[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 229 (Wednesday, November 30, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 73448-73452]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-26080]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0156; Project Identifier AD-2021-01474-T; 
Amendment 39-22237; AD 2022-23-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-06-
03, which applied to all The Boeing Company Model 777F series 
airplanes. AD 2021-06-03 required deactivating the potable water 
system. This AD was prompted by a report of a water supply line that 
detached at a certain joint located above an electronic equipment (EE) 
cooling filter, leading to water intrusion into the forward EE bay. 
This AD retains the actions required by AD 2021-06-03 and requires 
installing a shroud to the water supply line in the forward cargo 
compartment, and performing a leak test of the potable water system. 
For certain airplanes, this AD also requires replacing tubes and hoses 
from the water supply line and installing a shroud to the water return 
line. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective January 4, 2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of January 4, 
2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference

[[Page 73449]]

of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of March 5, 2021 
(86 FR 12809, March 5, 2021).

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-0156; 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, any comments received, and other 
information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     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; website myboeingfleet.com.
     You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 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 at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-0156.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0156; 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, any comments 
received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations is 
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: Courtney Tuck, Aerospace Engineer, 
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO 
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-
231-3986; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to supersede AD 2021-06-03, Amendment 39-21469 (86 FR 
12809, March 5, 2021) (AD 2021-06-03). AD 2021-06-03 applied to all The 
Boeing Company Model 777F series airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on March 25, 2022 (87 FR 17035). The NPRM was prompted 
by the development of new actions that result in a need to modify AD 
2021-06-03. AD 2021-06-03 was issued because of a report of a water 
supply line that detached at a certain joint located above an EE 
cooling filter, leading to water intrusion into the forward EE bay. In 
the NPRM, the FAA proposed to continue to require deactivating the 
potable water system. The NPRM also proposed to require installing a 
shroud to the water supply line in the forward cargo compartment, and 
performing a leak test of the potable water system. For certain 
airplanes, the NPRM also proposed to require replacing tubes and hoses 
from the water supply line and installing a shroud to the water return 
line. The FAA is issuing this AD to address water entering the EE 
cooling system via the cooling filter, which can affect multiple EE bay 
racks and line replaceable units (LRUs), resulting in loss of 
functionality or inaccurate output of critical electrical systems and 
possible loss of control of the airplane.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from the Air Line Pilots Association, 
International (ALPA), and an individual, who supported the NPRM without 
change.
    The FAA received additional comments from three commenters, 
including Boeing, FedEx, and All Nippon Airways. The following presents 
the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each 
comment.

Request To Change the Affected Airplanes for Certain Requirements

    FedEx and Boeing requested that the FAA change the affected 
airplanes in paragraph (g)(2) of the proposed AD from ``L/Ns [line 
numbers] 960 and subsequent.'' to ``L/N 960 through L/N 1689.'' FedEx 
noted that the airplanes affected by paragraph (g)(2) of the proposed 
AD should reflect the effectivity of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 
777-38A0048 RB, dated October 18, 2021. FedEx stated that if the 
affected airplanes are not revised, then the final rule will require 
Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 777-38A0048 RB, dated October 18, 
2021, to be accomplished on aircraft to which it is not effective. 
Boeing pointed out that the FAA has previously accepted this 
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) to AD 2021-06-03 for L/N(s) 
1692 and on, which have incorporated Type Design Change PRR 62701 Part 
B.
    The FAA agrees with the request for the reasons stated above. The 
FAA has changed paragraph (g)(2) of this AD from ``L/Ns 960 and 
subsequent'' to ``L/N 960 through L/N 1689 inclusive.''

Request To Change the Compliance Time of an Approved AMOC

    FedEx requested that the FAA allow the AMOC to AD 2021-06-03 that 
included Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-38A0047, dated March 30, 
2021, to remain valid for 24 months from the published date of Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 777-38A0047, dated March 30, 2021, in this AD. 
FedEx reasoned that the AMOC to AD 2021-06-03 will expire earlier than 
actions specified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 777-38A0048 RB, 
dated October 18, 2021, can reasonably be accomplished. All Nippon 
Airways requested that the AMOC to AD 2021-06-03 for Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 777-38A0047, dated March 30, 2021, remain valid for 24 
months from the effective date of this AD. All Nippon Airways contended 
that if this AD does not allow Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-
38A0047, dated March 30, 2021, to remain valid, certain airplanes will 
be grounded. All Nippon Airways also noted that if this AD continues to 
allow Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-38A0047, dated March 30, 2021, 
as an AMOC to this AD, but without extending the compliance time, 
certain airplanes may be grounded due to the time needed to submit and 
validate the AMOC Notice to its local authority.
    Alternatively, All Nippon Airways requested that this AD be issued 
after the expiration of the interim action of the AMOC to AD 2021-06-03 
that includes Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-38A0047, dated March 
30, 2021. All Nippon Airways contended that if this AD does not allow 
the AMOC that specifies Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-38A0047, 
dated March 30, 2021, to remain valid, certain airplanes will be 
grounded for the reasons described above.
    The FAA agrees with the intent behind the requests but cannot 
change the existing AMOC to provide this relief to operators. However, 
the FAA is considering issuing an amended AMOC that would extend the 
compliance time of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-38A0047, dated 
March 30, 2021. If this amended AMOC is issued, then it may extend the 
24-month compliance time to align with the compliance time of Boeing 
Alert Requirements Bulletin

