Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777 Airplanes, 33856-33859 [E7-11676]
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 118 / Wednesday, June 20, 2007 / Rules and Regulations
60730A, dated March 14, 2006; or Revision
1, dated May 9, 2006.
FAA AD Differences
Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/
or service information as follows: No
Differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) The following provisions also apply to
this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, International
Branch, ANM–116, FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send
information to ATTN: Todd Thompson,
Aerospace Engineer, International Branch,
ANM–116, FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425)
227–1175; (425) 227–1149. Before using any
approved AMOC on any airplane to which
the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate
principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight
Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking
a PI, your local FSDO.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain corrective
actions from a manufacturer or other source,
use these actions if they are FAA-approved.
Corrective actions are considered FAAapproved if they are approved by the State
of Design Authority (or their delegated
agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any
reporting requirement in this AD, under the
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act,
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
has approved the information collection
requirements and has assigned OMB Control
Number 2120–0056.
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Related Information
(h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation
Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2006–
0342, dated November 9, 2006; and BAE
Systems (Operations) Limited Modification
Service Bulletin SB.25–495–60730A, dated
March 14, 2006; or Revision 1, dated May 9,
2006; for related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use BAE Systems (Operations)
Limited Modification Service Bulletin SB.25–
495–60730A, dated March 14, 2006; or BAE
Systems (Operations) Limited Modification
Service Bulletin SB.25–495–60730A,
Revision 1, dated May 9, 2006; to do the
actions required by this AD, unless the AD
specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
this service information under 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact British Aerospace Regional
Aircraft American Support, 13850 Mclearen
Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171.
(3) You may review copies at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
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the availability of this material at NARA, call
(202) 741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 8,
2007.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7–11675 Filed 6–19–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2006–25973; Directorate
Identifier 2006–NM–178–AD; Amendment
39–15109; AD 2007–13–05]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 777 Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Boeing Model 777 airplanes. This AD
requires repetitive measurements of the
freeplay of the right and left elevators,
rudder, and rudder tab, and related
investigative and corrective actions if
necessary. This AD also requires
repetitive lubrication of the elevator,
rudder, and rudder tab components.
This AD results from reports of freeplayinduced vibration of unbalanced control
surfaces. Excessive freeplay of control
surfaces can cause unacceptable
airframe vibration during flight. The
potential for vibration of the control
surface should be avoided because the
point of transition from vibration to
divergent flutter is unknown. We are
issuing this AD to prevent flutter, which
can cause damage to the control surface
structure and consequent loss of control
of the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective July
25, 2007.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in the AD
as of July 25, 2007.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the 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., Nassif Building, Room PL–401,
Washington, DC.
Contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
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Washington 98124–2207, for service
information identified in this AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dennis Stremick, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone
(425) 917–6450; fax (425) 917–6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Examining the Docket
You may examine the airworthiness
directive (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 street address stated in the
ADDRESSES section.
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would
apply to all Boeing Model 777 airplanes.
That NPRM was published in the
Federal Register on October 3, 2006 (71
FR 58323). That NPRM proposed to
require repetitive measurements of the
freeplay of the right and left elevators,
rudder, and rudder tab, and related
investigative and corrective actions if
necessary. That NPRM also proposed to
require repetitive lubrication of the
elevator, rudder, and rudder tab
components.
Comments
We provided the public the
opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have
considered the comments received.
Support for the NPRM
Boeing and United Airlines support
the contents of the NPRM.
Request To Accomplish Repetitive
Actions at the Later of the Compliance
Times
United Airlines requests that we
revise the compliance times for the
repetitive freeplay measurements and
lubrication to specify doing those
actions at the later of the proposed
compliance times (i.e., whichever
occurs later). Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 777–27–0062, dated
July 18, 2006, recommends repeating
the freeplay measurement at intervals of
12,000 flight hours or 36 months,
whichever occurs first, and repeating
the lubrication at intervals of 5,000
flight hours or 16 months, whichever
occurs first. As justification, United
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Airlines states that the change would
allow operators to accomplish the
actions within the thresholds specified
in the Boeing 777 Maintenance Planning
Document (MPD).
We disagree with allowing operators
to perform the repetitive actions at the
later of the compliance times.
