Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777-200 and 777-300 Series Airplanes, 2980-2982 [05-991]
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2980
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 12 / Wednesday, January 19, 2005 / Proposed Rules
Conclusion
This action affects only certain novel
or unusual design features on the
Mooney models M20 (K, M, R, and S).
It is not a rule of general applicability,
and it affects only the applicant who
applied to the FAA for approval of these
features on the airplane.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 23
Aircraft, Aviation safety, Signs and
symbols.
Citation
The authority citation for these
special conditions is as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113 and
44701; 14 CFR 21.16 and 21.101; and 14 CFR
11.38 and 11.19.
The Proposed Special Conditions
The FAA has determined that this
project will be accomplished on the
basis of not lowering the current level
of safety for the Mooney models M20 (K,
M, R, and S) occupant restraint system.
Accordingly, the FAA proposes the
following special conditions as part of
the type certification basis for the
Mooney models M20 (K, M, R, and S),
as modified by AMSAFE, Inc.
Inflatable Three-Point Restraint Safety
Belt With an Integrated Airbag Device
on Mooney Models M20 (K, M, R, and
S)
1. It must be shown that the inflatable
restraint will deploy and provide
protection under crash conditions.
Compliance will be demonstrated using
the dynamic test condition specified in
§ 23.562, which may be modified as
follows:
a. The peak longitudinal deceleration
may be reduced; however, the onset rate
of the deceleration must be equal to or
greater than the crash pulse identified in
§ 23.562.
b. The peak longitudinal deceleration
must be above the deployment
threshold of the crash sensor and equal
to or greater than the forward static
design longitudinal load factor required
by the original certification basis of the
airplane.
c. The means of protection must take
into consideration a range of stature
from a 5th percentile female to a 95th
percentile male. The inflatable restraint
must provide a consistent approach to
energy absorption throughout the range.
2. The inflatable restraint must
provide adequate protection for each
occupant. In addition, unoccupied seats
that have an active restraint must not
constitute a hazard to any occupant.
3. The design must prevent the
inflatable restraint from either being
incorrectly buckled or incorrectly
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15:09 Jan 18, 2005
Jkt 205001
installed, or both, such that the airbag
would not properly deploy.
Alternatively, it must be shown that
such deployment is not hazardous to the
occupant and will provide the required
protection.
4. It must be shown that the inflatable
restraint system is not susceptible to
inadvertent deployment as a result of
wear and tear or the inertial loads
resulting from in-flight or ground
maneuvers (including gusts and hard
landings) that are likely to be
experienced in service.
5. It must be extremely improbable for
an inadvertent deployment of the
restraint system to occur, or an
inadvertent deployment must not
impede the pilot’s ability to maintain
control of the airplane or cause an
unsafe condition (or hazard to the
airplane). In addition, a deployed
inflatable restraint must be at least as
strong as a Technical Standard Order
(C114) certificated belt and shoulder
harness.
6. It must be shown that deployment
of the inflatable restraint system is not
hazardous to the occupant or result in
injuries that could impede rapid egress.
This assessment should include
occupants whose restraint is loosely
fastened.
7. It must be shown that an
inadvertent deployment that could
cause injury to a standing or sitting
person is improbable. In addition, the
restraint must also provide suitable
visual warnings that would alert rescue
personnel to the presence of an
inflatable restraint system.
8. It must be shown that the inflatable
restraint will not impede rapid egress of
the occupants 10 seconds after its
deployment.
9. For the purposes of complying with
HIRF and lightning requirements, the
inflatable restraint system is considered
a critical system since its deployment
could have a hazardous effect on the
airplane.
10. It must be shown that the
inflatable restraints will not release
hazardous quantities of gas or
particulate matter into the cabin.
11. The inflatable restraint system
installation must be protected from the
effects of fire such that no hazard to
occupants will result.
12. There must be a means to verify
the integrity of the inflatable restraint
activation system before each flight or it
must be demonstrated to reliably
operate between inspection intervals.
13. A life limit must be established for
appropriate system components.
14. Qualification testing of the
internal firing mechanism must be
performed at vibration levels
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
appropriate for a general aviation
airplane.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January
11, 2005.
