Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and -300ER Series Airplanes, 17889-17891 [2010-7946]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 67 / Thursday, April 8, 2010 / Proposed Rules For the reasons discussed above, I certify this 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. 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. 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. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA– 2010–0377; Directorate Identifier 2009– NM–246–AD. Comments Due Date (a) We must receive comments by May 24, 2010. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 767–200, –300, –300F, and –400ER series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767–57–0118, dated October 8, 2009. sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with PROPOSALS Subject (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57: Wings. Unsafe Condition (e) This AD results from reports of broken bolts in the main track downstop assembly of the outboard slat. The Federal Aviation Administration is issuing this AD to detect and correct incorrectly installed main track downstop assemblies, which can allow the main track downstop hardware to fall into the track housing and cause a puncture in the track housing when the slat is retracted. This condition, if not corrected, could result in a fuel leak and an increased risk of fire. VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:48 Apr 07, 2010 Jkt 220001 Compliance (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Inspection (g) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD. (1) Do a detailed inspection for correct assembly, thread protrusion, and damaged and missing parts of the main track downstop assemblies of outboard slats 1 through 5 and slats 8 through 12, and do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions, in accordance with Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767–57– 0118, dated October 8, 2009. Do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions before further flight. (2) Do a detailed inspection for foreign objects debris and damage to the wall of the track housing of the outboard slats 1 through 5 and slats 8 through 12, and do all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with Part 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767–57–0118, dated October 8, 2009, except as required by paragraph (h) of this AD. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight. Exception to the Service Bulletin (h) If any damage is found during any inspection required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, and Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767–57–0118, dated October 8, 2009, specifies to replace the track housing or contact Boeing for appropriate action: Before further flight, replace the track housing or repair the damage using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD. Reporting (i) Submit a report of positive findings of the inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD to the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), at the applicable time specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD. The report must include the inspection results, a description of any discrepancies found, the airplane registry, variable or line number, and the number of landings and flight hours on the airplane. Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements contained in this AD and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120 0056. (1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection. (2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (j)(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 17889 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Berhane Alazar, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057– 3356; telephone (425) 917–6577; fax (425) 917–6590. Information may be e-mailed to: 9ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. (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 principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. (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 the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that 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. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 1, 2010. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2010–7945 Filed 4–7–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2010–0376; Directorate Identifier 2009–NM–267–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 777–200, –200LR, –300, and –300ER Series Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Model 777–200, –200LR, –300, and –300ER series airplanes. This proposed AD would require removing and repairing the sealant at the four lower corners of the wing center section and the four lower t-chord segment gaps on each side of the wing center section. This proposed AD results from reports of fuel leakage from the center tank. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct improperly applied sealant, which could result in the disbonding and displacing of sealant, and E:\FR\FM\08APP1.SGM 08APP1 17890 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 67 / Thursday, April 8, 2010 / Proposed Rules consequent fuel leaks. On the ground, uncontained fuel leakage could result in pooling, and pooling combined with an ignition source could result in a fire. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 24, 2010. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, 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, 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. You may review copies of the referenced service information 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. sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with PROPOSALS 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 proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 917–6501; fax (425) 917–6590. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:48 Apr 07, 2010 Jkt 220001 this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2010–0376; Directorate Identifier 2009–NM–267–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD because of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD. described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service information described previously. Discussion We have received reports that 7 operators have reported 9 cases of fuel leakage from the center tank on 9 airplanes. These airplanes had accumulated approximately 10 to 10,000 flight hours, 5 to 2,000 flight cycles, and 1 to 26 months in service. The leaks were found at the two aft lower corners of the wing center section and one leak was found at one of the four gaps between the lower t-chord segments on each side of the wing center section. The forward lower corners and the remaining gaps between the t-chord segments are also believed to be susceptible to fuel leakage. The leaks are believed to be the result of improperly applied sealant during production. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in failing by the disbonding and displacing of sealant, which can result in fuel leaks of up to 10 gallons per minute. During flight, the fuel would leak into areas that have been designed to accommodate fuel leakage, but on the ground, if the fuel leakage is not contained, it could result in pooling. This pooling combined with an ignition source could result in a fire. 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. Relevant Service Information We have reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–57– 0063, Revision 1, dated May 14, 2009. The service bulletin describes procedures for removing and repairing the sealant at the four lower corners of the wing center section and the four lower t-chord segment gaps on each side of the wing center section. FAA’s Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all relevant information and determined the unsafe condition PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 8 airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 10 work-hours per product to comply with this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed AD to the U.S. operators to be $6,800, or $850 per product. Authority for This Rulemaking Regulatory Findings We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify this 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. E:\FR\FM\08APP1.SGM 08APP1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 67 / Thursday, April 8, 2010 / Proposed Rules Service Bulletin 777–57–0063, Revision 1, dated May 14, 2009. 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. 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. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA– 2010–0376; Directorate Identifier 2009– NM–267–AD. Comments Due Date (a) We must receive comments by May 24, 2010. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777–200, –200LR, –300, and –300ER series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–57–0063, Revision 1, dated May 14, 2009. Subject (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57: Wings. sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with PROPOSALS Compliance (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Removal and Repair of Sealant (g) Within 36 months or 6,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Remove and repair the sealant at the four lower corners of the wing center section and the four lower t-chord segment gaps on each side of the wing center section, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention 15:48 Apr 07, 2010 Jkt 220001 Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (i)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Kevin Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057– 3356; telephone (425) 917–6501; fax (425) 917–6590. Information may be e-mailed to: 9ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. (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 principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 1, 2010. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2010–7946 Filed 4–7–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Unsafe Condition (e) This AD results from reports of fuel leakage from the center tank. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct improperly applied sealant, which could result in the disbonding and displacing of sealant, and consequent fuel leaks. On the ground, uncontained fuel leakage could result in pooling, and pooling combined with an ignition source, could result in a fire. VerDate Nov<24>2008 Credit For Actions Accomplished According to Previous Issue of Service Bulletin (h) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–57–0063, dated November 20, 2008, are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding action specified in this AD. Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 71 [Docket No. FAA–2010–0095; Airspace Docket No. 10–ASO–18] Amendment of Class D Airspace; Goldsboro, NC AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). SUMMARY: This action proposes to amend the Class D airspace at Seymour Johnson AFB, Goldsboro, NC, to reflect the part-time operating status of the control tower, enhancing the safety and management of aircraft operations. DATES: Comments must be received on or before May 24, 2010. ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal to: U.S. Department of PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 17891 Transportation, Docket Operations, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590–0001; Telephone: 1–800–647–5527; Fax: 202– 493–2251. You must identify the Docket Number FAA–2010–0095; Airspace Docket No. 10–ASO–18, at the beginning of your comments. You may also submit and review received comments through the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Melinda Giddens, Operations Support Group, Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, P.O. Box 20636, Atlanta, Georgia 30320; telephone (404) 305–5610. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments, as they may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal. Communications should identify both docket numbers (FAA Docket No. FAA– 2010–0095; Airspace Docket No. 10– ASO–18) and be submitted in triplicate to the Docket Management System (see ADDRESSES section for address and phone number). You may also submit comments through the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments on this action must submit with those comments a self-addressed stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ‘‘Comments to Docket No. FAA–2010–0095; Airspace Docket No. 10–ASO–18.’’ The postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter. All communications received before the specified closing date for comments will be considered before taking action on the proposed rule. The proposal contained in this notice may be changed in light of the comments received. A report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerned with this rulemaking will be filed in the docket. Availability of NPRMs An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded from and comments submitted through https:// E:\FR\FM\08APP1.SGM 08APP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 67 (Thursday, April 8, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 17889-17891]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-7946]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0376; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-267-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -
200LR, -300, and -300ER Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and -300ER series airplanes. This 
proposed AD would require removing and repairing the sealant at the 
four lower corners of the wing center section and the four lower t-
chord segment gaps on each side of the wing center section. This 
proposed AD results from reports of fuel leakage from the center tank. 
We are proposing this AD to detect and correct improperly applied 
sealant, which could result in the disbonding and displacing of 
sealant, and

