Document ID: FAA-2018-1012-0014
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: The Boeing Company Airplanes
Posted Date: 2019-09-03T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 170 (Tuesday, September 3, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45895-45900]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-18832]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-1012; Product Identifier 2018-NM-132-AD; Amendment 
39-19708; AD 2019-16-05]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports 
of uncommanded fore/aft movements of the Captain's and First Officer's 
seats. This AD requires an identification of the part number, and if 
applicable the serial number, of the Captain's and First Officer's 
seats, and applicable on-condition actions for affected seats. The FAA 
is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 8, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of October 8, 
2019.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data 
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110 SK57, Seal Beach, CA 
90740-5600; telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this 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-
1012.

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-
1012; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department 
of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brandon Lucero, Aerospace Engineer, 
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, FAA, Seattle ACO 
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-
231-3569; email: Brandon.Lucero@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all The Boeing Company 
Model 777 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
December 26, 2018 (83 FR 66178). The NPRM was prompted by reports of 
uncommanded fore/aft movements of the Captain's and First Officer's 
seats. The NPRM proposed to require an identification of the part 
number, and if applicable the serial number, of the Captain's and First 
Officer's seats, and applicable on-condition actions for affected 
seats.
    The FAA is issuing this AD to address uncommanded fore/aft movement 
of the Captain's and First Officer's seats. An uncommanded fore/aft 
seat movement during a critical part of a flight, such as takeoff or 
landing, could cause a flight control obstruction or unintended flight 
control input, which could result in the loss of the ability to control 
the airplane.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. The following presents the comments 
received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Support for the NPRM

    Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), supported the 
intent of the NPRM. FedEx had no objection to the NPRM. United Airlines 
agreed with the NPRM.

Request for Clarification of Service Information

    United Airlines asked for clarification regarding what is 
considered a finding for the determination of Condition 3 (no findings) 
in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0619, Revision 1, 
dated August 8, 2018 (``BSASB 777-25-0619, Revision 1''). The commenter 
wanted to know that if the horizontal actuator is found to have part 
number (P/N) AD8650502 or AD8650503 at Amendment A or Amendment B, is 
that considered a finding for the determination of Condition 3 (no 
findings).
    The FAA agrees to provide clarification regarding Condition 3 in 
BSASB 777-25-0619, Revision 1. According to BSASB 777-25-0619, Revision 
1, following the procedures in Part 3 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions can result in Condition 3 (no findings) or Condition 4 
(any findings). If the horizontal actuator is found to have P/N 
AD8650502 or AD8650503 at Amendment A or Amendment B it is considered a 
finding

[[Page 45896]]

and meets Condition 4 of BSASB 777-25-0619, Revision 1. If the 
horizontal actuator is found to have a part number other than P/N 
AD8650502 or AD8650503 at Amendment A or Amendment B, it is consider a 
no finding and meets Condition 3 of BSASB 777-25-0619, Revision 1. The 
FAA has not revised this AD in regard to this issue.

Request for Clarification Regarding Removal of the Nameplate

    Air New Zealand asked if the work instructions in Part 3.B. of 
Ipeco Service Bulletin 258-25-14, Issue 4, dated January 29, 2018 
(``Ipeco SB 258-25-14, Issue 4'') are compliant with the regulations 
because the instructions are to remove the original nameplate, which 
would appear to also be the data plate. Air New Zealand stated that 
because the data plate should only be created and installed by the 
original equipment manufacturer these instructions appear to create a 
bogus part.
    The FAA infers the commenter is referring to 14 CFR 21.616, which 
requires the holder of a technical standard order (TSO) to mark each 
TSO article in accordance with 14 CFR part 45. FAA Advisory Circular AC 
21-25B, Section 8.2.4, provides an acceptable means of compliance for 
marking modified seating systems.

    Seat modifications accomplished under [14 CFR] part 43 or under 
the applicable airworthiness regulations must mark the modified 
article with sufficient data to identify that it has been modified. 
This may be accomplished by providing a reference to a design 
approval (e.g., STC number), the modifier's name and address, or 
reference to other documentation describing the modification. If the 
modifier cannot substantiate that the article continues to meet the 
applicable TSO(s), the modifier must permanently obliterate the TSO 
marking while retaining all other identifying data.

