[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 91 (Monday, May 12, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 25837-25839]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-12249]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-90-AD; Amendment 39-10023; AD 97-10-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to all Boeing Model 777 series airplanes. This action 
requires repetitive testing of the engine fire shutoff switch (EFSS) to 
determine that the override mechanism and the switch handle are 
operational, and replacement of the EFSS, if necessary. This action 
also requires, for certain airplanes, installation of a collar on a 
specific circuit breaker of the standby power management panel, and 
installation of placards to advise the flightcrew that the override 
mechanism must be pushed in order to pull the fire switch. This 
amendment is prompted by a report indicating that a solenoid and an 
override mechanism of the EFSS were not operational due to overheating 
of the solenoid. The actions specified in this AD are intended to 
prevent damage to the EFSS solenoid and to the override mechanism, and 
consequent failure of the EFSS due to overheating of the solenoid; such 
failure of the EFSS could result in the inability of the flightcrew to 
discharge the fire extinguishing agent in the event of an engine fire.

DATES: Effective May 27, 1997.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of May 27, 1997.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before July 11, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-90-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 
98124-2207. This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at 
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., 
suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Larry Reising, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; telephone (425) 227-
2683; fax (425) 227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has received a report indicating 
that a solenoid and an override mechanism of the engine fire shutoff 
switch (EFSS) were not operational. Investigation revealed that an 
overheating condition in the solenoid damaged the solenoid and the 
override mechanism of the EFSS. Further investigation revealed that the 
overheating condition of the solenoid may be caused when power is 
applied to the EFSS solenoid for long

[[Page 25838]]

periods of time, such as when the airplane is on the ground with the 
power on and the engine fuel control switch is in the ``Cutoff'' 
position. Damage to the EFSS solenoid and to the override mechanism due 
to overheating of the solenoid could result in failure of the EFSS. 
Such failure, if not corrected, could result in the inability of the 
flightcrew to discharge the fire extinguishing agent in the event of an 
engine fire.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
777-26A0012, dated May 1, 1997, which describes procedures for 
repetitive testing of the EFSS of both the left- and right-hand engines 
to determine if the override mechanism and the switch handle are 
operational, and replacement of the EFSS, if necessary. For any 
airplanes on which a collar on circuit breaker C26612 of panel P310 of 
the standby power management panel has not been installed, the alert 
service bulletin also describes procedures to perform that 
installation, and to install placards near the EFSS of both engines and 
near the auxiliary power unit (APU) EFSS to advise the flightcrew that 
the override mechanism must be pushed in order to pull the fire switch. 
Installation of the collar on circuit breaker C26612 of panel P310, 
which is the circuit breaker that supplies power to the EFSS solenoids, 
will prevent damage to the EFSS due to overheating of the solenoid.

Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other Boeing Model 777 series airplanes of the same 
type design, this AD is being issued to prevent damage to the EFSS 
solenoid and to the override mechanism and consequent failure of the 
EFSS due to overheating of the solenoid; such failure could result in 
the inability of the flightcrew to discharge the fire extinguishing 
agent in the event of an engine fire. This AD requires repetitive 
testing of the EFSS of both the left- and right-hand engines to 
determine if the override mechanism and the switch handle are 
operational, and replacement of the EFSS, if necessary. For certain 
airplanes, this AD requires installation of a collar on circuit breaker 
C26612 of panel P310 of the standby power management panel, and 
installation of placards near the EFSS of both engines and near the APU 
EPSS to advise the flightcrew that the override mechanism must be 
pushed in order to pull the fire switch. The actions are required to be 
accomplished in accordance with the alert service bulletin described 
previously.

Interim Action

    This is considered to be interim action until final action is 
identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by 
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. 
Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted 
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 97-NM-90-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory 
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further 
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is 
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be 
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final 
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. 
A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the 
location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    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]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

97-10-11  Boeing: Amendment 39-10023. Docket 97-NM-90-AD.

    Applicability: All Model 777 series airplanes, certificated in 
any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been otherwise 
modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the 
requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request 
approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with 
paragraph (c) of this AD.

[[Page 25839]]

The request should include an assessment of the effect of the 
modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent damage to the engine fire shutoff switch (EFSS) 
solenoid and to the override mechanism, and consequent failure of 
the EFSS, which could result in the inability of the flightcrew to 
discharge the fire extinguishing agent in the event of an engine 
fire, accomplish the following:
    (a) For all airplanes: Within 14 days after the effective date 
of this AD, perform a test of the EFSS of both the left-and right-
hand engines to determine if the override mechanism and the switch 
handle are operational, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 777-26A0012, dated May 1, 1997.
    (1) If the override mechanism and the switch handle of the EFSS 
are operational, prior to further flight, accomplish the 
requirements of paragraph (a)(1)(i) or (a)(1)(ii) of this AD, as 
applicable, in accordance with the alert service bulletin.
    (i) For Group 1 airplanes identified in the alert service 
bulletin: Install a collar on circuit breaker C26612 of panel P310 
of the standby power management panel. Following accomplishment of 
this installation, prior to further flight, install placards near 
the EFSS of both engines and near the auxiliary power unit (APU) 
EFSS to advise the flightcrew that the override mechanism must be 
pushed in order to pull the fire switch.
    (ii) For Group 2 airplanes identified in the alert service 
bulletin: Ensure that a collar is installed on circuit breaker 
C26612 of panel P310 of the standby power management panel. If a 
collar is not installed, prior to further flight, install a collar 
on circuit breaker C26612 of panel P310 of the standby power 
management panel.
    (2) If the override mechanism or the switch handle of the EFSS 
is not operational, prior to further flight, replace the EFSS with a 
new or serviceable EFSS, in accordance with the alert service 
bulletin.
    (b) For all airplanes: Repeat the requirements of paragraph (a) 
of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 500 flight hours.
    (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall 
submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Seattle ACO.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Seattle ACO.

    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 777-26A0012, dated May 1, 1997. This incorporation 
by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be 
obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, 
Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North 
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (f) This amendment becomes effective on May 27, 1997.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 5, 1997.
S.R. Miller,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-12249 Filed 5-9-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U