80 FR 21645 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 75 (April 20, 2015)

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 757-200, -200PF, -200CB, and -300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by numerous reports of unintended lateral oscillations during final approach, just before landing. This AD requires, depending on airplane configuration, installing new relays and bracket assemblies, inspecting to ensure that the new relays do not contact adjacent wire bundles, torquing the bracket assembly installation nuts and ground stud nuts, doing bond resistance tests between the bracket assemblies and the terminal lugs on the ground studs, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to reduce the chance of unintended lateral oscillations near touchdown, which could result in loss of lateral control of the airplane, and consequent airplane damage or injury to flightcrew and passengers.

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 75 (Monday, April 20, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 21645-21649]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-08407]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0475; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-199-AD; 
Amendment 39-18137; AD 2015-08-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
The Boeing Company Model 757-200, -200PF, -200CB, and -300 series 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by numerous reports of unintended 
lateral oscillations during final approach, just before landing. This 
AD requires, depending on airplane configuration, installing new relays 
and bracket assemblies, inspecting to ensure that the new relays do not 
contact adjacent wire bundles, torquing the bracket assembly 
installation nuts and ground stud nuts, doing bond resistance tests 
between the bracket assemblies and the terminal lugs on the ground 
studs, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. 
We are issuing this AD to reduce the chance of unintended lateral 
oscillations near touchdown, which could result in loss of lateral 
control of the airplane, and consequent airplane damage or injury to 
flightcrew and passengers.

DATES: This AD is effective May 26, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of May 26, 2015.

ADDRESSES: 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.,

[[Page 21646]]

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 2011-
0475.

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-2011-
0475; 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket Management Facility, 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: Jeffrey Palmer, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, Los Angeles Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 
90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5351; fax: 562-627-5210; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to 
amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain The 
Boeing Company Model 757-200, -200PF, -200CB, and -300 series 
airplanes. The SNPRM published in the Federal Register on July 1, 2014 
(79 FR 37239). We preceded the SNPRM with a notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM) that published in the Federal Register on May 24, 
2011 (76 FR 30043). The NPRM proposed to require, for certain 
airplanes, installing new relays adjacent to two of the spoiler control 
modules. For certain other airplanes, the NPRM proposed to require 
torquing the bracket assembly installation nuts and ground stud nuts, 
and doing bond resistance tests between the bracket assemblies and the 
terminal lugs on the ground studs. The NPRM was prompted by numerous 
reports of unintended lateral oscillations during final approach, just 
before landing. In addition to the actions proposed in the NPRM, the 
SNPRM proposed to require installing three new relays on the opposite 
side of the same relay bracket assembly; and for certain airplanes, 
doing an additional inspection to ensure that the three new relays do 
not contact adjacent wire bundles, and related investigative and 
corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to reduce the 
chance of unintended lateral oscillations near touchdown, which could 
result in loss of lateral control of the airplane, and consequent 
airplane damage or injury to flightcrew and passengers.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the SNPRM (79 
FR 37239, July 1, 2014) and the FAA's response to each comment.

Support for the SNPRM (79 FR 37239, July 1, 2014)

    American Airlines (AAL) stated that it agrees with the intent of 
the SNPRM (79 FR 37239, July 1, 2014). Boeing stated that it agrees 
with the NPRM (76 FR 30043, May 24, 2011). We infer that Boeing's 
comment refers to the SNPRM.

Request To Withdraw the SNPRM (79 FR 37239, July 1, 2014)

    United Airlines (United Engineering) requested data to justify the 
release of a new AD. United Engineering stated that it has not received 
any reports of pilot-induced oscillations since implementation of AD 
2006-23-15, Amendment 39-14827 (71 FR 66657, November 16, 2006). United 
Engineering stated that AD 2006-23-15 requires, among other actions, 
installing a control wheel damper assembly and vortex generators 
(vortilons) on the leading edge of the outboard main flap. United 
Engineering also stated that the required work is extensive and that 
the impact to operations and the cost of this modification is 
considerable.
    From these statements, we infer that United Engineering requested 
we withdraw the SNPRM (79 FR 37239, July 1, 2014). We do not agree with 
the commenter's request to withdraw the SNPRM. AD 2006-23-15, Amendment 
39-14827 (71 FR 66657, November 16, 2006), was considered interim 
action. To effectively manage the risk, the FAA determined an interim 
action needed to be mandated to reduce the risk, while a solution that 
fully addresses the unsafe condition was identified and could be 
implemented.
    The manufacturer has identified an additional modification that is 
needed to correct the unsafe condition identified in AD 2006-23-15. We 
have determined that this design change not only corrects the unsafe 
condition by removing excessive airplane roll authority during landing, 
but it will also improve safety by making the Model 757 handling 
characteristics more consistent with the other Boeing airplane models. 
Also, even though there have only been 12 reports of unintended lateral 
oscillations near touchdown, the FAA considers it likely that there may 
have been other events that have been unrecognized and/or unreported.
    Finally, in developing the compliance time for this AD, we did 
consider not only the safety implications of the identified unsafe 
condition, but also the practical aspects of an orderly modification of 
the fleet including the work required and the impact on operations. We 
have determined that it is necessary to proceed with this AD action.

