Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-400ER, 777-200, and 777-300 Series Airplanes, 2064-2066 [05-614]
Download as PDF
2064
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 8 / Wednesday, January 12, 2005 / Proposed Rules
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) must receive comments on this AD
action by February 28, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all McDonnell
Douglas Model DC–10–10, DC–10–10F, DC–
10–15, DC–10–30, DC–10–30F (KC–10A and
KDC–10), DC–10–40, DC–10–40F, MD–10–
10F, MD–10–30F, MD–11, and MD–11F
airplanes; certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by reports of
blocked drain holes of the pitot tubes. We are
issuing this AD to prevent blocked drain
holes of the pitot tubes, which could result
in the accumulation of water in the pitotstatic system and consequent failure of that
system. Failure of the pitot-static system
could result in erroneous airspeed
indications in the cockpit and consequent
loss of airspeed control.
AD. The forced air check must be done by
certificated maintenance personnel.
Note 3: Exercise care in checking pitot
tubes to prevent severe burns to your hands.
(1) Make certain that the pitot heat is off
and the pitot tubes are not hot.
Note 4: Excessive, as well as sudden,
pressurization or depressurization applied to
a pitot system by either method can cause
damage to instruments. Do not exceed 9.0
pounds per square inch (psi) or 550 knots
when pressurizing the system. Do not exceed
1.0 psi per second or 90 knots per second
when pressurizing or depressurizing the
system.
(2) Three methods are given in Table 1 of
this AD. Only one test must be done and all
are equivalent.
TABLE 1.—THREE TEST METHODS
Method
Description
(i) 1 .................
(A) Install a 9/16 inch (14
millimeter (mm)) inner diameter hose approximately three feet (1 meter)
long to the end of the pitot
tube; and
(B) Use the hose to carefully
blow air (using your
mouth) into the pitot tube.
(A) Connect an air pressure
source (dry Nitrogen) to
the pitot tubes; and
(B) Adjust the pressure
source to 5-psi maximum.
(A) Connect a pitot static
test set; and
(B) Adjust it to 450 knots at
0-feet altitude maximum.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the
actions required by this AD performed within
the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Repetitive Inspections
(f) Within 90 days after the effective date
of this AD, do a detailed inspection for
accumulation of debris (blockage) of the
drain holes of the pitot tubes in accordance
with paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD. The
actions required by paragraph (g) must be
done before those in paragraph (h) of this AD.
Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals
not to exceed 650 flight hours.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a
detailed inspection is ‘‘an intensive
examination of a specific item, installation,
or assembly to detect damage, failure, or
irregularity. Available lighting is normally
supplemented with a direct source of good
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate.
Inspection aids such as mirrors magnifying
lenses, etc. may be necessary. Surface
cleaning and elaborate procedures may be
required.’’
Visual Check
(g) Do a visual check in accordance with
paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(3) of this AD.
The visual check must be done by
certificated maintenance personnel.
(1) Make certain that the pitot heat is off
and the pitot tubes are not hot.
Note 2: Caution. Exercise care in checking
pitot tubes to prevent severe burns to your
hands.
(2) Attempt to look through the left and
right drain holes of each pitot tube.
(3) Make sure that ambient light (or
flashlight) is visible through both drain holes
of each pitot tube.
Forced Air Check
(h) Do a forced air check in accordance
with paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(3) of this
VerDate jul<14>2003
17:43 Jan 11, 2005
Jkt 205001
(ii) 2 ................
(iii) 3 ...............
(3) Check for airflow out of each drain
hole. Make sure that you do not cover the
drain holes when checking.
Special Test Equipment
(i) If test method 3 in paragraph (h)(2)(iii)
of this AD is used, an air data line tester with
pitot and static port adapters is required.
Corrective Action
(j) If any evidence of drain hole blockage
(e.g., air exiting from any pitot drain hole
cannot be felt on the hand) is found during
any inspection required by paragraph (f), (g),
or (h) of this AD, before further flight, clean
the hole in accordance with a method
approved by the Manager, Los Angeles
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA.
Chapter 34–11–02 of the applicable Boeing
airplane maintenance manual is one
approved method.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(k) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this
AD, if requested in accordance with the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
PO 00000
Frm 00038
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
December 30, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05–615 Filed 1–11–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2005–20026; Directorate
Identifier 2004–NM–150–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 767–400ER, 777–200, and 777–
300 Series Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Boeing Model 767–400ER, 777–
200, and 777–300 series airplanes. This
proposed AD would require replacing,
with new parts, the existing tie-down
fitting studs that secure galleys, purser
work stations, and closets to the seat
tracks. This proposed AD is prompted
by a report that tie-down fitting studs
were found damaged. We are proposing
this AD to prevent a galley, purser work
station, or closet from detaching from
the tie-down fitting studs during an
emergency landing, which could injure
passengers or crewmembers, or obstruct
escape routes and impede emergency
evacuation.
