[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 241 (Thursday, December 16, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 78588-78591]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-30606]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-27042; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-225-AD;
Amendment 39-16531; AD 2010-24-12]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -300,
and -300ER Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Model 777-200, -300, and -300ER series airplanes. This AD requires
installing Teflon sleeving under the clamps of certain wire bundles
routed along the fuel tank boundary structure, and cap sealing certain
penetrating fasteners of the main and center fuel tanks. This AD
results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are
issuing this AD to prevent electrical arcing on the fuel tank boundary
structure or inside the fuel tanks, which could result in a fire or
explosion.
DATES: This AD is effective January 20, 2011.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of January 20,
2011.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone 206-
544-5000, extension 1, fax 206-766-5680; e-mail [email protected];
Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The address for the
Docket Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is the Document Management
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30,
West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Margaret Langsted, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone
(425) 917-6500; fax (425) 917-6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to
amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that
would apply to certain Model 777-200, -300, and -300ER series
airplanes. That supplemental NPRM was published in the Federal Register
on June 18, 2010 (75 FR 34663). The original NPRM (72 FR 3956, January
29, 2007) proposed to require installing Teflon sleeving under
[[Page 78589]]
the clamps of certain wire bundles routed along the fuel tank boundary
structure, and cap sealing certain penetrating fasteners of the main
and center fuel tanks. The supplemental NPRM proposed to revise the
original NPRM by adding airplanes and adding and removing certain
requirements.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We considered the comments received.
Support for Supplemental NPRM
Boeing concurred with the content of the supplemental NPRM.
American Airlines has a program in place to address the actions in the
proposed rule and had no objection to the supplemental NPRM.
Request To Extend Compliance Time
Air Transport Association (ATA), on behalf of its member Delta Air
Lines Inc. (Delta), asked that the 60-month compliance time in the
supplemental NPRM be extended to better align with industry standard
tank entry intervals. Delta stated that the required modifications will
require entry into the main and center fuel tanks, and Delta opens
those fuel tanks at 8- and 4-year intervals, respectively. Delta added
that the compliance time of 60 months to accomplish the corrective
action will be acceptable for work in the center fuel tank but will
force main tank entry earlier than normally scheduled.
We do not agree to extend the compliance time. In developing an
appropriate compliance time for this action, we considered the urgency
associated with the subject unsafe condition and the practical aspect
of accomplishing the required modification within a period of time that
corresponds to the normal scheduled maintenance for most affected
operators. In consideration of these items, in addition to the unsafe
condition being electrical arcing in the fuel tank, we have determined
that a 60-month interval will ensure an acceptable level of safety.
However, according to the provisions of paragraph (j)(1) of this AD, we
may approve requests to adjust the compliance time if the request
includes data proving that the requested compliance time would provide
an acceptable level of safety. We have not changed the AD in this
regard.
Request To Include Revision 3 of the Referenced Service Bulletin
Continental Airlines (CAL) asked that the supplemental NPRM be
changed to include Revision 3 of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-57A0050,
instead of Revision 2, dated May 14, 2009 (referred to for the
applicability and for accomplishing certain actions in the supplemental
NPRM). CAL stated that including Revision 3 may be necessary to avoid
the alternative methods of compliance approval process because
technical errors still exist in Revision 2 of Boeing Service Bulletin
777-57A0050.
We do not agree to include Revision 3 of the referenced service
bulletin in this AD, since Revision 3 of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-
57A0050 has not yet been issued. Since Revision 2 of Boeing Service
Bulletin 777-57A0050 is expected to be revised after issuance of this
AD to correct the discrepancies, we might consider approving the
revised service bulletin as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC),
according to the provisions of paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. We have not
changed the AD in this regard.
Clarify Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA)
CAL stated that proper ICA must be provided in order to prevent
inadvertent reversal of implemented changes that can lead to violation
requirements in the final rule. CAL added that it requested a copy of
the ICA from Boeing to review and better understand the approach being
taken to support the Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88 (``SFAR
88'') program; however, the ICA has not been received yet.
We acknowledge the commenter's concern. However, no new ICAs have
been developed for the design change required by this AD. Operators and
owners are responsible for ensuring that the configuration mandated by
this AD is maintained in accordance with section 39.7 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.7).
If any new airworthiness limitations (AWLs) related to any of the
design features mandated by this AD are developed, we may consider
additional rulemaking to mandate incorporations of those AWLs into
operators' maintenance programs. We have not changed the AD in regard
to this issue.
The FAA is working with industry to evaluate potential changes to
the AD process that are intended to more clearly identify how to
maintain configurations that are required for AD compliance.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
the AD as proposed.
Costs of Compliance
There are 694 airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide
fleet. This AD affects about 129 airplanes of U.S. registry. We
estimate that it will take between 278 and 358 work-hours per product
to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. Required parts cost
about $2,241 per product. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of these actions to the
U.S. operators to be between $3,337,359 and $4,214,559, or $25,871 and
$32,671 per product, depending on airplane configuration.