Request To Delay Final Rule Pending Revised Service Information

    AAL requested that we delay this final rule until Boeing releases 
Boeing Service Bulletin 757-27A0152, Revision 4. AAL noted that Boeing 
intended to release Boeing Service Bulletin 757-27A0152, Revision 4, 
which would address its concerns regarding certain procedures and 
figures in Boeing Service Bulletin 757-27A0152, Revision 1, Dated June 
30, 2010.
    Since the issuance of the SNPRM (79 FR 37239, July 1, 2014), Boeing 
has issued Service Bulletin 757-27A0152, Revision 4, dated August 26, 
2014. We have revised this AD to incorporate Boeing Service Bulletin 
757-27A0152, Revision 4, dated August 26, 2014, as an appropriate 
source of service information for accomplishing the actions required by 
this AD. This service bulletin includes a change to a footnote listed 
in Figures 15, 16, 17, 19, and 21; this footnote addresses AAL's 
concerns regarding certain procedures and figures in Boeing Service 
Bulletin 757-27A0152, Revision 1, dated June 30, 2010. Boeing Service 
Bulletin 757-27A0152, Revision 4, dated August 26, 2014, states that no 
more work is necessary on airplanes changed in accordance with Boeing 
Service Bulletin 757-27A0152, Revision 2, dated May 25, 2012; or Boeing 
Service Bulletin 757-27A0152, Revision 3, dated October 28, 2013.
    We have changed paragraphs (c) and (g) of this AD to reference 
Boeing Service Bulletin 757-27A0152, Revision 3, dated October 28, 
2013, as revised by Boeing Service Bulletin 757-27A0152, Revision 4, 
dated August 26, 2014.

Effect of Winglets on AD

    Aviation Partners Boeing stated that the installation of winglets 
per Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)

[[Page 21647]]

ST01518SE (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/
rgstc.nsf/0/312bc296830a925c86257c85006d1b1f/$FILE/ST01518SE.pdf) does 
not affect the accomplishment of the manufacturer's service 
instructions. No change is necessary to this AD in this regard.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 757-27A0152, Revision 3, dated 
October 28, 2013, which describes procedures for installing new relays; 
inspecting to ensure that the new relays do not contact adjacent wire 
bundles, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary; 
torquing the bracket assembly installation nuts and ground stud nuts; 
and doing bond resistance tests between the bracket assemblies and the 
terminal lugs on the ground studs.
    We have also reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 757-27A0152, Revision 
4, dated August 26, 2014, which provides some revised text in footnotes 
of certain figures.
    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 
AD.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the changes described and minor editorial changes. We have 
determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
SNPRM (79 FR 37239, July 1, 2014) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the SNPRM (79 FR 37239, July 1, 2014).
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 676 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
             Action                      Labor cost         Parts cost    Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Installation Group 1,             36 work-hours x $85 per       $4,691  $7,751.............  $372,048.
 Configuration 1 (48 airplanes).   hour = $3,060.
Installation Group 2,             33 work-hours x $85 per        4,610  7,415..............  4,360,020.
 Configuration 1 (588 airplanes).  hour = $2,805.
Installation Group 3,             33 work-hours x $85 per        4,619  7,424..............  89,088.
 Configuration 1 (12 airplanes).   hour = $2,805.
Installation Group 4,             33 work-hours x $85 per        4,610  7,415..............  177,960.
 Configuration 1 (24 airplanes).   hour = $2,805.
Installation Group 5,             36 work-hours x $85 per        4,701  7,761..............  31,044.
 Configuration 1 (4 airplanes).    hour = $3,060.
Torque Bracket Assembly and Bond  12 work-hours x $85 per            0  Up to $1,020.......  Up to $689,520.
 Tests Groups 1-5, Configuration   hour = $1,020.
 2 (Up to 676 airplanes).
General Visual Inspection Groups  7 work-hours x $85 per             0  Up to $595.........  Up to $402,220.
 1-5, Configuration 3 (Up to 676   hour = $595.
 airplanes).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repairs that 
would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no 
way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these 
repairs:

