[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 84 (Monday, May 2, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24345-24349]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-9917]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-1205; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-146-AD; 
Amendment 39-16677; AD 2011-09-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -
200LR, -300, and -300ER Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This AD requires, for certain airplanes, 
replacing certain boost pump relays with ground fault interrupter (GFI) 
relays. For certain other airplanes, this AD requires installing new 
panels in the main equipment center, making certain wiring changes, 
installing new GFI relays in the new panels, and installing

[[Page 24346]]

new electrical load management system (ELMS) software. For certain 
other airplanes, this AD requires doing certain bond resistance 
measurements, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted 
by fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing 
this AD to prevent potential ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, 
in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank 
explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective June 6, 2011.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of June 6, 2011.

ADDRESSES: For Boeing service information identified in this AD, 
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services 
Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; 
telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; e-mail 
[email protected]; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    For Smiths and GE Aviation service information identified in this 
AD, contact GE Aviation, Customer Support Center, 1 Neumann Way, 
Cincinnati, Ohio 45215; telephone 513-552-3272; e-mail 
[email protected]; Internet http://www.geaviation.com.
    You may review copies of the referenced service information at the 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call 425-227-1221.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The address for the 
Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is Document Management Facility, 
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West 
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., 
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Georgios Roussos, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-
3356; phone: 425-917-6482; fax: 425-917-6590; e-mail: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to 
the specified products. That NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
December 28, 2010 (75 FR 81508). That NPRM proposed to require, for 
certain airplanes, replacing certain boost pump relays with ground 
fault interrupter (GFI) relays. For certain other airplanes, that NPRM 
proposed to require installing new panels in the main equipment center, 
making certain wiring changes, installing new GFI relays in the new 
panels, and installing new electrical load management system (ELMS) 
software. For certain other airplanes, that NPRM proposed to require 
doing certain bond resistance measurements, and corrective actions if 
necessary.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal 
and the FAA's response to each comment. Boeing supported the NPRM.

Request to Extend Compliance Time

    American Airlines (AAL) requested that we extend the compliance 
time in paragraphs (g) and (h) of the NPRM for the work done in 
accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0037, Revision 2, dated 
September 20, 2010, from 36 months to 60 months. AAL stated that they 
have already accomplished Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0037, Revision 
1, dated June 15, 2009, on 75 percent of their Model 777 fleet. The 
proposed 36-month compliance time would require special scheduling for 
those airplanes. AAL proposed that the compliance time for all actions 
in the NPRM be extended to 60 months to be consistent with the 60-month 
compliance time in paragraph (i) of the NPRM for the GFI relay 
replacement for the main tank boost pumps specified in Boeing Service 
Bulletin 737-28A0038, Revision 1, dated September 20, 2010.
    We disagree with the request to extend the compliance time for the 
actions required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of the NPRM (bond resistance 
measurements and the installation of new panels, new fuel pump control 
GFI relays, software, and wiring changes). In developing appropriate 
compliance times for those actions, we considered the safety 
implications and practical aspects of accomplishing these actions 
within a period of time that corresponds to the normal scheduled 
maintenance for most affected operators. In consideration of these 
items, we have determined that a 36-month compliance time will ensure 
an acceptable level of safety and allow those actions to be done during 
scheduled maintenance intervals for most affected operators. However, 
under the provisions of paragraph (k) of this AD, we will consider 
requests for approval of an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) if 
sufficient data are submitted to substantiate that the request would 
provide an acceptable level of safety. We have not changed this AD in 
this regard.

