Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 66178-66181 [2018-27901]
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 246 / Wednesday, December 26, 2018 / Proposed Rules
(h) Related Information
Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety
Agency AD No. 2018–0217, dated October
10, 2018, for related information. You may
examine the MCAI on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2018–1058. For
service information related to this AD,
contact PILATUS Aircraft Ltd., Customer
Technical Support (MCC), P.O. Box 992, CH–
6371 Stans, Switzerland; phone: +41 (0)41
619 67 74; fax: +41 (0)41 619 67 73; email:
techsupport@pilatus-aircraft.com; internet:
https://www.pilatus-aircraft.com. You may
review this referenced service information at
the FAA, Policy and Innovation Division, 901
Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (816) 329–4148.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on
December 17, 2018.
Melvin J. Johnson,
Aircraft Certification Service, Deputy
Director, Policy and Innovation Division,
AIR–601.
[FR Doc. 2018–27899 Filed 12–21–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2018–1012; Product
Identifier 2018–NM–132–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Examining the AD Docket
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all The
Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes.
This proposed AD was prompted by
reports of uncommanded movements of
the Captain’s and First Officer’s seats.
This proposed AD would require an
identification of the part number, and if
applicable the serial number, of the
Captain’s and First Officer’s seats, and
do applicable on-condition actions for
affected seats. This proposed AD would
also require a one-time detailed
inspection and repetitive checks of the
horizontal movement system of the
Captain’s and First Officer’s seats and
applicable on-condition actions. This
proposed AD would also provide an
optional terminating action for the
repetitive checks of the horizontal
movement system. We are proposing
this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
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SUMMARY:
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17:37 Dec 21, 2018
We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by February 11, 2019.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, 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 NPRM, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster
Blvd., MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA
90740–5600; telephone 562–797–1717;
internet https://
www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view
this service information at the FAA,
Transport Standards Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
It is also available on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
1012.
DATES:
Jkt 247001
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
1012; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this NPRM, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations
(phone: 800–647–5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Brandon Lucero, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety and Environmental
Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206–
231–3569; email: Brandon.Lucero@
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
PO 00000
Frm 00016
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section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
2018–1012; Product Identifier 2018–
NM–132–AD’’ at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this NPRM. We will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend this NPRM
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 indicating
that there have been uncommanded
movements of the Captain’s and First
Officer’s seats. A Model 747 operator
reported that during a takeoff, the First
Officer’s seat unlocked from its seat
tracks and moved aft. The First Officer
was unable to control the airplane and
the Captain took over the controls to
avoid a rejected takeoff. The unlocking
of the seat from the seat tracks was
caused by actuator damage, which was
a result of incorrect adjustment of the
seat’s manual release lever cable, which
allowed the clutch mechanism to only
partially engage. Captain’s and First
Officer’s seats having the same part
numbers are installed on both Model
747 and Model 777 airplanes. We are
considering additional rulemaking to
address the unsafe condition for Model
747 airplanes.
In addition, a Model 777 operator
reported that the Captain’s seat could
not be locked in position after an
adjustment to the horizontal seat
position in flight. The seat became
unlocked from the track and moved
freely forward and aft. Control was
given to the First Officer for approach
and landing. The results of an
inspection revealed that the horizontal
actuator output shaft had broken. When
a horizontal actuator output shaft
breaks, the pilot cannot prevent seat
movement in a forward and aft direction
and cannot lock the seat in position. A
broken horizontal actuator output shaft
is the result of high loads, that exceed
the design limits, caused by a stalled
motor that can occur due to high
mechanical resistance to motion during
powered operation of the seat. Foreign
object debris (FOD) in the seat tracks is
another condition that can result in a
stalled motor and cause the horizontal
actuator output shaft to break.
An uncommanded seat movement
during a critical part of a flight, such as
takeoff or landing, could cause a flight
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 246 / Wednesday, December 26, 2018 / Proposed Rules
control obstruction or unintended flight
control input, which could result in the
loss of the ability to control the airplane.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 777–25–
0607, Revision 1, dated July 17, 2018
(‘‘BSASB 777–25–0607, Revision 1’’).
