Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 14698-14700 [2016-05900]
Download as PDF
14698
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 53 / Friday, March 18, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
to the manager of the ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in
paragraph (u)(1) of this AD. Information may
be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOCRequests@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.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
level of safety may be used for any repair,
alteration, or modification 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 method,
modification deviation, or alteration
deviation must meet the certification basis of
the airplane, and the approval must
specifically refer to this AD.
(4) AMOCs approved previously for AD
2012–15–13, are approved as AMOCs for the
corresponding provisions of this AD.
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
(u) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Bill Ashforth, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
phone: 425–917–6432; fax: 425–917–6590;
email: bill.ashforth@faa.gov.
(2) Service information identified in this
AD that is not incorporated by reference is
available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (v)(6) and (v)(7) of this AD.
(v) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was
approved for IBR on April 22, 2016.
(i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747–
53A2559, Revision 2, dated May 13, 2014.
(ii) Reserved.
(4) The following service information was
approved for IBR on September 12, 2012 (77
FR 47267, August 8, 2012).
(i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747–
53A2507, Revision 1, dated January 14, 2010.
(ii) Boeing Service Bulletin 747–53A2559,
Revision 1, dated August 4, 2011.
(5) The following service information was
approved for IBR on November 28, 2007 (72
FR 65655, November 23, 2007).
(i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747–
53A2507, dated April 21, 2005.
(ii) Reserved.
(6) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services
Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65,
Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone 206–
544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766–5680;
Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
(7) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:10 Mar 17, 2016
Jkt 238001
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
(8) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference 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/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February
29, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016–05249 Filed 3–17–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2015–2459; Directorate
Identifier 2015–NM–002–AD; Amendment
39–18436; AD 2016–06–05]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
The Boeing Company Model 777
airplanes. This AD was prompted by
reports of fire and smoke at the engine
aft pylon area resulting from fuel
leakage caused by a damaged O-ring in
the fuel coupling attached to the wing
front spar. This AD requires applying
sealant to fill the gap between the lower
wing panels adjacent to the strut aft
vapor barrier. We are issuing this AD to
prevent fire and smoke at the engine aft
pylon area in the event of a fuel leak,
which could cause personal injury
during ground operations. A fire
spreading back and up to the aft fairing
pylon can result in an uncontrolled fire
in the strut and ignite the fuel tank.
DATES: This AD is effective April 22,
2016.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of April 22, 2016.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes,
Attention: Data & Services Management,
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65, Seattle, WA
98124–2207; telephone 206–544–5000,
extension 1; fax 206–766–5680; Internet
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You
may view this referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue
SW., Renton, WA. For information on
the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 425–227–1221. It is also
available on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–
2459.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–
2459; 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 (phone: 800–647–5527) is
Docket 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:
Kevin Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, FAA,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6501;
fax: 425–917–6590; email:
kevin.nguyen@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to certain The Boeing Company
Model 777 airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
July 9, 2015 (80 FR 39392). The NPRM
was prompted by reports of fire and
smoke at the engine aft pylon area
resulting from fuel leakage caused by a
damaged O ring in the fuel coupling
attached to the wing front spar. The fuel
was captured by the fuel coupling
rubber boot and was discharged into the
flammable fluid leakage zone of the
strut-to-wing cavity, as intended.
However, the fuel did not follow its
intended drain paths into the aft strut
and lower wing panel drains, but
instead followed an unintended drain
path through an unsealed gap between
the lower wing panels above the strut aft
vapor barrier. The leaking fuel then
followed gaps and seams in the aft
fairing structure to the outside of the
strut fairing side panels, ignited after
E:\FR\FM\18MRR1.SGM
18MRR1
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 53 / Friday, March 18, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
contact with the hot engine exhaust heat
shield, and caused a fire and smoke. We
are issuing this AD to prevent fire and
smoke at the engine aft pylon area in the
event of a fuel leak, which could cause
personal injury during ground
operations. A fire spreading back and up
to the aft fairing pylon can result in an
uncontrolled fire in the strut and ignite
the fuel tank.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. We
have considered the comments received.
Boeing concurred with the NPRM (80
FR 39392, dated July 9, 2015), and
FedEx had no technical objection.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data,
considered the comments received, and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this AD
as proposed—except for minor editorial
changes. We have determined that these
minor changes:
• Are consistent with the intent that
was proposed in the NPRM (80 FR
39392, dated July 9, 2015) for correcting
the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden
upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM (80 FR 39392,
dated July 9, 2015).
