[Federal Register: September 9, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 174)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 53547-53550]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09se05-4]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-22252; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-182-AD;
Amendment 39-14260; AD 2005-18-51]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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[[Page 53548]]
SUMMARY: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment
adopting airworthiness directive (AD) 2005-18-51 that was sent
previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Boeing Model 777
airplanes by individual notices. This AD supersedes an existing AD that
applies to certain Boeing Model 777-200 and ``300 series airplanes. The
existing AD currently requires modification of the operational program
software (OPS) of the air data inertial reference unit (ADIRU). This
new AD requires installing a certain OPS in the ADIRU, and revising the
airplane flight manual to provide the flightcrew with operating
instructions for possible ADIRU heading errors and for potential
incorrect display of drift angle. This AD results from a recent report
of a significant nose-up pitch event. We are issuing this AD to prevent
the OPS from using data from faulted (failed) sensors, which could
result in anomalies of the fly-by-wire primary flight control,
autopilot, auto-throttle, pilot display, and auto-brake systems. These
anomalies could result in high pilot workload, deviation from the
intended flight path, and possible loss of control of the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective September 14, 2005 to all persons
except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by
emergency AD 2005-18-51, issued August 29, 2005, which contained the
requirements of this amendment.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of September 14,
2005.
We must receive comments on this AD by November 8, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124-2207, for service information identified in this AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Feider, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-
4056; telephone (425) 917-6467; fax (425) 917-6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
On April 29, 2005, we issued AD 2005-10-03, amendment 39-14080 (70
FR 24703, May 11, 2005), for certain Boeing Model 777-200 and ``300
series airplanes. That AD requires modification of the operational
program software (OPS) of the air data inertial reference unit (ADIRU)
from software version part number (P/N) 3470-HNC-100-03 to software
version P/N 3475-HNC-100-06 or 3474-HNC-100-07. That AD resulted from a
report of the display of erroneous heading information to the pilot due
to a defect in the OPS of the ADIRU. We issued that AD to prevent the
display of erroneous heading information to the pilot, which could
result in loss of the main sources of attitude data, consequent high
pilot workload, and subsequent deviation from the intended flight path.
Actions Since Issuance of Previous AD
On August 29, 2005, we issued emergency AD 2005-18-51, which
applies to all Boeing Model 777 airplanes. That AD resulted from a
recent report of a significant nose-up pitch event on a Boeing Model
777-200 series airplane while climbing through 36,000 feet altitude.
The flightcrew disconnected the autopilot and stabilized the airplane,
during which time the airplane climbed above 41,000 feet, decelerated
to a minimum speed of 158 knots, and activated the stick shaker. A
review of the flight data recorder shows there were abrupt and
persistent errors in the outputs of the ADIRU. These errors were caused
by the OPS using data from faulted (failed) sensors. This problem
exists in all software versions after P/N 3470-HNC-100-03, beginning
with P/N 3477-HNC-100-04 approved in 1998 and including the versions
mandated by AD 2005-10-03. While these versions have been installed on
many airplanes before we issued AD 2005-10-03, they had not caused an
incident until recently, and the problem was therefore unknown until
then. OPS using data from faulted sensors, if not corrected, could
result in anomalies of the fly-by-wire primary flight control,
autopilot, auto-throttle, pilot display, and auto-brake systems, which
could result in high pilot workload, deviation from the intended flight
path, and possible loss of control of the airplane.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-34A0137, dated
August 26, 2005. The service bulletin describes procedures for
installing OPS, P/N 3470-HNC-100-03, in the ADIRU.
We also have reviewed Boeing 777 Operations Manual Bulletin (OMB)
CS3-3093, dated August 26, 2005, which describes operating instructions
to inform the flightcrew of possible heading errors following on-ground
automatic realignment of the ADIRU with the OPS, P/N 3470-HNC-100-03,
installed.
