FR Doc 04-13497

[Federal Register: June 17, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 116)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 33837-33839]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr17jn04-4]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NM-50-AD; Amendment 39-13675; AD 2004-12-15]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777-200 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Boeing Model 777-200 series airplanes, that
requires a one-time general visual inspection of wire bundles routed
aft of electrical disconnect panel AC2162 to determine their
installation and separation, and corrective actions, if necessary. This
action is necessary to prevent damage to the stabilizer cutout circuit
wires in the bundles due to contact between the bundles and the
adjacent galley water drain tube and hydraulic tubes, which, if
followed by an active fault in the stabilizer command circuit, could
result in undesired stabilizer motion that cannot be stopped, and could
lead to loss of pitch control and loss of control of the airplane. This
action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective July 22, 2004.
The incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of July 22, 2004.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124-2207. This information may be examined at the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules
Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 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:
http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Binh Tran, Aerospace Engineer, Systems
and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone
(425) 917-6485; fax (425) 917-6590.

[[Page 33838]]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Boeing Model 777-200
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on November 25,
2003 (68 FR 66030). That action proposed to require a one-time general
visual inspection of wire bundles routed aft of electrical disconnect
panel AC2162 to determine their installation and separation, and
corrective actions, if necessary.

Comments

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the one comment received.

Request To Reduce Compliance Time

One commenter requests that the compliance time of 18 months for
accomplishing the proposed AD be reduced because of the severity of
undesired stabilizer motion and the loss of pitch control of the
airplane. The commenter does not suggest a new compliance time.
The FAA does not agree. In developing an appropriate compliance
time, we considered the safety implications and normal maintenance
schedules for timely accomplishment of the actions. In consideration of
these factors, we determined that the compliance time, as proposed,
represents an appropriate interval in which the actions can be
accomplished, while still maintaining an adequate level of safety.
However, if additional data are presented that would justify a shorter
compliance time, we may consider further rulemaking on this issue. No
change is made to the final rule in this regard.

Conclusion

After careful review of the available data, including the comment
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public
interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

There are approximately 64 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 17 airplanes of U.S. registry
will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 1 work
hour per airplane to accomplish the required general visual inspection,
and that the average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Based on these
figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be
$1,105, or $65 per airplane.
The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that
no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD
action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the
future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed
in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform
the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other
administrative actions. Manufacturer warranty remedies may be available
for labor costs associated with this AD. As a result, the costs
attributable to the AD may be less than stated above.

Regulatory Impact

The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) will not have a
significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial
number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:

2004-12-15 Boeing: Amendment 39-13675. Docket 2003-NM-50-AD.

Applicability: Model 777-200 series airplanes, as listed in
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-27-0057, dated August 22, 2002;
certificated in any category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent damage to the stabilizer cutout circuit wires in the
bundles due to contact between the bundles and the adjacent galley
water drain tube and hydraulic tubes, which, if followed by an
active fault in the stabilizer command circuit, could result in
undesired stabilizer motion that cannot be stopped, and could lead
to loss of pitch control and loss of control of the airplane;
accomplish the following:

Service Bulletin References

(a) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-27-0057,
dated August 22, 2002.

Inspection

(b) Within 18 months of the effective date of this AD, perform a
one-time general visual inspection of the wire bundles that route
aft of electrical disconnect panel AC2162 to determine their
installation and separation, in accordance with the service
bulletin.

Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection
is defined as: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior
area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure,
or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within
touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be
necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the
inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting,
flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of
access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be
required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''

Corrective Action

(d) If any wire bundle is not installed in accordance with the
service bulletin: Before further flight, perform the actions
specified in paragraphs (d)(1) and (d)(2) of this AD.
(1) Perform a detailed inspection of the wire bundle for damage,
and repair all damage, in accordance with the service bulletin.

Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is
defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific
structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage,
failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally
supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity
deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror,

[[Page 33839]]

magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate
access procedures may be required.''

(2) Add clamps or tie strips to secure the wire bundles in
accordance with the service bulletin.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

(e) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, is authorized to approve
alternative methods of compliance for this AD.

Incorporation by Reference

(f) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Service
Bulletin 777-27-0057, dated August 22, 2002. This incorporation by
reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be
obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124-2207. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or
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: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
.

Effective Date

(g) This amendment becomes effective on July 22, 2004.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 7, 2004.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-13497 Filed 6-16-04; 8:45 am]

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