[[Page 73450]]

777-38A0048 RB, dated October 18, 2021. The FAA has added paragraph 
(n)(4) of this AD to state that ``AMOCs approved for AD 2021-06-03 are 
approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD.''
    Additionally, the FAA does not agree to delay the issuance of this 
AD until after the expiration of the interim action of the AMOC to AD 
2021-06-03 that includes Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-38A0047, 
dated March 30, 2021. An AD is issued to correct an unsafe condition. 
The unsafe condition will be corrected using Boeing Alert Requirements 
Bulletin 777-38A0048 RB, dated October 18, 2021. The FAA has not 
changed the AD in this regard.

Request To Reference the Optional Interim Action of AD 2021-06-03

    FedEx and Boeing requested that the FAA include a paragraph in this 
AD that allows for an optional interim action in accordance with Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 777-38A0047, dated March 30, 2021. FedEx and 
Boeing maintained that this AD should reference Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 777-38A0047, dated March 30, 2021, which was included in an 
AMOC to AD 2021-06-03. FedEx noted that by including the interim action 
of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-38A0047, dated March 30, 2021, in 
this final rule, the information will provide a more complete picture 
of the entire timeline for future reference.
    The FAA agrees for the reasons provided. The FAA has previously 
approved the AMOC to AD 2021-06-03 regarding the installation of a 
temporary water line shroud in accordance with Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 777-38A0047, dated March 30, 2021. As a result, the FAA has 
added paragraph (l) of this AD, which allows the activation of the 
potable water system provided that installation of a shroud around the 
water supply line and gray water line, installation of a shroud around 
the water return line, and post-installation inspections and applicable 
corrective actions are done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 777-38A0047, dated March 30, 2021; and provided that the 
potable water system is deactivated within a certain compliance time. 
The FAA has also redesignated subsequent paragraphs accordingly. The 
FAA has also revised the Costs of Compliance section to include the 
cost estimates for this optional action.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments 
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as 
proposed. Except for minor editorial changes, and any other changes 
described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. None 
of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 777-38A0048 RB, 
dated October 18, 2021. This service information specifies procedures 
for replacing tubes and hoses from the water supply line and installing 
a shroud to the water supply and return lines in the forward cargo 
compartment and performing a leak test of the potable water system.
    The FAA also reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-38A0047, 
dated March 30, 2021. This service information describes procedures for 
installing a shroud around the water supply line and gray water line at 
station (STA) 529 to STA 634 in the forward cargo compartment, 
installing a shroud around the water return line at STA 550 to STA 620 
in the forward cargo compartment, post-installation inspection 
requirements (which, depending on the shroud location, include a 
detailed inspection for any evidence of a water leak and a general 
visual inspection to determine if the shroud is in serviceable 
condition), and corrective actions (which include doing applicable 
corrective actions and a leak test until no leak is detected, and doing 
applicable corrective actions to put the shroud back to serviceable 
condition).
    This AD also requires Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM-MOM-21-
0089-01B, dated February 26, 2021, which the Director of the Federal 
Register approved for incorporation by reference as of March 5, 2021 
(86 FR 12809, March 5, 2021).
    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 ADDRESSES.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 58 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                                     Estimated Costs
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              Action                        Labor cost                   Parts cost                 Cost per  product          Cost on U.S.  operators
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Deactivation of potable water       2 work-hours x $85 per      $0..........................  $170........................  $9,860.
 system (retained actions from AD    hour = $170.
 2021-06-03).
Replace tubes and hoses, and        Up to 12 work-hours x $85   Up to $1,850................  Up to $2,870................  Up to $166,460.
 install shroud (new action).        per hour = Up to $1,020.
Potable water system leak test      2 work-hours x $85 per      $0..........................  $170........................  $9,860.
 (new action).                       hour = $170.
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                                                          Estimated Costs for Optional Actions
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                Action                                Labor cost                        Parts cost                        Cost per product
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Install shrouds......................  Up to 2 work-hours x $85 per hour =      Up to $1,380..............  Up to $1,550.
                                        $170.
Post installation inspections........  Up to 3 work-hours x $85 per hour =      $0........................  Up to $255 per inspection cycle.
                                        $255 per inspection cycle.
On-condition actions.................  Up to 11 work-hours x $85 per hour =     $0........................  Up to $935.
                                        $935.
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    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some or all of the costs of 
this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact 
on affected operators.

