[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 211 (Tuesday, November 2, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59115-59116]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-28247]
[[Page 59115]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 99-NM-03-AD; Amendment 39-11396; AD 98-02-06 R1]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing 777-200 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment revises an existing airworthiness directive
(AD), applicable to certain Boeing 777-200 series airplanes, that
currently requires repetitive visual inspections to determine the
presence and condition of the nut and cotter pin of the lock link
mechanism on the side struts and drag struts on the main landing gear
(MLG); and corrective action, if necessary. That AD was prompted by
reports of missing or damaged components on the lock link mechanism.
The actions specified by that AD are intended to prevent failure of the
lock link mechanism to lock the MLG in the down position, and
consequent collapse of the MLG during ground operation. This amendment
provides an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections.
DATES: Effective December 7, 1999.
The incorporation by reference of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-32-
0016, dated January 14, 1999, as listed in the regulations is approved
by the Director of the Federal Register as of December 7, 1999.
The incorporation by reference of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
777-32A0015, dated September 4, 1997, as listed in the regulations was
approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of
February 9, 1997 (63 FR 3458, January 23, 1998).
ADDRESSES: 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 Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules
Docket, 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: Stan Wood, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-
2772; fax (425) 227-1181.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by revising AD 98-02-06,
amendment 39-10288 (63 FR 3458, January 23, 1998), which is applicable
to certain Boeing 777-200 series airplanes, was published in the
Federal Register on August 20, 1999 (64 FR 45472). The action proposed
to continue to require repetitive visual inspections to determine the
presence and condition of the nut and cotter pin of the lock link
mechanism on the side struts and drag struts on the main landing gear
(MLG); and corrective action, if necessary. The action also proposed to
provide an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 40 Model 777-200 series airplanes of the
affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 17
airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.
The inspection that is currently required by AD 98-02-06, and
retained in this AD, takes approximately 2 work hours per airplane to
accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on
these figures, the cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is
estimated to be $2,040, or $120 per airplane, per inspection cycle
The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that
no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD
action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the
future if this AD were not adopted.
Should an operator elect to accomplish the optional terminating
action rather than continue the repetitive inspections, it would take
approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the replacement,
at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would
cost approximately $5,094 per airplane. Based on these figures, the
cost impact of this optional terminating action is estimated to be
$5,154 per airplane.
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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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); and (3) 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it 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 removing amendment 39-10288 (63 FR
3458, January 23, 1998), and by adding a new airworthiness directive
(AD), amendment 39-11396 , to read as follows:
98-02-06 R1 Boeing: Amendment 39-11396. Docket 98-NM-03-AD. Revises
AD 98-02-06, Amendment 39-10288.
Applicability: Model 777-200 series airplanes, line positions 1
through 40 inclusive, 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
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airplanes that have been 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. 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 failure of the lock link mechanism to lock the main
landing gear (MLG) in the down position, and consequent collapse of
the MLG during ground operation, accomplish the following:
Restatement of the Requirements of AD 98-02-06
Repetitive Inspections and Corrective Actions
(a) Within 30 days after February 9, 1998 (the effective date of
AD 98-02-06, amendment 39-10288), perform a visual inspection to
determine the presence and condition of the cotter pin and nut of
the lock link mechanism on the side struts and drag struts on the
left- and right-hand MLG, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 777-32A0015, dated September 4, 1997. If any discrepancy is
found, prior to further flight, correct the discrepancy in
accordance with the service bulletin. Repeat the inspection
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 75 days or 400 flight cycles,
whichever occurs first.
New Actions Proposed By This AD
Optional Terminating Action
(b) Replacement of the existing retention bolt, end caps,
washer, and nut of the lock link mechanism on the side struts and
drag struts on the MLG with a new lock link assembly that
incorporates a new bolt, washer, nut, and end-caps, in accordance
with Boeing Service Bulletin 777-32-0016, dated January 14, 1999,
constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(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.
Special Flight Permits
(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.
Incorporation by Reference
(e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 777-32A0015, dated September 4, 1997, or Boeing
Service Bulletin 777-32-0016, dated January 14, 1999, as applicable.
(1) The incorporation by reference of Boeing Service Bulletin
777-32-0016, dated January 14, 1999, is approved by the Director of
the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) The incorporation by reference of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 777-32A0015, dated September 4, 1997, as listed in the
regulations was approved previously by the Director of the Federal
Register as of February 9, 1997 (63 FR 3458, January 23, 1998).
(3) 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 December 7, 1999.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 22, 1999.
D.L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-28247 Filed 11-1-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U