    In this case, since the modifier has no access to the 
substantiation information, he or she cannot substantiate that the 
article continues to meet the requirements of the applicable TSO. 
However, the seat has been modified with a design approval (i.e., Ipeco 
SB 258-25-14, Issue 4) mandated by this AD. Therefore, the instructions 
provided by the Ipeco SB 258-25-14, Issue 4, are appropriate and do not 
conflict with FAA regulations or guidance. The FAA has not revised this 
AD in regard to this issue.

Request To Revise Estimated Costs

    Martha Viner requested that the estimated costs in the NPRM be 
revised to include statistical evidence from the harms of the defective 
parts. The commenter stated that the NPRM does not address the 
psychological costs of the unsafe condition including, but not limited 
to, injuries sustained from the defective parts and how many 
individuals have been harmed as a result. The commenter did not provide 
justification for her request. The FAA does not agree with the 
commenter's request. Because the scope of FAA ADs are limited and 
technical in nature, the FAA can only provide the actual known costs 
(labor and materials) for compliance with the requirements of the AD. 
The FAA has not revised this AD in regard to this issue.

Request To Revise Estimated Part Costs

    Boeing requested that the parts cost for the replacement of the 
horizontal actuator be changed from $205 to $7,936.79. The commenter 
stated that the part manufacturer, Ipeco, provided the parts cost via 
email.
    The FAA agrees with the commenter's request because Boeing has 
confirmed the part cost with Ipeco, the part supplier. The FAA has 
revised the Costs of Compliance section of this final rule accordingly.

Request To Revise ``Uncommanded Movement'' Wording

    Boeing requested that in all places where ``uncommanded movement'' 
is used in the NPRM that the wording be changed to ``uncommanded 
horizontal movement.'' The commenter stated that the Captain's and 
First Officer's seats have both horizontal and vertical powered 
movement and the service information specified in the proposed AD 
addresses only the horizontal movement.
    The FAA agrees with the commenter's observation that Captain's and 
First Officer's seats have both horizontal and vertical powered 
movement. The FAA does not agree with the commenter's request to change 
the wording to ``uncommanded horizontal movement'' because ``horizontal 
movement'' could also mean movement anywhere in the horizontal plane of 
the airplane on which the seat is installed. The FAA has revised this 
final rule to replace all instance of the term ``uncommanded movement'' 
with ``uncommanded fore/aft movement.''

Request To Revise Applicability

    Gary Chan asked if the FAA is planning to revise the applicability 
of the proposed AD to include Model 747 airplanes. The commenter noted 
that Ipeco seat part number 3A258 is rotable between Model 747 and 
Model 777 airplanes. The commenter also pointed out that Boeing has 
released service information for Model 747 airplanes to address flight 
deck seat issues.
    The FAA does not agree with the commenter's request to revise the 
applicability of this AD. The FAA has already issued an NPRM (84 FR 
13840, April 8, 2019) to address the identified unsafe condition and 
parts rotability concern for Boeing Company Model 747-200B, 747-200C, 
747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747-8F, and 747-8 
series airplanes. The FAA has not revised this AD in regard to this 
issue.

Request To Extend Compliance Time

    Air New Zealand expressed concern that replacement parts for the 
horizontal actuator would not be available in time for operators to 
comply with the 36-month compliance time specified in the proposed AD. 
The commenter noted that replacing the horizontal actuator with Artus 
P/N AD8650503 at Amendment C or later was terminating action for the 
repetitive checks of the horizontal movement system. The commenter 
stated it contacted Ipeco regarding pricing and parts availability and 
was advised that there is a 7-month lead time for the parts. The 
commenter related that Ipeco may not be able to meet the demand for 
parts when the AD is released.
    The FAA infers that the commenter is requesting the compliance time 
be extended due to a perceived parts availability issue. The FAA does 
not agree with the commenter's request. The 36-month compliance time 
for the required actions was determined taking into consideration the 
urgency associated with the subject unsafe condition as well as the 
availability of required parts. The FAA notes that the commenter is 
considering parts availability for an optional terminating action, 
which can be done at any time, and does not have to be done within 36 
months after the effective date of this AD. However, the FAA will 
consider requests for approval of an extension of the compliance time 
if sufficient data are submitted to substantiate that the new 
compliance time would provide an acceptable level of safety. The 
operator can submit a request for an alternative means of compliance 
(AMOC) using the provisions in paragraph (k) of this AD. The FAA has 
not revised this AD in regard to this issue.

