98-32360. Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737, 747, 757, 767, and 777 Series Airplanes  

  • [Federal Register Volume 63, Number 237 (Thursday, December 10, 1998)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 68165-68167]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 98-32360]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    
    Federal Aviation Administration
    
    14 CFR Part 39
    
    [Docket No. 98-NM-263-AD; Amendment 39-10930; AD 98-13-12 R1]
    RIN 2120-AA64
    
    
    Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737, 747, 757, 767, and 
    777 Series Airplanes
    
    AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
    
    ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
    
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    SUMMARY: This amendment revises an existing airworthiness directive 
    (AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 737, 747, 757, 767, and 777 
    series airplanes, that currently requires a one-time inspection to 
    detect discrepancies of the fasteners that connect the pushrods to the 
    rudder pedal assemblies; and corrective actions, if necessary. That AD 
    was prompted by reports of loose and missing fasteners due to incorrect 
    installation. The actions specified by that AD are intended to prevent 
    loss of rudder control, jamming of the rudder system, uncommanded 
    movement of the rudder system, and consequent reduced controllability 
    of the airplane, due to loose or missing fasteners that connect the 
    pushrods to the rudder pedal assemblies. This amendment clarifies 
    certain procedures for the required inspection and expands the 
    applicability to include additional airplanes, which are not currently 
    on the U.S. Register.
    
    DATES: Effective December 28, 1998.
        The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
    the regulations, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
    of December 28, 1998.
        The incorporation by reference of certain other publications was 
    approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of July 
    6, 1998 (63 FR 33246, June 18, 1998).
        Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
    before February 8, 1999.
    
    ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
    Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
    Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-263-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 Federal Aviation 
    Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 
    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: R.C. Jones, Aerospace Engineer, 
    Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Transport Airplane 
    Directorate, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, 
    SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-1118; fax (425) 
    227-1181.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June 11, 1998, the FAA issued AD 98-13-
    12, amendment 39-10600 (63 FR 33246, June 18, 1998), applicable to 
    certain Boeing Model 737, 747, 757, 767, and 777 series airplanes. That 
    AD requires a one-time inspection to detect discrepancies of the 
    fasteners that connect the pushrods to the rudder pedal assemblies; and 
    corrective actions, if necessary. That action was prompted by reports 
    of loose and missing fasteners due to incorrect installation. The 
    requirements of that AD are intended to prevent loss of rudder control, 
    jamming of the rudder system, uncommanded movement of the rudder 
    system, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, due to 
    loose or missing fasteners that connect the pushrods to the rudder 
    pedal assemblies.
    
    Actions Since Issuance of the AD
    
        Since the issuance of that AD, the FAA has become aware that 
    paragraph (a) of the rule misidentifies the area to be inspected. 
    Currently, that AD specifies that operators are to inspect the 
    fasteners that connect the ``forward'' ends of the pushrods to the 
    rudder pedal assemblies. However, the FAA intended to omit any 
    reference to either the forward ends or the rear ends of the pushrods. 
    (For certain models, the forward end of the pushrod is the subject 
    inspection area; for other models, the rear end of the pushrod is the 
    subject inspection area.) Therefore, the FAA has revised paragraph (a) 
    of the rule to identify ``the ends'' of the pushrods as the appropriate 
    area for the required inspection.
    
    New Service Information
    
        The FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
    747-27A2368, Revision 1, dated May 7, 1998, and Revision 2, dated May 
    28, 1998 (for Boeing Model 747 series airplanes). Revision 1 adds part 
    numbers and respective torque value specifications for the nuts for the 
    rudder pedal pushrods; these specifications had been inadvertently 
    omitted from the original version of that alert service bulletin. 
    Revision 2 identifies three Model 747 series airplanes that had been 
    incorrectly omitted from the effectivity listing in Boeing Alert 
    Service Bulletin 747-27A2368, dated March 26, 1998 (which is cited in 
    the existing AD as the appropriate source of service information for 
    affected Model 747 series airplanes). The inspection procedures 
    described in Revisions 1 and 2 are identical to those described in the 
    original version of the alert service bulletin. The only change made by
    