Accomplishing the repetitive freeplay
measurements and lubrication at the
compliance times specified in the MPD
has not prevented the unsafe condition
from occurring in service on other
Boeing airplane models that incorporate
the same design features. In developing
an appropriate compliance time for this
action, we considered the urgency
associated with the subject unsafe
condition, the practical aspect of
accomplishing the required actions
within an interval of time that
corresponds to the normal scheduled
maintenance for most affected operators,
and the recommendation of the
manufacturer. However, according to
the provisions of paragraph (j) of this
AD, we may approve requests to adjust
the compliance time if the request
includes data that substantiate that the
new compliance time would provide an
acceptable level of safety. We have not
changed this AD in this regard.
Request To Revise Compliance Times
British Airways and United Airlines
request that we revise the compliance
times for the repetitive freeplay
measurements and lubrication to match
the times in the Boeing 777 MPD. Both
commenters state that the MPD requires
the freeplay measurement at intervals of
18,000 flight hours and requires the
lubrication at intervals of 6,000 flight
hours or 560 days. As justification,
British Airways states the following: (1)
It has been performing these tasks in
accordance with the Boeing 777 MPD
with no adverse findings for its fleet, (2)
it uses BMS 3–33 grease for the
lubrication, which improves service life
over MIL–PRF–23827C, and (3) Boeing
has not reported any freeplay issues on
Model 777 airplanes or provided
justification for recommending different
intervals in the service bulletin. British
Airways also states that it considers the
MPD intervals adequate and that
mandating the intervals in Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–
27–0062, dated July 18, 2006, would not
significantly improve safety.
We disagree with revising the
compliance times. Accomplishing the
required freeplay measurements and
lubrication at the compliance times
specified in the MPD has not prevented
the unsafe condition from occurring in
service on other Boeing airplane models
that incorporate the same design
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features. Further, Boeing has advised us
that it intends to pursue revising the
MPD task to reflect the compliance
times specified in this AD at the next
revision cycle of the document. We have
determined that the compliance times
specified in the service bulletin will
ensure an acceptable level of safety.
However, according to the provisions of
paragraph (j) of this AD, we may
approve requests to adjust the
compliance time if the request includes
data that prove that the new compliance
time would provide an acceptable level
of safety. No change to this AD is
necessary in this regard.
Request for Credit for Accomplishment
of Certain MPD Tasks
Air China asks if accomplishment of
Tasks 12–002–01, 12–004–00, 27–240–
00, and 27–430–00 of the Boeing 777
MPD is acceptable for compliance with
the initial freeplay check and
lubrication. United Airlines also
requests that airplanes maintained in
accordance with these tasks be
considered in compliance.
We do not agree to allow the MPD
tasks as an acceptable source of service
information for accomplishing the
freeplay measurement. We find that
neither appropriate procedures nor
applicable limits are, at this time,
specified in the MPD tasks that describe
accomplishing the inspections and
lubrication. Thus, the MPD tasks are not
adequate to ensure that an acceptable
level of safety is maintained. However,
according to the provisions of paragraph
(j) of this AD, we may approve a request
of an alternative method of compliance
(AMOC) if data are presented to
substantiate that the actions provide an
acceptable level of safety. We have not
changed this AD in this regard.
Request To Publish Service Information
The Modification and Replacement
Parts Association (MARPA) states that,
typically, ADs are based on service
information originating with the type
certificate holder or its suppliers.
MARPA adds that manufacturer service
documents are privately authored
instruments generally having copyright
protection against duplication and
distribution. MARPA notes that when a
service document is incorporated by
reference into a public document, such
as an AD, it loses its private, protected
status and becomes a public document.
MARPA adds that if a service document
is used as a mandatory element of
compliance, it should not simply be
referenced, but should be incorporated
into the regulatory document; by
definition, public laws must be public,
which means they cannot rely upon
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33857
private writings. MARPA adds that
incorporated by reference service
documents should be made available to
the public by publication in the
Department of Transportation’s Docket
Management System (DMS), keyed to
the action that incorporates them.
MARPA notes that the stated purpose of
the incorporation by reference method
is brevity, to keep from expanding the
Federal Register needlessly by
publishing documents already in the
hands of the affected individuals;
traditionally, ‘‘affected individuals’’
means aircraft owners and operators,
who are generally provided service
information by the manufacturer.
