Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777 Airplanes, 8726-8728 [E9-3367]
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8726
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 37 / Thursday, February 26, 2009 / Rules and Regulations
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, Transport Airplane
Directorate, FAA, 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, Transport Airplane Directorate,
FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425)
227–1175; fax (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.
Related Information
(h) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness
Directive 2007–0303, dated December 14,
2007, and BAE Systems (Operations) Limited
Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53–203,
dated May 7, 2007, for related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use BAE Systems (Operations)
Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53–
203, dated May 7, 2007, 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 BAE Systems Regional
Aircraft, 13850 McLearen Road, Herndon,
Virginia 20171; telephone 703–736–1080; email raebusiness@baesystems.com; Internet
https://www.baesystems.com/Businesses/
RegionalAircraft/index.htm.
(3) You may review copies of the service
information that is incorporated by reference
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
425–227–1221 or 425–227–1152.
(4) You may also review copies of the
service information at the National Archives
and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this
material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go
to: https://www.archives.gov/federal_register/
code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.
VerDate Nov<24>2008
14:57 Feb 25, 2009
Jkt 217001
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January
15, 2009.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E9–3366 Filed 2–25–09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2007–0254; Directorate
Identifier 2007–NM–209–AD; Amendment
39–15795; AD 2009–02–05]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 777 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Boeing Model 777 airplanes. This AD
requires installing software upgrades to
the airplane information management
system (AIMS) located in the flight
compartment. This AD results from an
investigation that revealed that
detrimental effects could occur on
certain AIMS software during flight. We
are issuing this AD to prevent an
unannunciated loss of cabin pressure. If
an undetected loss of pressure event
were to cause an unsafe pressure in the
cabin, the flight crew could become
incapacitated.
DATES: This AD is effective April 2,
2009.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of April 2, 2009.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this AD, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data
& Services Management, P. O. Box 3707,
MC 2H–65, Seattle, Washington 98124–
2207; telephone 206–544–5000,
extension 1, fax 206–766–5680; e-mail
me.boecom@boeing.com; Internet
https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov; or in person at the
Docket Management Facility between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for the
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Docket Office (telephone 800–647–5527)
is the Document Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M–30, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jay
Yi, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and
Equipment Branch, ANM–130S, FAA,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone
(425) 917–6494; fax (425) 917–6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that would apply to
certain Boeing Model 777 airplanes.
That NPRM was published in the
Federal Register on November 28, 2007
(72 FR 67263). That NPRM proposed to
require installing software upgrades to
the airplane information management
system (AIMS) located in the flight
compartment.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. We
considered the comments received.
Request To Incorporate Revised Service
Information
Boeing asks that we reference Boeing
Service Bulletins 777–31A0119 and
777–31A0120, both Revision 2, both
dated June 12, 2008, in the final rule.
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–
31A0119, Revision 1, dated March 27,
2007; and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
777–31A0120, Revision 1, dated March
23, 2007; were referenced in the NPRM
as the appropriate sources of service
information for accomplishing certain
actions. Revision 2 of the service
bulletins clarifies the procedures for
upgrading to the Airplane Information
Management System—1 (AIMS–1)
Blockpoint 2006 (BP06) operational
software.
We have reviewed Revision 2 of these
service bulletins and we agree with the
commenter, since no additional work is
necessary on airplanes changed in
accordance with Revision 1 of the
referenced service information; Revision
2 of these service bulletins just provides
certain clarifications. We have added
Revision 2 of these service bulletins to
the applicability specified in paragraph
(c) of this AD, and to paragraph (f)(1) of
this AD, as the appropriate sources of
service information for accomplishing
the actions specified. In addition, we
have added credit for accomplishing the
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Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 37 / Thursday, February 26, 2009 / Rules and Regulations
actions using Revision 1 of these service
bulletins to paragraph (g) of this AD.
Request To Update Number of U.S.
Airplanes
Boeing also asks that we change the
number of U.S. airplanes affected by
this AD from 2 to 4 to reflect the
production deliveries of airplanes with
software requiring an update. Boeing
states that there were about 142 AIMS–
2 airplanes that were delivered in
production on which the affected
software design was incorporated.
Boeing also recommends adding a
statement that about 230 additional
airplanes (of which an estimated 70 of
those airplanes are of U.S. registry) on
which AIMS–1 software has been
incorporated will require an update to
BP06.
We partially agree with the
commenter.
Since the total number of airplanes of
the affected design in the worldwide
fleet has not increased, we agree to
change the number of U.S. airplanes
affected by this AD from 2 to 4. The 2
additional U.S.-registered airplanes in
need of the software update have been
added to the Costs of Compliance
section in this AD.