The service information describes
procedures for identification of the part
number, and if applicable the serial
number, of the Captain’s and First
Officer’s seats, and for applicable oncondition actions for affected seats. The
on-condition actions include an
inspection of each seat’s fore/aft and
vertical manual control levers for
looseness, installation of serviceable
seats, and a seat functional test after any
cable adjustment.
We also reviewed Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 777–25–
0619, Revision 1, dated August 8, 2018
(‘‘BSASB 777–25–0619, Revision 1’’).
The service information describes
procedures for a detailed inspection and
repetitive checks of the horizontal
movement system for the Captain’s and
First Officer’s seats for findings (e.g.,
evidence of cracks, scores, corrosion,
dents, deformation or visible wear; and
incorrectly assembled microswitch
assemblies, actuators, and limit
switches), and applicable on-condition
actions. The on-condition actions
include clearing the seat tracks of FOD,
overhaul of the horizontal movement
system and replacement of the
horizontal actuator. The service
information also describes procedures
for an optional terminating action for
the repetitive checks by installing a
serviceable Captain’s or First Officer’s
seat.
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.
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 the same
type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require
accomplishment of the actions
identified in the Accomplishment
Instructions of BSASB 777–25–0607,
Revision 1, described previously, except
as discussed under ‘‘Differences
Between this Proposed AD and the
Service Information,’’ and except for
any differences identified as exceptions
in the regulatory text of this proposed
AD.
This proposed AD would also require
accomplishment of the actions
identified as ‘‘RC’’ (required for
compliance) in the Accomplishment
Instructions of BSASB 777–25–0619,
Revision 1, described previously, except
as discussed under ‘‘Differences
Between this Proposed AD and the
Service Information,’’ and except for
any differences identified as exceptions
in the regulatory text of this proposed
AD.
For information on the procedures
and compliance times, see this service
information at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
1012.
66179
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the Service Information
The effectivity of BSASB 777–25–
0607, Revision 1; and BSASB 777–25–
0619, Revision 1, is limited to Model
777–200, –200LR, –300, –300ER, and
777F airplanes with Ipeco part number
series 3A201 and 3A258 Captain’s and
First Officer’s powered seats installed,
line numbers 1 and on. However, the
applicability of this proposed AD
includes all Model 777–200, –200LR,
–300, –300ER, and 777F series
airplanes. Because the affected Captain’s
and First Officer’s seats are rotable
parts, we have determined that these
seats could later be installed on
airplanes that were initially delivered
with acceptable seats, thereby subjecting
those airplanes to the unsafe condition.
The referenced service bulletins can be
used on airplanes not included in the
service bulletin effectivity. This
difference has been coordinated with
Boeing.
Where BSASB 777–25–0607, Revision
1, specifies to do the actions within 72
months after the original issue date of
the service bulletin, this proposed AD
would require accomplishment of those
actions within 36 months after the
effective date of this AD. The 36-month
compliance time corresponds with the
compliance time in BSASB 777–25–
0619, Revision 1. We have determined
a 36-month compliance time is
appropriate for doing the actions
specified in this proposed AD. We have
coordinated this difference with Boeing.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
affects 190 airplanes of U.S. registry. We
estimate the following costs to comply
with this proposed AD:
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ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS PER SEAT
Cost per
product
Labor cost
Identification, seat ..............................
Detailed inspection, horizontal movement system.
Checks, horizontal movement system
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ....
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ....
$0
0
$85 .............................
$85 .............................
$85.
$85.
2 work-hour × $85 per hour = $170
per check cycle.
0
$170 per check cycle.
$170 per check cycle.
We estimate the following costs to do
any necessary on-condition actions that
would be required. We have no way of
Parts cost
Cost on U.S.
operators
Action
determining the number of aircraft that
might need these on-condition actions:
ESTIMATED COSTS OF ON-CONDITION ACTIONS PER SEAT *
Action
Labor cost
Parts cost
Adjustment, control lever cable ..................................
Overhaul, horizontal movement system ....................
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ...........................
11 work-hours × $85 per hour = $935 .....................
$0 .....................
Up to $5,824 .....
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Cost per
product
$85.
Up to $6,759.
66180
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 246 / Wednesday, December 26, 2018 / Proposed Rules
ESTIMATED COSTS OF ON-CONDITION ACTIONS PER SEAT *—Continued
Cost per
product
Action
Labor cost
Parts cost
Inspection of each seat’s fore/aft and vertical manual control levers.
