[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 84 (Monday, May 2, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24345-24349]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-9917]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-1205; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-146-AD;
Amendment 39-16677; AD 2011-09-15]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -
200LR, -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 the
products listed above. This AD requires, for certain airplanes,
replacing certain boost pump relays with ground fault interrupter (GFI)
relays. For certain other airplanes, this AD requires installing new
panels in the main equipment center, making certain wiring changes,
installing new GFI relays in the new panels, and installing
[[Page 24346]]
new electrical load management system (ELMS) software. For certain
other airplanes, this AD requires doing certain bond resistance
measurements, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted
by fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing
this AD to prevent potential ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which,
in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank
explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.
DATES: This AD is effective June 6, 2011.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of June 6, 2011.
ADDRESSES: For Boeing 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.
For Smiths and GE Aviation service information identified in this
AD, contact GE Aviation, Customer Support Center, 1 Neumann Way,
Cincinnati, Ohio 45215; telephone 513-552-3272; e-mail
[email protected]; Internet http://www.geaviation.com.
You may review copies of the referenced 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.
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 (phone: 800-647-5527) is 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: Georgios Roussos, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-
3356; phone: 425-917-6482; fax: 425-917-6590; e-mail:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to
the specified products. That NPRM published in the Federal Register on
December 28, 2010 (75 FR 81508). That NPRM proposed to require, for
certain airplanes, replacing certain boost pump relays with ground
fault interrupter (GFI) relays. For certain other airplanes, that NPRM
proposed to require installing new panels in the main equipment center,
making certain wiring changes, installing new GFI relays in the new
panels, and installing new electrical load management system (ELMS)
software. For certain other airplanes, that NPRM proposed to require
doing certain bond resistance measurements, and corrective actions if
necessary.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal
and the FAA's response to each comment. Boeing supported the NPRM.
Request to Extend Compliance Time
American Airlines (AAL) requested that we extend the compliance
time in paragraphs (g) and (h) of the NPRM for the work done in
accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0037, Revision 2, dated
September 20, 2010, from 36 months to 60 months. AAL stated that they
have already accomplished Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0037, Revision
1, dated June 15, 2009, on 75 percent of their Model 777 fleet. The
proposed 36-month compliance time would require special scheduling for
those airplanes. AAL proposed that the compliance time for all actions
in the NPRM be extended to 60 months to be consistent with the 60-month
compliance time in paragraph (i) of the NPRM for the GFI relay
replacement for the main tank boost pumps specified in Boeing Service
Bulletin 737-28A0038, Revision 1, dated September 20, 2010.
We disagree with the request to extend the compliance time for the
actions required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of the NPRM (bond resistance
measurements and the installation of new panels, new fuel pump control
GFI relays, software, and wiring changes). In developing appropriate
compliance times for those actions, we considered the safety
implications and practical aspects of accomplishing these actions
within a period of time that corresponds to the normal scheduled
maintenance for most affected operators. In consideration of these
items, we have determined that a 36-month compliance time will ensure
an acceptable level of safety and allow those actions to be done during
scheduled maintenance intervals for most affected operators. However,
under the provisions of paragraph (k) of this AD, we will consider
requests for approval of an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) if
sufficient data are submitted to substantiate that the request would
provide an acceptable level of safety. We have not changed this AD in
this regard.
Request To Delay Rule Pending Release of New Service Bulletins
Japan Airlines (JAL) requested that we delay the issuance of this
AD until Boeing and GE Aviation publish new revisions to their service
information (referenced in the NPRM) to include certain changes. JAL
stated these changes are to correct or add numbers for wires, modules,
connectors, and figures. JAL also stated that, in addition, certain GE
Aviation service information also needed to be revised to add another
procedure to install labels or separate the labels from the conversion
kit. JAL explained that when it receives the labels as part of the
conversion kit, the remaining shelf life of the labels is not adequate
to allow the labels to be installed on the airplanes. JAL is concerned
that, unless the service information is revised, these issues could
delay incorporation of this AD or result in multiple AMOC requests. JAL
stated that they are in communication with Boeing and GE Aviation in
regard to these issues with the service information.
