33246 Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 117 /Thursday, June 18, 1998 /Rules and Regulations

Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 11,

1998.

Darrell M. Pederson,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane

Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 98–16052 Filed 6–17–98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910–13–U

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98–NM–156–AD; Amendment

39–10600; AD 98–13–12]

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.

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a

new airworthiness directive (AD) that is

applicable to certain Boeing Model 737,

747, 757, 767, and 777 series airplanes.

This action 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. This

amendment is prompted by reports of

loose and missing fasteners due to

incorrect installation. The actions

specified in this 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.

DATES: Effective July 6, 1998.

The incorporation by reference of

certain publications listed in the

regulations is approved by the Director

of the Federal Register as of July 6,

1998.

Comments for inclusion in the Rules

Docket must be received on or before

August 17, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in

triplicate to the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA), Transport

Airplane Directorate, ANM–114,

Attention: Rules Docket No. 98–NM–

156–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: 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: The FAA

has received a report from an operator

indicating that, on a Boeing Model 737–

400 series airplane, during rollout after

landing, the captain’s right rudder pedal

moved to the full travel position when

it was pushed. The pedal failed to

return to its normal position after it was

released even though the rudder

remained at the neutral position.

Consequently, the first officer used his

rudder pedals to control the rudder and

the nose wheel steering. Investigation

revealed that the forward end of the

pushrod on the right rudder pedal was

not connected to the rudder pedal

assembly. The nut and washer of the

pushrod were found in the lower

forward compartment. This airplane had

accumulated 17,600 total flight hours

and 7,900 total flight cycles. A second

operator reported that a pilot felt a loose

rudder pedal. Investigation revealed that

the fastener connecting the pushrod to

the rudder pedal assembly was loose.

In addition, on a Boeing Model 737–

500 series airplane, a nut that connects

the pushrod to the rudder pedal

assembly was loose. This airplane had

accumulated 3,012 total flight hours and

2,658 total flight cycles. Maintenance

inspections of 130 in-service Boeing

Model 737 series airplanes revealed four

other loose fasteners.

The cause of the loose and missing

nuts and bolts has been attributed to

incorrect installation of the fasteners

that connect the pushrods to the rudder

pedal assemblies during manufacture. If

the nut is not installed correctly, the

bolt can fall out or may be able to move

far enough to touch the opposite rudder

pedal assembly. These conditions, if not

corrected, could result in potential loss

of rudder control, jamming of the rudder

system, uncommanded movement of the

rudder system, and consequent reduced

controllability of the airplane.

The rudder pedal assemblies on

certain Boeing Model 747, 757, 767, and

777 series airplanes are similar in

design to those on the affected Model

737 series airplanes. Therefore, the

rudder pedal assemblies on all of these

models may have been installed

incorrectly. Consequently, all of these

models may be subject to the same

unsafe condition.

Explanation of Relevant Service

Information

The FAA has reviewed and approved

Boeing Alert Service Bulletins 737–

27A1212, 747–27A2368, 757–27A0128,

767–27A0156, and 777–27A0029, all

dated March 26, 1998. These alert

service bulletins describe procedures for

a one-time inspection to detect

discrepancies of the fasteners (nuts,

bolts, and washers) that connect the

forward ends of the pushrods to the

rudder pedal assemblies; and corrective

actions, if necessary. Corrective actions

include tightening nuts and bolts to

specified torque limits, installing

missing fasteners, and replacing

incorrectly installed fasteners with new

fasteners.

Explanation of the 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

requires accomplishment of the actions

specified in the alert service bulletins

described previously. This AD also

requires that operators report results of

findings of discrepancies to the FAA

and to Boeing.

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.
Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 117 /Thursday, June 18, 1998 /Rules and Regulations 33247

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–156–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

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.

§ 39.13 [Amended]

2. Section 39.13 is amended by

adding the following new airworthiness

directive:

98–13–12 Boeing: Amendment 39–10600.

Docket 98–NM–156–AD.

Applicability: Model 737, 747, 757, 767,

and 777 series airplanes; as listed in Boeing

Alert Service Bulletins 737–27A1212, 747–

27A2368, 757–27A0128, 767–27A0156, and

777–27A0029; all dated March 26, 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 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 the effective date

of this AD, perform a one-time inspection to

detect discrepancies of the fasteners that

connect the forward ends of the pushrods to

the rudder pedal assemblies; in accordance

with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–

27A1212, 747–27A2368, 757–27A0128, 767–

27A0156, or 777–27A0029, all dated March

26, 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.

(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 the effective date of

this AD: 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 the effective

date of this AD: 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 2: 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 747–

27A2368, dated March 26, 1998;

• Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757–

27A0128, dated March 26, 1998;

• Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767–

27A0156, dated March 26, 1998; or

• Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–

27A0029, dated March 26, 1998.

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–
33248 Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 117 /Thursday, June 18, 1998 /Rules and Regulations

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

July 6, 1998.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 11,

1998.

