Document ID: FAA-2014-0485-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: The Boeing Company Airplanes
Posted Date: 2014-07-29T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 145 (Tuesday, July 29, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 43981-43983]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-17780]

[[Page 43981]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0485; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-093-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007-13-
05, which applies to all The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. AD 
2007-13-05 currently requires repetitive measurements of the freeplay 
of the right and left elevators, rudder, and rudder tab, and related 
investigative and corrective actions if necessary. Since we issued AD 
2007-13-05, the manufacturer determined that the procedure for the 
rudder freeplay inspection does not properly detect excessive freeplay 
in the rudder control load loop. This proposed AD would require 
repetitive freeplay inspections and lubrication of the right and left 
elevators, rudder, and rudder tab; and related investigative and 
corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and 
correct flutter, which can cause damage to the control surface 
structure and consequent loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 12, 
2014.

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: 202-493-2251.
     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 proposed AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P. 
O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-5000, 
extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. 
You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

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-2014-
0485; 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 proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will 
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Haytham Alaidy, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6573; fax: 425-917-6590; email: Haytham.Alaidy@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2014-0485; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-093-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD 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

    On April 11, 2007, we issued AD 2007-13-05, Amendment 39-15109 (72 
FR 33856, June 20, 2007), for all The Boeing Company Model 777 
airplanes. AD 2007-13-05 requires repetitive measurement of the 
freeplay of the right and left elevators, rudder, and rudder tab; and 
related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. AD 2007-13-
05 also requires repetitive lubrication of the elevator, rudder, and 
rudder tab components. AD 2007-13-05 resulted from reports of freeplay-
induced vibration of unbalanced control surfaces. We issued AD 2007-13-
05 to detect and correct flutter, which can cause damage to the control 
surface structure and consequent loss of control of the airplane.

Actions Since AD 2007-13-05, Amendment 39-15109 (72 FR 33856, June 20, 
2007) Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2007-13-05, Amendment 39-15109 (72 FR 33856, 
June 20, 2007), the manufacturer determined that the procedure for the 
rudder freeplay inspection does not properly detect excessive freeplay 
in the rudder control load loop.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, 
Revision 2, dated January 27, 2014. 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-2014-
0485.

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

    Although this proposed AD does not explicitly restate the 
requirements of AD 2007-13-05, Amendment 39-15109 (72 FR 33856, June 
20, 2007), this proposed AD would retain all requirements of AD 2007-
13-05. Those requirements are referenced in the service information 
identified previously, which, in turn, is referenced in paragraphs (g) 
and (h) of this proposed AD.
    This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections 
(measurements) of the freeplay of the right and left elevators, rudder, 
and rudder tab; and related investigative and corrective actions if 
necessary. This proposed AD would also require repetitive lubrication 
of the elevator, rudder, and rudder tab components.
    The phrase ``corrective actions'' is used in this proposed AD. 
``Corrective actions'' are actions that correct or address any 
condition found. Corrective actions in an AD could include, for 
example, repairs.

[[Page 43982]]

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 142 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The new actions of this proposed AD would add no additional 
economic burden to that imposed by AD 2007-13-05, Amendment 39-15109 
(72 FR 33856, June 20, 2007). The current costs for this AD are 
repeated for the convenience of affected operators, as follows:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Parts                              Cost on U.S.
             Action                      Labor cost            cost      Cost per product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Measurement (inspection),         4 work-hours x $85 per           $0  $340 per measurement  $48,280 per
 elevator.                         hour = $340 per                      (inspection) cycle.   measurement
                                   measurement                                                (inspection)
                                   (inspection) cycle.                                        cycle.
Lubrication, elevator...........  17 work-hours x $85 per           0  $1,445 per            $205,190 per
                                   hour = $1,445 per                    lubrication cycle.    lubrication cycle.
                                   lubrication cycle.
Measurement (inspection), rudder  4 work-hours x $85 per            0  $340 per measurement  $48,280 per
                                   hour = $340 per                      (inspection) cycle.   measurement
                                   measurement                                                (inspection)
                                   (inspection) cycle.                                        cycle.
Lubrication, rudder.............  7 work-hours x $85 per            0  $595 per lubrication  $84,490 per
                                   hour = $595 per                      cycle.                lubrication cycle.
                                   lubrication cycle.
Measurement (inspection), rudder  3 work-hours x $85 per            0  $255 per measurement  $36,210 per
 tab.                              hour = $255 per                      (inspection) cycle.   measurement
                                   measurement                                                (inspection)
                                   (inspection) cycle.                                        cycle.
Lubrication, rudder tab.........  5 work-hours x $85 per            0  $425 per lubrication  $60,350 per
                                   hour = $425 per                      cycle.                lubrication cycle.
                                   lubrication cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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 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 that the 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