Michael K. Dahl,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05–973 Filed 1–18–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2005–20081; Directorate
Identifier 2004–NM–132–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 777–200 and 777–300 Series
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Boeing Model 777–200 and –300
series airplanes. This proposed AD
would require modification of the
operational program software (OPS) of
the air data inertial reference unit
(ADIRU). This proposed AD is
prompted by a report of the display of
erroneous heading information to the
pilot due to a defect in the OPS of the
ADIRU. We are proposing this AD to
prevent the display of erroneous
heading information to the pilot, which
could result in loss of the main sources
of attitude data, consequent high pilot
workload, and subsequent deviation
from the intended flight path.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by March 7, 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,
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 12 / Wednesday, January 19, 2005 / Proposed Rules
400 Seventh Street SW., Washington,
DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
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–
20081; the directorate identifier for this
docket is 2004–NM–132–AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul
Feider, Aerospace Engineer, Systems
and Equipment Branch, ANM–130S,
FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055–4056; telephone
(425) 917–6467; 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–
2005–20081; Directorate Identifier
2004–NM–132–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
VerDate jul<14>2003
15:09 Jan 18, 2005
Jkt 205001
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 of the
display of erroneous heading
information to the pilot due to a defect
in the operational program software
(OPS) of the air data inertial reference
unit (ADIRU) on certain Model 777
series airplanes. Investigation revealed a
timing defect in the ADIRU Auto
Navigation Realign Logic, which could
potentially result in the use of a ‘‘stale’’
update, which would then produce
incorrect heading information with a
variable error magnitude. This
condition, if not corrected, could result
in loss of the main sources of attitude
data, consequent high pilot workload,
and subsequent deviation from the
intended flight path.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Service
Bulletin 777–34A0082, Revision 1,
dated December 19, 2002. The service
bulletin describes procedures for
modification of the OPS of the ADIRU.
The modification includes installing
new OPS in the flight compartment at
the maintenance access terminal (MAT),
or, as an option, replacing the hard
drive for the existing OPS in the MAT
and/or the Portable MAT.
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
‘‘Difference Between the Proposed AD
and Service Information.’’
Difference Between the Proposed AD
and Service information
Although the service information
recommends accomplishing the
modification ‘‘at the earliest opportunity
when manpower, parts, and facilities
are available,’’ we have determined that
this imprecise compliance time would
not address the identified unsafe
PO 00000
Frm 00019
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
2981
condition in a timely manner. However,
the manufacturer has recommended that
the compliance time not exceed 6
months. In developing an appropriate
compliance time for this AD, we
considered not only the manufacturer’s
recommendation, but the degree of
urgency associated with addressing the
subject unsafe condition, the average
utilization of the affected fleet, and the
time necessary to perform the
modification. In light of all of these
factors, we find a compliance time of 6
months for completing the required
modification to be warranted, in that it
represents an appropriate interval of
time for affected airplanes to continue to
operate without compromising safety.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 409 airplanes of the
affected design in the worldwide fleet.
This proposed AD would affect about
130 airplanes of U.S. registry. The
proposed actions would take about 1
work hour per airplane, at an average
labor rate of $65 per work hour.
Required parts would be free of charge.
Based on these figures, the estimated
cost of the proposed AD for U.S.
operators is $8,450, or $65 per airplane.
Authority for This Rulemaking
The FAA’s authority to issue rules
regarding aviation safety is found in
Title 49 of the United States Code.
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.
This rulemaking is promulgated
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
proposed AD.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this
proposed AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This proposed 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.
E:\FR\FM\19JAP1.SGM
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2982
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 12 / Wednesday, January 19, 2005 / Proposed Rules
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:
the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Modification
(f) Within 6 months after the effective date
of this AD: Modify the OPS of the ADIRU by
doing the applicable actions specified in the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Service Bulletin 777–34A0082, Revision 1,
dated December 19, 2002.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(g) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, 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 January
7, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05–991 Filed 1–18–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
Federal Aviation Administration
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
14 CFR Part 39
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
RIN 2120–AA64
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Boeing: Docket No. FAA–2005–20081;
Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–132–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) must receive comments on this AD
action by March 7, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 777–
200 and –300 series airplanes, certificated in
any category; as listed in Boeing Service
Bulletin 777–34A0082, Revision 1, dated
December 19, 2002.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by a report of
the display of erroneous heading information
to the pilot due to a defect in the operational
program software (OPS) of the air data
inertial reference unit (ADIRU). The Federal
Aviation Administration is issuing this AD to
prevent the display of erroneous heading
information to the pilot, which could result
in loss of the main sources of attitude data,
consequent high pilot workload, and
subsequent deviation from the intended
flight path.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the
actions required by this AD performed within
VerDate jul<14>2003
15:09 Jan 18, 2005
[Docket No. FAA–2005–20080; Directorate
Identifier 2003–NM–193–AD]
Jkt 205001
Airworthiness Directives; Various
Aircraft Equipped With Honeywell
Primus II RNZ–850/–851 Integrated
Navigation Units
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to
supersede an existing airworthiness
directive (AD) that applies to various
aircraft equipped with a certain
Honeywell Primus II RNZ–850/–851
Integrated Navigation Unit (INU). The
existing AD requires inspecting to
determine whether Mod L has been
done on the Honeywell Primus II NV850
Navigation Receiver Module (NRM),
which is part of the INU. In lieu of this
inspection, or for aircraft with an NRM
having Mod L, the existing AD requires
revising the aircraft flight manual to
include new limitations for instrument
landing system approaches. For aircraft
equipped with an NRM having Mod L
or aircraft not inspected previously, this
proposed AD would require inspecting
to determine whether certain other
modifications have been done on the
NRM; and doing related investigative,
corrective, and other specified actions,
PO 00000
Frm 00020
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
as applicable. This proposed AD is
prompted by reports of erroneous glide
slope indications on certain aircraft
equipped with subject INUs. We are
proposing this AD to ensure that the
flightcrew has an accurate glideslope
deviation indication. An erroneous
glideslope deviation indication could
lead to the aircraft making an approach
off the glideslope, which could result in
impact with an obstacle or terrain.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by March 7, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following
addresses to submit comments on this
proposed AD.
