[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 119 (Thursday, June 20, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 28722-28725]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-13058]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0407; Product Identifier 2019-NM-075-AD; Amendment
39-19648; AD 2019-11-02]
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: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-16-
10, which applied to all The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. AD
2017-16-10 required repetitive inspections of the left and right side
underwing longerons for any crack, and related investigative and
corrective actions if necessary. This AD retains the requirements of AD
2017-16-10, reduces certain compliance times for certain airplanes, and
removes airplanes from the applicability. This AD was prompted by
reports of cracks on the underwing longerons. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 5, 2019.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 5,
2019.
The FAA must receive any comments on this AD by August 5, 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 final rule, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-5600;
phone: 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-2019-0407.
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-2019-
0407; 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 final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed
above. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric Lin, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe
[[Page 28723]]
Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3523; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA issued AD 2017-16-10, Amendment 39-18987 (82 FR 39513,
August 21, 2017) (``AD 2017-16-10''), for all The Boeing Company Model
777 airplanes. AD 2017-16-10 required repetitive inspections of the
left and right side underwing longerons for any crack, and related
investigative and corrective actions if necessary. AD 2017-16-10
resulted from reports of cracks on the underwing longerons. The FAA
issued AD 2017-16-10 to address cracks in the underwing longerons,
which could result in fuel leakage into the forward cargo area and
consequent increased risk of a fire or, in a more severe case, could
adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane.
Actions Since AD 2017-16-10 Was Issued
Since we issued AD 2017-16-10, the FAA has determined that it is
necessary to reduce certain compliance times for certain airplanes to
address the unsafe condition. The FAA has also determined that it is
necessary to remove certain airplanes from the applicability because
the unsafe condition has been addressed in production on line numbers
1523, and 1525 and subsequent. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
cracks in the underwing longerons, which could result in fuel leakage
into the forward cargo area and consequent increased risk of a fire or,
in a more severe case, could adversely affect the structural integrity
of the airplane.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0081,
Revision 2, dated March 29, 2019. This service information describes
procedures for repetitive detailed inspections, ultrasonic inspections,
high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections of the left and right
side underwing longerons, a surface HFEC inspection of the external
surface of the fuselage skin, and applicable on-condition actions. On
condition actions include replacement of the left or right underwing
longeron, as applicable. 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
The FAA is 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
Although this AD does not explicitly restate the requirements of AD
2017-16-10, this AD retains all of the requirements of AD 2017-16-10.
Those requirements are referenced in the service information identified
previously, which, in turn, is referenced in paragraph (g) of this AD.
This AD reduces certain compliance times for certain airplanes and
removes airplanes from the applicability. This AD also requires
accomplishment of the actions identified as ``RC'' (required for
compliance) in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 777-53A0081, Revision 2, dated March 29, 2019, 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-2019-0407.
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
There are currently no U.S. operators affected by the new reduced
compliance times required by this AD. Therefore, we find good cause
that notice and opportunity for prior public comment are unnecessary.
In addition, for the reason(s) stated above, the FAA finds 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, the FAA invites 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-2019-
0407 and Product Identifier 2019-NM-075-AD at the beginning of your
comments. The agency specifically invites comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this final
rule. The agency will consider all comments received by the closing
date and may amend this final rule because of those comments.
The FAA will post all comments we receive, without change, to
http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact the agency receives about this final rule.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimate that this AD affects 214 airplanes of U.S.
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Option 1: Detailed Inspection 4 work-hours x $85 $0 $340 per inspection $72,760 per
(retained actions from AD 2017- per hour = $340 per cycle. inspection cycle.
16-10). inspection cycle.
Option 2: Detailed and HFEC or 12 work-hours x $85 $0 $1,020 per $218,280 per
Ultrasonic Inspection (retained per hour = $1,020 inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
actions from AD 2017-16-10). per inspection
cycle.
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The new requirements of this AD (reduced compliance times) do not
currently affect U.S. operators and, therefore, add no additional
economic burden.
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
inspections. The agency has no way of determining the number
[[Page 28724]]
of aircraft that might need these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Left side or right side underwing 102 work-hours x $85 $31,000 per side....... $39,670 per side.
longeron replacement. per hour = $8,670 per
side.
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The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable us to
provide cost estimates for the on-condition actions, other than the
replacement, specified in this AD.
According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for
affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all known costs
in our cost estimate.
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.
The FAA is 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 and
associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA has 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.
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)
2017-16-10, Amendment 39-18987 (82 FR 39513, August 21, 2017), and
adding the following new AD:
2019-11-02 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-19648; Docket No. FAA-
2019-0407; Product Identifier 2019-NM-075-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective July 5, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2017-16-10, Amendment 39-18987 (82 FR 39513,
August 21, 2017) (``AD 2017-16-10'').
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -
300, -300ER, and 777F series airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-
53A0081, Revision 2, dated March 29, 2019.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracks on the underwing
longerons. The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracks in the
underwing longerons, which could result in fuel leakage into the
forward cargo area and consequent increased risk of a fire or, in a
more severe case, could adversely affect the structural integrity of
the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: At the
applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0081, Revision 2, dated March
29, 2019, do all applicable actions identified as ``RC'' (required
for compliance) in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0081, Revision
2, dated March 29, 2019. Replacing an underwing longeron, including
doing all applicable on-condition actions, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-
53A0081, Revision 2, dated March 29, 2019, except as required by
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, terminates the repetitive inspections
specified in tables 1 through 6 and table 15 of paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0081,
Revision 2, dated March 29, 2019, for that longeron only.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements
of this AD: Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0081,
Revision 2, dated March 29, 2019, uses the phrase ``the Revision 2
date of this service bulletin,'' this AD requires using ``the
effective date of this AD.''
(2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0081, Revision 2,
dated March 29, 2019, specifies contacting Boeing for repair
instructions: This AD requires doing the repair using a method
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph
(j) of this AD.
[[Page 28725]]
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-
53A0081, dated September 8, 2016, or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
777-53A0081, Revision 1, dated May 1, 2017.
(j) 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 (k)(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 Company 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) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2017-16-10 are approved as
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 777-53A0081, Revision 2, dated March 29, 2019, that are
required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
(5) Except as specified by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD: For
service information that contains steps that are labeled as Required
for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (j)(5)(i) and
(j)(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.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Eric Lin,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3523;
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; phone: 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.
(l) 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 777-53A0081, Revision 2, dated
March 29, 2019.
(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; phone: 562-797-1717; internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
(4) 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.
(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 Des Moines, Washington, on June 5, 2019.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-13058 Filed 6-19-19; 8:45 am]
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