[Federal Register: December 7, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 235)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 70860-70862]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr07de06-3]
[[Page 70860]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-23817; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-176-AD;
Amendment 39-14846; AD 2006-25-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Boeing Model 777 airplanes. This AD requires repetitive
inspections for corrosion or missing corrosion inhibiting compound of
the fuselage skin under the forward and aft wing-to-body fairings for
certain airplanes, or the fuselage skin under the forward wing-to-body
fairings only for other airplanes; and corrective action if necessary.
The AD also provides an optional preventive modification of the fairing
areas, which terminates the repetitive inspections. This AD results
from several reports indicating that significant levels of corrosion
were found on the external surface of the fuselage skin under the
forward and aft wing-to-body fairings. We are issuing this AD to detect
and correct corrosion, and prevent subsequent fatigue cracks, on the
fuselage skin under the forward and aft wing-to-body fairings, which
could result in rapid decompression of the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective January 11, 2007.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of January 11,
2007.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building,
Room PL-401, Washington, DC.
Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124-2207, for the service information identified in this
AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Oltman, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
917-6443; fax (425) 917-6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Examining the Docket
You may examine the airworthiness directive (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 street address stated in the ADDRESSES section.
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to certain Boeing Model
777 airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on
February 8, 2006 (71 FR 6402). That NPRM proposed to require repetitive
inspections for corrosion or missing corrosion inhibiting compound
(CIC) of the fuselage skin under the forward and aft wing-to-body
fairings for certain airplanes, or the fuselage skin under the forward
wing-to-body fairings only for other airplanes; and corrective action
if necessary. That NPRM also proposed to provide an optional preventive
modification of the wing-to-body fairing panels, which would terminate
the repetitive inspections.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.
Request To Include Revised Service Information
Continental Airlines (CAL) asks that the NPRM mandate Revision 1 of
the referenced service bulletin when it becomes available, instead of
the original issue. (Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0044, dated
July 28, 2005, was referenced in the NPRM as the appropriate source of
service information for accomplishing the specified actions.) CAL
states that it found some discrepancies in the instructions in Part 2
of the service bulletin during incorporation of the preventive
modification specified in the original issue of the service bulletin.
CAL adds that those discrepancies need clarification in order to meet
the scope of the service bulletin and the objective of the NPRM. CAL
notes that the instructions specified in Figures 11 and 15 of the
original issue of the service bulletin are misleading and can cause
incorrect assumptions and actions when implemented. CAL coordinated
with Boeing to obtain clarification and enhancement of the instructions
specified in Figures 11 and 15. CAL notes that the corrected
instructions will be incorporated into Revision 1 of the service
bulletin by Boeing.
We partially agree with CAL. Boeing has issued Service Bulletin
777-53A0044, Revision 1, dated June 22, 2006, which we have
subsequently reviewed.
We agree to include Revision 1 of the referenced service bulletin
in the AD as the appropriate source of service information for
accomplishing the specified actions. Revision 1 is essentially the same
as the original issue of the service bulletin; however, Revision 1
recommends that airplanes in Groups 1 and 4 that have been previously
changed per the original issue of the service bulletin be inspected at
the next scheduled under-fairing zonal or surveillance inspections.
This is to ensure that the fastener fillet sealing at body stations
1035 and 1434 are in compliance with Figures 11, 15, and 20, as
applicable, of Revision 1. The original issue of the service bulletin
identified airplanes that were divided into Groups 1 and 2. Revision 1
of the service bulletin divides the airplanes into Groups 1 through 6;
however, there is no increase in the number of airplanes.
We do not agree to remove reference to the original issue of the
service bulletin and refer to only Revision 1, because operators who
previously did the required actions in accordance with the original
issue of the service bulletin would then be out of compliance as of the
effective date of the new AD. We find that actions done before the
effective date of this AD in accordance with the instructions in the
original issue of the service bulletin will provide an acceptable level
of safety until the newly required actions are done. We have changed
paragraph (h) of this AD to add the following sentence: ``After the
effective date of this AD, only Revision 1 of the service bulletin may
be used for accomplishing the preventive modification.'' Although no
more work is necessary on airplanes changed per the original issue of
the service bulletin; it is recommended that airplanes in Groups 1 and
4 which have been previously changed per the original issue, be
inspected at the next scheduled under-fairing zonal or surveillance
inspections as specified above.
Request To Change Paragraph (h)
Boeing asks that the language for the optional terminating action
specified in paragraph (h) of the NPRM be changed.
