AD 2014-06-04

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-8 and 747-8F series airplanes powered by certain General Electric (GE) engines. This AD requires removing certain defective software and installing new, improved software. This AD was prompted by a determination that the existing electronic engine control (EEC) software logic can prevent stowage of the thrust reversers (TRs) during certain circumstances, which could cause the TRs to move back to the deployed position. We are issuing this AD to prevent in-flight deployment of one or more TRs due to loss of the TR auto restow function, which could result in inadequate climb performance at an altitude insufficient for recovery, and consequent uncontrolled flight into terrain.

Final rule; request for comments.

Adoption of the Amendment \n\n\n\tAccordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: \n\nPART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\n\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\n\n\nSec. 39.13 (Amended) \n\n0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): \n\n\n\n2014-06-04 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-17808; Docket No. FAA- 2014-0169; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-020-AD. \n\n(a) Effective Date \n\n\n\tThis AD is effective April 9, 2014. \n\n(b) Affected ADs \n\n\n\tNone. \n\n(c) Applicability \n\n\n\tThis AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-8 and 747-8F series airplanes, certificated in any category, powered by General Electric (GE) Aviation GEnx-2B67 or GEnx-2B67B engines. \n\n(d) Subject \n\n\n\tJoint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7600, Engine Controls. \n\n(e) Unsafe Condition \n\n\n\tThis AD was prompted by a determination that the existing electronic engine control (EEC) software logic can prevent stowage of the thrust reversers (TRs) during certain circumstances, which could cause the TRs to move back to the deployed position. We are issuing this AD to prevent in-flight deployment of one or more TRs due to loss of the TR auto restow function, which could result in inadequate climb performance at an altitude insufficient for recovery, and uncontrolled flight into terrain. \n\n(f) Compliance \n\n\n\tComply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. \n\n(g) Removal/Installation of Certain EEC Software \n\n\n\tFor airplanes having any EEC software part number identified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD: Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, remove the EEC software, as applicable; and install new EEC software that is approved by the FAA. \n\t(1) Software C032: GE P/N 2124M22P05, EEC kit number 738L370G02, Boeing P/NGEC43-2124-2205. \n\t(2) Software C040: GE P/N 2124M22P07, EEC kit number 738L370G04, Boeing P/N GEC43-2124-2207. \n\t(3) Software C045: GE P/N 2124M22P08, EEC kit number 738L370G05, Boeing P/N GEC43-2124-2208. \n\n(h) Parts Installation \n\n\n\tAs of the effective date of this AD, no person may install EEC software having any P/N identified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD on any airplane. \n\n(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\n\t(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 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 local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. \n\t(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. \n\n(j) Related Information \n\n\n\tFor more information about this AD, contact Sue Lucier, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; \n\n((Page 16175)) \n\nphone: 425-917-6438; fax: 425-917-6590; email: suzanne.lucier@faa.gov. \n\n(k) Material Incorporated by Reference \n\n\n\tNone.

Discussion \n\n\n\tWe determined that the existing EEC software logic can prevent stowage of the TRs if the airplane changes back into air mode during a rejected or bounced landing for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-8 and 747-8F series airplanes powered by certain GE engines. If this occurs and the hydraulic isolation valve closes before the TRs are fully stowed, there is no hydraulic pressure for the auto-restow function and aerodynamic loads could cause the TRs to move back to the deployed position. We are issuing this AD to prevent in-flight deployment of one or more TRs due to loss of the TR auto restow function, which could result in inadequate climb performance at an altitude insufficient for recovery, and consequent uncontrolled flight into terrain. \n\nFAA's Determination \n\n\n\tWe 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 same type design. \n\nAD Requirements \n\n\n\tThis AD requires identifying the EEC software, and removing certain defective software and installing new, improved software. The removal and installation must be done in one of the following ways: \n\tIn accordance with a method that we approve; or \n\tUsing data that meet the certification basis of the airplane, and that have been approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) whom we have authorized to make those findings. \n\nFAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date \n\n\n\tAn unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because the in-flight deployment of a TR due to loss of the TR auto restow function could result in inadequate climb performance at an altitude insufficient for recovery, and consequent uncontrolledflight into terrain. Therefore, we find that notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days. \n\nComments Invited \n\n\n\tThis AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment. 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 the docket number and Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-020-AD at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, \n\n((Page 16174)) \n\nenvironmental, 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. \n\tWe 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. \n\nCosts of Compliance \n\n\n\tWe estimate that this AD affects 7 airplanes of U.S. registry. \n\tWe estimate the following costs to comply with this AD: \n\n\n\tEstimated Costs ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \n\tCost per Cost on U.S. \n\tAction Labor cost Parts cost product operators ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Remove/install new software......... 6 work-hours x $85 per $0 $510 $3,570 \n\thour = $510. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \n\nAuthority for This Rulemaking \n\n\n\tTitle 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules onaviation 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. \n\tWe 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. \n\nRegulatory Findings \n\n\n\tThis 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. \n\tFor the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: \n\t(1) Is not a ''significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866, \n\t(2) Is not a ''significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), \n\t(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and \n\t(4) 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. \n\nList of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 \n\n\n\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.