We do not agree to include the
statements provided by the commenter,
as that language would be added to the
Discussion section of the NPRM, which
is not carried over to this final rule. We
have made no change to the AD in this
regard.
Request To Reduce Compliance Time
Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA), asks that the 15month compliance time specified in
paragraph (f) of the NPRM be reduced.
ALPA states that, given the potentially
serious consequences of an undetected
loss of pressurization, the number of
affected aircraft, and the time required
for installation of the software, a shorter
compliance time should be imposed.
We do not agree to reduce the
compliance time specified in paragraph
(f) of this AD. In developing the
compliance time for this AD action, we
considered not only the safety
implications of the identified unsafe
condition, but the average utilization
rate of the affected fleet and the
practical aspects of installing the
software during regular maintenance
periods. In addition, we considered the
manufacturer’s recommendation for an
appropriate compliance time. After
considering all the available
information, we determined that the 15month compliance time represents an
appropriate interval of time in which
the required actions can be performed in
VerDate Nov<24>2008
14:57 Feb 25, 2009
Jkt 217001
a timely manner within the affected
fleet, while still maintaining an
adequate level of safety. We have not
changed the AD in this regard.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data,
considered the comments received, and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting the AD
with the changes described previously.
We also determined that these changes
will not increase the economic burden
on any operator or increase the scope of
the AD.
Costs of Compliance
8727
(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.
You can find our regulatory
evaluation and the estimated costs of
compliance in the AD Docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
There are about 142 airplanes of the
affected design in the worldwide fleet.
This AD affects 4 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The actions take between 1 and
4 work hours per airplane, at an average
labor rate of $80 per work hour. Based
on these figures, the estimated cost of
the AD for U.S. operators is between
$320 and $1,280, or between $80 and
$320 per airplane.
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 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.
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.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new AD:
■
2009–02–05 Boeing: Amendment 39–15795.
Docket No. FAA–2007–0254; Directorate
Identifier 2007–NM–209–AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective April 2, 2009.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 777–
200, –200LR, –300, and –300ER series
airplanes, certificated in any category; as
identified in Boeing Service Bulletins 777–
31A0119 and 777–31A0120, both Revision 2,
both dated June 12, 2008.
Regulatory Findings
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,
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from an investigation
that revealed that detrimental effects could
occur on certain airplane information
management system (AIMS) software during
flight. We are issuing this AD to prevent an
unannunciated loss of cabin pressure. If an
undetected loss of pressure event were to
cause an unsafe pressure in the cabin, the
flight crew could become incapacitated.
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.
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Software Installation
(f) Do the actions specified in paragraphs
(f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD at the time
specified, as applicable.
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8728
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 37 / Thursday, February 26, 2009 / Rules and Regulations
(1) Within 15 months after the effective
date of this AD: Install the AIMS Blockpoint
2006 (BP06) operational software by doing all
the actions in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Service Bulletin 777–31A0119 or 777–
31A0120, both Revision 2, both dated June
12, 2008; as applicable.
(2) Prior to or concurrently with
accomplishing the software installation,
install the AIMS Blockpoint 2005A (BP05A)
software in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–31–
0098, Revision 1, dated May 3, 2007; or
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin
777–31–0097, Revision 3, dated February 22,
2007; as applicable.
Credit for Actions Done Using Previous
Service Information
(g) Actions accomplished before the
effective date of this AD in accordance with
Boeing Service Bulletin 777–31–0119, dated
October 16, 2006, or Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 777–31A0119, Revision 1, dated
March 27, 2007; and Boeing Service Bulletin
777–31–0120, dated October 16, 2006, or
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–31A0120,
Revision 1, dated March 23, 2007; are
considered acceptable for compliance with
the corresponding actions specified in this
AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(h)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, ATTN: Jay
Yi, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and
Equipment Branch, ANM–130S, FAA, Seattle
ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425)
917–6494; fax (425) 917–6590; has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
requested using the procedures found in 14
CFR 39.19.
(2) To request a different method of
compliance or a different compliance time
for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR
39.19. 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use the service information
contained in Table 1 of this AD to do the
actions required by this AD, as applicable,
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 Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services
Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65,
Seattle, Washington 98124–2207; telephone
206–544–5000, extension 1, fax 206–766–
5680; e-mail me.boecom@boeing.com;
Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
(3) You may review copies of the service
information that is incorporated by reference
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington.
For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221 or
425–227–1152.
(4) You may also review copies of the
service information at the National Archives
and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this
material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go
to: https://www.archives.gov/federal_register/
code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.
