[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 246 (Wednesday, December 26, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 66178-66181]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-27901]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2018-1012; Product Identifier 2018-NM-132-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted
by reports of uncommanded movements of the Captain's and First
Officer's seats. This proposed AD would require an identification of
the part number, and if applicable the serial number, of the Captain's
and First Officer's seats, and do applicable on-condition actions for
affected seats. This proposed AD would also require a one-time detailed
inspection and repetitive checks of the horizontal movement system of
the Captain's and First Officer's seats and applicable on-condition
actions. This proposed AD would also provide an optional terminating
action for the repetitive checks of the horizontal movement system. We
are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 11,
2019.
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 NPRM, 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,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also
available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-1012.
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-2018-
1012; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other
information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brandon Lucero, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-
231-3569; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-1012;
Product Identifier 2018-NM-132-AD'' at the beginning of your comments.
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM 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 proposed AD.
Discussion
We have received reports indicating that there have been
uncommanded movements of the Captain's and First Officer's seats. A
Model 747 operator reported that during a takeoff, the First Officer's
seat unlocked from its seat tracks and moved aft. The First Officer was
unable to control the airplane and the Captain took over the controls
to avoid a rejected takeoff. The unlocking of the seat from the seat
tracks was caused by actuator damage, which was a result of incorrect
adjustment of the seat's manual release lever cable, which allowed the
clutch mechanism to only partially engage. Captain's and First
Officer's seats having the same part numbers are installed on both
Model 747 and Model 777 airplanes. We are considering additional
rulemaking to address the unsafe condition for Model 747 airplanes.
In addition, a Model 777 operator reported that the Captain's seat
could not be locked in position after an adjustment to the horizontal
seat position in flight. The seat became unlocked from the track and
moved freely forward and aft. Control was given to the First Officer
for approach and landing. The results of an inspection revealed that
the horizontal actuator output shaft had broken. When a horizontal
actuator output shaft breaks, the pilot cannot prevent seat movement in
a forward and aft direction and cannot lock the seat in position. A
broken horizontal actuator output shaft is the result of high loads,
that exceed the design limits, caused by a stalled motor that can occur
due to high mechanical resistance to motion during powered operation of
the seat. Foreign object debris (FOD) in the seat tracks is another
condition that can result in a stalled motor and cause the horizontal
actuator output shaft to break.
An uncommanded seat movement during a critical part of a flight,
such as takeoff or landing, could cause a flight
[[Page 66179]]
control obstruction or unintended flight control input, which could
result in the loss of the ability to control the airplane.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0607,
Revision 1, dated July 17, 2018 (``BSASB 777-25-0607, Revision 1'').
The service information describes procedures for identification of the
part number, and if applicable the serial number, of the Captain's and
First Officer's seats, and for applicable on-condition actions for
affected seats. The on-condition actions include an inspection of each
seat's fore/aft and vertical manual control levers for looseness,
installation of serviceable seats, and a seat functional test after any
cable adjustment.
We also reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-
0619, Revision 1, dated August 8, 2018 (``BSASB 777-25-0619, Revision
1''). The service information describes procedures for a detailed
inspection and repetitive checks of the horizontal movement system for
the Captain's and First Officer's seats for findings (e.g., evidence of
cracks, scores, corrosion, dents, deformation or visible wear; and
incorrectly assembled microswitch assemblies, actuators, and limit
switches), and applicable on-condition actions. The on-condition
actions include clearing the seat tracks of FOD, overhaul of the
horizontal movement system and replacement of the horizontal actuator.
The service information also describes procedures for an optional
terminating action for the repetitive checks by installing a
serviceable Captain's or First Officer's seat.
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 proposing 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.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require accomplishment of the actions
identified in the Accomplishment Instructions of BSASB 777-25-0607,
Revision 1, described previously, except as discussed under
``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the Service Information,''
and except for any differences identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed AD.
This proposed AD would also require accomplishment of the actions
identified as ``RC'' (required for compliance) in the Accomplishment
Instructions of BSASB 777-25-0619, Revision 1, described previously,
except as discussed under ``Differences Between this Proposed AD and
the Service Information,'' and except for any differences identified as
exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
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-2018-1012.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information
The effectivity of BSASB 777-25-0607, Revision 1; and BSASB 777-25-
0619, Revision 1, is limited to Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, -300ER,
and 777F airplanes with Ipeco part number series 3A201 and 3A258
Captain's and First Officer's powered seats installed, line numbers 1
and on. However, the applicability of this proposed AD includes all
Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, -300ER, and 777F series airplanes. Because
the affected Captain's and First Officer's seats are rotable parts, we
have determined that these seats could later be installed on airplanes
that were initially delivered with acceptable seats, thereby subjecting
those airplanes to the unsafe condition. The referenced service
bulletins can be used on airplanes not included in the service bulletin
effectivity. This difference has been coordinated with Boeing.