MARPA adds that a new class of
affected individuals has emerged, since
the majority of aircraft maintenance is
now performed by specialty shops
instead of aircraft owners and operators.
MARPA notes that this new class
includes maintenance and repair
organizations, component servicing and
repair shops, parts purveyors and
distributors, and organizations
manufacturing or servicing alternatively
certified parts under section 21.303
(‘‘Replacement and modification parts’’)
of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.303). MARPA adds that the
concept of brevity is now nearly archaic
as documents exist more frequently in
electronic format than on paper.
Therefore, MARPA asks that the service
document deemed essential to the
accomplishment of the NPRM be
incorporated by reference into the
regulatory instrument and published in
DMS.
We acknowledge MARPA’s comment
concerning incorporation by reference.
The Office of the Federal Register (OFR)
requires that documents that are
necessary to accomplish the
requirements of the AD be incorporated
by reference during the final rule phase
of rulemaking. This AD incorporates by
reference the document necessary for
the accomplishment of the requirements
mandated by this AD. Further, we point
out that while documents that are
incorporated by reference do become
public information, they do not lose
their copyright protection. For that
reason, we advise the public to contact
the manufacturer to obtain copies of the
referenced service information.
In regard to the commenter’s request
to post the service bulletin on DMS, we
are currently in the process of reviewing
issues surrounding the posting of
service bulletins on DMS as part of an
AD docket. Once we have thoroughly
examined all aspects of this issue and
have made a final determination, we
will consider whether our current
practice needs to be revised. No change
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to this AD is necessary in response to
this comment.
and the public interest require adopting
the AD as proposed.
Conclusion
Costs of Compliance
We have carefully reviewed the
available data, including the comments
received, and determined that air safety
estimated costs, at an average labor rate
of $80 per work hour, for U.S. operators
to comply with this AD.
There are about 695 airplanes of the
affected design in the worldwide fleet.
The following table provides the
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Work hours
Number of
U.S.registered
airplanes
Cost per airplane
4
17
4
7
3
5
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.
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Measurement of elevators ................
Lubrication of elevators .....................
Measurement of rudder .....................
Lubrication of rudder .........................
Measurement of rudder tab ..............
Lubrication of rudder tab ...................
We prepared a regulatory evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
See the ADDRESSES section for a location
to examine the regulatory evaluation.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
(2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
(3) Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
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$320, per measurement cycle ..........
$1,360, per lubrication cycle ............
$320, per measurement cycle ..........
$560, per lubrication cycle ...............
$240, per measurement cycle ..........
$400, per lubrication cycle ...............
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Fleet cost
145
145
145
145
145
145
$46,400, per measurement cycle.
$197,200, per lubrication cycle.
$46,400, per measurement cycle.
$81,200, per lubrication cycle.
$34,800, per measurement cycle.
$58,000, per lubrication cycle.
vibration during flight. The potential for
vibration of the control surface should be
avoided because the point of transition from
vibration to divergent flutter is unknown. We
are issuing this AD to prevent flutter, which
can cause damage to the control surface
structure and consequent loss of control of
the airplane.
Compliance
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
(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 Measurements
I
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
I
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13
by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
I
2007–13–05 Boeing: Amendment 39–15109.
Docket No. FAA–2006–25973;
Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–178–AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective July 25,
2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Boeing Model
777–200, –200LR, –300, and –300ER series
airplanes, certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from reports of
freeplay-induced vibration of unbalanced
control surfaces. Excessive freeplay of control
surfaces can cause unacceptable airframe
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(f) At the applicable times specified in
Tables 1, 2, and 3 of paragraph 1.E.,
‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 777–27–0062, dated July 18,
2006, except as provided by paragraph (i) of
this AD: Measure the freeplay of the right and
left elevators, rudder, and rudder tab; and do
all related investigative and corrective
actions before further flight; by
accomplishing all the actions specified in
Parts 1, 3, and 5 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 777–27–0062, dated July 18,
2006, as applicable. Repeat the
measurements and related investigative and
corrective actions thereafter at the interval
specified in Table 1, 2, or 3 of the service
bulletin, as applicable.
Repetitive Lubrication
(g) At the applicable times specified in
Tables 1, 2, and 3 of paragraph 1.E.,
‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 777–27–0062, dated July 18,
2006, except as provided by paragraph (i) of
this AD: Lubricate the elevator components,
rudder components, and rudder tab
components, by accomplishing all the actions
specified in Parts 2, 4, and 6 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–27–
0062, dated July 18, 2006, as applicable.
