80_FR_80481 80 FR 80234 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

80 FR 80234 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 247 (December 24, 2015)

Page Range80234-80236
FR Document2015-31715

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that the lap splices of the aft pressure bulkhead webs are subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD) on aging Model 777 airplanes that have accumulated at least 38,000 total flight cycles. This AD requires repetitive inspections for any crack in the aft webs of the radial lap splices of the aft pressure bulkhead, and, if necessary, corrective actions. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking in the aft webs of the radial lap splices of the aft pressure bulkhead; such cracking could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane, decompression of the cabin, and collapse of the floor structure.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 247 (Thursday, December 24, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 247 (Thursday, December 24, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 80234-80236]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-31715]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-1281; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-241-AD; 
Amendment 39-18346; AD 2015-25-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The 
Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This AD was prompted by an 
evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that the lap 
splices of the aft pressure bulkhead webs are subject to widespread 
fatigue damage (WFD) on aging Model 777 airplanes that have accumulated 
at least 38,000 total flight cycles. This AD requires repetitive 
inspections for any crack in the aft webs of the radial lap splices of 
the aft pressure bulkhead, and, if necessary, corrective actions. We 
are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking in the aft 
webs of the radial lap splices of the aft pressure bulkhead; such 
cracking could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane, 
decompression of the cabin, and collapse of the floor structure.

DATES: This AD is effective January 28, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 28, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
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-
1281.

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-
1281; 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: Eric Lin, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe 
Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6412; fax: 
425-917-6590; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We 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 May 
12, 2015 (80 FR 27116). The NPRM was prompted by an evaluation by the 
DAH indicating that the lap splices of the aft pressure bulkhead webs 
are subject to WFD on aging Model 777 airplanes that have accumulated 
at least 38,000 total flight cycles. The NPRM proposed to require 
repetitive inspections for any crack in the aft webs of the radial lap 
splices of the aft pressure bulkhead, and, if necessary, corrective 
actions. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking 
in the aft webs of the radial lap splices of the aft pressure bulkhead; 
such cracking could result in reduced structural integrity of the 
airplane, decompression of the cabin, and collapse of the floor 
structure.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM (80 
FR 27116, May 12, 2015) and the FAA's response to each comment.
    FedEx Express stated:
     All of its Boeing Model 777s would be affected.
     The proposed inspection threshold and intervals would fit 
into its maintenance schedule.
     The number of man-hours and elapsed time to accomplish the 
inspections would not impact the overall span-time of its maintenance 
schedule.
     The proposed inspections do not require any special 
inspection techniques, training, or tooling.

Request To Clarify Unsafe Condition

    Boeing requested that the unsafe condition statement in the NPRM 
(80 FR 27116, May 12, 2015) be revised to specify that the unsafe 
condition exists on aging airplanes, rather than new airplanes. Boeing 
stated that its analysis concluded that airplanes would have to 
accumulate at least 38,000 total flight cycles before the lap splices 
of the aft pressure bulkhead webs would be subject to WFD.
    We agree with Boeing's request and have revised the unsafe 
condition statement in the preamble and regulatory text of this final 
rule accordingly.

Request To Exclude a Service Information Action

    American Airlines (AA) requested that the first action specified in 
step 3.B.5. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 777-53A0078, dated December 5, 2014, be omitted from the 
requirements of the proposed AD (80 FR 27116, May 12, 2015). The action 
is to put the airplane back into a serviceable condition. AA stated 
that this action does not address the unsafe condition addressed by the 
proposed rule and that most operators would accomplish the proposed AD 
requirements during a maintenance visit. AA stated that in the context 
of a maintenance visit, returning the airplane to a serviceable 
condition immediately after completion of the inspections and any 
associated corrective actions would not be possible. AA indicated that 
an operator would wait until all of the maintenance items scheduled for 
that visit would have been completed before putting the airplane back 
into a serviceable condition.
    We agree with the commenter's statement that this action does not 
need to be required by this final rule; several other FAA regulations 
require restoring the airplane to a serviceable condition before 
further flight. However, the step of returning the airplane to a 
serviceable condition is not marked required for compliance (``RC'') in 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0078, dated December 5, 2014; 
therefore, as noted in

[[Page 80235]]

paragraph (i)(4)(ii) of this AD, this step may be delayed using an 
accepted method in accordance with the operator's maintenance or 
inspection program without obtaining approval of an alternative method 
of compliance (AMOC). We have not changed this AD in this regard.