Installation of serviceable seats .................................
Clearing FOD .............................................................
Replacement of the horizontal actuator .....................
Functional test, adjusted control lever cable .............
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ...........................
$0 .....................
$85.
$0 .....................
$0 .....................
$205 .................
$0 .....................
$85.
$85.
$290.
$85.
1
1
1
1
work-hour
work-hour
work-hour
work-hour
×
×
×
×
$85
$85
$85
$85
per
per
per
per
hour
hour
hour
hour
=
=
=
=
$85 ...........................
$85 ...........................
$85, per actuator ......
$85 ...........................
* The estimated cost for tooling to align an affected seat for adjustment of the control lever cable is up to $46,064.
We have received no definitive data
that would enable us to provide cost
estimates for the optional terminating
action for the repetitive checks specified
in this proposed AD.
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.
This proposed AD is issued in
accordance with authority delegated by
the Executive Director, Aircraft
Certification Service, as authorized by
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance
with that order, issuance of ADs is
normally a function of the Compliance
and Airworthiness Division, but during
this transition period, the Executive
Director has delegated the authority to
issue ADs applicable to transport
category airplanes and associated
appliances to the Director of the System
Oversight Division.
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Regulatory Findings
We have 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
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17:37 Dec 21, 2018
Jkt 247001
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that the 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.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA–
2018–1012; Product Identifier 2018–
NM–132–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
AD action by February 11, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing
Company Model 777–200, –200LR, –300,
–300ER, and 777F series airplanes,
certificated in any category.
PO 00000
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(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 25, Equipment/Furnishings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of
uncommanded movements of the Captain’s
and First Officer’s seats. We are issuing this
AD to address uncommanded movement of
the Captain’s and First Officer’s seats. An
uncommanded seat movement during a
critical part of a flight, such as takeoff or
landing, could cause a flight control
obstruction or unintended flight control
input, which could result in the loss of the
ability to control the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Seat Part Number Identification and OnCondition Actions
Within 36 months after the effective date
of this AD, do an inspection to determine the
part number, and serial number as
applicable, of the Captain’s and First
Officer’s seats, and do all applicable oncondition actions, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–25–
0607, Revision 1, dated July 17, 2018.
(h) Detailed Inspection and Repetitive
Checks of Horizontal Movement System and
On-Condition Actions
Except as specified in paragraph (i) of this
AD: At the applicable times specified in
paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–25–
0619, Revision 1, dated August 8, 2018
(‘‘BSASB 777–25–0619, Revision 1’’), do all
applicable actions identified as ‘‘RC’’
(required for compliance) in, and in
accordance with, the Accomplishment
Instructions of BSASB 777–25–0619,
Revision 1.
(i) Exception to Service Information
Specifications
For purposes of determining compliance
with the requirements of this AD: Where
BSASB 777–25–0619, Revision 1, uses the
phrase ‘‘the original issue date of this service
bulletin,’’ this AD requires using ‘‘the
effective date of this AD.’’
(j) Optional Terminating Action for
Repetitive Checks
Installation of a serviceable Captain’s or
First Officer’s seat as specified in, and in
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 246 / Wednesday, December 26, 2018 / Proposed Rules
accordance with, the Accomplishment
Instructions of BSASB 777–25–0619,
Revision 1, terminates the repetitive checks
required by paragraph (h) of this AD for that
seat only.
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(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch,
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
certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (l)(1) of
this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9ANM-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) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
level of safety may be used for any repair,
modification, or alteration 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
Branch, FAA, to make those findings. 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) For service information that contains
steps that are labeled as Required for
Compliance (RC), the provisions of
paragraphs (k)(4)(i) and (k)(4)(ii) of this AD
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. If a step or substep is
labeled ‘‘RC Exempt,’’ then the RC
requirement is removed from that step or
substep. 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.