Repeat the lubrication thereafter at the
interval specified in Table 1, 2, or 3 of the
service bulletin, as applicable.
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Concurrent Compliance Times
(h) If a freeplay measurement of a specified
part required by paragraph (f) of this AD and
a lubrication of the same part required by
paragraph (g) of this AD are due at the same
time or will be accomplished during the
same maintenance visit, the freeplay
measurement and all related investigative
and corrective actions must be done before
the lubrication is accomplished.
Exceptions to Compliance Times
(i) Where Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 777–27–0062, dated July 18, 2006,
recommends an initial compliance threshold
of ‘‘Within 36 months after the date on this
service bulletin’’ for Parts 1, 3, and 5 of the
service bulletin, this AD requires an initial
compliance threshold of ‘‘within 36 months
after the effective date of this AD.’’ Where
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin
777–27–0062, dated July 18, 2006,
recommends an initial compliance threshold
of ‘‘Within 16 months after the date on this
service bulletin’’ for Parts 2, 4, and 6 of the
service bulletin, this AD requires an initial
compliance threshold of ‘‘within 16 months
after the effective date of this AD.’’
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
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Material Incorporated by Reference
(k) You must use Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 777–27–0062, dated July 18,
2006, to perform the actions that are required
by this AD, unless the AD specifies
otherwise. The Director of the Federal
Register approved the incorporation by
reference of this document in accordance
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O.
Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124–2207,
for a copy of this service information. You
may review copies at the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue,
SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National
Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741–
6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/
federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
17:14 Jun 19, 2007
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BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2006–23803; Directorate
Identifier 2005–NM–238–AD; Amendment
39–15108; AD 2007–13–04]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 747–400, 747–400D, and 747–
400F Series Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is superseding an
existing airworthiness directive (AD),
which applies to all Boeing Model 747–
400, –400D, and –400F series airplanes.
That AD currently requires revising the
airplane flight manual (AFM) to require
the flightcrew to maintain certain
minimum fuel levels in the center fuel
tanks, and to prohibit the use of the
horizontal stabilizer fuel tank. This new
AD requires installing new integrated
display system (IDS) software; and also
requires revising the AFM to include
procedures to prevent dry operation of
the center wing and horizontal stabilizer
fuel tanks, for maintaining minimum
fuel levels, and for de-fueling fuel tanks.
For certain airplanes, this new AD also
requires removing certain program pin
ground wires of the IDS. This AD results
from fuel system reviews conducted by
the manufacturer. We are issuing this
AD to reduce the potential for ignition
sources inside fuel tanks, which, in
combination with flammable fuel
vapors, could result in fuel tank
explosions and consequent loss of the
airplane.
SUMMARY:
(j)(1) 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.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in
accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to
which the AMOC applies, notify the
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA
Flight Standards Certificate Holding District
Office.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
level of safety may be used for any repair
required by this AD, if it is approved by an
Authorized Representative for the Boeing
Commercial Airplanes Delegation Option
Authorization Organization who has been
authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to
make those findings. For a repair method to
be approved, the repair must meet the
certification basis of the airplane, and the
approval must specifically refer to this AD.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 11,
2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7–11676 Filed 6–19–07; 8:45 am]
This AD becomes effective July
25, 2007.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in the AD
as of July 25, 2007.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD
docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov or in person at the U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
DATES:
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33859
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
DC.
Contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124–2207, for service
information identified in this AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sulmo Mariano, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, FAA,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone
(425) 917–6501; fax (425) 917–6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Examining the Docket
You may 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
Operations office (telephone (800) 647–
5527) is located on the ground floor of
the West Building at the DOT street
address stated in the ADDRESSES section.
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that
supersedes AD 2002–24–52, amendment
39–12993 (68 FR 14, January 2, 2003).
The existing AD applies to certain
Boeing Model 747–400, 747–400D, and
747–400F series airplanes. That NPRM
was published in the Federal Register
on February 8, 2006 (71 FR 6404). That
NPRM proposed to continue to require
revising the airplane flight manual
(AFM) to require the flightcrew to
maintain certain minimum fuel levels in
the center fuel tanks, and to prohibit the
use of the horizontal stabilizer fuel tank.
