Document ID: FAA-2022-0148-0007
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: The Boeing Company Airplanes
Posted Date: 2022-09-30T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 189 (Friday, September 30, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59293-59296]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-21021]

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 Rules and Regulations
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  Federal Register / Vol. 87 , No. 189 / Friday, September 30, 2022 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 59293]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0148; Project Identifier AD-2021-00922-T; 
Amendment 39-22110; AD 2022-14-05]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; correction.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is correcting an airworthiness directive (AD) that was 
published in the Federal Register. That AD superseded AD 2015-12-03, 
and applies to all The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and 
-300ER series airplanes, and certain Model 777F airplanes. As 
published, a freeplay indicator value in the regulatory text is 
incorrect, and certain credit service information was omitted for 
certain actions in the regulatory text. This document corrects those 
errors. In all other respects, the original document remains the same.

DATES: This correction is effective October 12, 2022. The effective 
date of AD 2022-14-05 remains October 12, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 12, 
2022 (87 FR 54609, September 7, 2022).
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of July 
21, 2015 (80 FR 34252, June 16, 2015).

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0148; 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, any 
comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket 
Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
     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; website myboeingfleet.com.
     You may view this referenced service information at the 
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 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 at 
regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0148.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Luis Cortez-Muniz, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA 98198; phone: (206) 231-3958; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: AD 2022-14-05, Amendment 39-22110 (87 FR 
54609, September 7, 2022) (AD 2022-14-05), superseded AD 2015-12-03, 
Amendment 39-18176 (80 FR 34252, June 16, 2015) (AD 2015-12-03). AD 
2022-14-05 retains the requirements for repetitive freeplay inspections 
and lubrication of the right and left elevators, rudder, and rudder 
tab, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. AD 
2022-14-05 also requires revising the existing maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable, for certain other airplanes, to 
incorporate a revised or new elevator freeplay maintenance procedure, 
as applicable. AD 2022-14-05 applies to all The Boeing Company Model 
777-200, -200LR, -300, and -300ER series airplanes, and certain Model 
777F airplanes.

Need for Correction

    As published, paragraphs (j)(3) and (l) of AD 2022-14-05 are 
incorrect.
    Paragraph (j)(3) of AD 2022-14-05 requires incorporating a revision 
of the elevator freeplay dial indicator limit to ``0.34 in. (152 mm) or 
less.'' The correct value is ``0.34 in. (8.636 mm) or less.''
    Additionally, paragraph (l) of AD 2022-14-05 inadvertently omitted 
credit for certain actions that was previously provided in AD 2015-12-
03 for the following service information: Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, dated July 18, 2006, and Revision 1, 
dated October 1, 2009. The FAA intended for that service information to 
be retained as credit for the corresponding retained actions in AD 
2022-14-05.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-
0062, Revision 4, dated July 15, 2021. This service information 
specifies procedures for changing the elevator freeplay instructions by 
adding changes to the input force, elevator freeplay limit, and power 
control unit (PCU) bypass test setup.
    This AD also requires Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 
777-27-0062, Revision 2, dated January 27, 2014, which the Director of 
the Federal Register approved for incorporation by reference as of July 
21, 2015 (80 FR 34252, June 16, 2015).
    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 ADDRESSES.

Correction of Publication

    This document corrects two errors and correctly adds the AD as an 
amendment to 14 CFR 39.13. Although no other part of the preamble or 
regulatory information has been corrected, the FAA is publishing the 
entire rule in the Federal Register.
    The effective date of this AD remains October 12, 2022.
    Since this action only corrects a freeplay indicator value and adds 
credit service information, it has no adverse economic impact and 
imposes no additional burden on any person. Therefore, the FAA has 
determined that notice and public comment procedures are unnecessary.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

[[Page 59294]]

Adoption of the Correction

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by correcting 87 FR 
54609 (September 7, 2022), beginning at page 54611, column 1, 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  [Corrected]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015-12-03, Amendment 39-18176 
(80 FR 34252, June 16, 2015); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

2022-14-05 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-22110; Docket No. FAA-
2022-0148; Project Identifier AD-2022-00922-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 12, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2015-12-03, Amendment 39-18176 (80 FR 34252, 
June 16, 2015) (AD 2015-12-03).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company airplanes, certificated in 
any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this AD.
    (1) All Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and -300ER series 
airplanes.
    (2) Model 777F airplanes with an original airworthiness 
certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued 
on or before the effective date of this AD.

(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 available at the 
time did not properly detect excessive freeplay in the rudder 
control load loop. This AD was also prompted by engineering testing 
that revealed that the force being applied to the elevator to detect 
excessive freeplay was insufficient. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address excessive wear in the load loop components of the control 
surfaces, which could lead to excessive freeplay of the control 
surfaces, flutter, and consequent loss of control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Repetitive Inspections of Elevators, Rudder, and Rudder 
Tab, With Revised Service Information

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2015-12-03, with revised service information. For Model 777-200, -
200LR, -300, and -300ER series airplanes: 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, or Revision 4, dated July 15, 2021, 
except as provided by paragraph (i)(1) 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, or 
Revision 4, dated July 15, 2021, except as provided by paragraphs 
(i)(2) through (5) of this AD. Repeat the inspections thereafter at 
the intervals 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, or Revision 4, dated July 
15, 2021. If, during any inspection required by this paragraph, the 
freeplay exceeds any applicable measurement specified in Part 1, 3, 
and 5, as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, Revision 2, dated 
January 27, 2014, or Revision 4, dated July 15, 2021, before further 
flight, do the applicable corrective actions in accordance with Part 
1, 3, and 5 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, Revision 2, dated January 
27, 2014, or Revision 4, dated July 15, 2021. After the effective 
date of this AD use only Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 
777-27-0062, Revision 4, dated July 15, 2021.

