Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777-200 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 116 (Thursday, June 17, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33837-33839]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-13497]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NM-50-AD; Amendment 39-13675; AD 2004-12-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777-200 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Boeing Model 777-200 series airplanes, that 
requires a one-time general visual inspection of wire bundles routed 
aft of electrical disconnect panel AC2162 to determine their 
installation and separation, and corrective actions, if necessary. This 
action is necessary to prevent damage to the stabilizer cutout circuit 
wires in the bundles due to contact between the bundles and the 
adjacent galley water drain tube and hydraulic tubes, which, if 
followed by an active fault in the stabilizer command circuit, could 
result in undesired stabilizer motion that cannot be stopped, and could 
lead to loss of pitch control and loss of control of the airplane. This 
action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective July 22, 2004.
    The incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of July 22, 2004.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, 
Washington 98124-2207. This information may be examined at the Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules 
Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Binh Tran, Aerospace Engineer, Systems 
and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone 
(425) 917-6485; fax (425) 917-6590.

[[Page 33838]]


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Boeing Model 777-200 
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on November 25, 
2003 (68 FR 66030). That action proposed to require a one-time general 
visual inspection of wire bundles routed aft of electrical disconnect 
panel AC2162 to determine their installation and separation, and 
corrective actions, if necessary.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the one comment received.

Request To Reduce Compliance Time

    One commenter requests that the compliance time of 18 months for 
accomplishing the proposed AD be reduced because of the severity of 
undesired stabilizer motion and the loss of pitch control of the 
airplane. The commenter does not suggest a new compliance time.
    The FAA does not agree. In developing an appropriate compliance 
time, we considered the safety implications and normal maintenance 
schedules for timely accomplishment of the actions. In consideration of 
these factors, we determined that the compliance time, as proposed, 
represents an appropriate interval in which the actions can be 
accomplished, while still maintaining an adequate level of safety. 
However, if additional data are presented that would justify a shorter 
compliance time, we may consider further rulemaking on this issue. No 
change is made to the final rule in this regard.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comment 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 64 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 17 airplanes of U.S. registry 
will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 1 work 
hour per airplane to accomplish the required general visual inspection, 
and that the average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Based on these 
figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$1,105, or $65 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD 
action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed 
in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform 
the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures 
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to 
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other 
administrative actions. Manufacturer warranty remedies may be available 
for labor costs associated with this AD. As a result, the costs 
attributable to the AD may be less than stated above.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2004-12-15 Boeing: Amendment 39-13675. Docket 2003-NM-50-AD.

    Applicability: Model 777-200 series airplanes, as listed in 
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-27-0057, dated August 22, 2002; 
certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent damage to the stabilizer cutout circuit wires in the 
bundles due to contact between the bundles and the adjacent galley 
water drain tube and hydraulic tubes, which, if followed by an 
active fault in the stabilizer command circuit, could result in 
undesired stabilizer motion that cannot be stopped, and could lead 
to loss of pitch control and loss of control of the airplane; 
accomplish the following:

Service Bulletin References

    (a) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-27-0057, 
dated August 22, 2002.

Inspection

    (b) Within 18 months of the effective date of this AD, perform a 
one-time general visual inspection of the wire bundles that route 
aft of electrical disconnect panel AC2162 to determine their 
installation and separation, in accordance with the service 
bulletin.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is defined as: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior 
area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, 
or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within 
touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be 
necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the 
inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally 
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, 
flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of 
access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be 
required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''

    (c) If wire bundles are installed in accordance with the service 
bulletin, no further action is required by this AD.

Corrective Action

    (d) If any wire bundle is not installed in accordance with the 
service bulletin: Before further flight, perform the actions 
specified in paragraphs (d)(1) and (d)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Perform a detailed inspection of the wire bundle for damage, 
and repair all damage, in accordance with the service bulletin.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is 
defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific 
structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, 
failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally 
supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity 
deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror,

[[Page 33839]]

magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate 
access procedures may be required.''

    (2) Add clamps or tie strips to secure the wire bundles in 
accordance with the service bulletin.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (e) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, is authorized to approve 
alternative methods of compliance for this AD.

Incorporation by Reference

    (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Service 
Bulletin 777-27-0057, dated August 22, 2002. This incorporation by 
reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be 
obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, 
Washington 98124-2207. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 
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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

Effective Date

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on July 22, 2004.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 7, 2004.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-13497 Filed 6-16-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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