Request for Clarification of Relationship Between the NPRM (80 FR 
27116, May 12, 2015) and AD 2012-07-06, Amendment 39-17012 (77 FR 
21429)

    Air New Zealand requested clarification regarding the relationship 
between the NPRM (80 FR 27116, May 12, 2015) and AD 2012-07-06, 
Amendment 39-17012 (77 FR 21429, April 10, 2012). Specifically, the 
commenter asked if the NPRM would supersede AD 2012-07-06; if the AMOC 
approval included in AD 2012-07-06 would be included in the NPRM; and 
if the proposed inspections in the NPRM should be done in lieu of or in 
addition to the existing inspections required by AD 2012-07-06.
    We agree with the commenter's request for clarification. This is a 
new AD applicable to all The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes and 
requires repetitive inspections for cracking in the aft webs of the 
radial lap splices of the aft pressure bulkhead, and corrective actions 
if necessary. AD 2012-07-06, Amendment 39-17012 (77 FR 21429, April 10, 
2012), is applicable to certain Model 777 airplanes and requires 
revising the maintenance program to update inspection requirements to 
detect fatigue cracking of principal structural elements throughout the 
airplane.
    An AMOC for AD 2012-07-06, Amendment 39-17012 (77 FR 21429, April 
10, 2012), was issued so operators could use the corresponding 
compliance times and inspections specified in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 777-53A0078, dated December 5, 2014, for the inspection 
requirements for the corresponding locations specified in Boeing Model 
777 Structural Significant Item 53-80-I13A and paragraphs (g) and (h) 
of AD 2012-07-06. The information regarding this AMOC is included in 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0078, dated December 5, 2014. 
Operators are required to accomplish the requirements in this new AD in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 777-53A0078, dated December 5, 2014. If the actions of this 
new AD are done, the requirements of AD 2012-07-06 are met only for 
areas inspected in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-
53A0078, dated December 5, 2014.
    Regarding the question about whether the AMOC approval included in 
AD 2012-07-06, Amendment 39-17012 (77 FR 21429, April 10, 2012), would 
be included in this AD, paragraph (i) of this AD contains the AMOC 
approval procedures for this AD. However, because the existing 
inspections required by AD 2012-07-06 are not sufficient to preclude 
WFD in this area, we have not included previous AMOCs issued for AD 
2012-07-06 as AMOCs for this AD. We have not changed this AD in this 
regard.

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 previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (80 FR 27116, May 12, 2015) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (80 FR 27116, May 12, 2015).
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0078, dated 
December 5, 2014. This service information describes procedures for 
inspections of the lap splices in the web of the aft pressure bulkhead 
for cracking, and 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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 193 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection......................  9 work-hours x $85               $0   $765 per inspection  $147,645 per
                                   per hour = $765                       cycle.               inspection cycle
                                   per inspection
                                   cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates 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 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.

[[Page 80236]]

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):

2015-25-08 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18346; Docket No. FAA-
2015-1281; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-241-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective January 28, 2016.

(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 53, Fuselage.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval 
holder indicating that the lap splices of the aft pressure bulkhead 
webs are subject to widespread fatigue damage on aging Model 777 
airplanes that have accumulated at least 38,000 total flight cycles. 
We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking in the 
aft webs of the radial lap splices of the aft pressure bulkhead; 
such cracking could result in reduced structural integrity of the 
airplane, decompression of the cabin, and collapse of the floor 
structure.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection of Lap Splice in the Web of the Aft Pressure Bulkhead

    Except as required by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the times 
specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 777-53A0078, dated December 5, 2014, do a medium frequency 
eddy current inspection for any cracking in the aft webs of the 
radial lap splices of the aft pressure bulkhead, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
777-53A0078, dated December 5, 2014. Repeat the inspection 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 8,400 flight cycles from the 
previous inspection. If any crack is found during any inspection 
required by this AD, do the applicable corrective actions, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 777-53A0078, dated December 5, 2014. If a 
corrective action described in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-
53A0078, dated December 5, 2014, specifies to contact Boeing for 
appropriate action: Before further flight, repair using a method 
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph 
(i) of this AD.