(h) Retained Repetitive Lubrication, With Revised Service Information

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2015-12-03, with revised service information. For Model 777-200, -
200LR, -300, and -300ER series airplanes: 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, or Revision 4, dated July 15, 2021, 
except as provided by paragraph (i)(1) 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, or 
Revision 4, dated July 15, 2021. 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, or Revision 4, dated July 
15, 2021. After the effective date of this AD use only Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, Revision 4, dated 
July 15, 2021.

(i) Exceptions To Service Information Specifications, With Revised 
Service Information and a New Exception

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2015-12-03, with revised service information and a new exception, 
for Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and -300ER series airplanes.
    (1) Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, 
Revision 2, dated January 27, 2014, and Revision 4, dated July 15, 
2021, specify 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)). 
After the effective date of this AD, only Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, Revision 4, dated July 15, 2021, may 
be used.
    (2) Where Appendix B, paragraph 1.f., ``Freeplay Inspection,'' 
step (8), of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, 
Revision 2, dated January 27, 2014, specifies that the center of the 
pad must be within 1.0 inch (13 millimeters) of the center line of 
the rib rivets in the rudder tab, this AD requires that the center 
of the tab must be within 1.0 inch (25 millimeters) of the center 
line of the rib rivets in the rudder tab.
    (3) Where Appendix C, paragraph 1.e., ``Rudder Tab Surface 
Freeplay-Inspection,'' step (2) and step (6), of Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, Revision 2, dated January 
27, 2014, specify that the placement of the force gage and pad 
should be within one inch of the centerline line of the middle 
rudder power control unit (PCU) rib and at 12  1 inch 
(305  72 millimeters) forward of the rudder tab trailing 
edge, this AD requires placement of the force gage and pad within 
one inch of the centerline line of the middle rudder PCU rib and at 
12  1 inch (305  25 millimeters) forward of 
the rudder tab trailing edge.
    (4) Where Appendix C, paragraph 1.e., ``Rudder Tab Surface 
Freeplay-Inspection,'' step (3), of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 777-27-0062, Revision 2, dated January 27, 2014, specifies 
to apply a 30  pound (133  14 newton) force, 
this AD requires applying a 30  3 pound force (133 
 14 newton) force.
    (5) Where the CAUTION note just before step (6) of Appendix A, 
paragraph 1.f., ``Freeplay Inspection,'' of Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, Revision 4, dated July 15, 2021, 
specifies using a pad that distributes the force over an area of 84 
square inches (5,420 square centimeters) or more, this AD requires 
using a pad that distributes the force over an area of 84 square 
inches (542 square centimeters) or more.

(j) New Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision

    For Model 777F airplanes: Within 30 days after the effective 
date of this AD, revise the 777F elevator freeplay maintenance 
procedure in the existing maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, by doing the actions specified in paragraphs (j)(1) 
through (3) of this AD.
    (1) Remove the existing hydraulic depressurization PCU test 
setup procedure

[[Page 59295]]

step and replace it by incorporating the information specified in 
figure 1 to paragraph (j) of this AD.
    (2) Revise the jack test force used to push the elevator up to 
225  10 lb (102.1  4.5 kg).
    (3) Revise the elevator freeplay dial indicator limit to 0.34 
in. (8.636 mm) or less.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR30SE22.008

    Note 1 to paragraph (j): Refer to AMM task 27-31-09-200-801, 
dated September 5, 2021, for additional guidance.

(k) No Alternative Actions or Intervals

    After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been 
revised as required by paragraph (j) of this AD, no alternative 
actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be used unless the 
actions or intervals are approved as an alternative method of 
compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (m) of this AD.

(l) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed 
before July 21, 2015 (the effective date of AD 2015-12-03) using the 
service information specified in paragraphs (l)(1)(i) or (ii) of 
this AD.
    (i) 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).
    (ii) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, 
Revision 1, dated October 1, 2009, which is not incorporated by 
reference in this AD.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed 
before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, Revision 3, dated October 9, 2015, 
which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.

(m) 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 responsible Flight Standards 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 (n)(1) of this AD. Information may be 
emailed to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the responsible Flight Standards 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) AMOCs approved previously for the freeplay measurements of 
the right and left rudder tab required by AD 2015-12-03, are 
approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD.
    (5) AMOCs approved previously for the freeplay measurements of 
the rudder required by AD 2015-12-03, are approved as

[[Page 59296]]

AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD.
    (6) AMOCs approved previously for the repetitive lubrications 
required by AD 2015-12-03, are approved as AMOCs for the 
corresponding provisions of this AD.

(n) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Luis Cortez-
Muniz, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO 
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: (206) 
231-3958; email: [email protected].
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (o)(5) and (6) of this AD.

(o) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
October 12, 2022 (87 FR 54609, September 7, 2022).
    (i) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, 
Revision 4, dated July 15, 2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
July 21, 2015 (80 FR 34252, June 16, 2015).
    (i) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-27-0062, 
Revision 2, dated January 27, 2014.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (5) 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; website myboeingfleet.com.
    (6) You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability 
of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
    (7) 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, email [email protected], or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on September 23, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-21021 Filed 9-29-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P