14699
Related Service Information Under
1 CFR Part 51
We have reviewed Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 777–54–
0035, dated October 30, 2014. The
service information describes
procedures for applying sealant to fill
the gap between wing panels. This
service information is reasonably
available because the interested parties
have access to it through their normal
course of business or by the means
identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 196
airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to
comply with this AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per
product
Cost on U.S.
operators
Sealant application .................
3 work-hours × $85 per hour = $255 .....................................
$0
$255
$49,980
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.
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
Regulatory Findings
18:10 Mar 17, 2016
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
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:
■
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,
VerDate Sep<11>2014
(2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
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.
Jkt 238001
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
2016–06–05 The Boeing Company:
Amendment 39–18436; Docket No.
FAA–2015–2459; Directorate Identifier
2015–NM–002–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective April 22, 2016.
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company
Model 777–200, –200LR, –300, –300ER, and
–777F series airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 777–54–0035,
dated October 30, 2014.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 54, Nacelles/Pylons.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of fire
and smoke at the engine aft pylon area
resulting from fuel leakage caused by a
damaged O-ring in the fuel coupling attached
to the wing front spar. We are issuing this AD
to prevent fire and smoke at the engine aft
pylon area in the event of a fuel leak, which
could cause personal injury during ground
operations. A fire spreading back and up to
the aft fairing pylon can result in an
uncontrolled fire in the strut and ignite the
fuel tank.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Sealant Application
Within 1,875 days after the effective date
of this AD, apply sealant to fill the gap
between the lower wing panels adjacent to
the strut aft vapor barrier, in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–54–
0035, dated October 30, 2014.
E:\FR\FM\18MRR1.SGM
18MRR1
14700
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 53 / Friday, March 18, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(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. 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
paragraph (i)(1) of this AD. Information may
be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOCRequests@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.
(3) For service information that contains
steps that are labeled as Required for
Compliance (RC), the provisions of
paragraphs (h)(3)(i) and (h)(3)(ii) apply.
(i) The steps labeled as RC, including
substeps under an RC step and any figures
identified in an RC step, must be done to
comply with the AD. An AMOC is required
for any deviations to RC steps, including
substeps and identified figures.
(ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be
deviated from using accepted methods in
accordance with the operator’s maintenance
or inspection program without obtaining
approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps,
including substeps and identified figures, can
still be done as specified, and the airplane
can be put back in an airworthy condition.
(4) 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.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 777–54–0035, dated October 30,
2014.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services
Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65,
Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone 206–
544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766–5680;
Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
(4) You may view this referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
WA. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference 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/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Kevin Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, FAA, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
phone: 425–917–6501; fax: 425–917–6590;
email: kevin.nguyen@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services
Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65,
Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone 206–
544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766–5680;
Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You
may view this referenced service information
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
Airworthiness Directives; Pratt &
Whitney Canada Corp. Turboprop
Engines
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:10 Mar 17, 2016
Jkt 238001
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 9,
2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016–05900 Filed 3–17–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2015–3732; Directorate
Identifier 2015–NE–25–AD; Amendment 39–
18431; AD 2016–05–13]
RIN 2120–AA64
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. (P&WC)
PT6A–60AG, –65AG, –67AF, and
–67AG turboprop engines. This AD
requires removing Woodward fuel
control units (FCUs) and installing an
FCU that is eligible for installation. This
AD was prompted by incidents of
corrosion and perforation of the two-ply
Cu-Be bellows in Woodward FCUs. We
are issuing this AD to prevent failure of
the Woodward FCU and engine, inflight shutdown, and loss of control of
the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective April
22, 2016.
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00012
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of April 22, 2016.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this AD, contact Pratt &
Whitney Canada Corp., 1000 MarieVictorin, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada,
J4G 1A1; phone: 800–268–8000; fax:
450–647–2888; Internet: www.pwc.ca.
