[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 174 (Monday, September 9, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 72976-72981]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-20110]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2023-1879; Project Identifier AD-2023-00286-T;
Amendment 39-22794; AD 2024-15-03]
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) 2019-16-
05, which applied to all The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. AD
2019-16-05 required identifying the part number, and the serial number
if applicable, of the Captain's and First Officer's seats, and
applicable on-condition actions for affected seats. This AD was
prompted by reports of uncommanded fore/aft movement of the Captain's
and First Officer's seats. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2019-
16-05 and adds an inspection of previously omitted part numbers. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 15, 2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of October 15,
2024.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of
October 8, 2019 (84 FR 45895, September 3, 2019).
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under
Docket No. FAA-2023-1879; 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 Boeing material 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.
You may view this material 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-2023-1879.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Courtney Tuck, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 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 2019-16-05, Amendment 39-19708 (84 FR
45895, September 23, 2019) (AD 2019-16-05). AD 2019-16-05 applied to
all The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, -300ER, and 777F
series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
September 27, 2023 (88 FR 66310). The NPRM was prompted by reports of
uncommanded fore/aft movement of the Captain's and First Officer's
seats. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to continue to require the actions
of AD 2019-16-05 and add an inspection of previously omitted part
numbers. The FAA is issuing this AD to address uncommanded fore/aft
movement of the Captain's and First Officer's seats. Uncommanded fore/
aft 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.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received a comment from Boeing in support of the NPRM
without change.
The FAA received additional comments from American Airlines and an
individual commenter. The following
[[Page 72977]]
presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response.
Request for Credit for Previous Actions
American Airlines and an individual requested credit for the
accomplishment of actions required by the previous revision of the
service information if it can be shown through maintenance records that
the required actions have already been accomplished.
The FAA agrees that credit may be granted, under specific
conditions. Paragraph (j) of this AD has been added to identify these
conditions.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products. 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-
0607, Revision 2, dated January 27, 2023. The material describes
procedures for identification of the part number, and the serial number
if applicable, of the Captain's and First Officer's seats, and for
applicable on-condition actions for affected seats including 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.
The FAA also reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin
777-25-0619, Revision 2, dated January 27, 2023. This material
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
foreign object debris (FOD), overhauling the horizontal movement
system, and replacing the horizontal actuator. This material also
describes procedures for an optional terminating action for the
repetitive checks by installing a serviceable Captain's or First
Officer's seat.
This AD also requires Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin
777-25-0619, Revision 1, dated August 8, 2018, which the Director of
the Federal Register approved for incorporation by reference as of
October 8, 2019 (84 FR 45895, September 3, 2019).
This material 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 327 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions per Seat
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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Identification, seat (retained 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85.................................. $27,795.
actions from AD 2019-16-05). hour = $85.
Detailed inspection, horizontal 1 work-hour x $85 per 0 $85.................................. $27,795.
movement system (retained actions hour = $85.
from AD 2019-16-05).
Checks, horizontal movement system 2 work-hours x 85 per 0 $170 per check cycle................. $55,590 per check cycle.
(retained actions). hour = 170 per check
cycle.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any on-condition
actions that would be required. The FAA has 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 1 work-hour x $0............................. $85.
cable. $85 per hour =
$85.
Overhaul, horizontal movement 11 work-hours x Up to $5,824................... Up to $6,759.
system. $85 per hour =
$935.
Inspection of each seat's 1 work-hour x $0............................. $85.
fore/aft and vertical manual $85 per hour =
control levers. $85.
Installation of serviceable 1 work-hour x $0............................. $85.
seats. $85 per hour =
$85.
Clearing FOD................. 1 work-hour x $0............................. $85.
$85 per hour =
$85.
Replacement of the horizontal 1 work-hour x $7,937 per actuator............ $8,022 per actuator.
actuator. $85 per hour =
$85, per
actuator.
Functional test, adjusted 1 work-hour x $0............................. $85.
control lever cable. $85 per 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.