That NPRM also proposed to require
installing new integrated display
software (IDS) in the integrated display
units and electronic flight instrument
system/engine indication and crew
alerting system (EICAS) interface units
(EIUs) of the flight deck. In addition,
that NPRM proposed to require revising
the AFM to include procedures to
prevent dry operation of the center wing
and horizontal stabilizer fuel tanks; for
maintaining minimum fuel levels; and
for de-fueling fuel tanks. For certain
airplanes, that NPRM also proposed to
require removing G13 pin ground wires
of a certain wire integration unit of the
EIUs at certain connector locations.
Comments
We have considered the following
comments on the NPRM.
Request To Supersede Another AD
Japan Airlines requests that paragraph
(b) of the NPRM be revised to supersede
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 118 (Wednesday, June 20, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33856-33859]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-11676]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-25973; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-178-AD;
Amendment 39-15109; AD 2007-13-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Boeing Model 777 airplanes. This AD requires repetitive measurements of
the freeplay of the right and left elevators, rudder, and rudder tab,
and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD
also requires repetitive lubrication of the elevator, rudder, and
rudder tab components. This AD results from reports of freeplay-induced
vibration of unbalanced control surfaces. Excessive freeplay of control
surfaces can cause unacceptable airframe vibration during flight. The
potential for vibration of the control surface should be avoided
because the point of transition from vibration to divergent flutter is
unknown. We are issuing this AD to prevent flutter, which can cause
damage to the control surface structure and consequent loss of control
of the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective July 25, 2007.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of July 25,
2007.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the 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., Nassif Building,
Room PL-401, Washington, DC.
Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124-2207, for service information identified in this AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dennis Stremick, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
917-6450; fax (425) 917-6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Examining the Docket
You may examine the airworthiness directive (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 street address stated in the ADDRESSES section.
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to all Boeing Model 777
airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on October
3, 2006 (71 FR 58323). That NPRM proposed to require repetitive
measurements of the freeplay of the right and left elevators, rudder,
and rudder tab, and related investigative and corrective actions if
necessary. That NPRM also proposed to require repetitive lubrication of
the elevator, rudder, and rudder tab components.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.
Support for the NPRM
Boeing and United Airlines support the contents of the NPRM.
Request To Accomplish Repetitive Actions at the Later of the Compliance
Times
United Airlines requests that we revise the compliance times for
the repetitive freeplay measurements and lubrication to specify doing
those actions at the later of the proposed compliance times (i.e.,
whichever occurs later). Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-
27-0062, dated July 18, 2006, recommends repeating the freeplay
measurement at intervals of 12,000 flight hours or 36 months, whichever
occurs first, and repeating the lubrication at intervals of 5,000
flight hours or 16 months, whichever occurs first. As justification,
United
[[Page 33857]]
Airlines states that the change would allow operators to accomplish the
actions within the thresholds specified in the Boeing 777 Maintenance
Planning Document (MPD).
We disagree with allowing operators to perform the repetitive
actions at the later of the compliance times. Accomplishing the
repetitive freeplay measurements and lubrication at the compliance
times specified in the MPD has not prevented the unsafe condition from
occurring in service on other Boeing airplane models that incorporate
the same design features. In developing an appropriate compliance time
for this action, we considered the urgency associated with the subject
unsafe condition, the practical aspect of accomplishing the required
actions within an interval of time that corresponds to the normal
scheduled maintenance for most affected operators, and the
recommendation of the manufacturer. However, according to the
provisions of paragraph (j) of this AD, we may approve requests to
adjust the compliance time if the request includes data that
substantiate that the new compliance time would provide an acceptable
level of safety. We have not changed this AD in this regard.
Request To Revise Compliance Times
British Airways and United Airlines request that we revise the
compliance times for the repetitive freeplay measurements and
lubrication to match the times in the Boeing 777 MPD. Both commenters
state that the MPD requires the freeplay measurement at intervals of
18,000 flight hours and requires the lubrication at intervals of 6,000
flight hours or 560 days. As justification, British Airways states the
following: (1) It has been performing these tasks in accordance with
the Boeing 777 MPD with no adverse findings for its fleet, (2) it uses
BMS 3-33 grease for the lubrication, which improves service life over
MIL-PRF-23827C, and (3) Boeing has not reported any freeplay issues on
Model 777 airplanes or provided justification for recommending
different intervals in the service bulletin. British Airways also
states that it considers the MPD intervals adequate and that mandating
the intervals in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062,
dated July 18, 2006, would not significantly improve safety.