You may view this service information
at the FAA, Engine & Propeller
Directorate, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA,
call 781–238–7125. It is also available
on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–
3732.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–
3732; 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 mandatory
continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI), the regulatory evaluation, any
comments received, and other
information. The address for the Docket
Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is
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:
Besian Luga, Aerospace Engineer,
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine
& Propeller Directorate, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone:
781–238–7750; fax: 781–238–7199;
email: besian.luga@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to the specified products. The
NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on November 10, 2015 (80 FR
69623). The NPRM proposed to correct
an unsafe condition for the specified
products. The MCAI states:
There have been in-service incidents
involving corrosion and perforation of the
two-ply Cu-Be bellows in Woodward Fuel
Control Units (FCU) fitted to PT6A–60, –65
and –67 series engines. In certain instances,
associated bellows leakage has resulted in
loss of engine power, in-flight shutdowns
(IFSD) and even accidents. Engines installed
E:\FR\FM\18MRR1.SGM
18MRR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 53 (Friday, March 18, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14698-14700]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-05900]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2015-2459; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-002-AD;
Amendment 39-18436; AD 2016-06-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports
of fire and smoke at the engine aft pylon area resulting from fuel
leakage caused by a damaged O-ring in the fuel coupling attached to the
wing front spar. This AD requires applying sealant to fill the gap
between the lower wing panels adjacent to the strut aft vapor barrier.
We are issuing this AD to prevent fire and smoke at the engine aft
pylon area in the event of a fuel leak, which could cause personal
injury during ground operations. A fire spreading back and up to the
aft fairing pylon can result in an uncontrolled fire in the strut and
ignite the fuel tank.
DATES: This AD is effective April 22, 2016.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 22,
2016.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services
Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone
206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service information
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also available on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
2459.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
2459; 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 (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket 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: Kevin Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6501; fax: 425-917-6590; email: kevin.nguyen@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing Company
Model 777 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July
9, 2015 (80 FR 39392). The NPRM was prompted by reports of fire and
smoke at the engine aft pylon area resulting from fuel leakage caused
by a damaged O ring in the fuel coupling attached to the wing front
spar. The fuel was captured by the fuel coupling rubber boot and was
discharged into the flammable fluid leakage zone of the strut-to-wing
cavity, as intended. However, the fuel did not follow its intended
drain paths into the aft strut and lower wing panel drains, but instead
followed an unintended drain path through an unsealed gap between the
lower wing panels above the strut aft vapor barrier. The leaking fuel
then followed gaps and seams in the aft fairing structure to the
outside of the strut fairing side panels, ignited after
[[Page 14699]]
contact with the hot engine exhaust heat shield, and caused a fire and
smoke. We are issuing this AD to prevent fire and smoke at the engine
aft pylon area in the event of a fuel leak, which could cause personal
injury during ground operations. A fire spreading back and up to the
aft fairing pylon can result in an uncontrolled fire in the strut and
ignite the fuel tank.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We have considered the comments received. Boeing concurred
with the NPRM (80 FR 39392, dated July 9, 2015), and FedEx had no
technical objection.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this AD as proposed--except for minor editorial changes. We have
determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (80 FR 39392, dated July 9, 2015) for correcting the unsafe
condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (80 FR 39392, dated July 9, 2015).
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We have reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-54-
0035, dated October 30, 2014. The service information describes
procedures for applying sealant to fill the gap between wing panels.
This service information is reasonably available because the interested
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 196 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sealant application............... 3 work-hours x $85 per $0 $255 $49,980
hour = $255.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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),
(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.
Adoption of the Amendment
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 airworthiness
directive (AD):
2016-06-05 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18436; Docket No. FAA-
2015-2459; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-002-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective April 22, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -
300, -300ER, and -777F series airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin
777-54-0035, dated October 30, 2014.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 54, Nacelles/
Pylons.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of fire and smoke at the engine
aft pylon area resulting from fuel leakage caused by a damaged O-
ring in the fuel coupling attached to the wing front spar. We are
issuing this AD to prevent fire and smoke at the engine aft pylon
area in the event of a fuel leak, which could cause personal injury
during ground operations. A fire spreading back and up to the aft
fairing pylon can result in an uncontrolled fire in the strut and
ignite the fuel tank.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Sealant Application
Within 1,875 days after the effective date of this AD, apply
sealant to fill the gap between the lower wing panels adjacent to
the strut aft vapor barrier, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-54-
0035, dated October 30, 2014.
[[Page 14700]]
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(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. 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 paragraph (i)(1) 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.
(3) For service information that contains steps that are labeled
as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs
(h)(3)(i) and (h)(3)(ii) apply.
(i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply
with the AD. An AMOC is required for any deviations to RC steps,
including substeps and identified figures.
(ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy
condition.
(4) 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.
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Kevin Nguyen,
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6501; fax: 425-917-6590; email:
kevin.nguyen@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-54-0035, dated
October 30, 2014.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
(4) You may view this referenced service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA.
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA,
call 425-227-1221.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 9, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-05900 Filed 3-17-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P