(l) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Brandon Lucero, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems
Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
phone and fax: 206–231–3569; email:
Brandon.Lucero@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd.,
MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600;
telephone 562–797–1717; internet https://
www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this
referenced service information at the FAA,
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Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information
on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 206–231–3195.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on
December 14, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–27901 Filed 12–21–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
34 CFR Chapter VI
[Docket ID ED–2018–OPE–0076]
RIN 1840–AD36, 1840–AD37, 1840–AD38,
1840–AD40, and 1840–AD44
Negotiated Rulemaking Committee;
Location of Negotiations and
Subcommittee Meetings—
Accreditation and Innovation
Office of Postsecondary
Education, Department of Education.
ACTION: Notice of location of
negotiations and subcommittee
meetings.
AGENCY:
On October 15, 2018, we
announced our intention to establish a
negotiated rulemaking committee to
prepare proposed regulations for the
Federal Student Aid programs
authorized under title IV of the Higher
Education Act of 1965, as amended
(HEA). In this notice, we announce the
locations of each committee and
subcommittee meeting.
DATES: Please see the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION section for meeting dates.
ADDRESSES: Please see the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for
meeting locations.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Aaron Washington, U.S. Department of
Education, 400 Maryland Ave. SW,
Room 294–12, Washington, DC 20202.
Telephone (202) 453–7241. Email:
Aaron.Washington@ed.gov.
If you use a telecommunications
device for the deaf (TDD) or text
telephone (TTY), call the Federal Relay
Service (FRS), toll free, at 1–800–877–
8339.
SUMMARY:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Locations for Negotiations and
Subcommittee Meetings
The Accreditation and Innovation
Committee will meet for three sessions
on the following dates:
Session 1: January 14–16, 2019
Session 2: February 19–22, 2019
Session 3: March 25–28, 2019
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66181
Sessions will run from 9:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m.
The January committee meeting will
be held at the U.S. Department of
Education at: Lyndon Baines Johnson
(LBJ) Building Barnard Auditorium, 400
Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC
20202.
The February committee meeting will
be held at the U.S. Department of
Education at: Potomac Center Plaza
(PCP) Auditorium, 550 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20202.
The March committee meeting will be
held at the U.S. Department of
Education at: LBJ Building Barnard
Auditorium, 400 Maryland Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20202.
The committee meetings are open to
the public to attend in person. The
committee meetings will also be made
available to the public through a
Department-provided livestream.
The Distance Learning and
Educational Innovation Subcommittee
will meet for three meetings on the
following dates:
Meeting 1: January 17–18, 2019
Meeting 2: February 12–13, 2019
Meeting 3: March 11–12, 2019
Meetings will run from 9:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m.
The subcommittee meetings will be
held at the U.S. Department of
Education at: LBJ Building, 400
Maryland Ave. SW, Washington, DC
20202.
The January meeting will be held in
room 1W113. The February meeting will
be held in room 1W103. The March
meeting will be held in room 1W126.
The Faith-Based Entities
Subcommittee will meet for three
meetings on the following dates:
Meeting 1: January 17–18, 2019
Meeting 2: February 12–13, 2019
Meeting 3: March 11–12, 2019
Meetings will run from 9:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m.
The subcommittee meetings will be
held at the U.S. Department of
Education at: LBJ Building, 400
Maryland Ave. SW, Washington, DC
20202.
The January meeting will be held in
room 297–05. The February meeting
will be held in room 297–05. The March
meeting will be held in room 1W113.
The TEACH Grant Subcommittee will
meet for three meetings on the following
dates:
Meeting 1: January 17–18, 2019
Meeting 2: February 12–13, 2019
Meeting 3: March 11–12, 2019
Meetings will run from 9:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m.
The subcommittee meetings will be
held at the U.S. Department of
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 246 (Wednesday, December 26, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 66178-66181]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-27901]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2018-1012; Product Identifier 2018-NM-132-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted
by reports of uncommanded movements of the Captain's and First
Officer's seats. This proposed AD would require an identification of
the part number, and if applicable the serial number, of the Captain's
and First Officer's seats, and do applicable on-condition actions for
affected seats. This proposed AD would also require a one-time detailed
inspection and repetitive checks of the horizontal movement system of
the Captain's and First Officer's seats and applicable on-condition
actions. This proposed AD would also provide an optional terminating
action for the repetitive checks of the horizontal movement system. We
are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 11,
2019.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, 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 NPRM, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS),
2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-5600;
telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may
view this service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also
available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-1012.