Currently, there are no affected Group 3 airplanes on the U.S.
Register. However, if a Group 3 airplane is imported and placed on the
U.S. Register in the future, the required actions will take about 480
work hours, at an average labor rate of $85 per work hour. Required
parts cost about $2,241 per product. Based on these figures, we
estimate the cost of this AD for Group 3 airplanes to be $43,041 per
airplane.
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
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,
[[Page 78590]]
(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.
You can find our regulatory evaluation and the estimated costs of
compliance in the AD Docket.
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 FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
2010-24-12 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-16531. Docket No. FAA-
2007-27042; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-225-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 20,
2011.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to The Boeing Company airplanes,
certificated in any category, as identified in the applicable
service information specified in Table 1 of this AD.
Table 1--Service Information
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For Model-- Boeing--
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777-200, -300, and -300ER airplanes....... Service Bulletin 777-
57A0050, Revision 2, dated
May 14, 2009.
777-200 and -300 airplanes................ Alert Service Bulletin 777-
57A0051, dated May 15,
2006.
777-200, -300, and -300ER airplanes....... Alert Service Bulletin 777-
57A0057, Revision 1, dated
August 2, 2007.
777-200, -300, and -300ER airplanes....... Alert Service Bulletin 777-
57A0059, dated October 30,
2008.
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Note 1: Although Boeing Service Bulletin 777-57A0050, Revision
2, dated May 14, 2009, refers to ``Model 777-200ER'' airplanes, this
is a European designation that does not apply to airplanes of U.S.
registry. Therefore, the applicability of this AD will not specify
Model 777-200ER airplanes. However, U.S. operators should consider
any reference to Model 777-200ER airplanes in Boeing Service
Bulletin 777-57A0050, Revision 2, as applicable to Model 777-200
airplanes as designated by the type certificate data sheet.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57: Wings.
Unsafe Condition
(e) This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the
manufacturer. The Federal Aviation Administration is issuing this AD
to prevent electrical arcing on the fuel tank boundary structure or
inside the main and center fuel tanks, which could result in a fire
or explosion.
Compliance
(f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Corrective Actions (Installing Teflon Sleeving, Cap Sealing, One-Time
Inspection)
(g) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, do the
applicable actions specified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), (g)(3), or
(g)(4) of this AD.
(1) For airplanes identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-
57A0050, Revision 2, dated May 14, 2009: Install Teflon sleeving
under the clamps of certain wire bundles routed along the fuel tank
boundary structure and cap seal certain penetrating fasteners of the
fuel tanks, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-57A0050, Revision 2, dated May 14, 2009.
(2) For airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
777-57A0051, dated May 15, 2006: Cap seal certain penetrating
fasteners of the fuel tanks, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-57A0051, dated May
15, 2006.
(3) For airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
777-57A0057, Revision 1, dated August 2, 2007: Do a general visual
inspection to determine if certain fasteners are cap sealed and do
all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-
57A0057, Revision 1, dated August 2, 2007. Do all applicable
corrective actions before further flight.
(4) For airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
777-57A0059, dated October 30, 2008: Cap seal the fasteners in the
center fuel tanks that were not sealed during production, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 777-57A0059, dated October 30, 2008.
Credit for Actions Done Using Previous Issues of the Service Bulletins
(h) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 777-57A0050, dated January 26, 2006; or Revision 1,
dated August 2, 2007; are acceptable for compliance with the
corresponding actions required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD,
provided that the applicable additional work specified in Boeing
Service Bulletin 777-57A0050, Revision 2, dated May 14, 2009, is
done within the compliance time specified in paragraph (g) of this
AD. The additional work must be done in accordance with Boeing
Service Bulletin 777-57A0050, Revision 2, dated May 14, 2009.
(i) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 777-57A0057, dated August 7, 2006, are acceptable
for compliance with the actions required by paragraph (g)(3) of this
AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(j)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to
Attn: Margaret Langsted, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-
140S, FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6500; fax (425) 917-6590. Or, e-mail
information to [email protected].
(2) To request a different method of compliance or a different
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19.
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC
applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or
principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a
principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office.
The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
(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 the
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization
(ODA) that 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
(k) You must use the applicable service information contained in
Table 2 of this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the
AD specifies otherwise.
[[Page 78591]]
Table 2--Material Incorporated by Reference
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Document-- Revision-- Date--
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Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-57A0051 Original.................... May 15, 2006
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-57A0057 1........................... August 2, 2007
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin Original.................... October 30, 2008
777[dash]57A0059.
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-57A0050...... 2........................... May 14, 2009
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(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone
206-544-5000, extension 1, fax 206-766-5680; e-mail
[email protected]; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
(3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at
the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
(4) You may also review copies of the service information that
is incorporated by reference 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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 18, 2010.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-30606 Filed 12-15-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P