[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 79 (Tuesday, April 24, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24355-24357]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-9398]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2011-0644; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-265-AD;
Amendment 39-17026; AD 2012-08-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company 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
The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, -300ER, and 777F series
airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks found in the Web
pockets of the wing center section (WCS) spanwise beams. This AD
requires repetitive detailed inspections and high frequency eddy
current inspections for cracks of the WCS spanwise beams, and repair if
necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking in the
WCS spanwise beams, which could result in reduced structural integrity
of the wings.
DATES: This AD is effective May 29, 2012.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of May 29, 2012.
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; email [email protected];
Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.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: James Sutherland, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-
917-6533; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on June 29, 2011 (76 FR
38072). That NPRM proposed to require repetitive detailed inspections
and high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections for cracks of the
WCS spanwise beams, and repair if necessary.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal
(76 FR 38072, June 29, 2011) and the FAA's response to each comment.
Requests to Reference Service Bulletin Information Notice (IN) and
Revised Service Bulletin
American Airlines (AAL) requested that we revise the NPRM (76 FR
38072, June 29, 2011) to refer to Boeing Service Bulletin Information
Notice 777-57A0087 IN 01, dated March 24, 2011. AAL stated that this IN
addresses information that is critical to the correct design and
installation of repairs. If this IN is not incorporated, AAL asserted
that the repairs could be designed and installed improperly.
Boeing and Continental Airlines requested that we revise the NPRM
(76 FR 38072, June 29, 2011) to refer to Boeing Service Bulletin 777-
57A0087, Revision 1, dated August 24, 2011. They stated that without
incorporating the latest issue of this service bulletin, the repairs
provided in the original issue of this service bulletin could be
installed
[[Page 24356]]
improperly because the original issue of this service bulletin contains
minor deficiencies.
Since we issued the NPRM (76 FR 38072, June 29, 2011), Boeing has
issued Service Bulletin 777-57A0087, Revision 1, dated August 24, 2011,
which incorporates the changes outlined in Boeing Service Bulletin
Information Notice 777-57A0087 IN 01, dated March 24, 2011. Therefore,
we agree to refer to Boeing Service Bulletin 777-57A0087, Revision 1,
dated August 24, 2011, not the earlier Boeing Service Bulletin
Information Notice 777-57A0087 IN 01, dated March 24, 2011.
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-57A0087, Revision 1, dated August 24,
2011, was revised to, among other things, clarify and provide
additional repair information. We have changed paragraphs (c), (g), and
(h) of this AD to refer to Boeing Service Bulletin 777-57A0087,
Revision 1, dated August 24, 2011. We have also added new paragraph (i)
to this AD to give credit to operators for actions done before the
effective date of this AD in accordance with Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 777-57A0087, dated November 11, 2010, since accomplishment of
that service bulletin adequately addresses the unsafe condition. We
have re-identified subsequent paragraphs accordingly.
Request To Clarify Inspection Terminology
FedEx requested that we revise the NPRM (76 FR 38072, June 29,
2011) to refer to a detailed visual inspection, rather than a detailed
inspection. The Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin
777-57A0087, Revision 1, dated August 24, 2011, calls out a ``detailed
inspection.'' FedEx indicated that, while it is clear that the
inspection is meant to be a visual inspection, the term ``visual'' is
not used anywhere in the definition in either Boeing Service Bulletin
777-57A0087, Revision 1, dated August 24, 2011, or in the NPRM.
We disagree. The term ``intensive'' in the definition of a detailed
inspection indicates that the inspection demands a higher level of
scrutiny than using only visual means to find unsatisfactory conditions
that are more difficult to detect. The mention of ``elaborate
procedures'' used in the definition of a detailed inspection raises the
awareness that extraordinary means of gaining access by removing
adjacent items, de-fueling tanks, etc., are necessary to perform the
inspection, and hence, the inspection cannot be performed by visual
means only. We have not changed the final rule in this regard.
Request To Provide Boeing With AMOC Authoring Authority
FedEx suggested that the FAA provide Boeing with AMOC authoring
authority for the proposed rule NPRM (76 FR 38072, June 29, 2011) on an
aircraft-by-aircraft basis.
We agree to clarify. Boeing Commercial Airplanes has received an
Organization Designation Authorization (ODA), which provides Boeing
with AMOC authoring authority. We included paragraph (j)(3) in the NPRM
to reflect Boeing's authorization. We have not changed the final rule
in regard to this issue.
Additional Change Made to This AD
We have revised the wording of paragraph (i) of this AD; this
change has not changed the intent of that paragraph.
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 changes described previously, and minor editorial
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (76 FR 38072, June 29, 2011) for correcting the unsafe condition;
and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (76 FR 38072, June 29, 2011).
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 affects 160 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Detailed inspection and high 50 work-hours x $85 per $0 $4,250 per $680,000 per
frequency eddy current hour = $4,250 per inspection cycle. inspection
inspection of spanwise beam. inspection cycle. cycle.
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We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for the on-condition repair actions specified in this
AD. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might
need these repairs.
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 the 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.
[[Page 24357]]
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 AD:
2012-08-09 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-17026; Docket No. FAA-
2011-0644; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-265-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective May 29, 2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -
300, -300ER, and 777F series airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-57A0087,
Revision 1, dated August 24, 2011.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 57: Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracks found in the web
pockets of the wing center section (WCS) spanwise beams. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking in the WCS spanwise
beams, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the
wings.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Repetitive Inspections
At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and
(g)(2) of this AD, do a detailed inspection and a high frequency
eddy current inspection for cracks of the web pockets of the WCS
spanwise beams numbers 1, 2, and 3; and a detailed inspection for
cracks of any previously installed repairs; in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-57A0087,
Revision 1, dated August 24, 2011. Repeat the inspections thereafter
at intervals not to exceed 8,000 flight cycles.
(1) Before the accumulation of 8,000 total flight cycles.
(2) Within 6,000 flight cycles, or 1,125 days, after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
(h) Corrective Actions
If any cracking is found during any inspection required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, repair the crack,
including related investigative actions and all applicable
corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-57A0087, Revision 1,
dated August 24, 2011; except where Boeing Service Bulletin 777-
57A0087, Revision 1, dated August 24, 2011, specifies to contact
Boeing for repair instructions, before further flight, repair the
cracking using a method approved in accordance with the procedures
specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.
(i) Credit for Actions Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for actions required by
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD if those actions were performed
before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 777-57A0087, dated November 11, 2010.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(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 emailed 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.
(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.
(k) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact James Sutherland,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356;
phone: 425-917-6533; fax: 425-917-6590; email:
[email protected].
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) You must use the following service information to do the
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference (IBR) of the following service information under 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51:
(i) Boeing Service Bulletin 777-57A0087, Revision 1, dated
August 24, 2011.
(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; email
[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 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 11, 2012.
John P. Piccola,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-9398 Filed 4-23-12; 8:45 am]
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