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 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
[[Page 72978]]
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) 2019-16-05, Amendment 39-19708
(84 FR 45895, September 3, 2019); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
2024-15-03 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-22794; Docket No. FAA-
2023-1879; Project Identifier AD-2023-00286-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 15, 2024.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2019-16-05, Amendment 39-19708 (84 FR 45895,
September 3, 2019) (AD 2019-16-05).
(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 fore/aft movement
of the Captain's and First Officer's seats. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address uncommanded fore/aft movement of the Captain's and
First Officer's seats. Uncommanded fore/aft 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
Except as specified in paragraphs (i) and (j) of this AD: At the
applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0607, Revision 2,
dated January 27, 2023, 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 2, dated January
27, 2023. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in
lieu of this inspection if the part number and serial number of the
Captain's and First Officer's seats can be conclusively determined
from that review.
(h) Detailed Inspection and Repetitive Checks of Horizontal Movement
System and On-Condition Actions
Except as specified in paragraphs (i) and (j) of this AD: At the
applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0619, Revision 2,
dated January 27, 2023, do all applicable actions identified as
``RC'' (required for compliance) in, and in accordance with, the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 777-25-0619, Revision 1, dated August 8, 2018, or Revision
2, dated January 27, 2023. As of the effective date of this AD, only
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0619, Revision 2,
dated January 27, 2023, may be used. Actions identified as
terminating action in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-
25-0619, Revision 1, dated August 8, 2018, or Revision 2, dated
January 27, 2023, terminate the applicable required actions of this
AD, provided the terminating action is done in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 777-25-0619, Revision 1, dated August 8, 2018, or Revision
2, dated January 27, 2023.
(i) Exceptions to Service Bulletin Specifications
(1) Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0619,
Revision 2, dated January 27, 2023, uses the phrase ``the Original
issue date of this service bulletin,'' this AD requires replacing
those words with ``October 8, 2019 (the effective date of AD 2019-
16-05).''
(2) Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0607,
Revision 2, dated January 27, 2023, specifies compliance for certain
actions ``within 72 months after the Original Issue date of this
service bulletin,'' this AD requires replacing those words with
``within 36 months after October 8, 2019 (the effective date of AD
2019-16-05).''
(3) Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0607,
Revision 2, dated January 27, 2023, specifies compliance for certain
actions ``within 36 months after the Revision 2 date of this service
bulletin,'' this AD requires compliance within 36 months after the
effective date of this AD.
(j) Acceptable Conditions for Compliance
If the airplane records show that an Ipeco Captain's or First
Officer's seat meets any condition in figure 1 to paragraph (j) of
this AD, the actions specified in this AD are not required for that
seat.
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Figure 1 to Paragraph (j)--Alternative Acceptable Seats
[[Page 72979]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR09SE24.002
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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR09SE24.003
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(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, AIR-520, Continued Operational Safety 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
(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 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, AIR-
520, Continued Operational Safety 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 2019-16-05 are approved as AMOCs for
the corresponding provisions of this AD.
(5) For material that contains steps that are labeled as
Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (k)(5)(i)
and (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 Courtney Tuck,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA
98198; phone: 206-231-3986; email: [email protected].
(2) Material identified in this AD that is not incorporated by
reference is available at the address specified in paragraph (m)(5)
of this AD.
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following material was approved for IBR on October 15,
2024.
(i) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0607,
Revision 2, dated January 27, 2023.
(ii) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0619,
Revision 2, dated January 27, 2023.
(4) The following material was approved for IBR on October 8,
2019 (84 FR 45895, September 3, 2019).
(i) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0619,
Revision 1, dated August 8, 2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(5) For Boeing material 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 material 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 material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA,
[[Page 72981]]
visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email
[email protected].
Issued on August 23, 2024.
Suzanne Masterson,
Deputy Director, Integrated Certificate Management Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-20110 Filed 9-6-24; 8:45 am]
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