[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 115 (Tuesday, June 16, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34252-34256]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-14174]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2014-0485; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-093-AD;
Amendment 39-18176; AD 2015-12-03]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007-13-05 for
all The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and -300ER series
airplanes. AD 2007-13-05 required repetitive measurements of the
freeplay of the right and left elevators, rudder, and rudder tab, and
related
[[Page 34253]]
investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This new AD requires
repetitive freeplay inspections and lubrication of the right and left
elevators, rudder, and rudder tab, and related investigative and
corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted by the
manufacturer's determination that the procedure for the rudder freeplay
inspection does not properly detect excessive freeplay in the rudder
control load loop. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct
excessive wear in the load loop components of the control surfaces,
which could lead to excessive freeplay of the control surfaces,
flutter, and consequent loss of control of the airplane.
DATES: This AD is effective July 21, 2015.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 21,
2015.
ADDRESSES: 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. It
is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-0485.
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-
0485; 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 Docket 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: Haytham Alaidy, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6573; 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 supersede AD 2007-13-05, Amendment 39-15109 (72 FR 33856,
June 20, 2007). AD 2007-13-05 applied to all The Boeing Company Model
777-200, -200LR, -300, and -300ER series airplanes. The NPRM published
in the Federal Register on July 29, 2014 (79 FR 43981). The NPRM was
prompted by a determination by the manufacturer that, after AD 2007-13-
05 was issued, the procedure for the rudder freeplay inspection did not
properly detect excessive freeplay in the rudder control load loop. The
NPRM proposed to continue to require repetitive freeplay inspections
and lubrication of the right and left elevators, rudder, and rudder
tab; and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We
are issuing this AD to detect and correct excessive wear in the load
loop components of the control surfaces, which could lead to excessive
freeplay of the control surfaces, flutter, and consequent loss of
control of the airplane.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM (79
FR 43981, July 29, 2014) and the FAA's response to each comment.
A4A, on behalf of American Airlines (AA), stated that AA is already
in compliance with the requirements proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 43981,
July 29, 2014).
Request To Exclude Certain Airplanes
Boeing requested that the airplanes referenced in the SUMMARY
section and Discussion paragraph of the NPRM (79 FR 43981, July 29,
2014) be changed from ``all The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes'' to
``most of The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes.'' Boeing stated that
Model 777-200F airplanes are not affected by the NPRM.
We agree to change the phrase ``all The Boeing Company Model 777
airplanes'' for clarity. This final rule supersedes AD 2007-13-05,
Amendment 39-15109 (72 FR 33856, June 20, 2007), which was applicable
to all Boeing Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and -300ER series airplanes.
At the time AD 2007-13-05 was published, all Model 777-200, -200LR, -
300, and -300ER series airplanes were referred to as ``all The Boeing
Company Model 777 airplanes.'' Since then, Model 777F has been added to
the U.S. type certificate data sheet. We have revised the SUMMARY
section of this final rule to specify all The Boeing Company Model 777-
200, -200LR, -300, and -300ER series airplanes. The Discussion
paragraph of the NPRM (79 FR 43981, July 29, 2014) is not restated in
this final rule.
Request To Clarify the Unsafe Condition
Boeing requested that we clarify the unsafe condition specified in
the SUMMARY section, Discussion paragraph, and paragraph (e) of the
NPRM. Boeing stated that the repetitive freeplay inspections of the
right and left elevators, rudder, and rudder tab proposed in the NPRM
(79 FR 43981, July 29, 2014) would not prevent, detect, or correct
flutter; the proposed freeplay inspections would detect excessive wear
in the load loop components of the control surfaces. Boeing pointed out
that excessive wear could lead to excessive freeplay of the control
surfaces, which could cause unacceptable airframe vibration during
flight.
Based on the explanation provided by the commenter, we agree to
clarify the unsafe condition that is the basis for issuing this final
rule. However, we will not replace the word ``flutter'' with
``unacceptable airframe vibration'' because the unsafe condition is
flutter, not vibration. We have revised the unsafe condition statement
as follows, ``We are issuing this AD to detect and correct excessive
wear in the load loop components of the control surfaces, which could
lead to excessive freeplay of the control surfaces, flutter, and
consequent loss of control of the airplane.'' This revision appears in
the SUMMARY section and Discussion paragraph of the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION section of this final rule, as well as paragraph (e) of
this AD.
Request To Clarify the Requirements of Paragraph (g) of the Proposed AD
(79 FR 43981, July 29, 2014)
Boeing requested that we revise paragraph (g) of the proposed AD
(79 FR 43981, July 29, 2014) by deleting ``rudder'' from the following
sentence: ``If during any inspection required by this paragraph, the
rudder freeplay exceeds any applicable measurement . . . .'' Boeing
explained that this statement is incorrect because it is not just the
rudder freeplay, but if any elevator, rudder, or rudder tab freeplay
exceeds any applicable measurement specified in the service
information, the
[[Page 34254]]
applicable corrective actions need to be accomplished before further
flight.
