Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 777-200 and -300 Series Airplanes, 68366-68368 [2011-28568]

Download as PDF 68366 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 76, No. 214 Friday, November 4, 2011 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2011–1165; Directorate Identifier 2011–NM–002–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 777–200 and –300 Series Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 777–200 and –300 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require replacing certain single-tabbed bonding brackets in the airplane empennage with twotabbed bonding brackets. This proposed AD would also require, for certain airplanes, installing new bonding jumpers, and measuring the resistance of the modified installation to verify resistance is within specified limits. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of two failures of the singletabbed bracket on the rudder. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the bonding jumper bracket, which could result in loss of lightning protection ground path, which could lead to increased lightning-induced currents and subsequent damage to composite structures, hydraulic tubes, and actuator control electronics. In the event of a lightning strike, loss of lightning ground protection could result in the loss of control of the airplane. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 19, 2011. jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: 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. ADDRESSES: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:16 Nov 03, 2011 Jkt 226001 • 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: Deliver to Mail address above 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; email 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 (phone: (800) 647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Georgios Roussos, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM– 130S, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 917–6482; fax (425) 917–6590; email: georgios.roussos@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 2011–1165; Directorate Identifier 2011– NM–002–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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 received reports of two failures of the single-tabbed bracket on the rudder. The bracket was discolored and melted, the tab was completely severed and burned, and the bonding jumpers were detached from the bracket. We also received a report of a similar failure of the ground clip that connects to the other end of the jumpers to the vertical stabilizer. Boeing has determined that the root cause of these failures was a combination of electromagnetic forces on the jumpers and resistive heating of the bracket and ground clip during lightning strikes. This condition, if not corrected, could result in loss of lightning protection ground path, which could lead to increased lightninginduced currents and could subsequently damage composite structures, hydraulic tubes, and actuator control electronics. In the event of a lightning strike, loss of lightning ground protection could result in loss of control of the airplane. Relevant Service Information We reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 777–55A0014, Revision 1, dated April 1, 2010. This service bulletin describes procedures for replacing certain singletabbed bonding brackets in the airplane empennage with two-tabbed bonding brackets. Boeing Service Bulletin 777– 55A0014, Revision 1, dated April 1, 2010, specifies prior or concurrent accomplishment of Boeing Service Bulletin 777–55A0010, Revision 1, dated April 17, 2001, for installing new bonding jumpers, and measuring the resistance of the modified installation to verify resistance is within specified limits. E:\FR\FM\04NOP1.SGM 04NOP1 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 214 / Friday, November 4, 2011 / Proposed Rules 68367 FAA’s Determination Proposed AD Requirements Costs of Compliance We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of these same type designs. This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service information described previously. We estimate that this proposed AD affects 87 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Parts cost Labor cost Replacement ........................................................... Cost per product $1,235 $3,020 Parts cost Action Cost per product $2,668 $8,278 21 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,785 ................ Cost on U.S. operators $262,740 ESTIMATED COSTS FOR CONCURRENT ACTIONS Action Labor cost Replacement ........................................................... 66 work-hours × $85 per hour = $5,610 ................ 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. (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (4) 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. 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: 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS § 39.13 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), 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): 16:16 Nov 03, 2011 Jkt 226001 [Amended] The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA– 2011–1165; Directorate Identifier 2011– NM–002–AD. Comments Due Date (a) We must receive comments by December 19, 2011. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) The Boeing Company Model 777–200 and –300 series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777–55A0014, Revision 1, dated April 1, 2010. PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 $248,340 Subject (d) Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 55: Stabilizers. Unsafe Condition (e) This AD was prompted by reports of two failures of the single-tabbed bonding bracket on the rudder. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the bonding jumper bracket, which could result in loss of lightning protection ground path, which could lead to increased lightning-induced currents and subsequent damage to composite structures, hydraulic tubes, and actuator control electronics. In the event of a lightning strike, loss of lightning ground protection could result in loss of control of the airplane. Compliance PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES Regulatory Findings VerDate Mar<15>2010 Cost on U.S. operators (f) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. Replacement (g) Within 48 months after the effective date of this AD, replace certain single-tabbed bonding brackets in the airplane empennage with two-tabbed bonding brackets, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777– 55A0014, Revision 1, dated April 1, 2010. Concurrent Requirements (h) For airplanes identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777–55A0010, Revision 1, dated April 17, 2001: Prior to or concurrently with accomplishing the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD, install new bonding jumpers, and do resistance measurements of the modified installation to verify resistance is within the limits specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777–55A0010, Revision 1, dated April 17, 2001. Do the actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777– 55A0010, Revision 1, dated April 17, 2001. E:\FR\FM\04NOP1.SGM 04NOP1 68368 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 214 / Friday, November 4, 2011 / Proposed Rules Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service Information DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration (i) Replacing certain single-tabbed bonding brackets with two-tabbed bonding brackets in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–55A0014, dated May 8, 2008, before the effective date of this AD, is acceptable for compliance with the corresponding modification required by paragraph (g) of this AD. (j) Installing new bonding jumpers, and doing resistance measurements of the modified installation that verify the resistance is within the specified limits, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–55A0010, dated October 26, 2000, before the effective date of this AD, is acceptable for compliance with the corresponding modification required by paragraph (h) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2011–1164; Directorate Identifier 2011–NM–084–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; DASSAULT AVIATION Model MYSTERE-FALCON 900 Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all DASSAULT AVIATION Model MYSTERE-FALCON 900 airplanes. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: SUMMARY: Several Mystere-Falcon 900 aeroplanes experienced fuel leakage from a defective fuel high-level sensor located in the wing front spar. Investigations revealed that the leakage was due to a defective fuel quantity sensor * * *. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to an internal fuel leakage with significant fuel vapours, which could result in a fire hazard. Related Information jlentini on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (k)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in the Related Information section of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANMSeattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. * (l) For more information about this AD, contact Georgios Roussos, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM–130S, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 917–6482; fax (425) 917–6590; email: georgios.roussos@faa.gov. (m) 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; email 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. The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 19, 2011. Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 20, 2011. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2011–28568 Filed 11–3–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:16 Nov 03, 2011 Jkt 226001 * * * * 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, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Dassault Falcon Jet, P.O. Box 2000, South ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Hackensack, New Jersey 07606; telephone (201) 440–6700; Internet https://www.dassaultfalcon.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 Operations office 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 Operations 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: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone: (425) 227–1137; fax: (425) 227–1149. 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–2011–1164; Directorate Identifier 2011–NM–084–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 based on 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 The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2011–0049, dated March 21, 2011 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: E:\FR\FM\04NOP1.SGM 04NOP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 214 (Friday, November 4, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 68366-68368]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-28568]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 214 / Friday, November 4, 2011 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 68366]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-1165; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-002-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 777-200 and -
300 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 The Boeing Company Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes. 
This proposed AD would require replacing certain single-tabbed bonding 
brackets in the airplane empennage with two-tabbed bonding brackets. 
This proposed AD would also require, for certain airplanes, installing 
new bonding jumpers, and measuring the resistance of the modified 
installation to verify resistance is within specified limits. This 
proposed AD was prompted by reports of two failures of the single-
tabbed bracket on the rudder. We are proposing this AD to prevent 
failure of the bonding jumper bracket, which could result in loss of 
lightning protection ground path, which could lead to increased 
lightning-induced currents and subsequent damage to composite 
structures, hydraulic tubes, and actuator control electronics. In the 
event of a lightning strike, loss of lightning ground protection could 
result in the loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 19, 
2011.