• DOT Docket Web site: Go to
http//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.
• 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.
For service information identified in
this proposed AD, contact Honeywell
Aerospace Electronic Systems, CES–
Phoenix, P.O. Box 2111, Phoenix,
Arizona 85036–1111.
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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: J.
Kirk Baker, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM–
130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office, 3960 Paramount
Boulevard, Lakewood, California
90712–4137; telephone (562) 627–5345;
fax (562) 627–5210.
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–
2005–20080; Directorate Identifier
2003–NM–193–AD’’ at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of the proposed AD. We will
E:\FR\FM\19JAP1.SGM
19JAP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 12 (Wednesday, January 19, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 2980-2982]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-991]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-20081; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-132-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777-200 and 777-300 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Boeing Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes. This
proposed AD would require modification of the operational program
software (OPS) of the air data inertial reference unit (ADIRU). This
proposed AD is prompted by a report of the display of erroneous heading
information to the pilot due to a defect in the OPS of the ADIRU. We
are proposing this AD to prevent the display of erroneous heading
information to the pilot, which could result in loss of the main
sources of attitude data, consequent high pilot workload, and
subsequent deviation from the intended flight path.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 7, 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,
[[Page 2981]]
400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
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-2005-20081; the directorate identifier for this docket is
2004-NM-132-AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Feider, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-
4056; telephone (425) 917-6467; 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-2005-20081;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-132-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 of the display of erroneous heading
information to the pilot due to a defect in the operational program
software (OPS) of the air data inertial reference unit (ADIRU) on
certain Model 777 series airplanes. Investigation revealed a timing
defect in the ADIRU Auto Navigation Realign Logic, which could
potentially result in the use of a ``stale'' update, which would then
produce incorrect heading information with a variable error magnitude.
This condition, if not corrected, could result in loss of the main
sources of attitude data, consequent high pilot workload, and
subsequent deviation from the intended flight path.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 777-34A0082, Revision 1,
dated December 19, 2002. The service bulletin describes procedures for
modification of the OPS of the ADIRU. The modification includes
installing new OPS in the flight compartment at the maintenance access
terminal (MAT), or, as an option, replacing the hard drive for the
existing OPS in the MAT and/or the Portable MAT. 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
``Difference Between the Proposed AD and Service Information.''
Difference Between the Proposed AD and Service information
Although the service information recommends accomplishing the
modification ``at the earliest opportunity when manpower, parts, and
facilities are available,'' we have determined that this imprecise
compliance time would not address the identified unsafe condition in a
timely manner. However, the manufacturer has recommended that the
compliance time not exceed 6 months. In developing an appropriate
compliance time for this AD, we considered not only the manufacturer's
recommendation, but the degree of urgency associated with addressing
the subject unsafe condition, the average utilization of the affected
fleet, and the time necessary to perform the modification. In light of
all of these factors, we find a compliance time of 6 months for
completing the required modification to be warranted, in that it
represents an appropriate interval of time for affected airplanes to
continue to operate without compromising safety.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 409 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 130 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The proposed actions would take about 1 work hour per
airplane, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required parts
would be free of charge. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of
the proposed AD for U.S. operators is $8,450, or $65 per airplane.
Authority for This Rulemaking
The FAA's authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is
found in Title 49 of the United States Code. 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.
This rulemaking is promulgated 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
proposed AD.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this proposed AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed 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.
[[Page 2982]]
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-2005-20081; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
132-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive
comments on this AD action by March 7, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 777-200 and -300 series
airplanes, certificated in any category; as listed in Boeing Service
Bulletin 777-34A0082, Revision 1, dated December 19, 2002.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by a report of the display of erroneous
heading information to the pilot due to a defect in the operational
program software (OPS) of the air data inertial reference unit
(ADIRU). The Federal Aviation Administration is issuing this AD to
prevent the display of erroneous heading information to the pilot,
which could result in loss of the main sources of attitude data,
consequent high pilot workload, and subsequent deviation from the
intended flight path.
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.
Modification
(f) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD: Modify
the OPS of the ADIRU by doing the applicable actions specified in
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-
34A0082, Revision 1, dated December 19, 2002.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(g) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 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 January 7, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-991 Filed 1-18-05; 8:45 am]
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