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

[[Page 73451]]

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.

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) 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.

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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-06-03, Amendment 39-21469 
(86 FR 12809, March 5, 2021); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

2022-23-10 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-22237; Docket No. FAA-
2022-0156; Project Identifier AD-2021-01474-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 4, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2021-06-03, Amendment 39-21469 (86 FR 12809, 
March 5, 2021) (AD 2021-06-03).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 777F series 
airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 38, Water/waste.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of a water supply line that 
detached at a certain joint located above an electronic equipment 
(EE) cooling filter, leading to water intrusion into the forward EE 
bay. This AD was also prompted by the development of new actions to 
address the unsafe condition. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
water entering the EE cooling system via the cooling filter, which 
can affect multiple EE bay racks and line replaceable units (LRUs), 
resulting in loss of functionality or inaccurate output of critical 
electrical systems and possible loss of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Deactivation of Potable Water System, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2021-06-03, with no changes. For the airplanes identified in 
paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD: Within 5 days after March 5, 
2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-06-03), deactivate the potable 
water system, in accordance with Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM-
MOM-21-0089-01B, dated February 26, 2021 (Boeing MOM-MOM-21-0089-
01B).
    (1) Line numbers (L/Ns) 959 and earlier on which the actions 
specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-38-0042 have been 
accomplished.
    (2) L/Ns 960 through L/N 1689 inclusive.
    Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance on deactivating the potable 
water system can be found in Boeing 777 Aircraft Maintenance Manual 
(AMM) Task 38-10-00-040-801.

(h) Retained Installation Prohibition, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2021-06-03, with no changes. For airplanes not identified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD: As of March 5, 2021 (the effective date of 
AD 2021-06-03), accomplishment of the actions specified in Boeing 
Service Bulletin 777-38-0042 is prohibited.

(i) Retained Reporting Provisions, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2021-06-03, with no changes. Although Boeing MOM-MOM-21-0089-01B 
specifies to report inspection findings, this AD does not require 
any report.

(j) New Required Actions

    Except as specified by paragraph (k) of this AD: At the 
applicable times specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing 
Alert Requirements Bulletin 777-38A0048 RB, dated October 18, 2021, 
do all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 
777-38A0048 RB, dated October 18, 2021.

    Note 1 to paragraph (j): Guidance for accomplishing the actions 
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
777-38A0048, dated October 18, 2021, which is referred to in Boeing 
Alert Requirements Bulletin 777-38A0048 RB, dated October 18, 2021.

(k) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the 
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 777-
38A0048 RB, dated October 18, 2021, use the phrase ``the Original 
Issue date of Requirements Bulletin 777-38A0048 RB,'' this AD 
requires using ``the effective date of this AD.''

(l) Optional Action for Deactivation of Potable Water System

    Accomplishment of the installation of a shroud around the water 
supply line and gray water line at station (STA) 529 to STA 634 in 
the forward cargo compartment, and a shroud around the water return 
line at STA 550 to STA 620 in the forward cargo compartment, as 
specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 777-38A0047, dated March 30, 2021, terminates the potable 
water system deactivation required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
provided the conditions specified in paragraphs (l)(1) and (2) of 
this AD are met.
    (1) Repetitive inspections and applicable corrective actions are 
done at the applicable times specified in Table 1 and Table 2 of 
paragraph 1.E, ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-
38A0047, dated March 30, 2021, and in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-
38A0047, dated March 30, 2021.
    (2) The potable water system is deactivated in accordance with 
Boeing MOM-MOM-21-0089-01B, within 42 months after March 30, 2021 
(the issue date of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-38A0047, dated 
March 30, 2021).

(m) Terminating Action for Deactivation of Potable Water System

    Accomplishment of the required actions specified in the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 
777-38A0048 RB, dated October 18, 2021, terminates the potable water 
system deactivation required by paragraph (g) of this AD.

[[Page 73452]]

(n) 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 responsible Flight Standards 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 (o) 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 responsible Flight Standards 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 for AD 2021-06-03 are approved as AMOCs for 
the corresponding provisions of this AD.

(o) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Courtney Tuck, 
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, 
FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
phone and fax: 206-231-3986; email: [email protected].

(p) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
January 4, 2023.
    (i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-38A0047, dated March 30, 
2021.
    (ii) Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 777-38A0048 RB, dated 
October 18, 2021.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
March 5, 2021 (86 FR 12809, March 5, 2021).
    (i) Boeing Multi Operator Message MOM-MOM-21-0089-01B, dated 
February 26, 2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (5) 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; website myboeingfleet.com.
    (6) You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability 
of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
    (7) 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, email [email protected], or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on November 1, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-26080 Filed 11-29-22; 8:45 am]
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