[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]]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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

[[Page 59116]]

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