(h) Exception to Service Information Specifications

    Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0078, dated December 
5, 2014, specifies a compliance time ``after the original issue date 
of this service bulletin,'' this AD requires compliance within the 
specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD.

(i) 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 (j) 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, 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.
    (4) For service information that contains steps that are labeled 
as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs 
(i)(4)(i) and (1)(4)(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. 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 still be done 
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition.

(j) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Eric Lin, Aerospace 
Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6412; fax: 425-
917-6590; email: [email protected].

(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 Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0078, dated December 5, 
2014.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) 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.
    (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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 10, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-31715 Filed 12-23-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                            80234            Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 247 / Thursday, December 24, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                              Dated: December 17, 2015.                              and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–                       • The proposed inspection threshold
                                            Melvin L. Watt,                                          1281.                                                 and intervals would fit into its
                                            Director, Federal Housing Finance Agency.                                                                      maintenance schedule.
                                                                                                     Examining the AD Docket                                 • The number of man-hours and
                                            [FR Doc. 2015–32199 Filed 12–23–15; 8:45 am]
                                            BILLING CODE 8070–01–P                                     You may examine the AD docket on                    elapsed time to accomplish the
                                                                                                     the Internet at http://                               inspections would not impact the
                                                                                                     www.regulations.gov by searching for                  overall span-time of its maintenance
                                                                                                     and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–                     schedule.
                                            DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                                                                                     • The proposed inspections do not
                                                                                                     1281; or in person at the Docket
                                            Federal Aviation Administration                          Management Facility between 9 a.m.                    require any special inspection
                                                                                                     and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,                    techniques, training, or tooling.
                                            14 CFR Part 39                                           except Federal holidays. The AD docket                Request To Clarify Unsafe Condition
                                                                                                     contains this AD, the regulatory
                                            [Docket No. FAA–2015–1281; Directorate                                                                           Boeing requested that the unsafe
                                                                                                     evaluation, any comments received, and
                                            Identifier 2014–NM–241–AD; Amendment                                                                           condition statement in the NPRM (80 FR
                                            39–18346; AD 2015–25–08]                                 other information. The address for the
                                                                                                                                                           27116, May 12, 2015) be revised to
                                                                                                     Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is
                                            RIN 2120–AA64                                                                                                  specify that the unsafe condition exists
                                                                                                     Docket Management Facility, U.S.
                                                                                                                                                           on aging airplanes, rather than new
                                                                                                     Department of Transportation, Docket
                                            Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing                                                                           airplanes. Boeing stated that its analysis
                                                                                                     Operations, M–30, West Building
                                            Company Airplanes                                                                                              concluded that airplanes would have to
                                                                                                     Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
                                                                                                                                                           accumulate at least 38,000 total flight
                                            AGENCY:  Federal Aviation                                New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
                                                                                                                                                           cycles before the lap splices of the aft
                                            Administration (FAA), DOT.                               DC 20590.
                                                                                                                                                           pressure bulkhead webs would be
                                            ACTION: Final rule.                                      FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:     Eric             subject to WFD.
                                                                                                     Lin, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe                       We agree with Boeing’s request and
                                            SUMMARY:   We are adopting a new                         Branch, ANM–120S, FAA, Seattle                        have revised the unsafe condition
                                            airworthiness directive (AD) for all The                 Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601             statement in the preamble and
