Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 239 (Friday, December 12, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 73805-73808]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-28916]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0053; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-174-AD; 
Amendment 39-18047; AD 2014-25-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports 
of corroded, migrated, or broken spring pins of the girt bar floor 
fitting; in one case the broken pins prevented a door escape slide from 
deploying during a maintenance test. This AD requires replacing the 
existing spring pins at each passenger entry door at both girt bar 
floor fittings with new spring pins. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
broken or migrated spring pins of the girt bar floor fittings, which 
could result in improper deployment of the escape slide/raft and 
consequent delay and injury during evacuation of passengers and crew 
from the cabin in the event of an emergency.

DATES: This AD is effective January 16, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 16, 
2015.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing

[[Page 73806]]

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 this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. 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-
0053; 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 address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket Management Facility, 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: Ana Martinez Hueto, Aerospace 
Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, 
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6592; fax: 425-917-6591; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing Company 
Model 777 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
February 6, 2014 (79 FR 7103). The NPRM was prompted by reports of 
corroded, migrated, or broken spring pins of the girt bar floor 
fitting; in one case the broken pins prevented a door escape slide from 
deploying during a maintenance test. The NPRM proposed to require 
replacing the existing spring pins at each passenger entry door at both 
girt bar floor fittings with new spring pins. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent broken or migrated spring pins of the girt bar floor fittings, 
which could result in improper deployment of the escape slide/raft and 
consequent delay and injury during evacuation of passengers and crew 
from the cabin in the event of an emergency.

Revised Service Information

    Since publication of the NPRM (79 FR 7103, February 6, 2014), 
Boeing has issued Service Bulletin 777-52A0050, Revision 1, dated 
August 7, 2014. That revision states that no more work is necessary on 
airplanes changed in accordance with the original issue (Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 777-52A0050, dated June 18, 2013), which was specified 
as the appropriate source of service information in the NPRM.
    We have changed paragraphs (c) and (g) of this AD to specify Boeing 
Service Bulletin 777-52A0050, Revision 1, dated August 7, 2014; added a 
new paragraph (h) to this AD to give credit for actions done before the 
effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-
52A0050, dated June 18, 2013; and redesignated subsequent paragraphs 
accordingly.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM (79 
FR 7103, February 6, 2014) and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Change Compliance Time

    Boeing asked that we change the compliance time in paragraph (g) of 
the NPRM (79 FR 7103, February 6, 2014) from 36 months to 1,175 days. 
Boeing stated that 1,175 days (3 years, 80 days) is consistent with the 
compliance time specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-52A0050, 
dated June 18, 2013. Boeing noted that this compliance time encompasses 
the 777 maintenance planning document C-check inspection interval of 
1,125 days (3 years, 30 days) for structural items. Boeing added that 
this change is not significant.
    American Airlines (AA) asked that we change the compliance time to 
match the Maintenance Review Board (MRB) limit of 1,125 days, which 
would allow AA's maintenance to be scheduled at regular maintenance 
visits without any undue burden on current flight schedules.
    We agree with changing the compliance time to coincide with regular 
maintenance inspection intervals. However, instead of specifying 1,175 
days, we worked in conjunction with Boeing to determine that a 37-month 
compliance time is appropriate. We have changed paragraph (g) of this 
AD accordingly.

Request To Limit Parts Installation Prohibition

    Delta Airlines (Delta) asked that we revise paragraph (h) of the 
NPRM (79 FR 7103, February 6, 2014), which is paragraph (i) of this AD, 
to prohibit installation of the specified spring pins only in the 
locations being addressed by this AD. Delta stated that this 
clarification would allow the use of part number (P/N) MS39086-261 or 
P/N MS16562-252 in locations not subject to the actions in the NPRM. 
Delta added that the proposed language would prevent the use of these 
pins anywhere on the applicable Model 777 airplanes.
    We agree to specify the location on the airplane where installation 
of the spring pins is prohibited. We have changed paragraph (i) of this 
AD accordingly.