Request To Includes Records Review

    Delta Air Lines requested that paragraph (g) of the proposed AD 
include a provision to allow operators to do a records review to 
determine which airplanes have the affected seat part numbers 
installed. The commenter also

[[Page 45897]]

requested that paragraph (h) of the proposed AD be revised to include 
the statements ``. . . do an inspection to determine the part number, 
and serial number as applicable, of the Captain's and First Officer's 
seats . . .'' and ``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.''
    The commenter stated that the requested changes are in agreement 
with the language found in BSASB 777-25-0619, Revision 1, which allows 
maintenance records to be used to determine the part number of the 
actuator; and the NOTE following step 3.B.2. of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0607, 
Revision 1, dated July 17, 2018 (``BSASB 777-25-0607, Revision 1''). 
The commenter stated these added statements would provide an equivalent 
level of safety for operators that do have affected components 
installed on airplanes affected by this AD but listed outside of the 
effectivity specified in the Boeing service information.
    The FAA agrees with the commenters' statement that a records review 
will provide an acceptable means for operators to identify the part 
numbers of the Captain's and First Officer's seats installed on an 
airplane. As noted by the commenter, the service information already 
allows a record review. For clarity, in paragraph (g) of this AD where 
we specify to do an inspection, the FAA has included the following 
statement: ``A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in 
lieu of this inspection if the part number and serial number of the 
Captain's and First Officer's seats can be conclusively determined from 
that review.''
    However, paragraph (h) of this AD has not been revised. While 
paragraph (g) of this AD requires an inspection to determine the part 
number and serial number, as applicable, of the Captain's and First 
Officer's seats, paragraph (h) of this AD specifies accomplishing 
applicable actions in accordance with the service information, which 
includes both inspection and records review language. The records 
review provided in the service information referenced in pargraph (h) 
of this AD is applicable to all airplanes identified in the 
applicability of this AD. Therefore, a statement clarifying that a 
records review is acceptable in lieu of an inspection is not necessary 
for paragraph (h) of this AD.

Request To Clarify Procedures in Certain Service Information

    Lufthansa stated that it is not possible for its mechanics to do 
the maintenance log review that is included in Part A, paragraph 1.c., 
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Ipeco SB 258-25-14, Issue 4.
    The FAA infers that the commenter is requesting that we clarify the 
procedures in Ipeco SB 258-25-14, Issue 4. Operators only need to do a 
review of the maintenance logs if the maintenance logs are available. 
If maintenance logs are not available then operators do the actions in 
Part A, paragraph 1.b., of Ipeco SB 258-25-14, Issue 4. Also, Part A, 
paragraph 1.b. and paragraph 1.c. of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Ipeco SB 258-25-14, Issue 4, direct maintenance personnel to do the 
actions in Part E of the Accomplishment Instructions if the horizontal 
actuator has P/N AD8650503 at Amendment A or Amendment B. The FAA has 
not revised this AD in regard to this issue.