Where BSASB 777-25-0607, Revision 1, specifies to do the actions
within 72 months after the original issue date of the service bulletin,
this proposed AD would require accomplishment of those actions within
36 months after the effective date of this AD. The 36-month compliance
time corresponds with the compliance time in BSASB 777-25-0619,
Revision 1. We have determined a 36-month compliance time is
appropriate for doing the actions specified in this proposed AD. We
have coordinated this difference with Boeing.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 190 airplanes of U.S.
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions per Seat
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Identification, seat............. 1 work-hour x $85 $0 $85................ $85.
per hour = $85.
Detailed inspection, horizontal 1 work-hour x $85 0 $85................ $85.
movement system. per hour = $85.
Checks, horizontal movement 2 work-hour x $85 0 $170 per check $170 per check
system. per hour = $170 cycle.. cycle.
per check cycle.
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary on-condition
actions that would be required. We have no way of determining the
number of aircraft that might need these on-condition actions:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions per Seat *
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Adjustment, control lever cable.. 1 work-hour x $85 per $0...................... $85.
hour = $85.
Overhaul, horizontal movement 11 work-hours x $85 per Up to $5,824............ Up to $6,759.
system. hour = $935.
[[Page 66180]]
Inspection of each seat's fore/ 1 work-hour x $85 per $0...................... $85.
aft and vertical manual control hour = $85.
levers.
Installation of serviceable seats 1 work-hour x $85 per $0...................... $85.
hour = $85.
Clearing FOD..................... 1 work-hour x $85 per $0...................... $85.
hour = $85.
Replacement of the horizontal 1 work-hour x $85 per $205.................... $290.
actuator. hour = $85, per actuator.
Functional test, adjusted control 1 work-hour x $85 per $0...................... $85.
lever cable. hour = $85.
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* The estimated cost for tooling to align an affected seat for adjustment of the control lever cable is up to
$46,064.
We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for the optional terminating action for the repetitive
checks specified in this proposed AD.
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 proposed 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 and associated appliances to the
Director of the System Oversight Division.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 proposed
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),
(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.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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):
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2018-1012; Product Identifier
2018-NM-132-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by February 11,
2019.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR,
-300, -300ER, and 777F series airplanes, certificated in any
category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
Furnishings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of uncommanded movements of the
Captain's and First Officer's seats. We are issuing this AD to
address uncommanded movement of the Captain's and First Officer's
seats. An uncommanded seat movement during a critical part of a
flight, such as takeoff or landing, could cause a flight control
obstruction or unintended flight control input, which could result
in the loss of the ability to control the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Seat Part Number Identification and On-Condition Actions
Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, do an
inspection to determine the part number, and serial number as
applicable, of the Captain's and First Officer's seats, and do all
applicable on-condition actions, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 777-25-0607, Revision 1, dated July 17, 2018.
(h) Detailed Inspection and Repetitive Checks of Horizontal Movement
System and On-Condition Actions
Except as specified in paragraph (i) of this AD: At the
applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0619, Revision 1,
dated August 8, 2018 (``BSASB 777-25-0619, Revision 1''), do all
applicable actions identified as ``RC'' (required for compliance)
in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of BSASB
777-25-0619, Revision 1.
(i) Exception to Service Information Specifications
For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements of
this AD: Where BSASB 777-25-0619, Revision 1, uses the phrase ``the
original issue date of this service bulletin,'' this AD requires
using ``the effective date of this AD.''
(j) Optional Terminating Action for Repetitive Checks
Installation of a serviceable Captain's or First Officer's seat
as specified in, and in
[[Page 66181]]
accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of BSASB 777-25-
0619, Revision 1, terminates the repetitive checks required by
paragraph (h) of this AD for that seat only.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle 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 (l)(1) 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, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, 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) For service information that contains steps that are labeled
as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs
(k)(4)(i) and (k)(4)(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.
(l) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Brandon Lucero,
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section,
FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
phone and fax: 206-231-3569; email: [email protected].
(2) 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. You may view this referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on December 14, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-27901 Filed 12-21-18; 8:45 am]
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