[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 162 (Monday, August 21, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50627-50628]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-20965]



[[Page 50627]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-260-AD; Amendment 39-11873; AD 2000-16-16]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777-200 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 777-200 series airplanes, that 
currently requires a one-time inspection to determine the serial 
numbers of various switch modules on the overhead panel and control 
stand, and replacement of certain switch modules with new, improved 
modules. That AD also requires repetitive tests of the cargo fire 
extinguishing system, and one-time tests of the fuel crossfeed valve, 
pack, trim air, and alternate flap control switches; and repair or 
replacement of switch modules with new improved modules, if necessary. 
This amendment revises the applicability of the existing AD. This 
action also requires replacement of the existing switch modules with 
new switch modules; replacement of the existing module assemblies with 
new module assemblies; or reworked module assemblies; as applicable. 
This amendment is prompted by the FAA's determination that certain 
switches are susceptible to contamination. The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to minimize contamination of the switch contacts 
and consequent failure of the switches, which, if not corrected, could 
result in inability of the flight crew to activate the cargo fire 
extinguishing, fuel, air conditioning, and alternate flap systems.

DATES: Effective September 25, 2000.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of September 25, 2000.

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: Mohamed Jamil, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, 
SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2677; fax (425) 
227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 96-20-01, 
amendment 39-9767 (61 FR 53035, October 10, 1996), which is applicable 
to certain Boeing Model 777-200 series airplanes, was published in the 
Federal Register on May 30, 2000 (65 FR 34420). The action proposed to 
revise the applicability of the existing AD. The action also proposed 
to require replacement of the existing switch modules with new switch 
modules; replacement of the existing module assemblies with new module 
assemblies; or reworked module assemblies; as applicable.

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 85 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 23 airplanes of U.S. registry 
will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 20 work 
hours (for Method I) or 9 work hours (for Method II) per airplane to 
accomplish the required replacement, at an average labor rate of $60 
per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $12,785 per 
airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $321,655, or $13,985 per airplane (for 
Method I), or $306,475, or $13,325 per airplane (for Method II).
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this 
AD, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future 
if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed in AD 
rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform the 
specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures typically 
do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to gain 
access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other 
administrative actions.

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.
    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 39-9767 (61 FR 
53035, October 10, 1996), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-11872, to read as follows:

2000-16-16  Boeing: Amendment 39-11873. Docket 97-NM-260-AD. 
Supersedes AD 96-20-01, Amendment 39-9767.


[[Page 50628]]


    Applicability: Model 777-200 series airplanes, line numbers 1 
through 85 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 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 (d)(1) 
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 minimize contamination of the switch contacts and consequent 
failure of the switches, which, if not corrected, could result in 
inability of the flight crew to activate the cargo fire 
extinguishing, fuel, air conditioning, and alternate flap systems, 
accomplish the following:

Replacement and Reidentification

    (a) For Groups 1 and 2 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 777-31A0019, Revision 4, dated April 27, 2000, 
except as provided in paragraph (b) of this AD, within 12 months 
after the effective date of this AD, perform the actions in either 
paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Replace the existing switch modules with new switch modules 
(including changing the part number of the reworked module 
assemblies and control stand assembly) in accordance with Method I 
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
777-31A0019, Revision 4, dated April 27, 2000.
    (2) Replace the existing switch modules with new switch modules, 
and replace the existing module assemblies with new module 
assemblies or reworked module assemblies (including changing the 
part number of the control stand assembly), in accordance with 
Method II of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 777-31A0019, Revision 4, dated April 27, 2000.

    Note 2: Replacements accomplished prior to the effective date of 
this AD in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-
31A0019, dated October 2, 1997; Revision 1, dated March 12, 1998; 
Revision 2, dated March 25, 1999; or Revision 3, dated January 27, 
2000; are acceptable for compliance with the requirements of 
paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD.

    (b) For Group 2 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 777-31A0019, Revision 4, dated April 27, 2000, on which a 
guarded toggle passenger oxygen switch has been installed: 
Accomplishment of the actions specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and 
(a)(2) of this AD is not required for the passenger oxygen switch or 
window heat/emergency light module assembly.

Spares

    (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
on any airplane, any part listed in the ``Existing Part Number'' 
column of the table listed in paragraph II.D., ``Existing Parts 
Accountability,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-31A0019, 
Revision 4, dated April 27, 2000.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (d)(1) 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.
    (2) Alternative methods of compliance approved previously in 
accordance with AD 96-20-01, amendment 39-9767, are not considered 
to be approved as alternative methods of compliance with this AD.

    Note 3: 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

    (e) 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

    (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 777-31A0019, Revision 4, 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.

Effective Date

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on September 25, 2000.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 11, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-20965 Filed 8-18-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U