[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 135 (Thursday, July 13, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43221-43223]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-17298]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-155-AD; Amendment 39-11814; AD 2000-14-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to certain Boeing Model 777 series airplanes. This action 
requires a one-time measurement of the electrical bonding resistance 
between the wing spar connectors of the fuel quantity indicating system 
(FQIS) and the spar structure, installation of bonding jumpers, a one-
time operational check of the FQIS system, and corrective action, if 
necessary. This action is necessary to ensure adequate electrical 
bonding between the wing spar connectors of the FQIS and the spar 
structure. Inadequate electrical bonding, in the event of a lightning 
strike, could cause electrical arcing and ignition of fuel vapor in the 
main or center fuel tank, which could result in a fuel tank explosion. 
This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective July 28, 2000.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of July 28, 2000.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before September 11, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-155-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. 
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 
[email protected]. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must 
contain ``Docket No. 2000-NM-155-AD'' in the subject line and need not 
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached 
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or 
ASCII text.
    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, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2683; fax (425) 227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has received data from the 
manufacturer indicating the results of tests conducted during the High 
Intensity Radiated Field Lightning Assurance Plan test program. One 
test revealed that the electrical bonding of the wing spar connectors 
of the fuel quantity indicating system (FQIS) was not adequate to meet 
the bonding limit required for lightning protection. This was because 
the bonding resistance of all six FQIS connectors exceeded the required 
limit. Investigation revealed that the faying surface of the adapter 
that bonds the connector to the spar structure was contaminated with 
fuel tank sealant or O-ring lubricant. Inadequate electrical bonding, 
in the event of a lightning strike, could cause electrical arcing, and 
ignition of fuel vapor in the main or center fuel tank, which could 
result in a fuel tank explosion.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
777-28A0019, dated April 27, 2000, which describes procedures for a 
one-time measurement of the electrical bonding resistance between the 
wing spar connectors of the FQIS and the spar structure, installation 
of bonding jumpers to create a redundant bonding path between the 
connector and the spar structure, and a one-time operational check of 
that installation. The service bulletin references Boeing 777 Airplane 
Maintenance Manual, Chapter 28-41-00, as the appropriate source for 
accomplishment of the operational check and repair instructions if any 
discrepancy is found. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the 
alert service bulletin is intended to adequately address the identified 
unsafe condition.

[[Page 43222]]

Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other Model 777 series airplanes of the same type 
design, this AD is being issued to ensure adequate electrical bonding 
between the wing spar connectors of the FQIS and the spar structure. 
This AD requires a one-time measurement of the electrical bonding 
resistance between the wing spar connectors of the FQIS and the spar 
structure, installation of bonding jumpers, a one-time operational 
check of that installation, and corrective action, if necessary. The 
actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with the service 
bulletin described previously, except as discussed below.

Difference Between the Alert Service Bulletin and This AD

    Operators should note that, although the service bulletin 
recommends accomplishing the specified actions within 24 months (after 
the release of the service bulletin), the FAA has determined that an 
interval of 24 months would not address the identified unsafe condition 
in a timely manner. In developing an appropriate compliance time for 
this AD, the FAA considered not only the manufacturer's recommendation, 
but the degree of urgency associated with addressing the subject unsafe 
condition, the average utilization of the affected fleet, and the time 
necessary to perform the required actions (approximately 6 hours). In 
light of all of these factors, the FAA finds a 90-day compliance time 
for completing the required actions to be warranted, in that it 
represents an appropriate interval of time allowable for affected 
airplanes to continue to operate without compromising safety.

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.
    Submit comments using the following format:
     Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the 
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
     For each issue, state what specific change to the AD is 
being requested.
     Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each 
request.
    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 2000-NM-155-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped 
and returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    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:

2000-14-05  Boeing: Amendment 39-11814. Docket 2000-NM-155-AD.

    Applicability: Model 777 series airplanes as listed in Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 777-28A0019, dated April 27, 2000; 
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 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 ensure adequate electrical bonding between the wing spar 
connectors of the fuel quantity indicating system (FQIS) and the 
spar structure in the event of a lightning strike, accomplish the 
following:

One-Time Measurement and Installation

    (a) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD: Perform 
a one-time

[[Page 43223]]

measurement of the electrical bonding resistance between the wing 
spar connectors of the FQIS and the spar structure, record the 
measurements, and install bonding jumpers, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-
28A0019, dated April 27, 2000.

Operational Check and Corrective Action

    (b) Prior to further flight after accomplishment of the 
installation required by paragraph (a) of this AD: Perform an 
operational check in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
777-28A0019, dated April 27, 2000, and correct any discrepancy 
detected.

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 777-28A0019, dated April 27, 2000. 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 July 28, 2000.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 3, 2000.
Vi L. Lipski,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-17298 Filed 7-12-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U