[Federal Register: September 2, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 170)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 53607-53609]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr02se04-4]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-NM-350-AD; Amendment 39-13777; AD 2004-17-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777 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 series airplanes. This action
requires an inspection to determine the part number of the filter/
regulator on the fire extinguishing system installed in the lower cargo
compartment of the airplane, and re-identification of the filter/
regulator, or replacement of the filter/regulator with a new filter/
regulator, if necessary. This action is necessary to prevent leakage of
fire extinguishing agent through the filter/regulator of the cargo fire
extinguishing system, which could result in the inability of the fire
extinguishing system to suppress a fire in the cargo compartment of the
airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe
condition.
DATES: Effective October 7, 2004.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of October 7, 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: Marcia G. Smith, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 917-6484; fax (425) 917-6590.
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 series
airplanes was published in the Federal Register on December 22, 2003
(68 FR 71049). That action proposed to require an inspection to
determine the part number of the filter/regulator on the fire
extinguishing system installed in the lower cargo compartment of the
airplane, and replacement of the filter/regulator with a new filter/
regulator, 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 comments received.
Support for Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)
One commenter supports the NPRM.
Request To Clarify Discussion Section
One commenter requests that we clarify the ``Discussion'' section
of the NPRM. The commenter requests that we change the last sentence in
the first paragraph of the ``Discussion'' section to say, ``This out-
of-tolerance condition could cause the filter/regulator to leak,''
rather than, ``This out-of-tolerance condition could cause the filter/
regulator to leak and to fall out of calibration during operation.''
The commenter states that the calibration and leakage conditions are
different issues. The commenter also requests that we clarify the
explanation of the problem in the ``Discussion'' section. The commenter
indicates that the leakage due to a problem with an O-ring seat is
different from the calibration issue, which was caused by a loose
locknut.
We agree with the commenter's statements, but cannot make changes
to the ``Discussion'' section itself because that section is not
restated in the final rule. However, for clarity's sake and for
operators' reference, have rewritten portions of the paragraph to
respond to
[[Page 53608]]
the comment. The changed paragraph is as follows:
``The FAA has received a report indicating that, during a
certification flight test on a Boeing Model 777-300 series airplane,
the Halon 1301 fire extinguishing agent flowed through the metered
portion of the cargo fire extinguishing system in less than the
predicted time. When the cargo fire extinguishing system was checked
for leakage, it was determined that the filter/regulator was the source
of the leakage. The manufacturer discovered that several housing
assemblies had a warped O-ring groove at the point where the filter
element retainer was screwed into the housing. The warping was caused
by heat treatment of the housing with a finished O-ring groove.
Furthermore, during qualification testing of a different filter/
regulator assembly, the unit failed the flow test after the vibration
testing. It was discovered that the locknut in the variable pressure
regulator had loosened during vibration testing, allowing the regulator
adjustment screw assembly to move. This caused a slight change in the
unit's flow rate.''
Request To Exempt/Re-Identify Certain Part Numbers
Two commenters observed that filter/regulators with parts that have
a serial number with suffix ``A'' are not subject to the 60-month
replacement requirement of the proposed rule. One commenter, the parts
manufacturer, states that parts with a suffix ``A'' in the serial
number are identical in form, fit, and function to parts with part
numbers (P/N) that end with a ``-3'' and that parts with P/Ns that end
with a ``-3'' are not subject to the requirements of the proposed rule.
The other commenter notes that Walter Kidde Service Bulletin 473494-26-
405 allows parts with a suffix ``A'' in the serial number to remain in
service until schedule maintenance is required.
We partially agree with the commenters' requests. We have changed
the final rule to exclude the requirement to replace filter/regulators
having a suffix ``A'' in the serial number. However, although one of
the commenters states that the applicable Walter Kidde service bulletin
allows parts having a suffix ``A'' to remain in service, the same
bulletin still requires re-identification of the part. Therefore, we
have changed the final rule to allow the option of replacing or
reidentifying filter/regulators having a suffix ``A'' in the serial
number, in accordance with the procedures in the applicable Walter
Kidde service bulletin. We have revised paragraph (a) and paragraph (b)
of the final rule accordingly.
Request for Editorial Change
The same commenter requests that we change two references to Walter
Kidde service bulletins, which we inadvertently spelled ``Water''
Kidde. One of the references is in Note 1 of the NPRM, and the other is
in the section titled ``Explanation of Relevant Service Information.''
We agree with the commenter's request. However, we have made a
change only to Note 1 in the final rule because the section titled
``Explanation of Relevant Service Information'' is not restated in the
final rule.
