Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 194 (Tuesday, October 7, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60331-60334]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-23545]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0654; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-071-AD; 
Amendment 39-17983; AD 2014-20-10]
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: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-11-14 for 
certain The Boeing Company Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes. AD 
2013-11-14 required repetitive general visual inspections of the strut 
forward dry bay for the presence of hydraulic fluid, and related 
investigative and corrective actions (including checking drain lines 
for blockage due to hydraulic fluid coking, and cleaning or replacing 
drain lines to allow drainage) if necessary. This AD adds airplanes to 
the applicability. This AD was prompted by reports of hydraulic fluid 
contamination (including contamination caused by hydraulic fluid in its 
liquid, vapor, and/or solid (coked) form) found in the strut forward 
dry bay. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct hydraulic fluid 
contamination of the strut forward dry bay, which could result in 
hydrogen embrittlement of the titanium forward engine mount bulkhead 
fittings, and consequent inability of the fittings to carry engine 
loads, resulting in engine separation. Hydrogen embrittlement also 
could cause a through-crack formation across the fittings through which 
an engine fire could breach into the strut, resulting in an uncontained 
strut fire.

DATES: This AD is effective October 22, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 22, 
2014.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by November 21, 2014.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
    <bullet> 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.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing 
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P. O. Box 
3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-5000, 
extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. 
You may view the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

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-2014-
0654; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the Docket Office (phone: 
800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available 
in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer,

[[Page 60332]]

Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone: 425-
917-6501; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On May 24, 2013, we issued AD 2013-11-14, Amendment 39-17474 (78 FR 
35749, June 14, 2013), for certain The Boeing Company Model 777-200 and 
-300 series airplanes. AD 2013-11-14 required repetitive general visual 
inspections of the strut forward dry bay for the presence of hydraulic 
fluid, and related investigative and corrective actions (including 
checking drain lines for blockage due to hydraulic fluid coking, and 
cleaning or replacing drain lines to allow drainage) if necessary. AD 
2013-11-14 resulted from reports of hydraulic fluid contamination 
(including contamination caused by hydraulic fluid in its liquid, 
vapor, and/or solid (coked) form) found in the strut forward dry bay. 
We issued AD 2013-11-14 to detect and correct hydraulic fluid 
contamination of the strut forward dry bay, which could result in 
hydrogen embrittlement of the titanium forward engine mount bulkhead 
fittings, and consequent inability of the fittings to carry engine 
loads, resulting in engine separation. Hydrogen embrittlement also 
could cause a through-crack formation across the fittings through which 
an engine fire could breach into the strut, resulting in an uncontained 
strut fire.

Actions Since AD 2013-11-14, Amendment 39-17474 (78 FR 35749, June 14, 
2013) was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2013-11-14, Amendment 39-17474 (78 FR 35749, 
June 14, 2013), we have received reports that a production change 
installed on certain airplanes that would have eliminated the need for 
the inspections required by AD 2013-11-14 could not be installed; 
therefore, the inspection of these airplanes is now necessary. We are 
issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-54-0028, 
Revision 1, dated December 10, 2013. For information on the procedures 
and compliance times, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. FAA-2014-0654.

FAA's Determination

    We are 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 
2013-11-14, Amendment 39-17474 (78 FR 35749, June 14, 2013), this AD 
retains all of the requirements of AD 2013-11-14. Those requirements 
are referenced in the service information identified previously, which, 
in turn, is referenced in paragraph (g) of this AD. This AD continues 
to require repetitive general visual inspections of the strut forward 
dry bay for the presence of hydraulic fluid, and related investigative 
and corrective actions (including checking drain lines for blockage due 
to hydraulic fluid coking, and cleaning or replacing drain lines to 
allow drainage) if necessary, except as discussed under ``Differences 
Between this AD and the Service Information.'' This AD also adds 
airplanes to the applicability.
    The phrase ``related investigative actions'' is used in this AD. 
``Related investigative actions'' are follow-on actions that (1) are 
related to the primary actions, and (2) further investigate the nature 
of any condition found. Related investigative actions in an AD could 
include, for example, inspections.
    The phrase ``corrective actions'' is used in this AD. ``Corrective 
actions'' are actions that correct or address any condition found. 
Corrective actions in an AD could include, for example, repairs.

