[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 18 (Tuesday, January 28, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4096-4097]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-1816]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-318-AD; Amendment 39-13027; AD 2003-03-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777 Series Airplanes 
Equipped With Rolls-Royce Model Trent 800 Series Engines

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 revising the Airplane Flight Manual to specify that the engine 
anti-ice must be ``on'' during all ground and flight operations when 
icing conditions exist or are anticipated. This action is necessary to 
prevent ingestion of ice that could cause shutdown of both engines 
during operation in icing conditions, and result in a forced landing of 
the airplane.

DATES: Effective February 12, 2003.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before March 31, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NM-318-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9 a.m. and 3 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. 2002-NM-318-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 information pertaining to this AD may be examined at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Margaret Langsted, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone 
(425) 227-1335; fax (425) 227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has received a report of an engine 
surge and automatic shutdown on a Boeing Model 777 series airplane 
equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 800 series engines, while in light 
icing conditions during descent. Investigation revealed that the 
airplane total air temperature (TAT) and the engine T2 probes were iced 
over. In addition, both engines were operating at minimum flight idle 
and the engine anti-ice systems had not activated. Boeing Model 777 
series airplanes have a primary in-flight icing detection system 
(PIIDS) that senses icing conditions and automatically activates the 
engine and wing anti-ice systems, if the flight deck anti-ice switch is 
in the AUTO position (normal procedure). Activation of the engine anti-
ice system sends hot air to the engine inlet lip to keep it free of ice 
buildup; raises the minimum allowable engine speed from ``minimum 
flight idle'' to ``approach idle,'' which improves the engine operating 
characteristics; and turns on the engine igniters to facilitate relight 
if a flameout should occur. The investigation indicated that the PIIDS 
did not detect icing and activate the engine anti-ice system; the 
engine surge was the result of ice ingestion; and the engine did not 
automatically recover from the engine surge. Such ingestion of ice 
could cause shutdown of both engines during operation in icing 
conditions, and result in a forced landing of the airplane.

Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design, this AD is 
being issued to prevent ingestion of ice that could cause shutdown of 
both engines during operation in icing conditions, and result in a 
forced landing of the airplane. This AD requires revision of the 
Limitations Section of the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to remove 
certain procedures and to add certain other procedures that specify 
that engine anti-ice must be ``on'' during all ground and flight 
operations when icing conditions exist or are anticipated, except when 
the outside air temperature (OAT) is below -40 degrees Centigrade.

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

[[Page 4097]]

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:
    [sbull] 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.
    [sbull] For each issue, state what specific change to the AD is 
being requested.
    [sbull] 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 2002-NM-318-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, 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:

2003-03-03 Boeing: Amendment 39-13027. Docket 2002-NM-318-AD.
    Applicability: Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes, equipped 
with Rolls-Royce Model Trent 800 series engines; certificated in any 
category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent ingestion of ice that could cause shutdown of both 
engines during icing conditions, and result in a forced landing of 
the airplane; accomplish the following:

Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision

    (a) Within 14 days after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the Limitations Section of the AFM per the following actions 
specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD (this may be 
accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM):
    (1) Remove the following wording from the Limitations Section of 
the AFM: ``Engine anti-ice must be ON during all ground operations, 
and either ON or in AUTO during flight, when icing conditions exist 
or are anticipated, except when the temperature is below -40 degrees 
C OAT. The primary ice detection system (if operative) will 
automatically turn the engine anti-ice system on and off as required 
in response to ice detection signals (flight mode only). Do not use 
anti-ice if OAT or TAT exceeds 10 degrees C (50 degrees F).''
    (2) Insert the following wording into the Limitations Section of 
the AFM: ``Engine anti-ice must be ON during all ground and flight 
operations when icing conditions exist or are anticipated, except 
when the temperature is below -40 degrees C OAT. Do not use anti-ice 
if OAT or TAT exceeds 10 degrees C (50 degrees F).''

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (b) 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. 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: 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

    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Sec. Sec.  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.

Effective Date

    (d) This amendment becomes effective on February 12, 2003.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 21, 2003.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-1816 Filed 1-27-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P