TABLE 1—MATERIAL INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Service Bulletin
Boeing
Boeing
Boeing
Boeing
Revision
Service Bulletin 777–31A0119 ............................................................................................................
Service Bulletin 777–31A0120 ............................................................................................................
Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–31–0097 ................................................................................
Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–31–0098 ................................................................................
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January
13, 2009.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E9–3367 Filed 2–25–09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2008–0908; Directorate
Identifier 2007–NM–190–AD; Amendment
39–15788; AD 2009–01–09]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model
A310 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an
existing airworthiness directive (AD)
that applies to all Airbus Model A310
series airplanes. That AD currently
requires repetitive detailed inspections
to detect cracks propagating from the
VerDate Nov<24>2008
14:57 Feb 25, 2009
Jkt 217001
fastener holes that attach the left- and
right-hand pick-up angles at frame 40 to
the wing lower skin and fuselage panel,
and corrective actions if necessary. This
new AD revises the intervals for
accomplishing the repetitive detailed
inspections and provides for an optional
terminating modification for the
repetitive inspections. This new AD also
revises the applicability of the AD to
remove certain airplanes. This AD
results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information originated by
an aviation authority of another country
to identify and correct an unsafe
condition on an aviation product. We
are issuing this AD to prevent reduced
structural integrity of the airplane due
to fatigue damage, and consequent
cracking of the pick-up angles at frame
40.
DATES: This AD is effective April 2,
2009.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of April 2, 2009.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain other publication listed in
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Date
2
2
3
1
June 12, 2008.
June 12, 2008.
February 22, 2007.
May 3, 2007.
this AD as of February 9, 2001 (66 FR
1031, January 5, 2001).
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this AD, contact Airbus
SAS–EAW (Airworthiness Office), 1
Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707
Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5
61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@airbus.com;
Internet https://www.airbus.com.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov; or in person at the
Docket Management Facility between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for the
Docket Office (telephone 800–647–5527)
is the Document Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M–30, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan
Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116,
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 37 (Thursday, February 26, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8726-8728]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-3367]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-0254; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-209-AD;
Amendment 39-15795; AD 2009-02-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Boeing Model 777 airplanes. This AD requires installing software
upgrades to the airplane information management system (AIMS) located
in the flight compartment. This AD results from an investigation that
revealed that detrimental effects could occur on certain AIMS software
during flight. We are issuing this AD to prevent an unannunciated loss
of cabin pressure. If an undetected loss of pressure event were to
cause an unsafe pressure in the cabin, the flight crew could become
incapacitated.
DATES: This AD is effective April 2, 2009.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of April 2,
2009.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.
O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone 206-
544-5000, extension 1, fax 206-766-5680; e-mail me.boecom@boeing.com;
Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The address for the
Docket Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is the Document Management
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30,
West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jay Yi, Aerospace Engineer, Systems
and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone
(425) 917-6494; fax (425) 917-6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to
certain Boeing Model 777 airplanes. That NPRM was published in the
Federal Register on November 28, 2007 (72 FR 67263). That NPRM proposed
to require installing software upgrades to the airplane information
management system (AIMS) located in the flight compartment.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We considered the comments received.
Request To Incorporate Revised Service Information
Boeing asks that we reference Boeing Service Bulletins 777-31A0119
and 777-31A0120, both Revision 2, both dated June 12, 2008, in the
final rule. Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-31A0119, Revision 1,
dated March 27, 2007; and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-31A0120,
Revision 1, dated March 23, 2007; were referenced in the NPRM as the
appropriate sources of service information for accomplishing certain
actions. Revision 2 of the service bulletins clarifies the procedures
for upgrading to the Airplane Information Management System--1 (AIMS-1)
Blockpoint 2006 (BP06) operational software.
We have reviewed Revision 2 of these service bulletins and we agree
with the commenter, since no additional work is necessary on airplanes
changed in accordance with Revision 1 of the referenced service
information; Revision 2 of these service bulletins just provides
certain clarifications. We have added Revision 2 of these service
bulletins to the applicability specified in paragraph (c) of this AD,
and to paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, as the appropriate sources of
service information for accomplishing the actions specified. In
addition, we have added credit for accomplishing the
[[Page 8727]]
actions using Revision 1 of these service bulletins to paragraph (g) of
this AD.
Request To Update Number of U.S. Airplanes
Boeing also asks that we change the number of U.S. airplanes
affected by this AD from 2 to 4 to reflect the production deliveries of
airplanes with software requiring an update. Boeing states that there
were about 142 AIMS-2 airplanes that were delivered in production on
which the affected software design was incorporated. Boeing also
recommends adding a statement that about 230 additional airplanes (of
which an estimated 70 of those airplanes are of U.S. registry) on which
AIMS-1 software has been incorporated will require an update to BP06.