[[Page 17890]]

consequent fuel leaks. On the ground, uncontained fuel leakage could 
result in pooling, and pooling combined with an ignition source could 
result in a fire.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 24, 2010.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, 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, 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. You may review copies of the 
referenced service information 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.

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 proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone 
(425) 917-6501; fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2010-0376; 
Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-267-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    We have received reports that 7 operators have reported 9 cases of 
fuel leakage from the center tank on 9 airplanes. These airplanes had 
accumulated approximately 10 to 10,000 flight hours, 5 to 2,000 flight 
cycles, and 1 to 26 months in service. The leaks were found at the two 
aft lower corners of the wing center section and one leak was found at 
one of the four gaps between the lower t-chord segments on each side of 
the wing center section. The forward lower corners and the remaining 
gaps between the t-chord segments are also believed to be susceptible 
to fuel leakage. The leaks are believed to be the result of improperly 
applied sealant during production. This condition, if not detected and 
corrected, could result in failing by the disbonding and displacing of 
sealant, which can result in fuel leaks of up to 10 gallons per minute. 
During flight, the fuel would leak into areas that have been designed 
to accommodate fuel leakage, but on the ground, if the fuel leakage is 
not contained, it could result in pooling. This pooling combined with 
an ignition source could result in a fire.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-57-
0063, Revision 1, dated May 14, 2009. The service bulletin describes 
procedures for removing and repairing the sealant at the four lower 
corners of the wing center section and the four lower t-chord segment 
gaps on each side of the wing center section.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. 
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in 
the service information described previously.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 8 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it would take about 10 work-hours per 
product to comply with this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 
per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this 
proposed AD to the U.S. operators to be $6,800, or $850 per product.

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 determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this 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.

[[Page 17891]]

    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.

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 AD:

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2010-0376; Directorate Identifier 
2009-NM-267-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by May 24, 2010.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, 
-300, and -300ER series airplanes, certificated in any category; as 
identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-57-0063, 
Revision 1, dated May 14, 2009.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57: Wings.

Unsafe Condition

    (e) This AD results from reports of fuel leakage from the center 
tank. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct improperly 
applied sealant, which could result in the disbonding and displacing 
of sealant, and consequent fuel leaks. On the ground, uncontained 
fuel leakage could result in pooling, and pooling combined with an 
ignition source, could result in a fire.

Compliance

    (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Removal and Repair of Sealant

    (g) Within 36 months or 6,000 flight cycles after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Remove and repair the 
sealant at the four lower corners of the wing center section and the 
four lower t-chord segment gaps on each side of the wing center 
section, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-57-0063, Revision 1, 
dated May 14, 2009.

Credit For Actions Accomplished According to Previous Issue of Service 
Bulletin

    (h) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-57-
0063, dated November 20, 2008, are considered acceptable for 
compliance with the corresponding action specified in this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (i)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested 
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to 
ATTN: Kevin Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, 
FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue, 
SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6501; fax 
(425) 917-6590. Information may be e-mailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
    (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 principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or 
principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a 
principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. 
The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 1, 2010.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-7946 Filed 4-7-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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