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: Deliver to Mail address above 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; email 
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 (phone: (800) 647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Georgios Roussos, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; 
telephone (425) 917-6482; fax (425) 917-6590; email: 
georgios.roussos@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2011-1165; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-002-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 received reports of two failures of the single-tabbed bracket on 
the rudder. The bracket was discolored and melted, the tab was 
completely severed and burned, and the bonding jumpers were detached 
from the bracket. We also received a report of a similar failure of the 
ground clip that connects to the other end of the jumpers to the 
vertical stabilizer. Boeing has determined that the root cause of these 
failures was a combination of electromagnetic forces on the jumpers and 
resistive heating of the bracket and ground clip during lightning 
strikes. This condition, if not corrected, could result in loss of 
lightning protection ground path, which could lead to increased 
lightning-induced currents and could subsequently damage composite 
structures, hydraulic tubes, and actuator control electronics. In the 
event of a lightning strike, loss of lightning ground protection could 
result in loss of control of the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 777-55A0014, Revision 1, dated 
April 1, 2010. This service bulletin describes procedures for replacing 
certain single-tabbed bonding brackets in the airplane empennage with 
two-tabbed bonding brackets.
    Boeing Service Bulletin 777-55A0014, Revision 1, dated April 1, 
2010, specifies prior or concurrent accomplishment of Boeing Service 
Bulletin 777-55A0010, Revision 1, dated April 17, 2001, for installing 
new bonding jumpers, and measuring the resistance of the modified 
installation to verify resistance is within specified limits.