Darrell M. Pederson,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane

Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 98–16047 Filed 6–17–98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910–13–U

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Office of the Secretary

32 CFR Parts 204, 318, 352a, and 383

Administrative Corrections

AGENCY: Department of Defense.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY: This document corrects

administrative errors in Department of

Defense’s published in title 32 of the

Code of Federal Regulations.

EFFECTIVE DATE: June 18, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

L.M. Bynum or P. Toppings, 703–697–

4111.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

List of Subjects

32 CFR Part 204

Accounting, Armed forces,

Government property.

32 CFR Part 318

Privacy.

32 CFR Part 352a and 383

Organization and functions.

Under the authority of 10 U.S.C. 301,

title 32 chapter I, amended as follows:

PART 204—[AMENDED]

1. The authority citation for 32 CFR

part 204 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 31 U.S.C. 483a.

§§ 204.4, 204.6 and 204.8 [Amended]

2. Footnotes 2–4 in § 204.4(c)(1)(vii)

though (ix) and footnotes 5 through 8 in

§ 204.6(a)(1), (a)(4) and (b)(1)(v) and

footnote 9 in § 204.8

PART 318—[AMENDED]

1. The authority citation for 32 CFR

part 318 continues to read as follows:

Authority: Pub. L. 93–579, 88 Stat. 1896 (5

U.S.C. 552a).

§ 218.9 [Amended]

2. Section 318.9 is amended by

redesignating paragraph ‘‘(d)’’ as

paragraph ‘‘(c)’’

PART 352A—[AMENDED]

1. The authority citation for 32 CFR

part 352a continues to read as follows:

Authority: 10 U.S.C. 113.

§ 352a.4 [Amended]

2. Section 352a.4 is amended by

redesignating the second paragraph

‘‘(c)’’ as paragraph ‘‘(d)’’

PART 383a—[AMENDED]

1. The authority citation for 32 CFR

part 383a continues to read as follows:

Authority: 10 U.S.C. 136.

§ 238a.4 [Amended]

2. Section 383a.4 is amended by

redesignating the second paragraph

‘‘(b)’’ as paragraph ‘‘(c)’’.

Dated: June 12, 1998.

L.M. Bynum,

Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison

Officer, Department of Defense.

[FR Doc. 98–16174 Filed 6–17–98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 5000–04–M

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD 08–98–029]

Drawbridge Operating Regulation;

Ouachita River, Louisiana

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation

from regulations

SUMMARY: The Commander, Eighth

Coast Guard District has issued a

temporary deviation from the regulation

governing the operation of the Union

Pacific Railroad vertical lift bridge

across the Ouachita River, mile 114.3,

near Riverton, Caldwell Parish,

Louisiana. This deviation allows the

Union Pacific Railroad to close the

bridge to navigation from 7 a.m. until 5

p.m. on Monday, June 22, 1998, and

Wednesday, June 24, 1998. This

temporary deviation is issued to allow

for the replacement of rail expansion

joints on the vertical lift span.

DATES: This deviation is effective from

7 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Monday, June 22,

1998, and Wednesday, June 24, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Mr. David Frank, Bridge Administration

Branch, Commander (ob), Eighth Coast

Guard District, 501 Magazine Street,

New Orleans, Louisiana, 70130–3396,

telephone number 504–589–2965.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Union

Pacific Railroad vertical lift span bridge

across the Ouachita River near Riverton,

Caldwell Parish, Louisiana has a vertical

clearance of 7 feet above mean high

water, elevation 71 feet Mean Sea Level,

in the closed-to-navigation position and

57 feet in the open to navigation

position. Navigation on the waterway

consists primarily of tugs with tows and

occasional recreational craft. Presently,

the draw opens on signal for the passage

of vessels.

The Union Pacific Railroad requested

a temporary deviation from the normal

operation of the bridge in order to do

maintenance work on the bridge. The

work consists of replacing the rail

expansion joints on the bridge. This

work is essential for the continued safe

operation of the vertical lift span.

This District Commander has,

therefore, issued a deviation from the

regulations in 33 CFR 117.5 authorizing

the Union Pacific Railroad vertical lift

span bridge across the Ouachita River,

Louisiana to remain in the closed-tonavigation position from 7 a.m. until 5

p.m. on Monday, June 22, 1998, and

Wednesday, June 24, 1998.

Dated: June 10, 1998.

A.L. Gerfin, Jr.,

Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, 8th

Coast Guard Dist. Acting.

[FR Doc. 98–16237 Filed 6–17–98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910–15–M

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR 165

[COTP Savannah 98–034]

RIN Savannah 98–034]

Safety Zone; Skull Creek, Hilton Head

Island, SC

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Temporary final rule.

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is

establishing a temporary safety zone on

Skull Creek near Hudson’s Seafood on

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina for

a fireworks display on July 4, 1998. The

zone is needed to protect personnel and

property associated with the storage,

preparation, and lauchning of fireworks.

Entry into this zone is prohibited unless

authorized by the Captain of the Port.

DATES: These regulations are effective

from 9 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time

(EDT) to 10 p.m. on July 4, 1998.