Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 127 (Wednesday, July 5, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30953-30955]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-13757]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9384; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-154-AD; 
Amendment 39-18944; AD 2017-13-14]
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 777-300ER series airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by a report that certain galley tripod mount assemblies were 
not connected to the tie rods in the overhead support structure. This 
AD requires an inspection of certain galleys for the presence of the 
hardware that connects the tripod mount assembly to the tie rods in the 
overhead support structure, and corrective actions if necessary. We are 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective August 9, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 9, 
2017.

ADDRESSES: 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; telephone 562-797-1717; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. 
You may view this 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. It 
is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-9384.

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-2016-
9384; 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: Allison Buss, 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: 425-917-6495; fax: 425-917-6590; 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 777-300ER series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on November 17, 2016 (81 FR 81021) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM 
was prompted by a report that the T53 and T52 tie rods to the tripod 
mount assembly in the A2 and A3 galleys were found unattached during a 
routine production inspection of certain airplanes before delivery. The 
NPRM proposed to require an inspection of A2 and A3 galleys for the 
presence of the hardware that connects the tripod mount assembly to the 
tie rods in the overhead support structure, and corrective actions if 
necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct an unconnected 
galley tripod mount assembly to the tie rods in the overhead support 
structure, which can cause a galley to come loose under a high dynamic 
load, causing a risk of serious injury to passengers and the blocking 
of evacuation routes.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments

[[Page 30954]]

received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Clarify the Inspection Type

    Boeing, Air New-Zealand (ANZ), and American Airlines (AA) requested 
that we clarify whether the required inspection type is general visual 
or detailed. The commenters noted that Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
777-25A0677, dated April 25, 2016, requires a general visual 
inspection, while the proposed AD would require a detailed inspection. 
ANZ inquired whether the detailed inspection was an additional 
requirement or a terminology correction. Boeing requested that we 
remove the detailed inspection description in paragraph (h) of the 
proposed AD and replace it with a description of a general visual 
inspection.
    We agree to clarify the inspection type required by this AD. A 
general visual inspection is intended to detect obvious irregularities; 
in this case, the irregularity to be detected--a missing pin or bolt 
assembly that connects the tripod mount assembly to the applicable tie 
rod--may not be obvious. A detailed inspection is therefore most 
appropriate for this situation. We have not changed this AD in this 
regard.

Request To Allow an Alternative Part

    AA requested that the proposed AD allow the use of a specific 
alternative washer. AA provided no justification for this request.
    We infer that AA considers the use of alternative parts prohibited. 
To clarify, substitutions are allowed under paragraph 3.A., Note 4., of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-
25A0677, dated April 25, 2016. Therefore, we have not changed this AD 
in this regard.

Request To Add a Corrective Action

    AA requested that Boeing update Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-
25A0677, dated April 25, 2016, to add a corrective action if the 
hardware is missing. AA stated that the service information specifies 
to confirm the presence or absence of hardware, but gives no corrective 
action if the hardware is missing.
    We do not control service bulletin changes, and we also disagree 
with AA's characterization of the required actions. The service 
information specifies inspecting to ``make sure the hardware (i.e., pin 
assembly or bolt assembly) that connects the tripod mount assembly to 
the T53 tie rod is installed.'' While investigating this issue, Boeing 
found that the hardware was present, but not installed. Boeing has 
confirmed that the service information does not need to include 
corrective actions to address missing hardware. The hardware should be 
present. If it is not, operators should install the correct hardware. 
We have not changed this AD in this regard.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD as proposed, except for minor editorial changes. We have 
determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-25A0677, dated April 
25, 2016. The service information describes procedures for doing an 
inspection of the area above the A2 and A3 galleys to make sure the 
hardware (i.e., pin assembly or bolt assembly) that connects the tripod 
mount assembly to the applicable T53 and T52 tie rods is installed, and 
corrective actions. 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 the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 4 airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection............................  1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0             $85            $340
                                         hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions 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 available 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.

[[Page 30955]]

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):

2017-13-14 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18944; Docket No. FAA-
2016-9384; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-154-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective August 9, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-300ER series 
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 777-25A0677, dated April 25, 2016.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
furnishings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report that certain galley tripod 
mount assemblies were not attached to the tie rods in the overhead 
support structure. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct an 
unconnected galley tripod mount assembly to the tie rods in the 
overhead support structure, which can cause a galley to come loose 
under a high dynamic load, causing a risk of serious injury to 
passengers and the blocking of evacuation routes.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection and Corrective Actions

    Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a 
detailed inspection of the area above the A2 and A3 galleys to make 
sure the hardware (i.e., pin assembly or bolt assembly) that 
connects the tripod mount assembly to the applicable T53 and T52 tie 
rods is installed, and do all applicable corrective actions, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 777-25A0677, dated April 25, 2016. Do all 
applicable corrective actions before further flight.

(h) Definition of Detailed Inspection

    For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is an 
intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly 
to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is 
normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an 
intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror, 
magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and 
elaborate procedures may be required.

(i) 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 (j) 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, modification, or alteration 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. 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) For service information that contains steps that are labeled 
as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs 
(i)(4)(i) and (i)(4)(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.

(j) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Allison Buss, 
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, 
ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; phone: 425-917-6495; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
[email protected].

(k) 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 Alert Service Bulletin 777-25A0677, dated April 25, 
2016.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) 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; 
telephone 562-797-1717; 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, Washington, on June 22, 2017.
John P. Piccola, Jr.,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-13757 Filed 7-3-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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