We agree with JAL's concerns about the shelf life of the labels
possibly affecting operators' ability to comply with this AD within the
required compliance times. This AD requires all actions, including
labeling, in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service
Bulletins 777-28A0038, Revision 1; and 777-28A0037, Revision 2; both
dated September 20, 2010; to be accomplished. We have added paragraph
(j) to this AD to provide an optional method of labeling panels.
However, we disagree with the request to delay this AD until Boeing and
GE Aviation issue revised service information to correct or add numbers
for wires, modules, connectors, and figures. No data or information to
justify that request was provided. However, under the provisions of
paragraph (k) of this AD, we will consider requests for
[[Page 24347]]
an AMOC if sufficient data are submitted to substantiate that the
change would provide an acceptable level of safety. We have not changed
the AD in this regard.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
the AD with the change described previously and minor editorial
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
[Agr]re consistent with the intent that was proposed in
the NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
We also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 130 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S.
operators to comply with this AD.
Table--Estimated Costs
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Number of
Average Cost per U.S.-
Action Work hours labor rate Parts product registered Fleet cost
per hour airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacements: Group 1 3 $85 $25,577 $25,832 126 $3,254,832.
airplanes identified in
Boeing Service Bulletin
777[dash]28A0038.
Replacements: Group 2 3 85 52,545 52,800 0 No airplanes
airplanes identified in currently on
Boeing Service Bulletin U.S. Register.
777[dash]28A0038.
Replacements: Group 3 4 85 37,257 37,597 4 $150,388.
airplanes identified in
Boeing Service Bulletin
777[dash]28A0038.
Replacements: Group 4 4 85 17,816 18,156 0 No airplanes
airplanes identified in currently on
Boeing Service Bulletin U.S. Register.
777[dash]28A0038.
Installations and 76 85 29,934 36,394 130 $4,731,220.
Measurement: Boeing Service
Bulletin 777[dash]28A0037.
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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,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
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 airworthiness
directive (AD):
2011-09-15 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-16677; Docket No. FAA-
2010-1205; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-146-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD is effective June 6, 2011.
Affected ADs
(b) AD 2008-11-13, Amendment 39-15536, affects this AD.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR,
-300, and -300ER series airplanes, certificated in any category; as
identified in the service information specified in paragraphs (c)(1)
and (c)(2) of this AD.
(1) Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0038, Revision 1, dated
September 20, 2010.
(2) Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0037, Revision 2, dated
September 20, 2010.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel.
Unsafe Condition
(e) This AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the
manufacturer. The Federal Aviation Administration is issuing this AD
to prevent potential ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in
combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank
explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.
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.
Related Airworthiness Limitation
Note 1: AD 2008-11-13 requires a revision of the Airworthiness
Limitations (AWLs) section of the Instructions for Continued
Airworthiness to include limitations for the fuel tank systems. One
of the limitations, AWL 28-AWL-18, requires a repetitive
[[Page 24348]]
inspection of the ground fault interrupter (GFI) functions.
Installations and Software Changes
(g) For Groups 1 and 2 airplanes identified as Configuration 2
in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0037, Revision 2, dated September
20, 2010: Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD,
install new panels, P301 and P302, in the main equipment center;
make certain wiring changes; install new GFI relays in the P301 and
P302 panels; and install new electrical load management system
(ELMS) software; as applicable. Do the applicable actions in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service
Bulletin 777-28A0037, Revision 2, dated September 20, 2010, except
as specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.
Note 2: Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0039, Revision 2, dated
September 20, 2010, is an additional source of guidance for
installing ELMS software.
Note 3: Smiths Service Bulletin 5000ELM-28-454, dated August
13, 2007; and GE Aviation Service Bulletin 6000ELM-28-455, Revision
1, dated February 1, 2010; are additional sources of guidance for
making a wiring change in the P110 and P210 panels, respectively.