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 FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2007-13-05, Amendment 39-15109 (72 FR 33856, June 20, 2007), and adding 
the following new AD:

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2014-0485; Directorate Identifier 
2014-NM-093-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by September 12, 
2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2007-13-05, Amendment 39-15109 (72 FR 33856, 
June 20, 2007).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -
300, and -300ER series airplanes, certificated in any category, as 
identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Airplanes having a Variable Number identified in paragraph 
1.A., ``Effectivity,'' of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 
777-27-0062, Revision 2, dated January 27, 2014.
    (2) Airplanes having a date of issuance of the original 
airworthiness certificate or date of issuance of the original export 
certificate of airworthiness on or after January 27, 2014.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight 
Controls.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the manufacturer's determination that 
the procedure for the rudder freeplay inspection does not properly 
detect excessive freeplay in the rudder control load loop. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct flutter, which can cause 
damage to the control surface structure and consequent loss of 
control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Repetitive Inspections of Elevators, Rudder, and Rudder Tab

    At the applicable times specified in tables 1, 2, and 3 of 
paragraph 1.E. ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 777-27-0062, Revision 2, dated January 27, 2014, except as 
provided by paragraph (i) of this AD: Inspect the freeplay of the 
right and left elevators, rudder, and rudder tab by accomplishing 
all of the actions specified in Parts 1, 3, and 5 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 777-27-0062, Revision 2, dated January 27, 2014. Repeat the 
inspections thereafter at the intervals

[[Page 43983]]

specified in tables 1, 2, and 3 of paragraph 1.E. ``Compliance,'' of 
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, Revision 2, 
dated January 27, 2014. If during any inspection required by this 
paragraph, the rudder freeplay exceeds any applicable measurement 
specified in Part 1, 3, or 5 of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, Revision 2, 
dated January 27, 2014, before further flight, do the applicable 
corrective actions in accordance with Parts 1, 3, or 5 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 777-27-0062, Revision 2, dated January 27, 2014.

(h) Repetitive Lubrication

    At the applicable times specified in tables 1, 2, and 3 of 
paragraph 1.E. ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 777-27-0062, Revision 2, dated January 27, 2014, except as 
provided by paragraph (i) of this AD: Lubricate the elevator 
components, rudder components, and rudder tab components, by 
accomplishing all of the actions specified in Parts 2, 4, and 6 of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 777-27-0062, Revision 2, dated January 27, 2014, as 
applicable. Repeat the lubrication thereafter at the interval 
specified in tables 1, 2, and 3 of paragraph 1.E. ``Compliance,'' of 
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, Revision 2, 
dated January 27, 2014, as applicable.

(i) Exception to Service Information Specifications

    Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, 
Revision 2, dated January 27, 2014, specifies a compliance time 
``after the original issue date on this service bulletin'' this AD 
requires compliance within the specified compliance time after July 
25, 2007 (the effective date of AD 2007-13-05, Amendment 39-15109 
(72 FR 33856, June 20, 2007).

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed 
before the effective date of this AD using the service information 
specified in paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, dated 
July 18, 2006, which was incorporated by reference in AD 2007-13-05, 
Amendment 39-15109 (72 FR 33856, June 20, 2007).
    (2) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, 
Revision 1, dated October 1, 2009, which is not incorporated by 
reference in this AD.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
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 ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (l)(1) of this AD. 
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
    (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 required by this AD if it is approved by the 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization 
(ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make 
those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must 
meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must 
specifically refer to this AD.
    (4) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2007-13-05, Amendment 39-
15109 (72 FR 33856, June 20, 2007), are not approved as AMOCs for 
this AD.

(l) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Haytham Alaidy, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; phone: 425-917-6573; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
Haytham.Alaidy@faa.gov.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 17, 2014.
John P. Piccola,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-17780 Filed 7-28-14; 8:45 am]
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