We disagree with revising the compliance times. Accomplishing the
required freeplay measurements and lubrication at the compliance times
specified in the MPD has not prevented the unsafe condition from
occurring in service on other Boeing airplane models that incorporate
the same design features. Further, Boeing has advised us that it
intends to pursue revising the MPD task to reflect the compliance times
specified in this AD at the next revision cycle of the document. We
have determined that the compliance times specified in the service
bulletin will ensure an acceptable level of safety. However, according
to the provisions of paragraph (j) of this AD, we may approve requests
to adjust the compliance time if the request includes data that prove
that the new compliance time would provide an acceptable level of
safety. No change to this AD is necessary in this regard.
Request for Credit for Accomplishment of Certain MPD Tasks
Air China asks if accomplishment of Tasks 12-002-01, 12-004-00, 27-
240-00, and 27-430-00 of the Boeing 777 MPD is acceptable for
compliance with the initial freeplay check and lubrication. United
Airlines also requests that airplanes maintained in accordance with
these tasks be considered in compliance.
We do not agree to allow the MPD tasks as an acceptable source of
service information for accomplishing the freeplay measurement. We find
that neither appropriate procedures nor applicable limits are, at this
time, specified in the MPD tasks that describe accomplishing the
inspections and lubrication. Thus, the MPD tasks are not adequate to
ensure that an acceptable level of safety is maintained. However,
according to the provisions of paragraph (j) of this AD, we may approve
a request of an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) if data are
presented to substantiate that the actions provide an acceptable level
of safety. We have not changed this AD in this regard.
Request To Publish Service Information
The Modification and Replacement Parts Association (MARPA) states
that, typically, ADs are based on service information originating with
the type certificate holder or its suppliers. MARPA adds that
manufacturer service documents are privately authored instruments
generally having copyright protection against duplication and
distribution. MARPA notes that when a service document is incorporated
by reference into a public document, such as an AD, it loses its
private, protected status and becomes a public document. MARPA adds
that if a service document is used as a mandatory element of
compliance, it should not simply be referenced, but should be
incorporated into the regulatory document; by definition, public laws
must be public, which means they cannot rely upon private writings.
MARPA adds that incorporated by reference service documents should be
made available to the public by publication in the Department of
Transportation's Docket Management System (DMS), keyed to the action
that incorporates them. MARPA notes that the stated purpose of the
incorporation by reference method is brevity, to keep from expanding
the Federal Register needlessly by publishing documents already in the
hands of the affected individuals; traditionally, ``affected
individuals'' means aircraft owners and operators, who are generally
provided service information by the manufacturer. MARPA adds that a new
class of affected individuals has emerged, since the majority of
aircraft maintenance is now performed by specialty shops instead of
aircraft owners and operators. MARPA notes that this new class includes
maintenance and repair organizations, component servicing and repair
shops, parts purveyors and distributors, and organizations
manufacturing or servicing alternatively certified parts under section
21.303 (``Replacement and modification parts'') of the Federal Aviation
Regulations (14 CFR 21.303). MARPA adds that the concept of brevity is
now nearly archaic as documents exist more frequently in electronic
format than on paper. Therefore, MARPA asks that the service document
deemed essential to the accomplishment of the NPRM be incorporated by
reference into the regulatory instrument and published in DMS.
We acknowledge MARPA's comment concerning incorporation by
reference. The Office of the Federal Register (OFR) requires that
documents that are necessary to accomplish the requirements of the AD
be incorporated by reference during the final rule phase of rulemaking.
This AD incorporates by reference the document necessary for the
accomplishment of the requirements mandated by this AD. Further, we
point out that while documents that are incorporated by reference do
become public information, they do not lose their copyright protection.
For that reason, we advise the public to contact the manufacturer to
obtain copies of the referenced service information.