We agree to revise the specified sentence in paragraph (g) of this
AD, because corrective actions before further flight are needed for any
elevator, rudder, or rudder tab freeplay that exceeds any applicable
measurement specified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-
27-0062, Revision 2, dated January 27, 2014.
Requests To Correct Errors in the Service Information
Japan Airlines (JAL) and United Airlines noted that there are
typographical errors in Appendix B and Appendix C of Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, Revision 2, dated January 27,
2014. JAL requested that the FAA issue an AD to mandate the
incorporation of the next revision (Revision 3) of Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, or provide an exception to
these typographical errors in this AD. United Airlines requested that
the FAA issue a global alternative method of compliance (AMOC) to
correct the errors identified in Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 777-27-0062, Revision 2, dated January 27, 2014.
We agree that Appendix B and Appendix C of Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, Revision 2, dated January 27, 2014,
contain typographical errors. However, we do not consider that delaying
this action until after the release of the manufacturer's planned
service bulletin revision is warranted. Because some of these
typographical errors affect the procedures for correctly measuring the
freeplay of the rudder tab surface, we have provided the corrections
for those errors in paragraph (i) of this AD instead of issuing an
AMOC. Paragraph (i) of the proposed AD (79 FR 43981, July 29, 2014) has
been redesignated as paragraph (i)(1) in this AD, and new paragraphs
(i)(2), (i)(3), and (i)(4) have been added to this AD. We have also
revised paragraph (g) of this AD to refer to paragraphs (i)(1) through
(i)(4) of this AD.
Additional Changes to This Final Rule
Paragraph (k)(4) of the NPRM (79 FR 43981, July 29, 2014) stated
that AMOCs approved previously for AD 2007-13-05, Amendment 39-15109
(72 FR 33856, June 20, 2007), are not approved as AMOCS for the
requirements of this AD. We have now determined that AMOCs for certain
actions required by AD 2007-13-05 are acceptable for the corresponding
requirements of this AD. We have revised paragraph (k)(4) of this AD
and added new paragraphs (k)(5) and (k)(6) to this AD to include this
information.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this 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 (79 FR 43981, July 29, 2014) for correcting the unsafe condition;
and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 43981, July 29, 2014).
We also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062,
Revision 2, dated January 27, 2014. The service information describes
procedures for repetitive freeplay inspections and lubrication of the
right and left elevators, rudder, and rudder tab, and related
investigative and corrective actions. This service information is
reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it
through their normal course of business or by the means identified in
the ADDRESSES section of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 142 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The new actions of this AD would add no additional economic burden to
that imposed by AD 2007-13-05, Amendment 39-15109 (72 FR 33856, June
20, 2007). The current costs for this AD are repeated for the
convenience of affected operators, as follows:
Estimated Costs
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Measurement (inspection), 4 work-hours x $85 $0 $340 per $48,280 per
elevator. per hour = $340 measurement measurement
per measurement (inspection) cycle. (inspection)
(inspection) cycle. cycle.
Lubrication, elevator............ 17 work-hours x $85 0 $1,445 per $205,190 per
per hour = $1,445 lubrication cycle. lubrication cycle.
per lubrication
cycle.
Measurement (inspection), rudder. 4 work-hours x $85 0 $340 per $48,280 per
per hour = $340 measurement measurement
per measurement (inspection) cycle. (inspection)
(inspection) cycle. cycle.
Lubrication, rudder.............. 7 work-hours x $85 0 $595 per $84,490 per
per hour = $595 lubrication cycle. lubrication cycle.
per lubrication
cycle.
Measurement (inspection), rudder 3 work-hours x $85 0 $255 per $36,210 per
tab. per hour = $255 measurement measurement
per measurement (inspection) cycle. (inspection)
(inspection) cycle. cycle.
Lubrication, rudder tab.......... 5 work-hours x $85 0 $425 per $60,350 per
per hour = $425 lubrication cycle. lubrication cycle.
per lubrication
cycle.
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We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for the on-condition corrective actions specified in
this 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
[[Page 34255]]
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 have determined that 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2007-13-05, Amendment 39-15109 (72 FR 33856, June 20, 2007), and adding
the following new AD:
2015-12-03 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18176 ; Docket No. FAA-
2014-0485; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-093-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective July 21, 2015.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2007-13-05, Amendment 39-15109 (72 FR 33856,
June 20, 2007).
(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 paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
(1) Airplanes having a Variable Number identified in paragraph
1.A., ``Effectivity,'' of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin
777-27-0062, Revision 2, dated January 27, 2014.