    [[Page 68166]]
    
    Revision 1 is to add specifications for certain parts. The only change 
    made by Revision 2 is to expand the effectivity to include additional 
    airplanes.
        In addition, the FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Alert Service 
    Bulletin 777-27A0029, Revision 1, dated October 1, 1998 (for Model 777 
    series airplanes), which deletes a reference to the Boeing Standard 
    Overhaul Practices Manual. The torque range in the manual was higher 
    than required for the nut in this application; however, the low-end 
    torque specified in that alert service bulletin has not changed. 
    Revision 1 also expands the effectivity to include additional 
    airplanes.
    
    Explanation of Requirements of the Rule
    
        Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
    exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design, this AD is 
    being issued to prevent loss of rudder control, jamming of the rudder 
    system, uncommanded movement of the rudder system, and consequent 
    reduced controllability of the airplane, due to loose or missing 
    fasteners that connect the pushrods to the rudder pedal assemblies. 
    This AD revises AD 98-13-12 to continue to require a one-time 
    inspection to detect discrepancies of the fasteners that connect the 
    pushrods to the rudder pedal assemblies; and corrective actions, if 
    necessary. In addition, this action clarifies the inspection procedures 
    and expands the applicability to include additional airplanes, which 
    are not currently on the U.S. Register. The actions are required to be 
    accomplished in accordance with the applicable alert service bulletin.
        In accordance with various bilateral airworthiness agreements with 
    countries around the world, the FAA is obligated to advise foreign 
    airworthiness authorities of unsafe conditions identified in products 
    manufactured in the United States; the issuance of AD's is the means by 
    which the FAA satisfies this obligation.
    
    Cost Impact
    
        There are approximately 5,572 airplanes of the affected design in 
    the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 1,477 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 actions, and that the 
    average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
    cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $88,620, or 
    $60 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.
        Operators should note that none of the airplanes added by this 
    action is on the U.S. Register. The airplanes added to the 
    applicability by this revised AD currently are operated by non-U.S. 
    operators under foreign registry; therefore, they are not directly 
    affected by this AD action. However, the FAA considers that this 
    revised rule is necessary to ensure that the unsafe condition is 
    addressed in the event that any of the three subject airplanes are 
    imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future.
    
    Determination of Rule's Effective Date
    
        Because none of the airplanes added by this action is on the U.S. 
    Registry, this revision will not increase the burden on U.S. operators 
    beyond the requirements of the existing AD. For this reason, it is 
    found that notice and opportunity for prior public comment hereon are 
    unnecessary, and that good cause exists for making this amendment 
    effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal 
    Register.
    
    Comments Invited
    
        Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not 
    preceded by notice and 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 98-NM-263-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.
        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
    
        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 removing amendment 39-10600 (63 FR 
    33246, June 18, 1998), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
    (AD),
    
    [[Page 68167]]
    
    amendment 39-10930, to read as follows:
    
    98-13-12 R1 Boeing: Amendment 39-10930. Docket 98-NM-263-AD. Revises 
    AD 98-13-12, Amendment 39-10600.
    
        Applicability: Model 737, 747, 757, 767, and 777 series 
    airplanes; as listed in the following Boeing alert service 
    bulletins; certificated in any category.
    
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Alert Service Bulletin                        Date
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    737-27A1212...............................  Mar. 26, 1998.
    747-27A2368, Revision 2...................  May 28, 1998.
    757-27A0128...............................  Mar. 26, 1998.
    767-27A0156...............................  Mar. 26, 1998.
    777-27A0029, Revision 1...................  Oct. 1, 1998.
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
        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 (c) 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 loss of rudder control, jamming of the rudder system, 
    uncommanded movement of the rudder system, and consequent reduced 
    controllability of the airplane, due to loose or missing fasteners 
    that connect the pushrods to the rudder pedal assemblies, accomplish 
    the following:
        (a) Within 90 days after July 6, 1998 (the effective date of AD 
    98-13-12, amendment 39-10600), perform a one-time inspection to 
    detect discrepancies of the fasteners that connect the ends of the 
    pushrods to the rudder pedal assemblies; in accordance with Boeing 
    Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1212, dated March 26, 1998; 747-
    27A2368, dated March 26, 1998, Revision 1, dated May 7, 1998, or 
    Revision 2, dated May 28, 1998; 757-27A0128, dated March 26, 1998; 
    767-27A0156, dated March 26, 1998; or 777-27A0029, Revision 1, dated 
    October 1, 1998; as applicable.
        (1) If no discrepancy is detected, no further action is required 
    by this AD.
        (2) If any discrepancy is detected, prior to further flight, 
    perform the applicable corrective action in accordance with the 
    applicable alert service bulletin.
    