Request To Delay Rule Pending Release of New Service Bulletins

    Japan Airlines (JAL) requested that we delay the issuance of this 
AD until Boeing and GE Aviation publish new revisions to their service 
information (referenced in the NPRM) to include certain changes. JAL 
stated these changes are to correct or add numbers for wires, modules, 
connectors, and figures. JAL also stated that, in addition, certain GE 
Aviation service information also needed to be revised to add another 
procedure to install labels or separate the labels from the conversion 
kit. JAL explained that when it receives the labels as part of the 
conversion kit, the remaining shelf life of the labels is not adequate 
to allow the labels to be installed on the airplanes. JAL is concerned 
that, unless the service information is revised, these issues could 
delay incorporation of this AD or result in multiple AMOC requests. JAL 
stated that they are in communication with Boeing and GE Aviation in 
regard to these issues with the service information.
    We agree with JAL's concerns about the shelf life of the labels 
possibly affecting operators' ability to comply with this AD within the 
required compliance times. This AD requires all actions, including 
labeling, in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletins 777-28A0038, Revision 1; and 777-28A0037, Revision 2; both 
dated September 20, 2010; to be accomplished. We have added paragraph 
(j) to this AD to provide an optional method of labeling panels. 
However, we disagree with the request to delay this AD until Boeing and 
GE Aviation issue revised service information to correct or add numbers 
for wires, modules, connectors, and figures. No data or information to 
justify that request was provided. However, under the provisions of 
paragraph (k) of this AD, we will consider requests for

[[Page 24347]]

an AMOC if sufficient data are submitted to substantiate that the 
change would provide an acceptable level of safety. We have not changed 
the AD in this regard.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
the AD with the change described previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     [Agr]re consistent with the intent that was proposed in 
the NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 130 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. 
operators to comply with this AD.

                                             Table--Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Number of
                                              Average                   Cost per      U.S.-
            Action              Work hours   labor rate     Parts       product     registered     Fleet cost
                                              per hour                              airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacements: Group 1                    3          $85      $25,577      $25,832          126  $3,254,832.
 airplanes identified in
 Boeing Service Bulletin
 777[dash]28A0038.
Replacements: Group 2                    3           85       52,545       52,800            0  No airplanes
 airplanes identified in                                                                         currently on
 Boeing Service Bulletin                                                                         U.S. Register.
 777[dash]28A0038.
Replacements: Group 3                    4           85       37,257       37,597            4  $150,388.
 airplanes identified in
 Boeing Service Bulletin
 777[dash]28A0038.
Replacements: Group 4                    4           85       17,816       18,156            0  No airplanes
 airplanes identified in                                                                         currently on
 Boeing Service Bulletin                                                                         U.S. Register.
 777[dash]28A0038.
Installations and                       76           85       29,934       36,394          130  $4,731,220.
 Measurement: Boeing Service
 Bulletin 777[dash]28A0037.
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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

    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 this AD:
    (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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    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 FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2011-09-15 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-16677; Docket No. FAA-
2010-1205; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-146-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD is effective June 6, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) AD 2008-11-13, Amendment 39-15536, affects this AD.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, 
-300, and -300ER series airplanes, certificated in any category; as 
identified in the service information specified in paragraphs (c)(1) 
and (c)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0038, Revision 1, dated 
September 20, 2010.
    (2) Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0037, Revision 2, dated 
September 20, 2010.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel.

Unsafe Condition

    (e) This AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the 
manufacturer. The Federal Aviation Administration is issuing this AD 
to prevent potential ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in 
combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank 
explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

Compliance

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

Related Airworthiness Limitation

    Note 1: AD 2008-11-13 requires a revision of the Airworthiness 
Limitations (AWLs) section of the Instructions for Continued 
Airworthiness to include limitations for the fuel tank systems. One 
of the limitations, AWL 28-AWL-18, requires a repetitive

[[Page 24348]]

inspection of the ground fault interrupter (GFI) functions.

Installations and Software Changes

    (g) For Groups 1 and 2 airplanes identified as Configuration 2 
in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0037, Revision 2, dated September 
20, 2010: Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, 
install new panels, P301 and P302, in the main equipment center; 
make certain wiring changes; install new GFI relays in the P301 and 
P302 panels; and install new electrical load management system 
(ELMS) software; as applicable. Do the applicable actions in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin 777-28A0037, Revision 2, dated September 20, 2010, except 
as specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.

    Note 2:  Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0039, Revision 2, dated 
September 20, 2010, is an additional source of guidance for 
installing ELMS software.


    Note 3:  Smiths Service Bulletin 5000ELM-28-454, dated August 
13, 2007; and GE Aviation Service Bulletin 6000ELM-28-455, Revision 
1, dated February 1, 2010; are additional sources of guidance for 
making a wiring change in the P110 and P210 panels, respectively.

