[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 248 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 77586-77589]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-22040]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-26675; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-203-AD; 
Amendment 39-14864; AD 2006-26-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777-200 and -300 Series 
Airplanes Equipped with Rolls-Royce Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Boeing Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes equipped with 
Rolls-Royce engines. This AD requires repetitive inspections to detect 
cracks of the outer V-blades of the thrust reverser, and

[[Page 77587]]

corrective action if necessary. This AD also provides for optional 
terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This AD results from 
reports of cracked outer V-blades in the thrust reversers. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent separation of a thrust reverser from the 
airplane during normal reverse thrust or during a refused takeoff, 
which could result in impact damage to other airplane areas. If a 
thrust reverser separates from the airplane during a refused takeoff, 
the engine could produce forward thrust, resulting in unexpected thrust 
asymmetry and a possible runway excursion.

DATES: This AD becomes effective January 11, 2007.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of January 11, 
2007.
    We must receive comments on this AD by February 26, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this AD.
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, 
Washington 98124-2207, for service information identified in this AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Oltman, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
917-6443; fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We have received reports of cracked outer V-blades in the Rolls-
Royce engine thrust reversers on Boeing Model 777-200 and -300 series 
airplanes. The cracks were found in the top and bottom ends of the V-
blade. The outer V-blade engages the aft end of the engine fan case to 
transmit fore and aft loads from the thrust reversers. Initial analysis 
of the V-blade did not include bending loads, and consequently the 
fatigue margins were not sufficient. A thrust reverser that separates 
from the airplane during normal reverse thrust or refused takeoff can 
damage other airplane areas. If a thrust reverser separates from the 
airplane during a refused takeoff, the engine could produce forward 
thrust, resulting in unexpected thrust asymmetry and a possible runway 
excursion.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-78-
0064, Revision 1, dated November 30, 2006. The service bulletin 
describes procedures for doing repetitive detailed inspections to 
detect cracks in the outer V-blade of the thrust reverser, replacing 
cracked V-blades with serviceable parts, and sending a report of the 
inspection results to Boeing. The compliance time for the initial 
inspection ranges from 250 to 6,000 flight cycles after the effective 
date of the AD, depending on the number of flight cycles on the V-
blade, with repetitive intervals not to exceed 2,000 flight cycles from 
the last detailed inspection.
    We have also reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 
777-78-0061, dated July 6, 2006, which describes procedures for doing a 
special detailed inspection to detect cracks in the outer V-blade of 
the thrust reverser in addition to a special detailed (eddy current or 
fluorescent penetrant) inspection to detect cracks in the fay surface 
area of the lower chord of the torque box where the outer V-blade 
attaches. If a crack is found in the outer V-blade, a new configuration 
V-blade is installed. If no crack is found, the V-blade is changed and 
installed with new support brackets at the top and bottom ends. The 
service bulletin also specifies contacting Boeing for repair 
instructions for cracks found in the torque box lower chord.
    Accomplishment of the actions specified in Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 777-78-0061 eliminates the need for the repetitive 
inspections of Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-78-0064.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or 
develop on other airplanes of the same type design. For this reason, we 
are issuing this AD to prevent separation of a thrust reverser from the 
airplane during normal reverse thrust or during a refused takeoff, 
which could result in impact damage to other airplane areas. If a 
thrust reverser separates from the airplane during a refused takeoff, 
the engine could produce forward thrust, resulting in unexpected thrust 
asymmetry and a possible runway excursion. This AD requires 
accomplishing the actions specified in Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 777-78-0064 described previously. This AD also provides for an 
optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections.

Difference Between the AD and Service Information

    Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-78-0061 specifies to 
contact the manufacturer for instructions on how to repair certain 
conditions, but this AD requires repairing those conditions, if 
accomplished, in one of the following ways:
     Using a method that we approve; or
     Using data that meet the certification basis of the 
airplane, and that have been approved by an Authorized Representative 
for the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Delegation Option Authorization 
Organization whom we have authorized to approve repair methods.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD interim action. We are considering mandating 
the optional terminating action specified in Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 777-78-0061, which terminates the repetitive 
inspections required by this AD. However, the planned compliance time 
for this terminating action would allow enough time to provide notice 
and opportunity for prior public comment on the merits of the actions.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate 
adoption of this AD, we have found that notice and opportunity for 
public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable, and that good 
cause exists to make this AD effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect 
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for 
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any relevant written 
data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an 
address listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2006-
26675; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-203-AD'' at the beginning of

[[Page 77588]]

your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD that 
might suggest a need to modify it.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of that Web 
site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, 
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed 
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal 
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you may visit 
http://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT 
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System 
receives them.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES 
section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2006-26-06 Boeing: Amendment 39-14864. Docket No. FAA-2006-26675; 
Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-203-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective January 11, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 777-200 and -300 series 
airplanes, certificated in any category, equipped with Rolls-Royce 
engines; as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 
777-78-0064, Revision 1, dated November 30, 2006.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from reports of cracked outer V-blades in 
the thrust reversers. We are issuing this AD to prevent separation 
of a thrust reverser from the airplane during normal reverse thrust 
or during a refused takeoff, which could result in impact damage to 
other airplane areas. If a thrust reverser separates from the 
airplane during a refused takeoff, the engine could produce forward 
thrust, resulting in unexpected thrust asymmetry and a possible 
runway excursion.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Repetitive Inspections

    (f) Do the detailed inspections to detect cracks in the outer V-
blade of the thrust reversers. Do the inspections in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 777-78-0064, Revision 1, dated November 30, 2006. Do the 
inspections at the applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E. of 
the service bulletin; except, where the service bulletin specifies 
an initial compliance time after the date on the service bulletin, 
this AD requires compliance within the specified time after the 
effective date of this AD. Do applicable corrective actions before 
further flight in accordance with the service bulletin or paragraph 
(h) of this AD.
    (g) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-78-
0064, dated August 7, 2006, are acceptable for compliance with the 
requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD.

Report

    (h) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(1) or 
(h)(2) of this AD, send a report of the findings (both positive and 
negative) of each inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD to 
the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. The 
report must include the information specified in Appendix A of 
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-78-0064, Revision 1, 
dated November 30, 2006. Under the provisions of the Paperwork 
Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements 
contained in this AD and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
    (1) For all inspections done after the effective date of this 
AD: Send the report within 10 days after the inspection.
    (2) For any inspection done before the effective date of this 
AD: Send the report within 10 days after the effective date of this 
AD.

Optional Terminating Action

    (i) Accomplishment of the applicable inspections and related 
investigative/corrective actions, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 777-78-0061, dated July 6, 2006, terminates the 
requirements of this AD; except, where the service bulletin 
specifies to contact the manufacturer for appropriate action, repair 
before further flight using a method approved in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.

[[Page 77589]]

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (j)(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA, has the authority to 
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.  
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.
    (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair required by this AD, if it is approved by an 
Authorized Representative for the Boeing Commercial Airplanes 
Delegation Option Authorization Organization who has been authorized 
by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. For a repair 
method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis 
of the airplane.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (k) You must use Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-
78-0064, Revision 1, dated November 30, 2006, to perform the actions 
that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. If 
the optional terminating action is accomplished, you must use Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-78-0061, dated July 6, 2006, 
to perform the optional terminating actions specified in this AD, 
unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal 
Register approved the incorporation by reference of these documents 
in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Boeing 
Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207, 
for a copy of this service information. You may review copies at the 
Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 
Seventh Street SW., Room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on 
the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 14, 2006.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E6-22040 Filed 12-26-06; 8:45 am]
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