[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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost    Cost per  product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P