Request To Require Alternative Actions

    Lufthansa remarked that Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 
777-25-0619, Revision 1, does not include procedures that provide a 
permanent and acceptable level of safety. The commenter stated that it 
would have expected a redesign of the horizontal shaft actuator 
(including the shaft), which would be required to withstand and limit 
the maximum loads to the horizontal output shaft, and would prevent 
shafts from failure at any phase of seat operation. The commenter 
stated that the repetitive inspections would not be effective because 
shaft failures could occur at any time between inspections.
    The commenter recommended that a more effective solution would be a 
crew procedure (e.g., a pre-flight inspection of the seat tracks). 
Furthermore the commenter stated that it would have expected a 
termination action for modified/compliant airplanes, for example 
required maintenance documentation amendments. The commenter asked if 
any maintenance planning document item is being prepared that would 
require repetitive checks for the part number of the horizontal 
actuator.
    The FAA infers that the commenter is requesting that we require 
alternative actions to address the unsafe condition than what is 
proposed in the NPRM. The FAA does not agree with the commenter's 
request. The FAA has identified the unsafe condition in this final rule 
as uncommanded fore/aft movement of the Captain's and First Officer's 
seats. The FAA has determined that the actions required by this AD 
adequately address the identified unsafe condition, and that the 
creation of a maintenance planning document item or other service 
information is not needed. In addition, the FAA notes that a 
terminating action is detailed in paragraph (j) of this AD. Paragraph 
(j) of this AD states ``Installation of a serviceable Captain's or 
First Officer's seat as specified in, and in accordance with, the 
Accomplishment Instructions of BSASB 777-25-0619, Revision 1, 
terminates the repetitive checks required by paragraph (h) of this AD 
for that seat only.''
    A serviceable Captain's or First Officer's seat is defined in 
Paragraph 3.A of BSASB 777-25-0619, Revision 1. The horizontal actuator 
with Artus P/N AD8650503 at Amendment C or later is the redesigned 
horizontal actuator that is designed to withstand the required limit 
loads. Additionally, according to the BSASB 777-25-0619, Revision 1, in 
the case that the horizontal actuator part number is not AD8650503 at 
Amendment C or later, upon inspection and before further flight, the 
operator has the option to install a power deactivated seat in lieu of 
the terminating action or until such a time that the horizontal 
actuator can be serviced in accordance with the appropriate service 
information. The FAA has not revised this AD in regard to this issue. 
However, under the provisions of paragraph (k) of this AD, the FAA will 
consider requests for approval of alternative actions if sufficient 
data are submitted to substantiate that alternative actions provide an 
acceptable level of safety.
    Regarding the commenter's statement that shaft failures could occur 
at any time, the FAA infers that the commenter is referring to the 36-
month compliance time and the chance that a shaft failure might occur 
during this time. The FAA notes that in developing an appropriate 
compliance time, the FAA considered the urgency associated with the 
subject unsafe condition, the availability of required parts, and the 
practical aspect of accomplishing the required actions within a period 
of time that corresponds to the normal scheduled maintenance for most 
affected operators. In consideration of all of these factors, the FAA 
has determined that the compliance time, as proposed, represents an 
appropriate interval. The FAA further notes that the repetitive checks 
required by this AD adequately address the unsafe condition, though 
operators also have the option of installing a serviceable seat to 
terminate

[[Page 45898]]

those repetitive checks, as specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.

Request To Provide Credit for Previous Actions

    American Airlines requested that a provision be included in the 
proposed AD to allow operators to receive credit for actions completed 
prior to the effective date using the procedures in Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0607, dated January 9, 2014.
    The FAA does not agree with the commenter's request. This AD 
requires operators to use BSASB 777-25-0607, Revision 1, because it 
includes seat part numbers that were not included in Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0607, dated January 9, 2014. The 
Ipeco service information was revised in support of BSASB 777-25-0607, 
Revision 1, by updating information included in the Accomplishment 
Instructions. The FAA has not revised this AD in regard to this issue.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments 
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest 
require adopting this final rule with the changes described previously 
and minor editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor 
changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    The FAA also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final 
rule.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-
0607, Revision 1, dated July 17, 2018 (``BSASB 777-25-0607, Revision 
1''). The service information describes procedures for identification 
of the part number, and if applicable the serial number, of the 
Captain's and First Officer's seats, and for applicable on-condition 
actions for affected seats. The on-condition actions include an 
inspection of each seat's fore/aft and vertical manual control levers 
for looseness, installation of serviceable seats, and a seat functional 
test after any cable adjustment.
    The FAA also reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 
777-25-0619, Revision 1, dated August 8, 2018 (``BSASB 777-25-0619, 
Revision 1''). The service information describes procedures for a 
detailed inspection and repetitive checks of the horizontal movement 
system for the Captain's and First Officer's seats for findings (e.g., 
evidence of cracks, scores, corrosion, dents, deformation or visible 
wear; and incorrectly assembled microswitch assemblies, actuators, and 
limit switches), and applicable on-condition actions. The on-condition 
actions include clearing the seat tracks of foreign object debris 
(FOD), overhaul of the horizontal movement system and replacement of 
the horizontal actuator. The service information also describes 
procedures for an optional terminating action for the repetitive checks 
by installing a serviceable Captain's or First Officer's seat.
    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.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 190 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions per Seat
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost                Cost per product                       Cost on U.S. operators
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Identification, seat............  1 work-hour x $85                $0  $85.....................................  $16,150.
                                   per hour = $85.
Detailed inspection, horizontal   1 work-hour x $85                 0  $85.....................................  $16,150.
 movement system.                  per hour = $85.
Checks, horizontal movement       2 work-hour x $85                 0  $170 per check cycle....................  $32,300 per check cycle.
 system.                           per hour = $170
                                   per check cycle.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required. The FAA has no way of 
determining the number of aircraft that might need these on-condition 
actions:

                                                   Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions per Seat *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Action                         Labor cost                         Parts cost                               Cost per product
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adjustment, control lever cable.......  1 work-hour x $85 per     $0........................................  $85.
                                         hour = $85.
Overhaul, horizontal movement system..  11 work-hours x $85 per   Up to $5,824..............................  Up to $6,759.
                                         hour = $935.
Inspection of each seat's fore/aft and  1 work-hour x $85 per     $0........................................  $85.
 vertical manual control levers.         hour = $85.
Installation of serviceable seats.....  1 work-hour x $85 per     $0........................................  $85.
                                         hour = $85.
Clearing FOD..........................  1 work-hour x $85 per     $0........................................  $85.
                                         hour = $85.
Replacement of the horizontal actuator  1 work-hour x $85 per     $7,937 per actuator.......................  $8,022 per actuator.
                                         hour = $85, per
                                         actuator.
Functional test, adjusted control       1 work-hour x $85 per     $0........................................  $85.
 lever cable.                            hour = $85.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The estimated cost for tooling to align an affected seat for adjustment of the control lever cable is up to $46,064.

    The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the 
agency to provide cost estimates for the optional terminating action 
for the repetitive checks specified in this AD.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue

[[Page 45899]]

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.
    The FAA is 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 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 and 
associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.

Regulatory Findings

    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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) 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.

Adoption of the Amendment

    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 FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2019-16-05 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-19708; Docket No. FAA-
2018-1012; Product Identifier 2018-NM-132-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective October 8, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, 
-300, -300ER, and 777F 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 fore/aft movement 
of the Captain's and First Officer's seats. The FAA is issuing this 
AD to address uncommanded fore/aft movement of the Captain's and 
First Officer's seats. An uncommanded fore/aft seat movement during 
a critical part of a flight, such as takeoff or landing, could cause 
a flight control obstruction or unintended flight control input, 
which could result in the loss of the ability to control the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Seat Part Number Identification and On-Condition Actions

    Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, do an 
inspection to determine the part number, and serial number as 
applicable, of the Captain's and First Officer's seats, and do all 
applicable on-condition actions, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 777-25-0607, Revision 1, dated July 17, 2018. A review of 
airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this 
inspection if the part number and serial number of the Captain's and 
First Officer's seats can be conclusively determined from that 
review.

(h) Detailed Inspection and Repetitive Checks of Horizontal Movement 
System and On-Condition Actions

    Except as specified in paragraph (i) of this AD: At the 
applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of 
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0619, Revision 1, 
dated August 8, 2018 (``BSASB 777-25-0619, Revision 1''), do all 
applicable actions identified as ``RC'' (required for compliance) 
in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment Instructions of BSASB 
777-25-0619, Revision 1.

(i) Exception to Service Information Specifications

    For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements of 
this AD: Where BSASB 777-25-0619, Revision 1, uses the phrase ``the 
original issue date of this service bulletin,'' this AD requires 
using ``the effective date of this AD.''

(j) Optional Terminating Action for Repetitive Checks

    Installation of a serviceable Captain's or First Officer's seat 
as specified in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment 
Instructions of BSASB 777-25-0619, Revision 1, terminates the 
repetitive checks required by paragraph (h) of this AD for that seat 
only.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle 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 (l) 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, modification, or alteration required by this AD 
if it is approved by The Boeing Company Organization Designation 
Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle 
ACO Branch, FAA, 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 Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs 
(k)(4)(i) and (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

[[Page 45900]]

still be done as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an 
airworthy condition.

(l) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Brandon Lucero, 
Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Section, 
FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; 
phone and fax: 206-231-3569; email: Brandon.Lucero@faa.gov.

(m) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0607, 
Revision 1, dated July 17, 2018.
    (ii) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-25-0619, 
Revision 1, dated August 8, 2018.
    (3) 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 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (4) You may view this 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.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on August 9, 2019.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-18832 Filed 8-30-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P