We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by February 28, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following
addresses to submit comments on this
proposed AD.
• DOT Docket Web site: Go to
https://dms.dot.gov and follow the
instructions for sending your comments
electronically.
• Government-wide rulemaking Web
site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending
your comments electronically.
• Mail: Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400
Seventh Street SW, Nassif Building,
room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590.
• By fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on
the plaza level of the Nassif Building,
400 Seventh Street SW, Washington,
DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
DATES:
E:\FR\FM\12JAP1.SGM
12JAP1
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 8 / Wednesday, January 12, 2005 / Proposed Rules
For service information identified in
this proposed AD, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707,
Seattle, Washington 98124–2207.
You can examine the contents of this
AD docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket
Management Facility, U.S. Department
of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street
SW, room PL–401, on the plaza level of
the Nassif Building, Washington, DC.
This docket number is FAA–2005–
20026; the directorate identifier for this
docket is 2004–NM–150–AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Robert Kaufman, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety and Environmental
Systems Branch, ANM–150S, FAA,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055–4056; telephone
(425) 917–6433; fax (425) 917–6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant
written data, views, or arguments
regarding this proposed AD. Send your
comments to an address listed under
ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
2005–20026; Directorate Identifier
2004–NM–150–AD’’ in the subject line
of your comments. We specifically
invite comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental,
and energy aspects of the proposed AD.
We will consider all comments
submitted by the closing date and may
amend the proposed AD in light of those
comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal
information you provide. We will also
post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD.
Using the search function of that
website, anyone can find and read the
comments in any of our dockets,
including the name of the individual
who sent the comment (or signed the
comment on behalf of an association,
business, labor union, etc.). You can
review DOT’s complete Privacy Act
Statement in the Federal Register
2065
published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR
19477–78), or you can visit https://
dms.dot.gov.
intended to adequately address the
unsafe condition.
Examining the Docket
You can examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov, or in
person at the Docket Management
Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. The Docket
Management Facility office (telephone
(800) 647–5227) is located on the plaza
level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in
the AD docket shortly after the DMS
receives them.
We have evaluated all pertinent
information and identified an unsafe
condition that is likely to exist or
develop on other airplanes of this same
type design. Therefore, we are
proposing this AD, which would require
accomplishing the actions specified in
the service information described
previously, except as discussed under
‘‘Differences Between the Proposed AD
and Service Information.’’
Discussion
We have received a report indicating
that tie-down fitting studs, which secure
galleys, purser work stations, and
closets to the seat tracks, have been
found cracked or deformed on a Boeing
777–200 series airplane during
production. Investigation revealed that
the original torque values were too high,
which damaged the fitting studs during
installation. This condition, if not
corrected, could result in a galley,
purser work station, or closet detaching
from the tie-down fitting studs during
an emergency landing, which could
injure passengers or crewmembers, or
obstruct escape routes and impede
emergency evacuation.
The subject tie-down fitting studs
were also installed on Boeing Model
767–400ER and 777–300 series
airplanes using the same original torque
values used on Model 777–200 series
airplanes. Therefore, all of these models
may be subject to the same unsafe
condition.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Service
Bulletins 767–25–0338, dated October 9,
2003; and 777–25–0217, dated July 17,
2003. Those service bulletins describe
procedures for replacing, with new
parts, the existing tie-down fitting studs
that secure galleys, purser work stations,
and floor-mounted closets to the seat
tracks. Accomplishing the actions
specified in the service information is
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of the Proposed AD
Differences Between the Proposed AD
and Service Information
The compliance time for the actions
that would be required by the proposed
AD differs from the compliance times
recommended in the service
information. Boeing Service Bulletin
767–25–0338 recommends doing the
actions ‘‘at the next maintenance period
when manpower and facilities are
available.’’ Boeing Service Bulletin 777–
25–0217 recommends doing the actions
at the ‘‘next convenient maintenance
opportunity, not to exceed 7 years from
the initial release’’ of the service
bulletin. In developing an appropriate
compliance time for this AD, we
considered the manufacturer’s
recommendation, the degree of urgency
associated with the subject unsafe
condition, and the time necessary to
perform the proposed actions. In light of
all of these factors, we find that a 60month compliance time represents an
appropriate interval of time for affected
airplanes to continue to operate without
compromising safety. We have
coordinated this difference with Boeing,
and they concur with our proposed
compliance time.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 349 airplanes of the
affected design in the worldwide fleet,
including about 118 U.S.-registered
airplanes. The following table provides
the estimated costs for U.S. operators to
comply with this proposed AD, at an
average labor rate of $65 per hour.
