[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 207 (Friday, October 25, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 63903-63907]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-25134]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0867; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-115-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and -300ER
series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of severe
corrosion on bonding jumpers installed on the flight control surfaces.
This proposed AD would require repetitive bonding jumper inspections
for corrosion, sealant disbond, and insufficient sealant coverage, and
corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD also specifies an
optional action of doing an inspection for corrosion damage of the
bonding brackets, and corrective actions if necessary, which would
terminate the repetitive inspections. For certain airplanes, this
proposed AD would also require installing certain bonding jumpers and
related ground clips and fasteners to the elevators, horizontal
stabilizers, rudder, and vertical fin, removing certain bonding jumpers
and installing new bonding jumpers, and replacing single-tabbed
brackets with two-tabbed brackets. We are proposing this AD to detect
and correct corrosion
[[Page 63904]]
on bonding jumpers installed on the flight control surfaces, which, in
the event of a lighting strike, could damage the actuator control
electronics (ACEs) and result in the loss of the ability to command
individual flight control surfaces or cause uncommanded motion of
individual flight control surfaces.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 9,
2013.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; 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 proposed AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Georgios Roussos, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356;
phone: 425-917-6482; fax: 425-917-6590; email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2013-0867;
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-115-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
We have received a report of severe corrosion on 15 bonding jumpers
on the ailerons, horizontal stabilizers, and vertical fins of six
airplanes that were approximately eight years old. We also received a
similar report on an airplane that was approximately seven years old.
The corrosion is caused by sealant voids, which allow moisture under
the sealant and then trap it inside.
The bonding jumpers are part of the lightning protection ground
path for the flight control surfaces that prevent excessive lightning
energy from traveling to the primary flight control actuators and then
to one of the four ACEs. Corrosion damage on the bonding jumper
connections creates high resistance bonding paths that could, in the
event of a lightning strike, potentially expose multiple flight control
system ACEs to high voltage transients. The excessive voltage could
cause damage to the ACEs and result in the loss of the ability to
command individual flight control surfaces or cause uncommanded motion
of individual flight control surfaces.
A new category 2 fay seal method has been developed to improve the
integrity of the bonding jumper connections. This new method creates a
continuous layer of sealant inside and outside of all mating surfaces
to keep moisture away from the bonding surfaces and prevent corrosion.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed the following service bulletins:
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-27A0078, Revision 1, dated April
1, 2013
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-55A0010, Revision 1, dated April
17, 2001
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-55A0014, Revision 1, dated April
1, 2010
For information on the procedures and compliance times, see this
service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for
Docket No. FAA-2013-0867.
Other Relevant Rulemaking
This proposed AD is related to AD 2012-08-13, Amendment 39-17030
(77 FR 24357, April 24, 2012). AD 2012-08-13 requires replacing certain
single-tabbed bonding brackets in the airplane empennage with two-
tabbed bonding brackets. AD 2012-08-13 also requires, for certain
airplanes, installing new bonding jumpers, and measuring the resistance
of the modified installation to verify resistance is within specified
limits. AD 2012-08-13 refers to Boeing Service Bulletin 777-55A0010,
Revision 1, dated April 17, 2001; and Boeing Service Bulletin 777-
55A0014, Revision 1, dated April 1, 2010; as the appropriate sources of
service information for accomplishing the required actions.
This proposed AD would require inspecting the installation of the
bonding jumpers associated with AD 2012-08-13, Amendment 39-17030 (77
FR 24357, April 24, 2012).
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in the service information identified previously, except as discussed
under ``Differences Between the Proposed Rule and the Service
Information.''
The phrase ``corrective actions'' might be used in this proposed
AD. ``Corrective actions'' are actions that correct or address any
condition found. Corrective actions in an AD could include, for
example, repairs.