Request To Revise Parts Installation Prohibition to Pertain to 
Unmodified Airplanes Only

    AA asked that we prohibit installation of spring pins only on 
airplanes modified in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 777-
52A0050, Revision 1, dated August 7, 2014, and allow installation of 
the spring pins on unmodified airplanes. AA added that the Boeing Model 
777 Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) currently identifies spring pins 
having P/N MS16562-252 as valid parts for installation on unmodified 
airplanes. AA added that, since the analysis of broken spring pins has 
shown that they have failed due to stress corrosion, it should be 
acceptable to install a new pin in an unmodified airplane because the 
airplane will be modified within a set amount of time.
    We do not agree to allow installation of the spring pins having 
part number MS39086-261 or MS16562-252 on unmodified airplanes. In 
general, once we have determined that an unsafe condition exists, we do 
not allow that condition to be introduced into the fleet. In developing 
the technical information on which every AD is based, we consider the 
availability of replacement parts that the AD will require to be 
installed. Since we have determined that replacement parts are 
available to operators, this AD prohibits installation of the unsafe 
parts. We have not changed this AD in this regard.

Request To Define Configuration/Parts Control

    Singapore Airlines asked for an explanation of how Boeing ensures 
that the affected spring pins are not delivered to operators since the 
girt bar assembly includes the spring pins.
    FedEx asked that we revise the NPRM (79 FR 7103, February 6, 2014) 
either to specifically state that no reidentification of the floor 
fitting assemblies is required, or to provide a specific 
reidentification process. FedEx Express also asked that the issue of 
parts

[[Page 73807]]

identification as specified in the referenced service information 
(Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-52A0050, dated June 18, 2013), be 
resolved. FedEx noted ``a vague requirement'' to identify 
accomplishment of the service bulletin on the part but there are no 
specific instructions. FedEx stated this could result in the part being 
inadvertently returned to a pre-modification condition. FedEx 
recognized that ensuring compliance lies in the control of the spring 
pins, not the floor fitting assemblies. FedEx stated that there is no 
value added by identifying the part after the change is made because 
Boeing did not provide a step in the Work Instructions with a location 
to apply this identification.
    We acknowledge the commenter's concerns. Since issuance of the NPRM 
(79 FR 7103, February 6, 2014), Boeing has updated its IPC and Boeing 
Service Bulletin 777-52A0050, Revision 1, dated August 7, 2014, to 
clarify appropriate parts installation. In addition, Boeing Service 
Bulletin 777-52A0050, Revision 1, dated August 7, 2014, includes Work 
Instructions for applying the part identification. We have not changed 
this AD in this regard.

Concern Regarding Parts Availability

    FedEx expressed concern about the ability of operators to obtain 
the required parts since Boeing currently restricts the part's 
availability. FedEx noted that it has an adequate supply.
    We consider the compliance times in this AD to be adequate to allow 
operators to acquire parts to have on hand for replacing the affected 
spring pins. Therefore, we have determined that, due to the safety 
implications and consequences associated with corroded, migrated, or 
broken spring pins, the existing pins must be replaced within 37 months 
after the effective date of this AD. We have not changed this AD 
regarding this issue.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the changes described previously, except for minor 
editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (79 FR 7103, February 6, 2014) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 7103, February 6, 2014).
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 189 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement...................  Up to 40 work-hours x              $0   Up to $3,400....  Up to $642,600.
                                 $85 per hour = Up to
                                 $3,400.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2014-25-05 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18047 ; Docket No. FAA-
2014-0053; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-174-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective January 16, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(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 Service Bulletin 777-52A0050, 
Revision 1, dated August 7, 2014.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.

[[Page 73808]]

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of corroded, migrated, or broken 
spring pins of the girt bar floor fitting; in one case the broken 
pins prevented a door escape slide from deploying during a 
maintenance test. We are issuing this AD to prevent broken or 
migrated spring pins of the girt bar floor fittings, which could 
result in improper deployment of the escape slide/raft and 
consequent delay and injury during evacuation of passengers and crew 
from the cabin in the event of an emergency.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Spring Pin Replacement

    Within 37 months after the effective date of this AD: Replace 
the spring pin at both girt bar floor fittings at each passenger 
entry door with a new spring pin, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-52A0050, 
Revision 1, dated August 7, 2014.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the action specified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if that action was performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-
52A0050, dated June 18, 2013, which is not incorporated by reference 
in this AD.

(i) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
spring pin having part number MS39086-261 or MS16562-252 at a girt 
bar floor fitting at a passenger entry door on any airplane.

(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)(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 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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Ana Martinez 
Hueto, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems 
Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6592; 
fax: 425-917-6591; email: [email protected].
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses in 
paragraphs (l)(3) and (l)(4) of this AD.

(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 Service Bulletin 777-52A0050, Revision 1, dated 
August 7, 2014.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) 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.
    (4) You may view this 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.
    (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 Renton, WA, on November 28, 2014.
John P. Piccola, Jr.,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-28916 Filed 12-11-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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