ESTIMATED COSTS
Work hours
(for U.S.-registered airplanes)
Airplane model
767–400ER ................................................................
777–200 and –300 .....................................................
1 Depending
VerDate jul<14>2003
10
1 6–30
No. of U.S.registered airplanes
Parts
Cost per airplane
$6,221
1,464–19,761
$6,871
1,854–21,711
on configuration.
17:43 Jan 11, 2005
Jkt 205001
PO 00000
Frm 00039
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
E:\FR\FM\12JAP1.SGM
12JAP1
6
118
Fleet cost
$41,226
218,772–2,561,898
2066
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 8 / Wednesday, January 12, 2005 / Proposed Rules
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
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
We have 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. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES
section for a location to examine the
regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, 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
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
VerDate jul<14>2003
17:43 Jan 11, 2005
Jkt 205001
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
December 30, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05–614 Filed 1–11–05; 8:45 am]
Boeing: Docket No. FAA–2005–20026;
Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–150–AD.
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Comments Due Date
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) must receive comments on this AD
action by February 28, 2005.
Federal Aviation Administration
Affected ADs
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2000–NM–168–AD]
(b) None.
Applicability
RIN 2120–AA64
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 767–
400ER series airplanes, certificated in any
category, having Variable Numbers VQ071
through VQ076 inclusive; and Model 777–
200 and –300 series airplanes, certificated in
any category, as listed in Boeing Service
Bulletin 777–25–0217, dated July 17, 2003.
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell
Douglas Model DC–9–81 (MD–81), DC–
9–82 (MD–82), DC–9–83 (MD–83), DC–
9–87 (MD–87), and MD–88 Airplanes
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by a report that
tie-down fitting studs were found damaged.
We are issuing this AD to prevent a galley,
purser work station, or closet from detaching
from the tie-down fitting studs during an
emergency landing, which could injure
passengers or crewmembers, or obstruct
escape routes and impede emergency
evacuation.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the
actions required by this AD performed within
the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Replacement
(f) Within 60 months after the effective
date of this AD: Replace, with new parts, the
existing tie-down fitting studs that secure
galleys, purser work stations, and floormounted closets to the seat tracks, by doing
all actions in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Service Bulletin 767–25–0338, dated October
9, 2003 (for Boeing Model 767–400ER series
airplanes); or Boeing Service Bulletin 777–
25–0217, dated July 17, 2003 (for Boeing
Model 777–200 and –300 series airplanes); as
applicable.
Replacements Accomplished According to
Previous Issue of Service Bulletin
(g) For Boeing Model 777–200 and –300
series airplanes: Replacements accomplished
before the effective date of this AD according
to Boeing Service Bulletin 777–25–0217,
dated July 18, 2002, are considered
acceptable for compliance with the
corresponding action specified in this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(h) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
requested in accordance with the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19.
PO 00000
Frm 00040
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Federal Aviation
Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Proposed rule; withdrawal.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This action withdraws a
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
that proposed a new airworthiness
directive (AD), applicable to certain
McDonnell Douglas Model DC–9–81
(MD–81), DC–9–82 (MD–82), DC–9–83
(MD–83), DC–9–87 (MD–87), and MD–
88 airplanes. That action would have
required installing shield assemblies for
power feeder cables in the forward and
aft lower cargo compartments, and
installing an additional shield for the
power feeder cable of the auxiliary
power unit in the aft lower cargo
compartment. Since the issuance of the
NPRM, the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) has determined
that the proposed requirements are
included in the requirements of another
existing AD; the NPRM does not contain
any new requirements beyond those of
the existing AD. Accordingly, the
proposed rule is withdrawn.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Elvin K. Wheeler, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM–
130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount
Boulevard, Lakewood, California
90712–4137; telephone (562) 627–5344;
fax (562) 627–5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A
proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to
add a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain McDonnell
Douglas Model DC–9–81 (MD–81), DC–
9–82 (MD–82), DC–9–83 (MD–83), DC–
9–87 (MD–87), and MD–88 airplanes;
was published in the Federal Register
as a notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM) on October 30, 2003 (68 FR
E:\FR\FM\12JAP1.SGM
12JAP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 8 (Wednesday, January 12, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 2064-2066]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-614]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-20026; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-150-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-400ER, 777-200, and
777-300 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Boeing Model 767-400ER, 777-200, and 777-300 series
airplanes. This proposed AD would require replacing, with new parts,
the existing tie-down fitting studs that secure galleys, purser work
stations, and closets to the seat tracks. This proposed AD is prompted
by a report that tie-down fitting studs were found damaged. We are
proposing this AD to prevent a galley, purser work station, or closet
from detaching from the tie-down fitting studs during an emergency
landing, which could injure passengers or crewmembers, or obstruct
escape routes and impede emergency evacuation.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 28,
2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW, Nassif Building, room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590.
By fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street SW, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
[[Page 2065]]
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-
2207.
You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at
https://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW, room PL-401,
on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC. This docket
number is FAA-2005-20026; the directorate identifier for this docket is
2004-NM-150-AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Kaufman, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 917-6433; fax (425) 917-6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-20026;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-150-AD'' in the subject line of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of
that website, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union,
etc.). You can review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you
can visit https://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.
Discussion
We have received a report indicating that tie-down fitting studs,
which secure galleys, purser work stations, and closets to the seat
tracks, have been found cracked or deformed on a Boeing 777-200 series
airplane during production. Investigation revealed that the original
torque values were too high, which damaged the fitting studs during
installation. This condition, if not corrected, could result in a
galley, purser work station, or closet detaching from the tie-down
fitting studs during an emergency landing, which could injure
passengers or crewmembers, or obstruct escape routes and impede
emergency evacuation.
The subject tie-down fitting studs were also installed on Boeing
Model 767-400ER and 777-300 series airplanes using the same original
torque values used on Model 777-200 series airplanes. Therefore, all of
these models may be subject to the same unsafe condition.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Service Bulletins 767-25-0338, dated
October 9, 2003; and 777-25-0217, dated July 17, 2003. Those service
bulletins describe procedures for replacing, with new parts, the
existing tie-down fitting studs that secure galleys, purser work
stations, and floor-mounted closets to the seat tracks. Accomplishing
the actions specified in the service information is intended to
adequately address the unsafe condition.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes
of this same type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which
would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service
information described previously, except as discussed under
``Differences Between the Proposed AD and Service Information.''
Differences Between the Proposed AD and Service Information
The compliance time for the actions that would be required by the
proposed AD differs from the compliance times recommended in the
service information. Boeing Service Bulletin 767-25-0338 recommends
doing the actions ``at the next maintenance period when manpower and
facilities are available.'' Boeing Service Bulletin 777-25-0217
recommends doing the actions at the ``next convenient maintenance
opportunity, not to exceed 7 years from the initial release'' of the
service bulletin. In developing an appropriate compliance time for this
AD, we considered the manufacturer's recommendation, the degree of
urgency associated with the subject unsafe condition, and the time
necessary to perform the proposed actions. In light of all of these
factors, we find that a 60-month compliance time represents an
appropriate interval of time for affected airplanes to continue to
operate without compromising safety. We have coordinated this
difference with Boeing, and they concur with our proposed compliance
time.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 349 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet, including about 118 U.S.-registered airplanes. The
following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to
comply with this proposed AD, at an average labor rate of $65 per hour.
Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Work hours
(for U.S.- Cost per No. of U.S.-
Airplane model registered Parts airplane registered Fleet cost
airplanes) airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
767-400ER.......................................................... 10 $6,221 $6,871 6 $41,226
777-200 and -300................................................... \1\ 6-30 1,464-19,761 1,854-21,711 118 218,772-2,561,898
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Depending on configuration.
[[Page 2066]]
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
We have 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. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location
to examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 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
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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
Boeing: Docket No. FAA-2005-20026; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
150-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive
comments on this AD action by February 28, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 767-400ER series airplanes,
certificated in any category, having Variable Numbers VQ071 through
VQ076 inclusive; and Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes,
certificated in any category, as listed in Boeing Service Bulletin
777-25-0217, dated July 17, 2003.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by a report that tie-down fitting studs
were found damaged. We are issuing this AD to prevent a galley,
purser work station, or closet from detaching from the tie-down
fitting studs during an emergency landing, which could injure
passengers or crewmembers, or obstruct escape routes and impede
emergency evacuation.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Replacement
(f) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD:
Replace, with new parts, the existing tie-down fitting studs that
secure galleys, purser work stations, and floor-mounted closets to
the seat tracks, by doing all actions in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-25-0338,
dated October 9, 2003 (for Boeing Model 767-400ER series airplanes);
or Boeing Service Bulletin 777-25-0217, dated July 17, 2003 (for
Boeing Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes); as applicable.
Replacements Accomplished According to Previous Issue of Service
Bulletin
(g) For Boeing Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes:
Replacements accomplished before the effective date of this AD
according to Boeing Service Bulletin 777-25-0217, dated July 18,
2002, are considered acceptable for compliance with the
corresponding action specified in this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(h) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 30, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-614 Filed 1-11-05; 8:45 am]
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