Document ID: FAA-2015-7527-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: The Boeing Company Airplanes,
Posted Date: 2015-12-23T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 246 (Wednesday, December 23, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 79754-79757]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-32081]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-7527; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-094-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 adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and -300ER 
series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report indicating 
that the manufacturer discovered locations where the control components 
and wiring of the left and right engine fuel spar valves do not have 
adequate physical separation to meet the redundant system separation 
requirements. This proposed AD would require modifying the wiring, and 
installing a new relay bracket and new location for the relay on the 
left and right engine fuel spar valves. This proposed AD would also 
require an inspection to identify the part number of the motor operated 
valve (MOV) actuators for the left and right engine fuel spar valves; 
replacement of specified MOV actuators with new MOV actuators; certain 
bonding resistance measurements; and applicable corrective actions. We 
are proposing this AD to prevent loss of control of both the left and 
right engine fuel spar valves during a single event, such as

[[Page 79755]]

local wire bundle damage or a wire bundle fire, which could cause both 
engines to shut down or result in the inability to control an engine 
fire.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 8, 
2016.

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. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
7527.

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-2015-
7527; 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: Georgios Roussos, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; 
telephone: 425-917-6482; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
georgios.roussos@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2015-7527; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-094-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

    We have received a report indicating that the manufacturer 
discovered locations where the control components and wiring of the 
left and right engine fuel spar valve do not have adequate physical 
separation to meet the redundant system separation requirements. The 
control relays for both the left and right engine fuel spar valves are 
located in the same panel, and the left and right fuel spar valve 
control wiring is routed in common wire bundles and share the same 
electrical connectors. This condition, if not corrected, could result 
in loss of control of both the left and right engine fuel spar valves 
during a single event, such as local wire bundle damage or a wire 
bundle fire, which could cause both engines to shut down or result in 
the inability to control an engine fire.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-28-0061, 
Revision 2, dated May 4, 2015. The service information describes 
procedures for modifying the wiring, and installing a new relay bracket 
and new location for the relay on the left and right engine fuel spar 
valves.
    We have also reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0034, Revision 
3, dated September 25, 2015. The service information describes 
procedures for an inspection of the MOV actuators of the left and right 
engine fuel spar valves for part number (P/N) MA20A1001-1, replacement 
of MOV actuators, measurement of the electrical resistance of the bond 
from the adapter plate to the airplane structure, and applicable 
corrective actions.
    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 of this 
NPRM.

Other Relevant Rulemaking

    AD 2013-05-03, Amendment 39-17375 (78 FR 17290, March 21, 2013), 
was issued for certain Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and -300ER series 
airplanes. AD 2013-05-03 requires an inspection to identify the part 
number of the MOV actuators of the main and center fuel tanks; 
replacing certain MOV actuators with new MOV actuators; and measuring 
the electrical resistance of the bond from the adaptor plate to the 
airplane structure, and doing corrective actions if necessary. AD 2013-
05-03 refers to Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0034, Revision 2, dated 
September 20, 2010, as the appropriate source of service information 
for accomplishing the required actions.
    In addition, AD 2015-19-01, Amendment 39-18264 (80 FR 55521, 
September 16, 2015), requires revising the maintenance or inspection 
program to add a new airworthiness limitation for a repetitive 
inspection of the fuel spar valve.

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

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 133 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

[[Page 79756]]

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
             Action                   Labor cost          Parts cost       Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Installation and modification...  119 work-hours x    Up to $3,780        Up to $13,895       Up to $1,848,035
                                   $85 per hour =      depending on        depending on        depending on
                                   $10,115.            airplane            airplane            airplane
                                                       configuration.      configuration.      configuration.
Inspection of MOV Actuators       1 work-hour x $85   $0................  $85...............  $11,305.
 [concurrent requirements].        per hour = $85.
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    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. 
We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need 
these replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
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                Action                        Labor cost               Parts cost            Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement of MOV actuators for the   Up to 105 work-hours x   Up to $10,954..........  Up to $19,879.
 left and right engine fuel spar        $85 per hour =$8,925.
 valves.
Bonding resistance measurements......  1 work-hour x $85 per    $0.....................  $85.
                                        hour = $85.
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    We have received no definitive data on the costs of the corrective 
actions for the bonding resistance measurement 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 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 this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2015-7527; Directorate Identifier 
2015-NM-094-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by February 8, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and -300ER 
series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in 
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-28-0061, Revision 2, 
dated May 4, 2015.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 2822, Fuel Boost 
Pump.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report indicating that the 
manufacturer discovered locations where the control components and 
wiring of the left and right engine fuel spar valves do not have 
adequate physical separation to meet the redundant system separation 
requirements. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of control of 
both the left and right engine fuel spar valves during a single 
event, such as local wire bundle damage or a wire bundle fire, which 
could cause both engines to shut down or result in the inability to 
control an engine fire.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Installation and Modification

    Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the 
wiring and install a new relay bracket and new location for the 
relay on the left and right engine fuel spar valves, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 777-28-0061, Revision 2, dated May 4, 2015.

(h) Concurrent Requirements

    (1) Prior to or concurrently with accomplishing the requirements 
of paragraph (g) of this AD: Do an inspection of the motor operated 
valve (MOV) actuators of the left and right engine fuel spar valves 
for part number (P/N) MA20A1001-1, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0034, 
Revision 3, dated September 25, 2015. A

[[Page 79757]]

review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this 
inspection if the part number can be conclusively determined from 
that review.
    (2) If any MOV actuator having P/N MA20A1001-1 is found during 
the inspection required by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, prior to or 
concurrently with accomplishing the requirements of paragraph (g) of 
this AD, replace the MOV actuator with either a new or serviceable 
MOV actuator having P/N MA30A1001, MA30A1017, MA20A2027, or with an 
MOV actuator that meets the criteria specified in paragraphs 
(h)(2)(i) and (h)(2)(ii) of this AD; and, as applicable, measure the 
electrical resistance of the bond from the adapter plate to the 
airplane structure and, before further flight, do all applicable 
corrective actions. All actions specified in this paragraph for the 
left and right engine fuel spar valves must be done in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-
28A0034, Revision 3, dated September 25, 2015.
    (i) The replacement MOV actuator must be a Boeing part that is 
approved after the issuance of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0034, 
Revision 3, dated September 25, 2015, by the Manager, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or the Boeing Commercial 
Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been 
authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to approve the part.
    (ii) The replacement MOV actuator must be fully interchangeable 
with the part specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0034, 
Revision 3, dated September 25, 2015.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for the requirements of 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 777-28-0061, dated October 25, 2010; or Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 777-28-0061, Revision 1, dated January 
26, 2012; as applicable; which are not incorporated by reference in 
this AD.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for the requirements of 
paragraph (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
April 25, 2013 (the effective date of AD 2013-05-03, Amendment 39-
17375 (78 FR 17290, March 21, 2013), using Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 777-28A0034, dated August 2, 2007; or Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 777-28A0034, Revision 1, dated May 20, 2010; except that 
the replacement of MOV actuators of the left and right engine fuel 
spar valves must also include cap sealing the bonding jumper, as 
described in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0034, Revision 2, dated 
September 20, 2010; and provided that the replacement is an MOV 
actuator identified in paragraph (i)(2)(i) or (i)(2)(ii) of this AD. 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-28A0034, dated August 2, 2007; and 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-28A0034, Revision 1, dated May 20, 
2010; are not incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (i) An MOV actuator that has P/N MA30A1001, MA30A1017, or 
MA20A2027.
    (ii) An MOV actuator that has a part number other than P/N 
MA20A1001-1 and meets the criteria specified in paragraphs (h)(2)(i) 
and (h)(2)(ii) of this AD.
    (3) This paragraph provides credit for the requirements of 
paragraph (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Boeing Service Bulletin 777-28A0034, 
Revision 2, dated September 20, 2010, which was incorporated by 
reference in AD 2013-05-03, Amendment 39-17375 (78 FR 17290, March 
21, 2013).

(j) 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 (k)(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, modification, or alteration 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. 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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Georgios 
Roussos, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, 
FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone: 425-917-6482; fax: 425-917-6590; 
email: georgios.roussos@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 December 11, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-32081 Filed 12-22-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P