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-2018-
1012; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other
information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brandon Lucero, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-
231-3569; email: Brandon.Lucero@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-2018-1012;
Product Identifier 2018-NM-132-AD'' at the beginning of your comments.
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM 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 indicating that there have been
uncommanded movements of the Captain's and First Officer's seats. A
Model 747 operator reported that during a takeoff, the First Officer's
seat unlocked from its seat tracks and moved aft. The First Officer was
unable to control the airplane and the Captain took over the controls
to avoid a rejected takeoff. The unlocking of the seat from the seat
tracks was caused by actuator damage, which was a result of incorrect
adjustment of the seat's manual release lever cable, which allowed the
clutch mechanism to only partially engage. Captain's and First
Officer's seats having the same part numbers are installed on both
Model 747 and Model 777 airplanes. We are considering additional
rulemaking to address the unsafe condition for Model 747 airplanes.
In addition, a Model 777 operator reported that the Captain's seat
could not be locked in position after an adjustment to the horizontal
seat position in flight. The seat became unlocked from the track and
moved freely forward and aft. Control was given to the First Officer
for approach and landing. The results of an inspection revealed that
the horizontal actuator output shaft had broken. When a horizontal
actuator output shaft breaks, the pilot cannot prevent seat movement in
a forward and aft direction and cannot lock the seat in position. A
broken horizontal actuator output shaft is the result of high loads,
that exceed the design limits, caused by a stalled motor that can occur
due to high mechanical resistance to motion during powered operation of
the seat. Foreign object debris (FOD) in the seat tracks is another
condition that can result in a stalled motor and cause the horizontal
actuator output shaft to break.
An uncommanded seat movement during a critical part of a flight,
such as takeoff or landing, could cause a flight
[[Page 66179]]
control obstruction or unintended flight control input, which could
result in the loss of the ability to control the airplane.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0607,
Revision 1, dated July 17, 2018 (``BSASB 777-25-0607, Revision 1'').
The service information describes procedures for identification of the
part number, and if applicable the serial number, of the Captain's and
First Officer's seats, and for applicable on-condition actions for
affected seats. The on-condition actions include an inspection of each
seat's fore/aft and vertical manual control levers for looseness,
installation of serviceable seats, and a seat functional test after any
cable adjustment.
We also reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-
0619, Revision 1, dated August 8, 2018 (``BSASB 777-25-0619, Revision
1''). The service information describes procedures for a detailed
inspection and repetitive checks of the horizontal movement system for
the Captain's and First Officer's seats for findings (e.g., evidence of
cracks, scores, corrosion, dents, deformation or visible wear; and
incorrectly assembled microswitch assemblies, actuators, and limit
switches), and applicable on-condition actions. The on-condition
actions include clearing the seat tracks of FOD, overhaul of the
horizontal movement system and replacement of the horizontal actuator.
The service information also describes procedures for an optional
terminating action for the repetitive checks by installing a
serviceable Captain's or First Officer's seat.
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.
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 the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require accomplishment of the actions
identified in the Accomplishment Instructions of BSASB 777-25-0607,
Revision 1, described previously, except as discussed under
``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the Service Information,''
and except for any differences identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed AD.
This proposed AD would also require accomplishment of the actions
identified as ``RC'' (required for compliance) in the Accomplishment
Instructions of BSASB 777-25-0619, Revision 1, described previously,
except as discussed under ``Differences Between this Proposed AD and
the Service Information,'' and except for any differences identified as
exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
For information on the procedures and compliance times, see this
service information at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2018-1012.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
The effectivity of BSASB 777-25-0607, Revision 1; and BSASB 777-25-
0619, Revision 1, is limited to Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, -300ER,
and 777F airplanes with Ipeco part number series 3A201 and 3A258
Captain's and First Officer's powered seats installed, line numbers 1
and on. However, the applicability of this proposed AD includes all
Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, -300ER, and 777F series airplanes. Because
the affected Captain's and First Officer's seats are rotable parts, we
have determined that these seats could later be installed on airplanes
that were initially delivered with acceptable seats, thereby subjecting
those airplanes to the unsafe condition. The referenced service
bulletins can be used on airplanes not included in the service bulletin
effectivity. This difference has been coordinated with Boeing.