    (h) For Groups 1 and 2 airplanes identified as Configuration 1 
in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0037, Revision 2, dated September 
20, 2010: Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, do 
bonding resistance measurements to verify bonding requirements as 
specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0037, Revision 2, dated 
September 20, 2010, are met, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0037, Revision 2, 
dated September 20, 2010.

Replacement of GFI Relays

    (i) For airplanes identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-
28A0038, Revision 1, dated September 20, 2010: Within 60 months 
after the effective date of this AD, replace 4 main tank boost pump 
relays in electrical load management system panels P110, P210, and 
P320 with new GFI relays, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0038, Revision 1, 
dated September 20, 2010, except as specified in paragraph (j) of 
this AD.

    Note 4:  Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0038, Revision 1, dated 
September 20, 2010, references the service bulletins identified in 
Table 1 of this AD as additional sources of guidance for replacing 
the main tank boost pump relays.


              Table 1--Additional Sources of Guidance for Replacing the Main Tank Boost Pump Relays
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Group number of airplanes, as
  identified in Boeing Service
 Bulletin 777-28A0038, Revision     Panel No.     Service bulletin    Revision level              Date
  1, dated September 20, 2010
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Group 1........................            P110  Smiths Service     Original.........  August 8, 2007.
                                                  Bulletin 5000ELM-
                                                  28-443.
Group 1........................            P210  Smiths Service     Original.........  August 8, 2007.
                                                  Bulletin 6000ELM-
                                                  28-444.
Group 1........................            P320  Smiths Service     Original.........  August 8, 2007.
                                                  Bulletin 4000ELM-
                                                  28-445.
Group 2........................            P110  GE Aviation        1................  January 7, 2010.
                                                  Service Bulletin
                                                  5000ELM-28-446.
Group 2........................            P210  Smiths Service     Original.........  August 8, 2007.
                                                  Bulletin 6000ELM-
                                                  28-447.
Group 2........................            P320  GE Aviation        1................  January 7, 2010.
                                                  Service Bulletin
                                                  4000ELM-28-448.
Group 3........................            P110  GE Aviation        1................  January 7, 2010.
                                                  Service Bulletin
                                                  5000ELM-28-449.
Group 3........................            P210  Smiths Service     Original.........  August 8, 2007.
                                                  Bulletin 6000ELM-
                                                  28-450.
Group 3........................            P320  GE Aviation        1................  January 7, 2010.
                                                  Service Bulletin
                                                  4000ELM-28-451.
Group 4........................            P110  Smiths Service     Original.........  August 8, 2007.
                                                  Bulletin 5000ELM-
                                                  28-463.
Group 4........................            P210  Smiths Service     Original.........  August 8, 2007.
                                                  Bulletin 6000ELM-
                                                  28-464.
Group 4........................            P320  Smiths Service     Original.........  August 8, 2007.
                                                  Bulletin 4000ELM-
                                                  28-465.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Optional Method To Install a Label

    (j) Where Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0037, Revision 2, dated 
September 20, 2010; and Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0038, 
Revision 1, dated September 20, 2010: specify installing a label, an 
operator's equivalent procedure may be used as a method to indelibly 
mark the applicable service bulletin number on the panel.

    Note 5:  Additional guidance on indelibly marking the panel may 
also be found in Boeing Standard BAC5307.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (k)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested 
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 
CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local 
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending 
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in the Related Information 
section of this AD. Information may be e-mailed to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

Related Information

    (l) For more information about this AD, contact Georgios 
Roussos, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, 
FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone: 425-917-6482; fax: 425-
917-6590; e-mail: [email protected].

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (m) You must use Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0038, Revision 
1, dated September 20, 2010; or Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0037, 
Revision 2, dated September 20, 2010; as applicable; to do the 
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For Boeing service information identified in this AD, 
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services 
Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC

[[Page 24349]]

2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-5000, 
extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; e-mail [email protected]; Internet 
https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (3) For Smiths and GE Aviation service information identified in 
this AD, contact GE Aviation, Customer Support Center, 1 Neumann 
Way, Cincinnati, Ohio 45215; telephone 513-552-3272; e-mail 
[email protected]; Internet http://www.geaviation.com.
    (4) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
    (5) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at an NARA facility, 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 April 8, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-9917 Filed 4-29-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P