Differences Between this AD and the Service Information

    Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-54-0028, Revision 1, 
dated December 10, 2013, specifies to contact the manufacturer for 
instructions on how to repair certain conditions, but this AD would 
require repairing those conditions in one of the following ways:
    <bullet> In accordance with a method that we approve; or
    <bullet> Using data that meet the certification basis of the 
airplane, and that have been approved by the Boeing Commercial 
Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) whom we have 
authorized to make those findings.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    Since the airplanes added to the applicability are not on the U.S. 
Register, notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this 
AD are unnecessary. Therefore, we find that notice and opportunity for 
prior public comment are unnecessary and 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 we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to 
provide your comments before it becomes effective. However, we invite 
you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send 
your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include 
the docket number FAA-2014-0654 and directorate identifier 2014-NM-071-
AD at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments 
on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects 
of this AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date 
and may amend this AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 54 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection per inspection cycle..  5 work-hours x $85             $0  $425 per inspection   $22,950 per
                                    per hour = $425 per                cycle.                inspection cycle.
                                    inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 60333]]

    Since none of the newly added airplanes is on the U.S. Register, 
the requirements of this AD add no additional economic burden.
    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary actions that 
would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no 
way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these 
actions:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detailed inspection...........................  16 work-hours x $85 per hour =                $0          $1,360
                                                 $1,360.
Check drain lines (including cleaning or        5 work-hours x $85 per hour =                 $0            $425
 replacing).                                     $425.
Detailed inspection and high frequency eddy     16 work-hours x $85 per hour =                $0          $1,360
 current inspection.                             $1,360.
Clean and restore sealant, primer, and          5 work-hours x $85 per hour =                 $0            $425
 leveling compound.                              $425.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
a cost estimate for the on-condition repair specified in this AD.
    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be 
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected 
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all 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.
    We are 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) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2013-11-14, Amendment 39-17474 (78 FR 35749, June 14, 2013), and adding 
the following new AD:

2014-20-10 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-17983; Docket No. FAA-
2014-0654; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-071-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective October 22, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2013-11-14, Amendment 39-17474 (78 FR 35749, 
June 14, 2013).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200 and -300 
series airplanes, certificated in any category, equipped with Pratt 
& Whitney PW4000 series engines.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 54, Nacelles/
pylons.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of hydraulic fluid contamination 
(including contamination caused by hydraulic fluid in its liquid, 
vapor, and/or solid (coked) form) found in the strut forward dry 
bay. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct hydraulic fluid 
contamination of the strut forward dry bay, which could result in 
hydrogen embrittlement of the titanium forward engine mount bulkhead 
fittings, and consequent inability of the fittings to carry engine 
loads, resulting in engine separation. Hydrogen embrittlement also 
could cause a through-crack formation across the fittings through 
which an engine fire could breach into the strut, resulting in an 
uncontained strut fire.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection

    At the applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-54-
0028, Revision 1, dated December 10, 2013, except as required by 
paragraph (h)(1) of this AD: Do a general visual inspection for 
hydraulic fluid contamination (including contamination caused by 
hydraulic fluid in its liquid, vapor, and/or solid (coked) form) of 
the interior of the strut forward dry bay, and do all applicable 
related investigative and corrective actions (including checking 
drain lines for blockage due to hydraulic fluid coking, and cleaning 
or replacing drain lines to allow drainage, as applicable), in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 777-54-0028, Revision 1, dated December 
10, 2013, except as required by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD. Repeat 
the inspection thereafter at the times specified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-54-
0028, Revision 1, dated December 10, 2013. Do all applicable related 
investigative and corrective actions at the times specified in 
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 777-54-0028, Revision 1, dated December 10, 2013.

[[Page 60334]]

(h) Exceptions to the Service Information

    (1) Where the Compliance Time column of paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-54-
0028, Revision 1, dated December 10, 2013, refers to the compliance 
time ``after the Revision 1 date of this service bulletin,'' this AD 
requires compliance after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-54-0028, 
Revision 1, dated December 10, 2013, specifies to contact Boeing for 
repair: At the applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-54-
0028, Revision 1, dated December 10, 2013, repair, using a method 
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph 
(j) of this AD.

(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 Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 777-54-0028, dated May 25, 2012.

 (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
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 ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (k) 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 required by this AD if it is approved by the 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization 
(ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make 
those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must 
meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must 
specifically refer to this AD.
    (4) AMOCs approved for AD 2013-11-14, Amendment 39-17474 (78 FR 
35749, June 14, 2013), are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding 
provisions of this AD.

(k) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Kevin Nguyen, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 
98057-3356; telephone: 425-917-6501; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
[email protected].

(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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
October 22, 2014.
    (i) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-54-0028, 
Revision 1, dated December 10, 2013.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (4) For Boeing service information identified in this AD, 
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services 
Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; 
telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet 
https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (5) You may view the referenced service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 425-227-1221.
    (6) 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 Renton, Washington, on September 23, 2014.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager. Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-23545 Filed 10-6-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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