[[Page 68367]]

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of these same type 
designs.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 87 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              Parts     Cost per   Cost on U.S.
                   Action                              Labor cost              cost     product      operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement................................  21 work-hours x $85 per hour      $1,235     $3,020        $262,740
                                              = $1,785.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                     Estimated Costs for Concurrent Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              Parts     Cost per   Cost on U.S.
                   Action                              Labor cost              cost     product      operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement................................  66 work-hours x $85 per hour      $2,668     $8,278        $248,340
                                              = $5,610.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

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 
airworthiness directive (AD):

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2011-1165; Directorate Identifier 
2011-NM-002-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by December 19, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) The Boeing Company Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes, 
certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Service 
Bulletin 777-55A0014, Revision 1, dated April 1, 2010.

Subject

    (d) Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport 
Association (ATA) of America Code 55: Stabilizers.

Unsafe Condition

    (e) This AD was prompted by reports of two failures of the 
single-tabbed bonding bracket on the rudder. We are issuing this AD 
to prevent failure of the bonding jumper bracket, which could result 
in loss of lightning protection ground path, which could lead to 
increased lightning-induced currents and subsequent damage to 
composite structures, hydraulic tubes, and actuator control 
electronics. In the event of a lightning strike, loss of lightning 
ground protection could result in loss of control of the airplane.

Compliance

    (f) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

Replacement

    (g) Within 48 months after the effective date of this AD, 
replace certain single-tabbed bonding brackets in the airplane 
empennage with two-tabbed bonding brackets, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-55A0014, 
Revision 1, dated April 1, 2010.

Concurrent Requirements

    (h) For airplanes identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-
55A0010, Revision 1, dated April 17, 2001: Prior to or concurrently 
with accomplishing the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD, 
install new bonding jumpers, and do resistance measurements of the 
modified installation to verify resistance is within the limits 
specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin 777-55A0010, Revision 1, dated April 17, 2001. Do the 
actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
Service Bulletin 777-55A0010, Revision 1, dated April 17, 2001.

[[Page 68368]]

Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service 
Information

    (i) Replacing certain single-tabbed bonding brackets with two-
tabbed bonding brackets in accordance with Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 777-55A0014, dated May 8, 2008, before the effective date 
of this AD, is acceptable for compliance with the corresponding 
modification required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (j) Installing new bonding jumpers, and doing resistance 
measurements of the modified installation that verify the resistance 
is within the specified limits, in accordance with Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 777-55A0010, dated October 26, 2000, before the 
effective date of this AD, is acceptable for compliance with the 
corresponding modification required by paragraph (h) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (k)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using 
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 
39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in the Related Information section of this AD. 
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

Related Information

    (l) For more information about this AD, contact Georgios 
Roussos, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, 
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue 
SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6482; fax 
(425) 917-6590; email: georgios.roussos@faa.gov.
    (m) 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; email 
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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 20, 2011.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-28568 Filed 11-3-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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