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comments
noted above, we have determined that air safety and the public interest
require the adoption of the rule with the changes previously described.
We have determined that these changes will neither increase the
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
Explanation of Editorial Change to Proposed AD
We have changed all references to filter/regulator that have P/Ns
``with a suffix A,'' to P/Ns that have a serial number with suffix A.
We have determined that this change shows that the suffix number is
part of the serial number rather than part of the P/N.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 289 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 83 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 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 $5,395, 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.
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:
2004-17-05 Boeing: Amendment 39-13777. Docket 2002-NM-350-AD.
Applicability: Model 777-200 and 777-300 series airplanes, line
numbers 002 through 290 inclusive; certificated in any category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent leakage of fire extinguishing agent through the
filter/regulator of the cargo fire extinguishing system, which could
result in the inability of the fire extinguishing system to suppress
a fire in the cargo compartment of the airplane, accomplish the
following:
[[Page 53609]]
Note 1: The Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service
Bulletin 777-26-0028, dated November 2, 2000, also refer to the
following Walter Kidde Service Bulletins as additional sources of
service information for accomplishment of the replacement: 473494-
26-405, Revision 1, dated November 1, 2000; 473494-26-422, dated
April 13, 2000; 473857-26-406, Revision 1, dated November 1, 2000;
473857-1-26-423, dated April 13, 2000; 473995-1-26-424, dated April
13, 2000; and 473995-26-408, Revision 2, dated November 1, 2000.
Inspection and Replacement, if Necessary
(a) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD:
Inspect the lower cargo fire extinguishing filter/regulator to
determine the part number (P/N). Instead of inspecting the part, a
review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable if the P/N of
the part can be positively determined from that review.
(1) If no filter regulator P/N 473494-1, P/N 473857-1, or P/N
473995-1 is found, no further action is required by this paragraph.
(2) If any filter/regulator having P/N 473494-1, P/N 473857-1,
or P/N 473995-1 is found and the serial number does not contain
suffix ``A,'' within 60 months after the effective date of this AD,
replace the filter/regulator with a new filter/regulator, per the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-26-0028,
dated November 2, 2000.
(3) If any filter/regulator having P/N 473494-1, P/N 473857-1,
or P/N 473995-1 containing a serial number with suffix ``A'' is
found, within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, do
paragraph (a)(3)(i) or (a)(3)(ii).
(i) Re-identify the filter/regulator by following the
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable Walter Kidde Service
Bulletin that follows: for P/N 473494-1, use Service Bulletin
473494-26-422, dated April 13, 2000; for P/N 473857-1, use Service
Bulletin 473857-1-26-423, dated April 13, 2000; for P/N 473995-1,
use Service Bulletin 473995-1-26-424, dated April 13, 2000.
(ii) Replace the filter/regulator with a new filter regulator
per the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-
26-0028, dated November 2, 2000.
Note 2: Filter/regulators having P/N 473494-1, P/N 473857-1, and
P/N 473995-1 that have a serial number with suffix ``A'' are good
parts and are identical in form, fit, and function to P/N 473494-3,
P/N 473857-3, and P/N 473995-3 respectively. Re-identification of
the part numbers ensures unique part numbering.
Parts Installation
(b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install
on any airplane a filter/regulator with any of the following Walter
Kidde Aerospace P/Ns: P/N 473494-1 (with or without a serial number
with suffix ``A''), P/N 473857-1 (with or without a serial number
with suffix ``A''), or P/N 473995-1 (with or without a serial number
with suffix ``A''), unless a P/N with a serial number with suffix
``A'' has been re-identified per paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(c) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, is authorized to approve
alternative methods of compliance (AMOCs) for this AD.
Incorporation by Reference
(d) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be
done in accordance with the service bulletins listed in Table 1 of
this AD.
Table 1.--Material Incorporated by Reference
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Service bulletin Date
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Boeing Service Bulletin 777-26-0028 November 2, 2000.
Walter Kidde Aerospace Service April 13, 2000.
Bulletin 473494-26-422.
Walter Kidde Aerospace Service April 13, 2000.
Bulletin 473857-1-26-423.
Walter Kidde Aerospace Service April 13, 2000.
Bulletin 473995-1-26-424.
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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; and Kidde
Technologies, Inc., 4200 Airport Drive Northwest, Wilson, North
Carolina 27896. 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
(e) This amendment becomes effective on October 7, 2004.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 19, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-19856 Filed 9-1-04; 8:45 am]
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