory-installed CRES tube 
assembly. Boeing released Service Bulletin 777-38-0042 as an economic 
service bulletin providing operators with airplanes prior to L/N 960 
instructions to retrofit to this configuration at their discretion. 
Therefore, AD 2021-06-03 requires deactivation of the potable water 
system for all 777F airplanes with this joint installed either in 
production or through accomplishment of Boeing SB 777-38-0042.

Actions Since AD 2021-06-03 Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2021-06-03, the FAA has determined that 
further rulemaking is necessary. The preamble to AD 2021-06-03 
specifies that the FAA considers the requirements ``interim action'' 
and that the manufacturer is developing a modification to address the 
unsafe condition. That AD explains that the FAA might consider further 
rulemaking if a modification is developed, approved, and available. The 
manufacturer now has developed such a modification, and this proposed 
AD follows from that determination.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 777-38A0048 RB, 
dated October 18, 2021. This service information specifies procedures 
for replacing tubes and hoses from the water supply line and installing 
a shroud to the water supply and return lines in the forward cargo 
compartment and performing a leak test of the potable water system.
    This proposed AD would also require Boeing Multi Operator Message 
MOM-MOM-21-0089-01B, dated February 26, 2021, which the Director of the 
Federal Register approved for incorporation by reference as of March 5, 
2021 (86 FR 12809, March 5, 2021).
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in ADDRESSES.

Proposed AD Requirements in this NPRM

    This proposed AD would retain all of the requirements of AD 2021-
06-03. This proposed AD would also require accomplishment of the 
actions identified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 777-38A0048 
RB, dated October 18, 2021, described previously, except as discussed 
under ``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the Service 
Information,'' and except for any differences identified as exceptions 
in the regulatory text of this proposed AD. This proposed AD would also 
prohibit the future accomplishment of the actions specified in Boeing 
Service Bulletin 777-38-0042.
    For information on the procedures and compliance times, see this 
service information at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0156.

Difference Between This AD and the Service Information

    Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM-MOM-21-0089-01B, dated February 
26, 2021, specifies one Safety Action and six Recommended Actions. 
Although the FAA recommends accomplishment of all of these actions, 
this proposed AD would require only deactivation of the potable water 
system, as specified in the Safety Action of the service information.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 58 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following 
costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                                     Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                        Labor cost                  Parts cost                 Cost per product           Cost on U.S. operators
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deactivation of potable water system  2 work-hours x $85 per   $0...........................  $170........................  $9,860.
 (retained actions from AD 2021-06-    hour = $170.
 03).
Replace tubes and hoses, and install  Up to 12 work-hours x    Up to $1,850.................  Up to $2,870................  Up to $166,460.
 shroud (new proposed action).         $85 per hour = Up to
                                       $1,020.
Potable water system leak test (new   2 work-hours x $85 per   $0...........................  $170........................  $9,860.
 proposed action).                     hour = $170.
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    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of 
this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the 
cost impact on affected operators.

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.
    The FAA is 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

    The FAA has 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) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

[[Page 17037]]

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, 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

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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-06-03, Amendment 39-21469 
(86 FR 12809, March 5, 2021), and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2022-0156; Project Identifier AD-
2021-01474-T.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) action by May 9, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2021-06-03, Amendment 39-21469 (86 FR 12809, 
March 5, 2021) (AD 2021-06-03).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 777F series 
airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 38, Water/waste.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of a water supply line that 
detached at a certain joint located above an electronic equipment 
(EE) cooling filter, leading to water intrusion into the forward EE 
bay. This AD was also prompted by the development of new actions to 
address the unsafe condition. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
water entering the EE cooling system via the cooling filter, which 
can affect multiple EE bay racks and line replaceable units (LRUs), 
resulting in loss of functionality or inaccurate output of critical 
electrical systems and possible loss of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Retained Deactivation of Potable Water System, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2021-06-03, with no changes. For the airplanes identified in 
paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD: Within 5 days after March 5, 
2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-06-03), deactivate the potable 
water system, in accordance with Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM-
MOM-21-0089-01B, dated February 26, 2021 (Boeing MOM-MOM-21-0089-
01B).
    (1) Line numbers (L/Ns) 959 and earlier on which the actions 
specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-38-0042 have been 
accomplished.
    (2) L/Ns 960 and subsequent.
    Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance on deactivating the potable 
water system can be found in Boeing 777 Aircraft Maintenance Manual 
(AMM) Task 38-10-00-040-801.

(h) Retained Installation Prohibition, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2021-06-03, with no changes. For airplanes not identified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD: As of March 5, 2021 (the effective date of 
AD 2021-06-03), accomplishment of the actions specified in Boeing 
Service Bulletin 777-38-0042 is prohibited.

(i) Retained Reporting Provisions, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2021-06-03, with no changes. Although Boeing MOM-MOM-21-0089-01B 
specifies to report inspection findings, this AD does not require 
any report.

(j) New Required Actions

    Except as specified by paragraph (k) of this AD: At the 
applicable times specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing 
Alert Requirements Bulletin 777-38A0048 RB, dated October 18, 2021, 
do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 
777-38A0048 RB, dated October 18, 2021.
    Note 1 to paragraph (j): Guidance for accomplishing the actions 
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
777-38A0048, dated October 18, 2021, which is referred to in Boeing 
Alert Requirements Bulletin 777-38A0048 RB, dated October 18, 2021.

(k) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the 
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 777-
38A0048 RB, dated October 18, 2021, use the phrase ``the Original 
Issue date of Requirements Bulletin 777-38A0048 RB,'' this AD 
requires using ``the effective date of this AD.''

(l) Terminating Action for Deactivation of Potable Water System

    Accomplishment of the required actions specified in the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 
777-38A0048 RB, dated October 18, 2021, terminates the potable water 
system deactivation required by paragraph (g) of this AD.

(m) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to 
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found 
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request 
to your principal inspector or responsible Flight Standards Office, 
as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of 
the certification office, send it to the attention of the person 
identified in paragraph (n)(1) of this AD. Information may be 
emailed to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
    (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD 
if it is approved by The Boeing Company Organization Designation 
Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle 
ACO Branch, FAA, to make those findings. To be approved, the repair 
method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must meet 
the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must 
specifically refer to this AD.

(n) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Courtney Tuck, 
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, 
FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
phone and fax: 206-231-3986; email: [email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services 
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-
5600; telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational 
Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.

    Issued on March 7, 2022.
Derek Morgan,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 2022-06315 Filed 3-24-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