(2) Airplanes having a date of issuance of the original
airworthiness certificate or date of issuance of the original export
certificate of airworthiness on or after January 27, 2014.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight
Controls.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the manufacturer's determination that
the procedure for the rudder freeplay inspection does not properly
detect excessive freeplay in the rudder control load loop. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct excessive wear in the load
loop components of the control surfaces, which could lead to
excessive freeplay of the control surfaces, flutter, and consequent
loss of control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Repetitive Inspections of Elevators, Rudder, and Rudder Tab
At the applicable times specified in tables 1, 2, and 3 of
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 777-27-0062, Revision 2, dated January 27, 2014, except as
provided by paragraph (i)(1) of this AD: Inspect the freeplay of the
right and left elevators, rudder, and rudder tab by accomplishing
all of the actions specified in Parts 1, 3, and 5 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 777-27-0062, Revision 2, dated January 27, 2014, except as
provided by paragraphs (i)(2) through (i)(4) of this AD. Repeat the
inspections thereafter at the intervals specified in tables 1, 2,
and 3 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, Revision 2, dated January 27, 2014.
If, during any inspection required by this paragraph, the freeplay
exceeds any applicable measurement specified in Part 1, 3, and 5, as
applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, Revision 2, dated January
27, 2014, before further flight, do the applicable corrective
actions in accordance with Part 1, 3, and 5 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-
0062, Revision 2, dated January 27, 2014.
(h) Repetitive Lubrication
At the applicable times specified in tables 1, 2, and 3 of
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 777-27-0062, Revision 2, dated January 27, 2014, except as
provided by paragraph (i)(1) of this AD: Lubricate the elevator
components, rudder components, and rudder tab components, by
accomplishing all of the actions specified in Parts 2, 4, and 6 of
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 777-27-0062, Revision 2, dated January 27, 2014, as
applicable. Repeat the lubrication thereafter at the interval
specified in tables 1, 2, and 3 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,''
of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, Revision
2, dated January 27, 2014, as applicable.
(i) Exception to Service Information Specifications
(1) Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062,
Revision 2, dated January 27, 2014, specifies a compliance time
``after the original issue date on this service bulletin,'' this AD
requires compliance within the specified compliance time after July
25, 2007 (the effective date of AD 2007-13-05, Amendment 39-15109
(72 FR 33856, June 20, 2007)).
(2) Where Appendix B, paragraph 1.f., ``Freeplay Inspection,''
step (8), of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062,
Revision 2, dated January 27, 2014, specifies that the center of the
pad must be within 1.0 inch (13 millimeters) of the center line of
the rib rivets in the rudder tab, this AD requires that the center
of the tab must be within 1.0 inch (25 millimeters) of the center
line of the rib rivets in the rudder tab.
(3) Where Appendix C, paragraph 1.e., ``Rudder Tab Surface
Freeplay--Inspection,'' step (2) and step (6), of Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, Revision 2, dated January
27, 2014, specify that the placement of the force gage and pad
should be within one inch of the centerline line of the middle
rudder PCU rib and at 12 +/-1 inch (305 +/-72 millimeters) forward
of the rudder tab trailing edge, this AD requires placement of the
force gage and pad within one inch of the centerline line of the
middle rudder PCU rib and at 12 +/-1 inch (305 +/-25 millimeters)
forward of the rudder tab trailing edge.
(4) Where Appendix C, paragraph 1.e., ``Rudder Tab Surface
Freeplay--Inspection,'' step (3), of Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, Revision 2, dated January 27, 2014,
specifies to apply a 30 +/-pound (133 +/-14 newton) force, this AD
requires applying a 30 +/-3 pound force (133 +/-14 newton) force.
(j) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed
before the effective date of this AD using the service information
specified in paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) of this AD.
(1) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, dated
July 18, 2006, which was incorporated by reference in AD 2007-13-05,
Amendment 39-15109 (72 FR 33856, June 20, 2007).
[[Page 34256]]
(2) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062,
Revision 1, dated October 1, 2009, which is not incorporated by
reference in this AD.
(k) 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 (l)(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) AMOCs approved previously for the freeplay measurements of
the right and left elevators and rudder tab required by paragraph
(f) of AD 2007-13-05, Amendment 39-15109 (72 FR 33856, June 20,
2007), are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding requirements of
this AD.
(5) AMOCs approved previously for the freeplay measurements of
the rudder required by paragraph (f) of AD 2007-13-05, Amendment 39-
15109 (72 FR 33856, June 20, 2007), are not approved as AMOCs for
the corresponding requirements of this AD. We are not aware of any
such AMOCs.
(6) AMOCs approved previously for the repetitive lubrications
required by paragraph (g) of AD 2007-13-05, Amendment 39-15109 (72
FR 33856, June 20, 2007), are approved as AMOCs for the
corresponding requirements of this AD.
(l) 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, WA 98057-
3356; phone: 425-917-6573; fax: 425-917-6590; email:
[email protected].
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (m)(3) and (m)(4) of this AD.
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062,
Revision 2, dated January 27, 2014.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) 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.
(4) You may view this service information at 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.
(5) You may view this 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 3, 2015.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-14174 Filed 6-15-15; 8:45 am]
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