(h) For Groups 1 and 2 airplanes identified as Configuration 1
in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0037, Revision 2, dated September
20, 2010: Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, do
bonding resistance measurements to verify bonding requirements as
specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0037, Revision 2, dated
September 20, 2010, are met, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0037, Revision 2,
dated September 20, 2010.
Replacement of GFI Relays
(i) For airplanes identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-
28A0038, Revision 1, dated September 20, 2010: Within 60 months
after the effective date of this AD, replace 4 main tank boost pump
relays in electrical load management system panels P110, P210, and
P320 with new GFI relays, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0038, Revision 1,
dated September 20, 2010, except as specified in paragraph (j) of
this AD.
Note 4: Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0038, Revision 1, dated
September 20, 2010, references the service bulletins identified in
Table 1 of this AD as additional sources of guidance for replacing
the main tank boost pump relays.
Table 1--Additional Sources of Guidance for Replacing the Main Tank Boost Pump Relays
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Group number of airplanes, as
identified in Boeing Service
Bulletin 777-28A0038, Revision Panel No. Service bulletin Revision level Date
1, dated September 20, 2010
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Group 1........................ P110 Smiths Service Original......... August 8, 2007.
Bulletin 5000ELM-
28-443.
Group 1........................ P210 Smiths Service Original......... August 8, 2007.
Bulletin 6000ELM-
28-444.
Group 1........................ P320 Smiths Service Original......... August 8, 2007.
Bulletin 4000ELM-
28-445.
Group 2........................ P110 GE Aviation 1................ January 7, 2010.
Service Bulletin
5000ELM-28-446.
Group 2........................ P210 Smiths Service Original......... August 8, 2007.
Bulletin 6000ELM-
28-447.
Group 2........................ P320 GE Aviation 1................ January 7, 2010.
Service Bulletin
4000ELM-28-448.
Group 3........................ P110 GE Aviation 1................ January 7, 2010.
Service Bulletin
5000ELM-28-449.
Group 3........................ P210 Smiths Service Original......... August 8, 2007.
Bulletin 6000ELM-
28-450.
Group 3........................ P320 GE Aviation 1................ January 7, 2010.
Service Bulletin
4000ELM-28-451.
Group 4........................ P110 Smiths Service Original......... August 8, 2007.
Bulletin 5000ELM-
28-463.
Group 4........................ P210 Smiths Service Original......... August 8, 2007.
Bulletin 6000ELM-
28-464.
Group 4........................ P320 Smiths Service Original......... August 8, 2007.
Bulletin 4000ELM-
28-465.
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Optional Method To Install a Label
(j) Where Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0037, Revision 2, dated
September 20, 2010; and Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0038,
Revision 1, dated September 20, 2010: specify installing a label, an
operator's equivalent procedure may be used as a method to indelibly
mark the applicable service bulletin number on the panel.
Note 5: Additional guidance on indelibly marking the panel may
also be found in Boeing Standard BAC5307.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(k)(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. In accordance with 14
CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in the Related Information
section of this AD. Information may be e-mailed to: [email protected].
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
Related Information
(l) For more information about this AD, contact Georgios
Roussos, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S,
FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone: 425-917-6482; fax: 425-
917-6590; e-mail: [email protected].
Material Incorporated by Reference
(m) You must use Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0038, Revision
1, dated September 20, 2010; or Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0037,
Revision 2, dated September 20, 2010; as applicable; to do the
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(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 Boeing service information identified in this AD,
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services
Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC
[[Page 24349]]
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) For Smiths and GE Aviation service information identified in
this AD, contact GE Aviation, Customer Support Center, 1 Neumann
Way, Cincinnati, Ohio 45215; telephone 513-552-3272; e-mail
[email protected]; Internet http://www.geaviation.com.
(4) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
(5) 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 an NARA facility, 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 April 8, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-9917 Filed 4-29-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P