In regard to the commenter's request to post the service bulletin
on DMS, we are currently in the process of reviewing issues surrounding
the posting of service bulletins on DMS as part of an AD docket. Once
we have thoroughly examined all aspects of this issue and have made a
final determination, we will consider whether our current practice
needs to be revised. No change
[[Page 33858]]
to this AD is necessary in response to this comment.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the
comments received, and determined that air safety and the public
interest require adopting the AD as proposed.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 695 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. The following table provides the estimated costs, at
an average labor rate of $80 per work hour, for U.S. operators to
comply with this AD.
Estimated Costs
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Number of
U.S.-
Action Work hours Cost per airplane registered Fleet cost
airplanes
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Measurement of elevators............ 4 $320, per measurement 145 $46,400, per
cycle. measurement cycle.
Lubrication of elevators............ 17 $1,360, per lubrication 145 $197,200, per
cycle. lubrication cycle.
Measurement of rudder............... 4 $320, per measurement 145 $46,400, per
cycle. measurement cycle.
Lubrication of rudder............... 7 $560, per lubrication 145 $81,200, per
cycle. lubrication cycle.
Measurement of rudder tab........... 3 $240, per measurement 145 $34,800, per
cycle. measurement cycle.
Lubrication of rudder tab........... 5 $400, per lubrication 145 $58,000, per
cycle. lubrication cycle.
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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 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866;
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. 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, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
2007-13-05 Boeing: Amendment 39-15109. Docket No. FAA-2006-25973;
Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-178-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective July 25, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Boeing Model 777-200, -200LR, -300,
and -300ER series airplanes, certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from reports of freeplay-induced vibration
of unbalanced control surfaces. Excessive freeplay of control
surfaces can cause unacceptable airframe vibration during flight.
The potential for vibration of the control surface should be avoided
because the point of transition from vibration to divergent flutter
is unknown. We are issuing this AD to prevent flutter, which can
cause damage to the control surface structure and consequent loss of
control of the airplane.
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 Measurements
(f) At the applicable times specified in Tables 1, 2, and 3 of
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 777-27-0062, dated July 18, 2006, except as provided by
paragraph (i) of this AD: Measure the freeplay of the right and left
elevators, rudder, and rudder tab; and do all related investigative
and corrective actions before further flight; by accomplishing all
the actions specified in Parts 1, 3, and 5 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-
0062, dated July 18, 2006, as applicable. Repeat the measurements
and related investigative and corrective actions thereafter at the
interval specified in Table 1, 2, or 3 of the service bulletin, as
applicable.
Repetitive Lubrication
(g) At the applicable times specified in Tables 1, 2, and 3 of
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 777-27-0062, dated July 18, 2006, except as provided by
paragraph (i) of this AD: Lubricate the elevator components, rudder
components, and rudder tab components, by accomplishing all the
actions specified in Parts 2, 4, and 6 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-
0062, dated July 18, 2006, as applicable. Repeat the lubrication
thereafter at the interval specified in Table 1, 2, or 3 of the
service bulletin, as applicable.
[[Page 33859]]
Concurrent Compliance Times
(h) If a freeplay measurement of a specified part required by
paragraph (f) of this AD and a lubrication of the same part required
by paragraph (g) of this AD are due at the same time or will be
accomplished during the same maintenance visit, the freeplay
measurement and all related investigative and corrective actions
must be done before the lubrication is accomplished.
Exceptions to Compliance Times
(i) Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062,
dated July 18, 2006, recommends an initial compliance threshold of
``Within 36 months after the date on this service bulletin'' for
Parts 1, 3, and 5 of the service bulletin, this AD requires an
initial compliance threshold of ``within 36 months after the
effective date of this AD.'' Where Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 777-27-0062, dated July 18, 2006, recommends an initial
compliance threshold of ``Within 16 months after the date on this
service bulletin'' for Parts 2, 4, and 6 of the service bulletin,
this AD requires an initial compliance threshold of ``within 16
months after the effective date of this AD.''
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(j)(1) 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.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards
Certificate Holding District Office.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used for any repair required by this AD, if it is approved by an
Authorized Representative for the Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Delegation Option Authorization Organization who has been authorized
by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. For a repair
method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis
of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this
AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(k) You must use Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-
27-0062, dated July 18, 2006, to perform the actions that are
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director
of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of
this document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124-2207, for a copy of this service information. You
may review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives
and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the
availability of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or
go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-
locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 11, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-11676 Filed 6-19-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
