2018-17621. Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

SUMMARY:

We propose to adopt an airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 757-200 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of uncommanded movement of the captain's and first officer's seats. This proposed AD would require, for the captain's and first officer's seats, repetitive horizontal actuator identifications, repetitive checks of the horizontal movement system (HMS), a detailed inspection of the HMS, as applicable, and applicable on-condition actions. This proposed AD would also require a general visual inspection to determine seat part numbers of the captain's and first officer's seats, a cable adjustment check on seats with certain seat part numbers, and applicable on-condition actions. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES:

We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 1, 2018.

ADDRESSES:

You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: [phone].
• 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.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-5600; telephone [phone]; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0711.

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-2018-0711; 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 NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (phone: [phone]) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Myra Kuck, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: [phone]; fax: [phone]; email: [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include “Docket No. FAA-2018-0711; Product Identifier 2018-NM-062-AD” at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM 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 proposed AD.

Discussion

We received reports indicating uncommanded movement of the captain's and first officer's seats. In one instance, a Boeing Model 777 airplane operator reported that the captain's seat could not be locked in position after the horizontal position of the seat was adjusted in flight. The seat became unlocked from the track and moved freely forward and aft, and the first officer assumed the controls for approach and landing. An inspection found the horizontal actuator output shaft on the seat had broken, resulting in an inability to prevent forward and aft seat movement or lock the seat in position. A broken horizontal actuator output shaft may be the result of high loads beyond the design limits, a stalled motor due to high mechanical resistance during operation of the seat, or foreign object debris in the seat tracks.

Because Boeing Model 757 airplanes use the same seats in the flight deck, we are proposing this AD to prevent uncommanded movement of the captain's and first officer's seats, which could lead to reduced controllability of the airplane. We plan similar actions for other Boeing airplanes using the same seats in the flight deck.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-25-0308, Revision 1, dated June 7, 2018. This service information describes procedures for repetitive horizontal actuator identifications, repetitive checks of the HMS, a detailed inspection of the HMS, as applicable, and applicable on-condition actions. On-condition actions include an overhaul of the HMS and checks of the HMS.

We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-25-0309, Revision 1, dated July 2, 2018. This service information describes procedures for a general visual inspection to determine the seat part numbers on the captain's and first officer's seats, and, for seats with certain part numbers, a manual override cable adjustment check of the captain's and first officer's seats, and applicable on-condition actions. On-condition actions include moving the adjustment nut, tightening the lock nut, and readjusting the control lever.

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.

FAA's Determination

We are proposing 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.

Proposed AD Requirements

This proposed AD would require accomplishment of the actions identified as “RC” (required for compliance) in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-25-0308, Revision 1, dated June 7, 2018, and Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-25-0309, Revision 1, dated July 2, 2018, described previously, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD, and except as explained under “Differences Between Proposed AD and Service Information” in this NPRM.

For information on the procedures and compliance times, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0711.

Differences Between Proposed AD and Service Information

Although Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-25-0309, Revision 1, dated July 2, 2018, recommends accomplishing the actions “within 72 months,” we have determined that this compliance time will not ensure that the identified unsafe condition is addressed in a timely manner. In developing an appropriate compliance time for this AD, we considered the manufacturer's recommendation, as well as the degree of urgency associated with addressing the subject unsafe condition, the average utilization of the affected fleet, and the time necessary to perform the modifications. In light of all of these factors, we find a compliance time of 36 months for completing the required actions is warranted, in that it represents an appropriate interval of time for affected airplanes to continue to operate without compromising safety. This difference has been coordinated with Boeing.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this proposed AD affects 17 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

Estimated Costs for Required Actions

Action	Labor cost	Parts cost	Cost per product	Cost on U.S. operators
Identification/Check	Up to 11 work-hours × $85 per hour = $935 per identification/check cycle	Up to $4,820	Up to $5,755 per identification/check cycle	Up to $97,835 per identification/check cycle.
Inspection	Up to 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85	$0	Up to $85	Up to $1,445.

We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed AD.

Certain configurations of captain's and first officer's seats may require special tooling to align the seats. Special tooling for one set of captain's and first officer's seats will cost $22,000, and a certain other set will cost $23,000. If an operator owns both combinations of seats, the special tooling will cost up to $45,000 per operator.

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.

This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes to the Director of the System Oversight Division.

Regulatory Findings

We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed regulation:

(1) Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866,

(2) Is not a “significant rule” under the 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

The Proposed Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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.

§ 39.13

[Amended]

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2018-0711; Product Identifier 2018-NM-062-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

We must receive comments by October 1, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

None.

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 757-200 series airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

This AD was prompted by reports of uncommanded movement of the captain's and first officer's seats. We are issuing this AD to address the uncommanded movement of the captain's or first officer's seat, which could lead to reduced controllability of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Identification, Check, Inspection, On-Condition Actions (Includes Overhaul of Horizontal Movement System) and Repetitive Actions

For airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-25-0308, Revision 1, dated June 7, 2018: Except as required by paragraph (h) of this AD, at the applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., “Compliance,” of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-25-0308, Revision 1, dated June 7, 2018, do all applicable actions identified as “RC” (required for compliance) in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-25-0308, Revision 1, dated June 7, 2018.

(h) Exceptions To Service Information Specifications

For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements of this AD: Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-25-0308, Revision 1, dated June 7, 2018, uses the phrase “the original issue date of this service bulletin,” this AD requires using “the effective date of this AD.”

(i) Seat Inspection, Adjustment Check for Certain Seats, and On-Condition Actions

For airplanes identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-25-0309, Revision 1, dated July 2, 2018: Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, do all applicable actions identified as RC in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-25-0309, Revision 1, dated July 2, 2018. A review of the airplane maintenance records may be used for the seat inspection if the part number can be conclusively determined from that review.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

(1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [e-mail].

(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, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 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 RC, the provisions of paragraphs (j)(4)(i) and (j)(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.

(k) Related Information

(1) For more information about this AD, contact Myra Kuck, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: [phone]; fax: [phone]; email: [e-mail].

(2) 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 90740-5600; telephone [phone]; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.

Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on August 7, 2018.

Michael Kaszycki,

Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service.