[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 249 (Friday, December 29, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61675-61678]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-28158]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1179; Product Identifier 2017-NM-177-AD; Amendment 
39-19141; AD 2017-26-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015-08-01, 
which applied to certain The Boeing Company Model 757 airplanes. AD 
2015-08-01 required, depending on

[[Page 61676]]

airplane configuration, installing new relays and bracket assemblies, 
inspecting to ensure that the new relays do not contact adjacent wire 
bundles, torqueing the bracket assembly installation nuts and ground 
stud nuts, retesting the bond resistance between the bracket assemblies 
and the terminal lugs on the ground studs, and doing related 
investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD does not 
retain any requirements, and instead requires deactivating the spoiler 
control module relays and capping and stowing the associated wiring on 
airplanes on which the actions required by AD 2015-08-01 have been 
done. This AD was prompted by a report of an uncommanded spoiler 
movement during flap configuration just before landing, on an airplane 
on which the actions required by AD 2015-08-01 had been done. We are 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective January 3, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 3, 
2018.
    We must receive comments on this AD by February 12, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this final rule, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services 
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-5600; 
telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may 
view this service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW, Renton, WA. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also available on 
the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2017-1179.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
1179; 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 final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will 
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Myra Kuck, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin 
Safety, Mechanical & Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Los Angeles 
ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 
562-627-5316; fax: 562-627-5210; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued AD 2015-08-01, Amendment 39-18137 (80 FR 21645, April 20, 
2015) (``AD 2015-08-01''), for certain Model 757 airplanes. AD 2015-08-
01 required, depending on airplane configuration, installing new relays 
and bracket assemblies, inspecting to ensure that the new relays do not 
contact adjacent wire bundles, torqueing the bracket assembly 
installation nuts and ground stud nuts, retesting the bond resistance 
between the bracket assemblies and the terminal lugs on the ground 
studs, and doing related investigative and corrective actions if 
necessary. AD 2015-08-01 resulted from numerous reports of unintended 
lateral oscillations during final approach, just before landing. We 
issued AD 2015-08-01 to reduce the chance of unintended lateral 
oscillations near touchdown, which could result in loss of lateral 
control of the airplane, and consequent airplane damage or injury to 
flight crew and passengers.

Actions Since AD 2015-08-01 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2015-08-01, we have received a report of a 
momentary uncommanded spoiler movement during flap configuration just 
before landing, on a Model 757 airplane that had been inspected and 
modified in accordance with AD 2015-08-01. AD 2015-08-01 requires 
accomplishment of Boeing Service Bulletin 757-27A0152, which is 
intended to reduce the chance of a pilot-induced oscillation (PIO) 
during quick flight maneuvers, such as the final phase of approach in 
strong wind conditions, by preventing the deployment, during landing 
operations, of spoiler pairs 1 and 12, and 5 and 8. Boeing's subsequent 
investigation of Boeing Service Bulletin 757-27A0152 found that a 
switch in one of the relays added by that service information had 
failed to an electrically open position. We are issuing this AD to 
correct the unsafe condition on these products.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-27A0157, dated 
December 18, 2017. The service information describes procedures for 
deactivating the spoiler control module relays and capping and stowing 
the associated wiring. This service information is reasonably available 
because the interested parties have access to it through their normal 
course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination

    We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

AD Requirements

    This AD retains none of the requirements of AD 2015-08-01. This AD 
requires accomplishment of the actions identified as ``RC'' (required 
for compliance) in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 757-27A0157, dated December 18, 2017, described 
previously. For information on the procedures and compliance times, see 
this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-1179.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD interim action. If final action is later 
identified, we might consider further rulemaking then.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule 
because failure to deactivate the spoiler control module relays and cap 
and stow associated wiring can result in a failure condition that can 
cause an uncommanded spoiler movement

[[Page 61677]]

resulting in loss of controllability of the airplane during the 
approach phase of flight. Therefore, we find good cause that notice and 
opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable. In addition, 
for the reason stated above, we find that good cause exists for making 
this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public 
comment. However, we invite you to send any written data, views, or 
arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2017-
1179 and Product Identifier 2017-NM-177-AD at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this final rule. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
final rule because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this final rule.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 626 airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
               Action                        Labor cost            Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deactivating spoiler control module  14 work-hours x $85 per             $1,380          $2,570               *
 relay.                               hour = $1,190.
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* Based on our estimate of 169 airplanes that are in compliance with the requirements of AD 2015-08-01 and
  subject to the deactivation requirements of this AD, the total fleet cost for this AD is approximately
  $434,330.

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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes to 
the Director of the System Oversight Division.

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 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2015-08-01, Amendment 39-18137 (80 FR 21645, April 20, 2015), and 
adding the following new AD:

2017-26-10 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-19141; Docket No. FAA-
2017-1179; Product Identifier 2017-NM-177-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective January 3, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2015-08-01, Amendment 39-18137 (80 FR 21645, 
April 20, 2015) (``AD 2015-08-01'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 757-200, -200PF, -
200CB, and -300 series airplanes, certificated in any category, as 
identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-27A0157, dated 
December 18, 2017.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight 
controls.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of a momentary uncommanded 
spoiler movement during flap configuration just before landing that 
occurred on an airplane on which the actions required by AD 2015-08-
01 had been done. We are issuing this AD to prevent a failure 
condition that can cause an uncommanded spoiler movement resulting 
in loss of controllability of the airplane during the approach phase 
of flight.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    (1) For airplanes in Configuration 1 in Groups 1, 2, and 3, as 
defined in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-27A0157, dated December 
18, 2017: Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, do all 
applicable actions identified as ``RC'' (required for compliance) 
in, and in accordance with, the

[[Page 61678]]

Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-
27A0157, dated December 18, 2017.
    (2) For airplanes in Configuration 2 in Groups 1, 2, and 3, as 
defined in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-27A0157, dated December 
18, 2017: No work is required by this paragraph.

(h) Prohibited Modification

    As of the effective date of this AD, do not accomplish the 
actions specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 757-27A0152 on any 
airplane.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 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 certification office, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may 
be emailed 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.
    (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD 
if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization 
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the 
Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, to make those findings. To be 
approved, the repair method, modification deviation, or alteration 
deviation must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the 
approval must specifically refer to this AD.
    (4) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2015-08-01 are not approved 
as AMOCs for any provision in this AD.
    (5) For service information that contains steps that are labeled 
as RC, the provisions of paragraphs (i)(5)(i) and (i)(5)(ii) of this 
AD apply.
    (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step 
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply 
with the AD. If a step or substep is labeled ``RC Exempt,'' then the 
RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. An AMOC is 
required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and 
identified figures.
    (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted 
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection 
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC 
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done 
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition.

(j) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Myra Kuck, Aerospace 
Engineer, Cabin Safety, Mechanical & Environmental Systems Section, 
FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 
90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5316; fax: 562-627-5210; email: 
[email protected].

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-27A0157, dated December 
18, 2017.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services 
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-
5600; telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW, Renton, WA. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 22, 2017.
John P. Piccola, Jr.,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-28158 Filed 12-28-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P