[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 126 (Tuesday, July 1, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 37243-37246]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-15369]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2014-0348; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-033-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, 777-200LR, 777-300ER, and
777F series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report
indicating that sealant may not have been applied in production to the
wing skin panel gaps above certain underwing fittings. This proposed AD
would require an inspection for missing sealant, and applicable other
specified, related investigative, and corrective actions. We are
proposing this AD to detect and correct missing sealant from the wing
skin panel gaps above the underwing fittings, which could result in
corrosion and fatigue cracking in the wing skin panel, and consequent
loss of limit load capability of the wing skin and potential subsequent
structural failure of the wings.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 15, 2014.
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-
[[Page 37244]]
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 view this referenced service information
at the FAA, at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0348; 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: Haytham Alaidy, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-6573; phone: 425-
917-6422; 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-2014-0348;
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-033-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 received a report that sealant may not have been applied in
production to the wing skin panel gaps above certain underwing
fittings, as required by type design before their installation.
Affected in-production airplanes have been inspected for proper sealant
application, and Boeing has addressed production installation
procedures for this sealant. Missing sealant from the wing skin panel
gaps above the underwing fittings could result in corrosion and fatigue
cracking in the wing skin panel, and consequent loss of limit load
capability of the wing skin and potential subsequent structural failure
of the wings.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-57A0097, dated
January 10, 2014. For information on the procedures and compliance
times, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by
searching for Docket No. FAA-2014-0348.
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 an inspection for
missing sealant, and applicable other specified, related investigative,
and corrective actions, specified in the service information described
previously, except as discussed under ``Difference Between this
Proposed AD and the Service Information.''
The phrase ``related investigative actions'' is used in this
proposed AD. ``Related investigative actions'' are follow-on actions
that (1) are related to the primary actions, and (2) further
investigate the nature of any condition found. Related investigative
actions in an AD could include, for example, inspections.
The phrase ``corrective actions'' is 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.
The phrase ``other specified actions'' is used in this proposed AD.
Other specified actions in this proposed AD include restoring sealant.
Explanation of ``RC'' Steps in Service Information
The FAA worked in conjunction with industry, under the
Airworthiness Directives Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee,
to enhance the AD system. One enhancement was a new process for
annotating which steps in the service information are required for
compliance with an AD. Differentiating these steps from other tasks in
the service information is expected to improve an owner's/operator's
understanding of crucial AD requirements and help provide consistent
judgment in AD compliance. The actions specified in the service
information described previously include steps that are labeled as RC
(required for compliance) because these steps have a direct effect on
detecting, preventing, resolving, or eliminating an identified unsafe
condition.
As noted in the specified service information, steps labeled as RC
must be done to comply with the proposed AD. However, steps that are
not labeled as RC are recommended. Those steps that are not labeled as
RC may be deviated from, done as part of other actions, or done using
accepted methods different from those identified in the service
information without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the steps
labeled as RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in a
serviceable condition. Any substitutions or changes to steps labeled as
RC will require approval of an alternative method of compliance.
Difference Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-57A0097, dated January 10, 2014,
specifies to contact the manufacturer for instructions on how to repair
certain conditions, but this proposed AD would require repairing 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 6 airplanes of U.S.
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
[[Page 37245]]
Estimated Costs
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Inspection................... Up to 104 work-hours $0 Up to $8,840........ Up to $53,040.
x $85 per hour =
$8,840.
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary actions 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
actions:
On-Condition Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Sealant restoration................. 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $0 $85.
$85.
Corrosion inspection................ 2 work-hours x $85 per hour 0 $170 per side.
= $170.
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We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for the on-condition corrosion repair specified in this
proposed AD.
According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost
estimate.
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 proposed 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-2014-0348; Directorate Identifier
2014-NM-033-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by August 15, 2014.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200, 777-200LR,
777-300ER, and 777F series airplanes, certificated in any category,
as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-57A0097, dated
January 10, 2014.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report indicating that sealant may not
have been applied in production to the wing skin panel gaps above
certain underwing fittings. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct missing sealant from the wing skin panel gaps above the
underwing fittings, which could result in corrosion and fatigue
cracking in the wing skin panel, and consequent loss of limit load
capability of the wing skin and potential subsequent structural
failure of the wings.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspection
At the applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-57A0097, dated
January 10, 2014, except as required by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD:
Do a detailed inspection for missing sealant in the wing skin panel
gaps above the underwing fittings, and do all applicable other
specified, related investigative, and corrective actions, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 777-57A0097, dated January 10, 2014, except as
required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD. Do all applicable other
specified, related investigative, and corrective actions before
further flight.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-57A0097, dated
January 10, 2014, 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) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-57A0097, dated
January 10, 2014,
[[Page 37246]]
specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate action: Repair before
further flight using a method approved in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
(i) 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 (j)(1) 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.
(4) If the service information contains steps that are labeled
as RC (Required for Compliance), those steps must be done to comply
with this AD; any steps that are not labeled as RC are recommended.
Those steps that are not labeled as RC may be deviated from, done as
part of other actions, or done using accepted methods different from
those identified in the specified service information without
obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the steps labeled as RC can
be done and the airplane can be put back in a serviceable condition.
Any substitutions or changes to steps labeled as RC require approval
of an AMOC.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Haytham Alaidy,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington
98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6422; fax: 425-917-6573; 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 view this referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 24, 2014.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-15369 Filed 6-30-14; 8:45 am]
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