[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 174 (Friday, September 9, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53547-53550]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-17762]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-22252; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-182-AD; 
Amendment 39-14260; AD 2005-18-51]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 53548]]

SUMMARY: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment 
adopting airworthiness directive (AD) 2005-18-51 that was sent 
previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Boeing Model 777 
airplanes by individual notices. This AD supersedes an existing AD that 
applies to certain Boeing Model 777-200 and ``300 series airplanes. The 
existing AD currently requires modification of the operational program 
software (OPS) of the air data inertial reference unit (ADIRU). This 
new AD requires installing a certain OPS in the ADIRU, and revising the 
airplane flight manual to provide the flightcrew with operating 
instructions for possible ADIRU heading errors and for potential 
incorrect display of drift angle. This AD results from a recent report 
of a significant nose-up pitch event. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
the OPS from using data from faulted (failed) sensors, which could 
result in anomalies of the fly-by-wire primary flight control, 
autopilot, auto-throttle, pilot display, and auto-brake systems. These 
anomalies could result in high pilot workload, deviation from the 
intended flight path, and possible loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective September 14, 2005 to all persons 
except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by 
emergency AD 2005-18-51, issued August 29, 2005, which contained the 
requirements of this amendment.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of September 14, 
2005.
    We must receive comments on this AD by November 8, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this AD.
    <bullet> DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
    <bullet> Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
    <bullet> Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, 
Washington 98124-2207, for service information identified in this AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Feider, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-
4056; telephone (425) 917-6467; fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    On April 29, 2005, we issued AD 2005-10-03, amendment 39-14080 (70 
FR 24703, May 11, 2005), for certain Boeing Model 777-200 and ``300 
series airplanes. That AD requires modification of the operational 
program software (OPS) of the air data inertial reference unit (ADIRU) 
from software version part number (P/N) 3470-HNC-100-03 to software 
version P/N 3475-HNC-100-06 or 3474-HNC-100-07. That AD resulted from a 
report of the display of erroneous heading information to the pilot due 
to a defect in the OPS of the ADIRU. We issued that AD to prevent the 
display of erroneous heading information to the pilot, which could 
result in loss of the main sources of attitude data, consequent high 
pilot workload, and subsequent deviation from the intended flight path.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous AD

    On August 29, 2005, we issued emergency AD 2005-18-51, which 
applies to all Boeing Model 777 airplanes. That AD resulted from a 
recent report of a significant nose-up pitch event on a Boeing Model 
777-200 series airplane while climbing through 36,000 feet altitude. 
The flightcrew disconnected the autopilot and stabilized the airplane, 
during which time the airplane climbed above 41,000 feet, decelerated 
to a minimum speed of 158 knots, and activated the stick shaker. A 
review of the flight data recorder shows there were abrupt and 
persistent errors in the outputs of the ADIRU. These errors were caused 
by the OPS using data from faulted (failed) sensors. This problem 
exists in all software versions after P/N 3470-HNC-100-03, beginning 
with P/N 3477-HNC-100-04 approved in 1998 and including the versions 
mandated by AD 2005-10-03. While these versions have been installed on 
many airplanes before we issued AD 2005-10-03, they had not caused an 
incident until recently, and the problem was therefore unknown until 
then. OPS using data from faulted sensors, if not corrected, could 
result in anomalies of the fly-by-wire primary flight control, 
autopilot, auto-throttle, pilot display, and auto-brake systems, which 
could result in high pilot workload, deviation from the intended flight 
path, and possible loss of control of the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-34A0137, dated 
August 26, 2005. The service bulletin describes procedures for 
installing OPS, P/N 3470-HNC-100-03, in the ADIRU.
    We also have reviewed Boeing 777 Operations Manual Bulletin (OMB) 
CS3-3093, dated August 26, 2005, which describes operating instructions 
to inform the flightcrew of possible heading errors following on-ground 
automatic realignment of the ADIRU with the OPS, P/N 3470-HNC-100-03, 
installed.
    In addition, we have reviewed Boeing 777 OMB CS3-3155, dated August 
26, 2005, which describes operating instructions to inform the 
flightcrew of potential drift angle discrepancies on the primary flight 
display and the navigation display with the OPS, P/N 3470-HNC-100-03, 
installed.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    Since the unsafe conditions described previously are likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design, we issued 
emergency AD 2005-18-51 to supersede AD 2005-10-03. This new AD 
requires accomplishing the actions specified in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 777-34A0137, described previously. Because these actions 
reintroduce the unsafe condition identified in AD 2005-10-03, this new 
AD also requires revising the Limitation section of the Airplane Flight 
Manual by inserting a copy of Boeing 777 OMBs CS3-3093 and CS3-3155, 
described previously.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD interim action. The manufacturer is currently 
developing a modification that will address the unsafe condition 
identified in this AD and AD 2005-10-03. Once this modification is 
developed, approved, and available, we may consider additional 
rulemaking