        Note 2: For Boeing Model 777 series airplanes, inspection and 
    corrective action performed prior to the effective date of this AD 
    in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-27A0029, dated 
    March 26, 1998, are considered acceptable for compliance with the 
    applicable requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD.
        (b) Submit a report of inspection findings (discrepant findings 
    only) to the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
    FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
    Washington 98055-4056; fax (425) 227-1181; and to the Boeing 
    Commercial Airplane Group, Attention: Manager, Airline Support, P.O. 
    Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; at the applicable time 
    specified in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD. The report must 
    include a description of any discrepancy found, the airplane serial 
    number, and the total number of landings and flight hours 
    accumulated on the airplane. Discrepant findings include, but are 
    not limited to, loose or missing fasteners, inadequately torqued 
    fasteners, and fasteners incorrectly installed on the pedal 
    assemblies or pushrod bearing surfaces. Information collection 
    requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the 
    Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the 
    Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have 
    been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
        (1) For airplanes on which the inspection is accomplished after 
    July 6, 1998: Submit the report within 10 days after performing the 
    inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD.
        (2) For airplanes on which the inspection has been accomplished 
    prior to July 6, 1998: Submit the report within 10 days after the 
    effective date of this AD.
        (c) 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 ACO. 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 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
    alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
    obtained from the Seattle ACO.
    
        (d) 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.
        (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with:
         Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-27A1212, dated March 
    26, 1998;
         Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-27A0128, dated March 
    26, 1998;
         Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-27A0156, dated March 
    26, 1998;
         Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-27A0029, Revision 1, 
    dated October 1, 1998;
         Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-27A2368, dated March 
    26, 1998;
         Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-27A2368, Revision 1, 
    dated May 7, 1998; or
         Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-27A2368, Revision 2, 
    dated May 28, 1998.
        (1) The incorporation by reference of Boeing Alert Service 
    Bulletin 747-27A2368, Revision 1, dated May 7, 1998; Boeing Alert 
    Service Bulletin 747-27A2368, Revision 2, dated May 28, 1998; and 
    Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-27A0029, Revision 1, dated October 
    1, 1998, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register in 
    accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
        (2) The incorporation by reference of Boeing Alert Service 
    Bulletin 737-27A1212, dated March 26, 1998; Boeing Alert Service 
    Bulletin 757-27A0128, dated March 26, 1998; Boeing Alert Service 
    Bulletin 767-27A0156, dated March 26, 1998; and Boeing Alert Service 
    Bulletin 747-27A2368, dated March 26, 1998; was approved previously 
    by the Director of the Federal Register as of July 6, 1998 (63 FR 
    33246, June 18, 1998).
        (3) 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.
        (f) This amendment becomes effective on December 28, 1998.
    
        Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 30, 1998.
    Darrell M. Pederson,
    Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
    Service.
    [FR Doc. 98-32360 Filed 12-9-98; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
12/28/1998
Published:
12/10/1998
Department:
Federal Aviation Administration
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule; request for comments.
Document Number:
98-32360
Dates:
Effective December 28, 1998.
Pages:
68165-68167 (3 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 98-NM-263-AD, Amendment 39-10930, AD 98-13-12 R1
RINs:
2120-AA64: Airworthiness Directives
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2120-AA64/airworthiness-directives
PDF File:
98-32360.pdf
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13