[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 161 (Friday, August 20, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 45476-45477]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-21688]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 99-NM-58-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Boeing Model 777 series
airplanes. This proposal would require the replacement of fuse pins in
the attachment fittings and support fittings of the main landing gear
with new, improved fuse pins. This proposal is prompted by a report of
corrosion of a fuse pin of a similar design on the main landing gear of
a Boeing Model 767 series airplane. The actions specified by the
proposed AD are intended to prevent corrosion and subsequent fracture
of the fuse pins, which could result in collapse of the main landing
gear and the loss of the inboard flap and outboard spoilers.
DATES: Comments must be received by October 4, 1999.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-58-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this location
between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays.
The service information referenced in the proposed rule 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stan Wood, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2772; fax (425) 227-1181.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the
proposed 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 above. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments,
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in
light of the comments received.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 99-NM-58-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Availability of NPRMs
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules
Docket No. 99-NM-58-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
Discussion
The FAA has received a report of corrosion of a fuse pin on the
main landing gear of a Boeing Model 767 series airplane. Such corrosion
could lead to fracture of the fuse pins. Fracture of the fuse pins for
the outboard end of the main landing gear beam and upper stabilizer
braces for the main landing gear could result in the separation of the
main landing gear beam. This condition, if not corrected, could result
in collapse of the main landing gear and the loss of the inboard flap
and outboard spoilers.
The design of the fuse pins on the Boeing Model 767 series airplane
and those on the Model 777 series airplane is very similar. Therefore,
the Model 777 series may be subject to the same unsafe condition
revealed on the Model 767 series airplane.
[[Page 45477]]
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
The FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
777-57A0029, dated December 22, 1998, which describes procedures for
the replacement of fuse pins in the attachment fittings and support
fittings of the main landing gear with new, improved fuse pins made of
a more corrosion resistant material. Accomplishment of the actions
specified in the alert service bulletin is intended to adequately
address the identified unsafe condition.
Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the
proposed AD would require accomplishment of the actions specified in
the alert service bulletin described previously.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 163 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 34 airplanes of U.S. registry
would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take between 5 and
39 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed replacement, and
that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts would
cost between $3,090 and $8,710 per airplane. Based on these figures,
the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be
between $3,390 and $11,050 per airplane.
The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that
no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements of
this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in
the future if this AD were not adopted.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations proposed herein would 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
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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);
and (3) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend
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:
Boeing: Docket 99-NM-58-AD.
Applicability: Model 777 series airplanes, as listed in Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 777-57A0029, dated December 22, 1998;
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 (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 corrosion and subsequent fracture of the fuse pins in
the main landing gear attachment and support fittings, which could
result in collapse of the main landing gear and the loss of the
inboard flap and outboard spoilers, accomplish the following:
Replacement
(a) Within 48 months since date of manufacture, or 18 months
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, replace
the main landing gear fuse pins with new, improved fuse pins in
accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-57A0029, dated
December 22, 1998.
Spares
(b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install
a main landing gear fuse pin having part number 112W1728-1,
112W1728-3, or 115W1670-1 on any airplane.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(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 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.
Special Flight Permits
(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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 16, 1999.
D.L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-21688 Filed 8-19-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