                           On-Condition Costs
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Cost per
            Action                 Labor cost     Parts cost    product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adjust Wire Bundle and Install  1 work-hour x             $0         $85
 Sleeve, Group 1-5,              $85 per hour =
 Configuration 1.                $85.
Inspection, Repair, and         1 work-hour x              0          85
 Installation Change, Group 1-   $85 per hour =
 5, Configuration 2.             $85.
Inspection, Repair,             5 work-hours x             0         425
 Installation Change, and        $85 per hour =
 Test, Group 1-5,                $425.
 Configuration 3.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the parts needed for the on-condition actions 
specified in this 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

    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

[[Page 21648]]

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) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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.

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):

2015-08-01 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18137; Docket No. FAA-
2011-0475; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-199-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective May 26, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 757-200, -200PF, -
200CB, and -300 series airplanes; certificated in any category; as 
identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 757-27A0152, Revision 3, dated 
October 28, 2013, as revised by Boeing Service Bulletin 757-27A0152, 
Revision 4, dated August 26, 2014.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by numerous reports of unintended lateral 
oscillations during the final approach, just before landing. We are 
issuing this AD to reduce the chance of unintended lateral 
oscillations near touchdown, which could result in loss of lateral 
control of the airplane, and consequent airplane damage or injury to 
flightcrew and passengers.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Installation and Inspection

    Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, do the 
applicable actions specified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) 
of this AD.
    (1) For Configuration 1 airplanes defined in Boeing Service 
Bulletin 757-27A0152, Revision 3, dated October 28, 2013, as revised 
by Boeing Service Bulletin 757-27A0152, Revision 4, dated August 26, 
2014: Install three bracket assemblies and three new relays, and 
make changes to the wire bundles, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 757-27A0152, 
Revision 3, dated October 28, 2013, as revised by Boeing Service 
Bulletin 757-27A0152, Revision 4, dated August 26, 2014.
    (2) For Configuration 2 airplanes defined in Boeing Service 
Bulletin 757-27A0152, Revision 3, dated October 28, 2013, as revised 
by Boeing Service Bulletin 757-27A0152, Revision 4, dated August 26, 
2014: Torque the bracket assembly nuts and ground stud nuts, do bond 
resistance tests to verify that bonding requirements are met, do a 
general visual inspection to ensure that the three new relays do not 
touch the adjacent wire bundles, and do all applicable related 
investigative and corrective actions, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 757-27A0152, 
Revision 3, dated October 28, 2013, as revised by Boeing Service 
Bulletin 757-27A0152, Revision 4, dated August 26, 2014. Do all 
applicable related investigative and corrective actions before 
further flight.
    (3) For Configuration 3 airplanes defined in Boeing Service 
Bulletin 757-27A0152, Revision 3, dated October 28, 2013, as revised 
by Boeing Service Bulletin 757-27A0152, Revision 4, dated August 26, 
2014: Do a general visual inspection to ensure that the three new 
relays do not touch the adjacent wire bundles, and do all applicable 
related investigative and corrective actions, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 757-27A0152, 
Revision 3, dated October 28, 2013, as revised by Boeing Service 
Bulletin 757-27A0152, Revision 4, dated August 26, 2014. Do all 
applicable related investigative and corrective actions before 
further flight.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using Boeing Service Bulletin 757-27A0152, Revision 
2, dated May 25, 2012 (which is not incorporated by reference in 
this AD); or Boeing Service Bulletin 757-27A0152, Revision 3, dated 
October 28, 2013.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles 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 (j)(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 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, Los Angeles 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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Jeffrey Palmer, 
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, Los 
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 3960 Paramount 
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5351; fax: 562-
627-5210; email: [email protected].
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (k)(3) and (k)(4) of this AD.

(k) 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 Service Bulletin 757-27A0152, Revision 3, dated 
October 28, 2013.
    (ii) Boeing Service Bulletin 757-27A0152, Revision 4, dated 
August 26, 2014.
    (3) For Boeing 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.
    (4) You may view this service information at 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.
    (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.



[[Page 21649]]


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 3, 2015.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-08407 Filed 4-17-15; 08:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P