Difference Between the Proposed Rule and the Service Bulletin
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-27A0078, Revision 1, dated April 1,
2013, specifies to contact the manufacturer for instructions on how to
repair certain conditions, but this proposed AD would require repairing
[[Page 63905]]
those conditions in one of the following ways:
In accordance with a method that we approve; or
Using data that meet the certification basis of the
airplane, and that have been approved by the Boeing Commercial
Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) whom we have
authorized to make those findings.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 131 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Inspection of bonding jumpers.. Up to 67 work-hours x $0 Up to $5,695 per Up to $746,045 per
$85 per hour = Up to inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
$5,695 per inspection
cycle.
Replacement of bonding brackets Up to 158 work-hours x 37,928 Up to $51,358..... Up to $6,727,898.
$85 per hour = Up to
$13,430.
Concurrent cost Boeing Service 66 work-hours x $85 per 2,668 $8,278............ $1,084,418.
Bulletin 777-55A0010, Revision hour = $5,610.
1, dated April 17, 2001.
Concurrent cost Boeing Service 21 work-hours x $85 per 1,235 $3,020............ $395,620.
Bulletin 777-55A0014, Revision hour = $1,785.
1, dated April 1, 2010.
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection.
We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need
these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Replacement of bonding brackets....... Up to 158 work-hours x $37,928 Up to $51,358.
$85 per hour = Up to
$13,430.
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We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for certain on-condition repairs specified in this
proposed AD.
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 determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed
regulation:
(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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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):
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2013-0867; Directorate Identifier
2013-NM-115-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by December 9, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2012-08-13, Amendment 39-17030 (77 FR 24357,
April 24, 2012).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -
300, and -300ER series airplanes, certificated in any category, as
identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-27A0078, Revision 1, dated
April 1, 2013.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 27, Flight Controls.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of severe corrosion on bonding
jumpers installed on the flight control surfaces. We are issuing
this AD to detect and correct corrosion on bonding jumpers installed
on the flight control surfaces, which, in the event of a lighting
strike, could damage the actuator control electronics (ACEs) and
result in the
[[Page 63906]]
loss of the ability to command individual flight control surfaces or
cause uncommanded motion of individual flight control surfaces.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Bonding Jumper or Bracket Inspection
At the applicable compliance time specified in paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-27A0078, Revision 1,
dated April 1, 2013, except as specified in paragraphs (j)(1) and
(j)(2) of this AD: Do a general visual inspection or a detailed
inspection using a borescope, as applicable, for corrosion, sealant
disbond, and insufficient sealant coverage of bonding jumpers; and
do all applicable corrective actions; in accordance with Option 1,
and Option 2, as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-27A0078, Revision 1, dated April 1,
2013, except as required by paragraph (j)(3) of this AD. Do a
detailed inspection using a borescope if the horizontal stabilizer
tips have not been removed. Do all applicable corrective actions
before further flight. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals
not to exceed 48 months. Doing the actions specified in paragraph
(h)(1) of this AD on a bonding jumper terminates the repetitive
inspections required by this paragraph. Doing the actions specified
in paragraph (h)(2) of this AD terminates repetitive inspections
required by this paragraph for that bonding jumper.
(h) Optional Terminating Action and Termination of Certain Repetitive
Inspections
(1) Doing a general visual inspection or a detailed inspection
for corrosion damage of the bonding jumper brackets, and all
applicable corrective actions; in accordance with Option 2 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-27A0078,
Revision 1, dated April 1, 2013; terminates the repetitive
inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD. Do all applicable
corrective actions before further flight.
(2) The repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of this
AD are not required on the bonding jumpers that were removed,
inspected, and replaced with new bonding jumpers and new fasteners
using the new category 2 fay sealed direct standard ground stud
installation method, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-27A0078, Revision 1,
dated April 1, 2013.
(i) Prior and Concurrent Requirements
(1) For Group 1 airplanes, as identified in Boeing Service
Bulletin 777-27A0078, Revision 1, dated April 1, 2013: Prior to or
concurrently with accomplishing the actions required by paragraph
(g) of this AD, install new bonding jumpers, and do resistance
measurements of the modified installation to verify resistance is
within the limits specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-55A0010, Revision 1, dated April 17,
2001. Do the actions in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-55A0010, Revision 1,
dated April 17, 2001.
