Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777-200 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 15 (Friday, January 23, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 3458-3459]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-1543]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-335-AD; Amendment 39-10288; AD 98-02-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777-200 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to certain Boeing Model 777-200 series airplanes. This 
action requires repetitive visual inspections to determine the presence 
and condition of the nut and cotter pin of the lock link mechanism on 
the side struts and drag struts on the main landing gear (MLG); and 
corrective action, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by reports 
of missing or damaged components on the lock link mechanism. The 
actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent failure of the 
lock link mechanism to lock the MLG in the down position, and 
consequent collapse of the MLG during ground operation.

DATES: Effective February 9, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of February 9, 1998.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before March 24, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-335-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 
98124-2207. This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at 
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., 
suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stan Wood, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-
2772; fax (425) 227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Boeing has advised the FAA of the recent 
discovery of discrepancies of the lock link mechanism on the side 
struts and drag struts on the main landing gear (MLG) on several Model 
777-200 series airplanes. The discrepancies included missing cotter 
pins, a missing cotter pin and nut with the bolt migrating out of the 
joint, and a cotter pin migrating from the bolt end through the nut. 
Such discrepancies, if not corrected, could result in failure of the 
lock link mechanism to lock the MLG in the down position, and 
consequent collapse of the MLG during ground operation.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
777-32A0015, dated September 4, 1997, which describes procedures for 
repetitive visual inspections to determine the presence and condition 
of the nut and cotter pin of the lock link mechanism on the side struts 
and drag struts on the left- and right-hand MLG. The alert service 
bulletin also describes procedures for corrective action for missing or 
damaged parts.

Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other Boeing Model 777-200 series airplanes of the 
same type design, this AD requires accomplishment of the actions 
specified in the alert service bulletin described previously.

Interim Action

    This is considered to be interim action until final action is 
identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by 
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. 
Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted 
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 97-NM-335-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory 
action'' under Executive

[[Page 3459]]

Order 12866. It has been determined further that this action involves 
an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures 
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined that this 
emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will 
be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, 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

    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

    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]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

98-02-06 Boeing: Amendment 39-10288. Docket 97-NM-335-AD.

    Applicability: Model 777-200 series airplanes, line positions 1 
through 40 inclusive, certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent failure of the lock link mechanism to lock the main 
landing gear (MLG) in the down position, and consequent collapse of 
the MLG during ground operation, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a visual inspection to determine the presence and condition of the 
cotter pin and nut of the lock link mechanism on the side struts and 
drag struts on the left- and right-hand MLG, in accordance with 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-32A0015, dated September 4, 1997. 
If any discrepancy is found, prior to further flight, correct the 
discrepancy in accordance with the service bulletin. Repeat the 
inspection therafter at intervals not to exceed 75 days or 400 
flight cycles, whichever occurs first.
    (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall 
submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Seattle ACO.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Seattle ACO.

    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 777-32A0015, dated September 4, 1997. 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 Airplane Group, 
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 Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on February 9, 1998.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 15, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-1543 Filed 1-22-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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