[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 38 (Thursday, February 26, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8809-8811]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-4258]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2004-NM-28-AD; Amendment 39-13489; AD 2004-04-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777-200 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to certain Boeing Model 777-200 series airplanes. This 
action requires a revision to the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to 
advise the flightcrew that Category IIIB autoland operations are 
prohibited and to warn the flightcrew of the potential for reversion of 
the primary flight control system to direct mode during takeoff or 
landing and its associated airplane effects. This AD also requires 
installation of a placard in the flight deck. This action also provides 
an optional terminating action for the AFM revision and placard 
installation. This action is necessary to prevent the possibility of 
the airplane departing the runway during Category IIIB autoland 
operations due to autopilot disconnect in low visibility weather 
conditions, and to warn the flightcrew of the potential for autopilot 
disconnect or unscheduled speed brake retraction during any landing, 
which could result in a departure from the runway. This action is 
intended to address the identified unsafe conditions.

DATES: Effective February 26, 2004.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before April 26, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2004-NM-28-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. 2004-NM-28-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 or 2000 or 
ASCII text.
    Information pertaining to this amendment may be examined at the 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregg Nesemeier, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-
4056; telephone (425) 917-6479; fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has received a report indicating 
that, during a test flight performed by the airplane manufacturer, a 
single primary flight computer (PFC) reset on a Boeing Model 777-300ER 
series airplane. The primary flight control system (PFCS) includes 
three PFCs, called channels. As a result of analyzing the data from the 
test flight, the airplane manufacturer was able to reproduce single, 
dual, and triple channel resets during lab testing of takeoff and 
landing scenarios. A triple channel reset forces the PFCS

[[Page 8810]]

from normal mode into direct mode. Reversion to direct mode during 
autoland disconnects the autopilot. During Category IIIB autoland 
operations, loss of automatic rollout control in low visibility weather 
conditions could result in the airplane departing from the runway.
    Additionally, if the PFCS reverts to direct mode after automatic 
speed brake deployment during any landing, the speed brakes will 
retract. If this occurs, the flightcrew must manually deploy the speed 
brakes. Unscheduled speed brake retraction during landing could result 
in a runway overrun, particularly if stopping distance is critical.
    The PFC hardware and software configuration on Model 777-300ER 
series airplanes are identical to those on the affected Model 777-200 
series airplanes (PFC hardware, part number (P/N) S251W700-103, and 
software, P/N 2769-PFC-900-00). Therefore, the affected Model 777-200 
series airplanes may be subject to the same unsafe conditions. Model 
777-300ER series airplanes are not yet type certificated; therefore, 
these airplanes are not subject to AD rulemaking. The airplane 
manufacturer is planning to revise the software of the PFCs on these 
airplanes before certification.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed TASKS 27-02-01-400-803, 27-02-01-000-801, and 
27-02-01-400-802 of Chapter 27-02-01 of Boeing 777 Airplane Maintenance 
Manual (AMM), Document Number D633W101. The AMM describes procedures 
for removing all three existing PFCs having hardware P/N S251W700-103 
and software P/N 2769-PFC-900-00, and installing serviceable PFCs 
having hardware P/N S251W700-102 and software P/N 2763-PFC-740-00. 
Accomplishment of the actions specified in the AMM is intended to 
adequately address the identified unsafe conditions.

Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule

    Since unsafe conditions have been identified that are likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design that may be 
registered in the United States at some time in the future, this AD 
requires a revision to the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to (1) advise 
the flightcrew that Category IIIB autoland operations are prohibited 
and (2) warn the flightcrew of the potential for reversion of the PFCS 
to direct mode during takeoff or landing and its associated airplane 
effects. This AD also requires installation of a placard in the flight 
deck. This AD also provides an optional terminating action for the AFM 
revision and placard installation. The optional terminating action is 
required to be accomplished in accordance with the AMM described 
previously.

Interim Action

    The AFM revision and placard required by this AD may be removed 
upon installation of PFC hardware, P/N S251W700-102, and software, P/N 
2763-PFC-740-00, in all three PFCs. This PFC hardware/software 
configuration has been previously certified for Model 777 series 
airplanes. Boeing is currently developing new PFC hardware/software 
configurations, but we have not yet certified them. We may consider 
further rulemaking once these new hardware/software configurations have 
been certified.

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 2004-NM-28-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 unsafe conditions 
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

0
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

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:


[[Page 8811]]


    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:


2004-04-08 Boeing: Amendment 39-13489. Docket 2004-NM-28-AD.
    Applicability: Model 777-200 series airplanes, variable numbers 
WC381 through WC385 inclusive, WC446, and WC447; certificated in any 
category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent the possibility of the airplane departing the runway 
during Category IIIB autoland operations due to autopilot disconnect 
in low visibility weather conditions, and to warn the flightcrew of 
the potential for autopilot disconnect or unscheduled speed brake 
retraction during any landing, which could result in a departure 
from the runway; accomplish the following:

Revision of the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) and Installation of a 
Placard

    (a) Within 1 day after the effective date of this AD, accomplish 
the actions specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Revise the Limitations Section of the AFM to include the 
following statement (this may be accomplished by inserting a copy of 
this AD into the AFM):

``CERTIFICATE LIMITATIONS

    CAT IIIB autoland prohibited.

WARNING

    The PFCS may revert to direct mode during takeoff or landing. If 
reversion to direct mode occurs during autoland, the autopilot will 
disconnect. In this situation, the flightcrew must immediately take 
control of the airplane and provide manual rollout control.

WARNING

    If the PFCS reverts to direct mode after the speed brakes have 
been deployed during landing rollout, the speed brakes will retract. 
If this occurs, the flightcrew must manually deploy the speed brakes 
to preserve stopping performance.''
    (2) Install a warning placard in the flight deck in the 
Captain's primary field of view that reads as follows:

``CAT IIIB AUTOLAND PROHIBITED.''

Optional Terminating Action

    (b) Remove all three existing PFCs, having hardware part number 
(P/N) S251W700-103 and software P/N 2769-PFC-900-00, and install 
serviceable PFCs having hardware P/N S251W700-102 and software P/N 
2763-PFC-740-00; in accordance with TASKS 27-02-01-400-803, 27-02-
01-000-801, and 27-02-01-400-802 of Chapter 27-02-01 of Boeing 777 
Airplane Maintenance Manual, Document Number D633W101. After 
accomplishing the removal and installation, the AFM revision and 
placard required by paragraph (a) of this AD may be removed.

Special Flight Permit

    (c) Special flight permits (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) are not 
allowed.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (d) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, is authorized to approve 
alternative methods of compliance (AMOCs) for this AD.

Effective Date

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on February 26, 2004.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 20, 2004.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-4258 Filed 2-25-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P