Where BSASB 777-25-0607, Revision 1, specifies to do the actions
within 72 months after the original issue date of the service bulletin,
this proposed AD would require accomplishment of those actions within
36 months after the effective date of this AD. The 36-month compliance
time corresponds with the compliance time in BSASB 777-25-0619,
Revision 1. We have determined a 36-month compliance time is
appropriate for doing the actions specified in this proposed AD. We
have coordinated this difference with Boeing.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 190 airplanes of U.S.
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions per Seat
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Identification, seat............. 1 work-hour x $85 $0 $85................ $85.
per hour = $85.
Detailed inspection, horizontal 1 work-hour x $85 0 $85................ $85.
movement system. per hour = $85.
Checks, horizontal movement 2 work-hour x $85 0 $170 per check $170 per check
system. per hour = $170 cycle.. cycle.
per check cycle.
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary on-condition
actions that would be required. We have no way of determining the
number of aircraft that might need these on-condition actions:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions per Seat *
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Adjustment, control lever cable.. 1 work-hour x $85 per $0...................... $85.
hour = $85.
Overhaul, horizontal movement 11 work-hours x $85 per Up to $5,824............ Up to $6,759.
system. hour = $935.
[[Page 66180]]
Inspection of each seat's fore/ 1 work-hour x $85 per $0...................... $85.
aft and vertical manual control hour = $85.
levers.
Installation of serviceable seats 1 work-hour x $85 per $0...................... $85.
hour = $85.
Clearing FOD..................... 1 work-hour x $85 per $0...................... $85.
hour = $85.
Replacement of the horizontal 1 work-hour x $85 per $205.................... $290.
actuator. hour = $85, per actuator.
Functional test, adjusted control 1 work-hour x $85 per $0...................... $85.
lever cable. hour = $85.
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* The estimated cost for tooling to align an affected seat for adjustment of the control lever cable is up to
$46,064.
We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for the optional terminating action for the repetitive
checks specified in this proposed AD.
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.
This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated
by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as
authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order,
issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and
Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the
Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable
to transport category airplanes and associated appliances to the
Director of the System Oversight Division.
Regulatory Findings
We have 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 that the 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
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):
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2018-1012; Product Identifier
2018-NM-132-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by February 11,
2019.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR,
-300, -300ER, and 777F series airplanes, certificated in any
category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
Furnishings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of uncommanded movements of the
Captain's and First Officer's seats. We are issuing this AD to
address uncommanded movement of the Captain's and First Officer's
seats. An uncommanded seat movement during a critical part of a
flight, such as takeoff or landing, could cause a flight control
obstruction or unintended flight control input, which could result
in the loss of the ability to control the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Seat Part Number Identification and On-Condition Actions
Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, do an
inspection to determine the part number, and serial number as
applicable, of the Captain's and First Officer's seats, and do all
applicable on-condition actions, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 777-25-0607, Revision 1, dated July 17, 2018.
(h) Detailed Inspection and Repetitive Checks of Horizontal Movement
System and On-Condition Actions
Except as specified in paragraph (i) of this AD: At the
applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0619, Revision 1,
dated August 8, 2018 (``BSASB 777-25-0619, Revision 1''), do all
applicable actions identified as ``RC'' (required for compliance)
in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of BSASB
777-25-0619, Revision 1.
(i) Exception to Service Information Specifications
For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements of
this AD: Where BSASB 777-25-0619, Revision 1, uses the phrase ``the
original issue date of this service bulletin,'' this AD requires
using ``the effective date of this AD.''
(j) Optional Terminating Action for Repetitive Checks
Installation of a serviceable Captain's or First Officer's seat
as specified in, and in
[[Page 66181]]
accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of BSASB 777-25-
0619, Revision 1, terminates the repetitive checks required by
paragraph (h) of this AD for that seat only.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (l)(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) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used for any repair, modification, or alteration 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 Branch, FAA, to make those findings. 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) For service information that contains steps that are labeled
as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs
(k)(4)(i) and (k)(4)(ii) of this AD 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. If a step or substep is labeled ``RC Exempt,'' then the
RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. 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.
(l) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Brandon Lucero,
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section,
FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
phone and fax: 206-231-3569; email: Brandon.Lucero@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-
5600; telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on December 14, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-27901 Filed 12-21-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