We partially agree with the commenter.
Since the total number of airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet has not increased, we agree to change the number of
U.S. airplanes affected by this AD from 2 to 4. The 2 additional U.S.-
registered airplanes in need of the software update have been added to
the Costs of Compliance section in this AD.
We do not agree to include the statements provided by the
commenter, as that language would be added to the Discussion section of
the NPRM, which is not carried over to this final rule. We have made no
change to the AD in this regard.
Request To Reduce Compliance Time
Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), asks that the
15-month compliance time specified in paragraph (f) of the NPRM be
reduced. ALPA states that, given the potentially serious consequences
of an undetected loss of pressurization, the number of affected
aircraft, and the time required for installation of the software, a
shorter compliance time should be imposed.
We do not agree to reduce the compliance time specified in
paragraph (f) of this AD. In developing the compliance time for this AD
action, we considered not only the safety implications of the
identified unsafe condition, but the average utilization rate of the
affected fleet and the practical aspects of installing the software
during regular maintenance periods. In addition, we considered the
manufacturer's recommendation for an appropriate compliance time. After
considering all the available information, we determined that the 15-
month compliance time represents an appropriate interval of time in
which the required actions can be performed in a timely manner within
the affected fleet, while still maintaining an adequate level of
safety. We have not changed the AD in this regard.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
the AD with the changes described previously. We also determined that
these changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or
increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 142 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. This AD affects 4 airplanes of U.S. registry. The
actions take between 1 and 4 work hours per airplane, at an average
labor rate of $80 per work hour. Based on these figures, the estimated
cost of the AD for U.S. operators is between $320 and $1,280, or
between $80 and $320 per airplane.
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
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.
You can find our regulatory evaluation and the estimated costs of
compliance in the AD Docket.
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 FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
2009-02-05 Boeing: Amendment 39-15795. Docket No. FAA-2007-0254;
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-209-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 2,
2009.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and -
300ER series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified
in Boeing Service Bulletins 777-31A0119 and 777-31A0120, both
Revision 2, both dated June 12, 2008.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from an investigation that revealed that
detrimental effects could occur on certain airplane information
management system (AIMS) software during flight. We are issuing this
AD to prevent an unannunciated loss of cabin pressure. If an
undetected loss of pressure event were to cause an unsafe pressure
in the cabin, the flight crew could become incapacitated.
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.
Software Installation
(f) Do the actions specified in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of
this AD at the time specified, as applicable.
[[Page 8728]]
(1) Within 15 months after the effective date of this AD:
Install the AIMS Blockpoint 2006 (BP06) operational software by
doing all the actions in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-31A0119 or 777-31A0120,
both Revision 2, both dated June 12, 2008; as applicable.
(2) Prior to or concurrently with accomplishing the software
installation, install the AIMS Blockpoint 2005A (BP05A) software in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 777-31-0098, Revision 1, dated May 3,
2007; or Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-31-0097,
Revision 3, dated February 22, 2007; as applicable.
Credit for Actions Done Using Previous Service Information
(g) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 777-31-0119, dated October
16, 2006, or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-31A0119, Revision 1,
dated March 27, 2007; and Boeing Service Bulletin 777-31-0120, dated
October 16, 2006, or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-31A0120,
Revision 1, dated March 23, 2007; are considered acceptable for
compliance with the corresponding actions specified in this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(h)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
FAA, ATTN: Jay Yi, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch,
ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington
98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6494; fax (425) 917-6590; has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(2) To request a different method of compliance or a different
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19.
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.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use the service information contained in Table 1 of
this AD to do the actions required by this AD, as applicable, 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
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone
206-544-5000, extension 1, fax 206-766-5680; e-mail
me.boecom@boeing.com; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
(3) You may review copies of the service information that is
incorporated by reference at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
425-227-1221 or 425-227-1152.
(4) You may also review copies of the service information at the
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information
on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or
go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_
regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Table 1--Material Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service Bulletin Revision Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing Service Bulletin 777- 2 June 12, 2008.
31A0119.
Boeing Service Bulletin 777- 2 June 12, 2008.
31A0120.
Boeing Special Attention 3 February 22, 2007.
Service Bulletin 777-31-0097.
Boeing Special Attention 1 May 3, 2007.
Service Bulletin 777-31-0098.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 13, 2009.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-3367 Filed 2-25-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