[[Page 70861]]
Boeing reiterates that paragraph and states that it should be changed
to read ``Accomplishing the preventive modification in accordance with
Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 777-53A0044, dated July 28, 2005, terminates the repetitive
inspections required by paragraph (f) of this AD.'' Boeing states that,
in the forward fairing area the preventive modification consists of
modification to the forward body fairing panels, as well as addition of
fastener head fillet sealing and revised CIC in specific areas above
the wing body fairing panels. Boeing adds that, in the aft fairing
area, the preventive modification consists of fastener head fillet
sealing and revised CIC in specific areas above the wing body fairing
panels. Boeing states that there is no change to the wing-to-body
fairing panels in the aft fairing area, and the proposed wording could
be interpreted as not providing a terminating action for the aft
fairing area. Boeing notes that this is inconsistent with the
referenced service bulletin, and changing the language would make the
NPRM consistent with the service bulletin.
We agree with Boeing for the reasons provided. We have changed the
subject language in the Summary section. We have also changed the
language in paragraph (h) of this AD to read ``Accomplishing the
preventive modification of the fairing areas in accordance with Part 2
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
777-53A0044, dated July 28, 2005; or Boeing Service Bulletin 777-
53A0044, Revision 1, dated June 22, 2006; terminates the repetitive
inspections required by paragraph (f) of this AD.''
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the
comments received, and determined that air safety and the public
interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously.
These changes will neither increase the economic burden on any operator
nor increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 385 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. This AD affects about 140 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The inspection takes about 8 work hours per airplane for Groups 1,
3, 4, and 5 airplanes, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour.
Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the inspection for U.S.
operators is $520 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
The inspection takes about 4 work hours per airplane for Groups 2
and 6 airplanes, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based
on these figures, the estimated cost of the inspection for U.S.
operators is $260 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
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.
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); 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES
section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.
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
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
2006-25-05 Boeing: Amendment 39-14846. Docket No. FAA-2006-23817;
Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-176-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective January 11, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 777-200, -300, and -300ER
series airplanes; certificated in any category; as identified in
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-53A0044, Revision 1, dated June 22,
2006.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from several reports indicating that
significant levels of corrosion were found on the external surface
of the fuselage skin under the forward and aft wing-to-body
fairings. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion,
and prevent subsequent fatigue cracks, on the fuselage skin under
the forward and aft wing-to-body fairings, which could result in
rapid decompression 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.
Repetitive Inspections
(f) At the latest of the compliance times specified in
paragraphs (f)(1), (f)(2), and (f)(3) of this AD, as applicable:
Perform a detailed inspection of the fuselage skin under the wing-
to-body fairings for corrosion or missing corrosion inhibiting
compound (CIC) by doing all the applicable actions specified in Part
1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 777-53A0044, dated July 28, 2005; or Boeing Service
Bulletin 777-53A0044, Revision 1, dated June 22, 2006. Repeat the
inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,500 days until
the requirements of paragraph (h) of this AD are accomplished.
(1) Before the accumulation of 1,500 days since the date of
issuance of the original standard airworthiness certificate or the
date of issuance of the original export certificate of
airworthiness.
[[Page 70862]]
(2) Within 1,500 days after accomplishing the latest zonal or
surveillance inspection before the effective date of this AD that is
equivalent to the detailed inspection specified in paragraph (f) of
this AD.
(3) Within 750 days after the effective date of this AD.
Corrective Action
(g) If any corrosion or missing CIC is found during any
inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD: Before further
flight, do a detailed inspection to determine the full extent of the
corrosion; repair before further flight by doing all the applicable
actions specified in Part 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0044, dated July 28, 2005; or
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-53A0044, Revision 1, dated June 22,
2006. Where the service bulletin specifies to contact Boeing for
repair instructions: Repair before further flight, according to a
method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (i) of this AD.
Optional Terminating Action
(h) Accomplishing the preventive modification of the fairing
areas in accordance with Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions
of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0044, dated July 28, 2005;
or Boeing Service Bulletin 777-53A0044, Revision 1, dated June 22,
2006; terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph
(f) of this AD. After the effective date of this AD, only Revision 1
of the service bulletin may be used for accomplishing the preventive
modification.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(i)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards
Certificate Holding District Office.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used for any repair required by this AD, if it is approved by an
Authorized Representative for the Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Delegation Option Authorization Organization who 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(j) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0044,
dated July 28, 2005; or Boeing Service Bulletin 777-53A0044,
Revision 1, dated June 22, 2006; as applicable; 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
.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 20, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-20624 Filed 12-6-06; 8:45 am]
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