In addition, we have reviewed Boeing 777 OMB CS3-3155, dated August
26, 2005, which describes operating instructions to inform the
flightcrew of potential drift angle discrepancies on the primary flight
display and the navigation display with the OPS, P/N 3470-HNC-100-03,
installed.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
Since the unsafe conditions described previously are likely to
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design, we issued
emergency AD 2005-18-51 to supersede AD 2005-10-03. This new AD
requires accomplishing the actions specified in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 777-34A0137, described previously. Because these actions
reintroduce the unsafe condition identified in AD 2005-10-03, this new
AD also requires revising the Limitation section of the Airplane Flight
Manual by inserting a copy of Boeing 777 OMBs CS3-3093 and CS3-3155,
described previously.
Interim Action
We consider this AD interim action. The manufacturer is currently
developing a modification that will address the unsafe condition
identified in this AD and AD 2005-10-03. Once this modification is
developed, approved, and available, we may consider additional
rulemaking
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
We found that immediate corrective action was required; therefore,
notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were
impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause
existed to make the AD effective immediately by individual notices
issued on August 29, 2005, to all known U.S. owners and operators of
Boeing Model 777 airplanes. These conditions still exist, and the AD is
[[Page 53549]]
hereby published in the Federal Register as an amendment to Sec. 39.13
of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13) to make it effective
to all persons.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any relevant written
data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an
address listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-
22252; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-182-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD. We will consider
all comments received by the closing date and may amend the AD in light
of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov
, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of our docket
web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets,
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.).
You can review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you can visit
http://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Dockets
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System
receives them.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701, ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that 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.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If this
emergency regulation is later deemed significant under DOT Regulatory
Policies and Procedures, we will prepare a final regulatory evaluation
and place it in the AD Docket. See the ADDRESSES section for a location
to examine the regulatory evaluation, if filed.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
removing amendment 39-14080 (70 FR 24703, May 11, 2005) and adding the
following new airworthiness directive (AD):
AD 2005-18-51 Boeing: Amendment 39-14260. Docket No. FAA-2005-22252;
Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-182-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective September 14, 2005, to all persons
except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by
emergency AD 2005-18-51, issued on August 29, 2005, which contained
the requirements of this amendment.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2005-10-03.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Boeing Model 777-200, -300, and -
300ER series airplanes, certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a recent report of a significant nose-
up pitch event. We are issuing this AD to prevent the operational
program software (OPS) from using data from faulted (failed)
sensors, which could result in anomalies of the fly-by-wire primary
flight control, autopilot, auto-throttle, pilot display, and auto-
brake systems. These anomalies could result in high pilot workload,
deviation from the intended flight path, and possible loss of
control of the airplane.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Installation of OPS
(f) Within 72 hours after the effective date of this AD, do the
actions specified in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD.
(1) Install OPS, part number (P/N) 3470-HNC-100-03, in the air
data inertial reference unit (ADIRU), in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-
34A0137, dated August 26, 2005.
(2) Revise the Limitations section of the Airplane Flight Manual
(AFM) by inserting a copy of the Boeing operations manual bulletins
in Table 1 of this AD.
Table 1.--Operations Manual Bulletins
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Boeing 777 operations manual bulletin Date
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(i) CS3-3093......................... August 26, 2005.
(ii) CS3-3155........................ August 26, 2005.
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(g) When the information in the operations manual bulletins in
Table 1 of this AD has been incorporated into the general revisions
of the AFM, the general revisions may be incorporated into the AFM,
and these operations manual bulletins may be removed from the AFM.
[[Page 53550]]
Parts Installation
(h) As of the effective date of this AD, only OPS, P/N 3470-HNC-
100-03, may be loaded into the ADIRU.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(i) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, has
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Related Information
(j) None.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(k) You must use the service information in Table 2 of this AD
to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD
specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved
the incorporation by reference of these documents in accordance with
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207, for a copy
of this service information. You may review copies at the Docket
Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh
Street SW., room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the
Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
.
Table 2.--Material Incorporated by Reference
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Service information Date
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Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777- August 26, 2005.
34A0137.
Boeing 777 Operations Manual Bulletin August 26, 2005.
CS3-3093.
Boeing 777 Operations Manual Bulletin August 26, 2005.
CS3-3155.
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Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 1, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-17762 Filed 9-8-05; 8:45 am]
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