Note 1 to paragraph (i)(1) of this AD: AD 2012-08-13, Amendment
39-17030 (77 FR 24357, April 24, 2012), refers to Boeing Service
Bulletin 777-55A0010, Revision 1, dated April 17, 2001, as the
appropriate source of service information for accomplishing the
actions specified in paragraph (h) of AD 2012-08-13.
(2) For Group 1 and Group 2 airplanes, as identified in Boeing
Service Bulletin 777-27A0078, Revision 1, dated April 1, 2013: Prior
to or concurrently with accomplishing the actions required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, replace certain single-tabbed bonding
brackets in the airplane empennage with two-tabbed bonding brackets,
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service
Bulletin 777-55A0014, Revision 1, dated April 1, 2010.
Note 2 to paragraph (i)(2) of this AD: AD 2012-08-13, Amendment
39-17030 (77 FR 24357, April 24, 2012), refers to Boeing Service
Bulletin 777-55A0014, Revision 1, dated April 1, 2010, as the
appropriate source of service information for accomplishing the
actions specified in paragraph (g) of AD 2012-08-13.
(j) Exceptions to Service Information
(1) Where Boeing Service Bulletin 777-27A0078, Revision 1, dated
April 1, 2013, specifies a compliance time after the ``Original
issue date of this service bulletin,'' this AD requires compliance
within the specified compliance time after the effective date of
this AD.
(2) The ``Condition'' column in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,''
of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-27A0078, Revision 1, dated April 1,
2013, refers to a condition as of the ``Original Issue date of this
service bulletin.'' This AD applies to the corresponding condition
as of the effective date of this AD.
(3) If any corrosion damage is found during any inspection
required by this AD, and Boeing Service Bulletin 777-27A0078,
Revision 1, dated April 1, 2013, specifies to contact Boeing for
appropriate action: Before further flight, repair the corrosion
damage using a method approved in accordance with the procedures
specified in paragraph (l) of this AD.
(k) Credit for Previous Actions
(1) For Groups 1, 2, and 6 through 9, as identified in Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 777-27A0078, dated September 10, 2009: This
paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph (g) of
this AD and the actions specified in paragraph (h) of this AD, if
those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD
using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-27A0078, dated September 10,
2009, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
(2) For Groups 3 through 5, as identified in Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 777-27A0078, dated September 10, 2009: This
paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph (g) of
this AD, except for the actions required for bonding jumpers 21 and
22, if those actions were performed before the effective date of
this AD using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-27A0078, dated
September 10, 2009, which is not incorporated by reference in this
AD. If a check of the airplane's maintenance records positively
determines that bonding jumpers 21 and 22 were inspected before the
effective date of this AD in accordance with Option 1 of Work
Package 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 777-27A0078, dated September 10, 2009, this paragraph
provides credit for the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD
for the inspected bonding jumpers.
(3) For Groups 3 through 5, as identified in Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 777-27A0078, dated September 10, 2009: This
paragraph provides credit for actions specified in paragraph (h) of
this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date
of this AD using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-27A0078, dated
September 10, 2009, which is not incorporated by reference in this
AD; provided that a check of the airplane's maintenance records
positively determines that bonding jumpers 21 and 22 were replaced
in accordance with Option 2 of Work Package 3 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-27A0078, dated
September 10, 2009, or were replaced using the new Category 2 fay
sealed direct ground stud installation method.
(4) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by
paragraph (i)(1) of this AD if those actions were performed before
the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
777-55A0010, dated October 26, 2000, which is not incorporated by
reference in this AD.
(5) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by
paragraph (i)(2) of this AD if those actions were performed before
the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
777-55A0014, dated May 8, 2008, which is not incorporated by
reference in this AD.
(l) 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 paragraph (m) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your Principal
Maintenance Inspector or Principal Avionics Inspector, as
appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight
Standards 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 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.
[[Page 63907]]
(m) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, Georgios Roussos,
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6482; fax: 425-917-6590;
email: [email protected].
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; 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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 15, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-25134 Filed 10-24-13; 8:45 am]
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