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    We found that immediate corrective action was required; therefore, 
notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were 
impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause 
existed to make the AD effective immediately by individual notices 
issued on August 29, 2005, to all known U.S. owners and operators of 
Boeing Model 777 airplanes. These conditions still exist, and the AD is

[[Page 53549]]

hereby published in the Federal Register as an amendment to Sec.  39.13 
of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13) to make it effective 
to all persons.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect 
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for 
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any relevant written 
data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an 
address listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-
22252; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-182-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD. We will consider 
all comments received by the closing date and may amend the AD in light 
of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of our docket 
web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, 
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed 
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
You can review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal 
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you can visit 
http://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the Dockets

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT 
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System 
receives them.

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.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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.
    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 this 
emergency regulation is later deemed significant under DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures, we will prepare a final regulatory evaluation 
and place it in the AD Docket. See the ADDRESSES section for a location 
to examine the regulatory evaluation, if filed.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
removing amendment 39-14080 (70 FR 24703, May 11, 2005) and adding the 
following new airworthiness directive (AD):

AD 2005-18-51 Boeing: Amendment 39-14260. Docket No. FAA-2005-22252; 
Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-182-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective September 14, 2005, to all persons 
except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by 
emergency AD 2005-18-51, issued on August 29, 2005, which contained 
the requirements of this amendment.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2005-10-03.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Boeing Model 777-200, -300, and -
300ER series airplanes, certificated in any category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from a recent report of a significant nose-
up pitch event. We are issuing this AD to prevent the operational 
program software (OPS) from using data from faulted (failed) 
sensors, which could result in anomalies of the fly-by-wire primary 
flight control, autopilot, auto-throttle, pilot display, and auto-
brake systems. These anomalies could result in high pilot workload, 
deviation from the intended flight path, and possible loss of 
control of the airplane.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Installation of OPS

    (f) Within 72 hours after the effective date of this AD, do the 
actions specified in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Install OPS, part number (P/N) 3470-HNC-100-03, in the air 
data inertial reference unit (ADIRU), in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-
34A0137, dated August 26, 2005.
    (2) Revise the Limitations section of the Airplane Flight Manual 
(AFM) by inserting a copy of the Boeing operations manual bulletins 
in Table 1 of this AD.

                  Table 1.--Operations Manual Bulletins
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing 777 operations manual bulletin                 Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(i) CS3-3093.........................  August 26, 2005.
(ii) CS3-3155........................  August 26, 2005.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (g) When the information in the operations manual bulletins in 
Table 1 of this AD has been incorporated into the general revisions 
of the AFM, the general revisions may be incorporated into the AFM, 
and these operations manual bulletins may be removed from the AFM.

[[Page 53550]]

Parts Installation

    (h) As of the effective date of this AD, only OPS, P/N 3470-HNC-
100-03, may be loaded into the ADIRU.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (i) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, has 
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in 
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Related Information

    (j) None.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (k) You must use the service information in Table 2 of this AD 
to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD 
specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved 
the incorporation by reference of these documents in accordance with 
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Boeing Commercial 
Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207, for a copy 
of this service information. You may review copies at the Docket 
Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh 
Street SW., room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the 
Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

              Table 2.--Material Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Service information                         Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-      August 26, 2005.
 34A0137.
Boeing 777 Operations Manual Bulletin   August 26, 2005.
 CS3-3093.
Boeing 777 Operations Manual Bulletin   August 26, 2005.
 CS3-3155.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 1, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-17762 Filed 9-8-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P