                                            Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes.                      Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–                    regulatory text of this final rule
                                            This AD was prompted by an evaluation                    3356; phone: 425–917–6412; fax: 425–                  accordingly.
                                            by the design approval holder (DAH)                      917–6590; email: Eric.Lin@faa.gov.
                                            indicating that the lap splices of the aft                                                                     Request To Exclude a Service
                                            pressure bulkhead webs are subject to                    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            Information Action
                                            widespread fatigue damage (WFD) on                       Discussion                                               American Airlines (AA) requested
                                            aging Model 777 airplanes that have                                                                            that the first action specified in step
                                            accumulated at least 38,000 total flight                    We issued a notice of proposed                     3.B.5. of the Accomplishment
                                            cycles. This AD requires repetitive                      rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR                     Instructions of Boeing Alert Service
                                            inspections for any crack in the aft webs                part 39 by adding an AD that would                    Bulletin 777–53A0078, dated December
                                            of the radial lap splices of the aft                     apply to all The Boeing Company Model                 5, 2014, be omitted from the
                                            pressure bulkhead, and, if necessary,                    777 airplanes. The NPRM published in                  requirements of the proposed AD (80 FR
                                            corrective actions. We are issuing this                  the Federal Register on May 12, 2015                  27116, May 12, 2015). The action is to
                                            AD to detect and correct fatigue                         (80 FR 27116). The NPRM was                           put the airplane back into a serviceable
                                            cracking in the aft webs of the radial lap               prompted by an evaluation by the DAH                  condition. AA stated that this action
                                            splices of the aft pressure bulkhead;                    indicating that the lap splices of the aft            does not address the unsafe condition
                                            such cracking could result in reduced                    pressure bulkhead webs are subject to                 addressed by the proposed rule and that
                                            structural integrity of the airplane,                    WFD on aging Model 777 airplanes that                 most operators would accomplish the
                                            decompression of the cabin, and                          have accumulated at least 38,000 total                proposed AD requirements during a
                                            collapse of the floor structure.                         flight cycles. The NPRM proposed to                   maintenance visit. AA stated that in the
                                            DATES: This AD is effective January 28,                  require repetitive inspections for any                context of a maintenance visit, returning
                                            2016.                                                    crack in the aft webs of the radial lap               the airplane to a serviceable condition
                                               The Director of the Federal Register                  splices of the aft pressure bulkhead,                 immediately after completion of the
                                            approved the incorporation by reference                  and, if necessary, corrective actions. We             inspections and any associated
                                            of a certain publication listed in this AD               are issuing this AD to detect and correct             corrective actions would not be
                                            as of January 28, 2016.                                  fatigue cracking in the aft webs of the               possible. AA indicated that an operator
                                            ADDRESSES: For service information                       radial lap splices of the aft pressure                would wait until all of the maintenance
                                            identified in this final rule, contact                   bulkhead; such cracking could result in               items scheduled for that visit would
                                            Boeing Commercial Airplanes,                             reduced structural integrity of the                   have been completed before putting the
                                            Attention: Data & Services Management,                   airplane, decompression of the cabin,                 airplane back into a serviceable
                                            P. O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65, Seattle, WA                    and collapse of the floor structure.                  condition.
                                            98124–2207; telephone 206–544–5000,                      Comments                                                 We agree with the commenter’s
                                            extension 1; fax 206–766–5680; Internet                                                                        statement that this action does not need
                                            https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You                         We gave the public the opportunity to               to be required by this final rule; several
                                            may view this referenced service                         participate in developing this AD. The                other FAA regulations require restoring
                                            information at the FAA, Transport                        following presents the comments                       the airplane to a serviceable condition
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                            Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue                   received on the NPRM (80 FR 27116,                    before further flight. However, the step
                                            SW., Renton, WA. For information on                      May 12, 2015) and the FAA’s response                  of returning the airplane to a serviceable
                                            the availability of this material at the                 to each comment.                                      condition is not marked required for
                                            FAA, call 425–227–1221. It is also                         FedEx Express stated:                               compliance (‘‘RC’’) in Boeing Alert
                                            available on the Internet at http://                       • All of its Boeing Model 777s would                Service Bulletin 777–53A0078, dated
                                            www.regulations.gov by searching for                     be affected.                                          December 5, 2014; therefore, as noted in


                                       VerDate Sep<11>2014    17:12 Dec 23, 2015   Jkt 238001   PO 00000   Frm 00028   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\24DER1.SGM   24DER1


                                                             Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 247 / Thursday, December 24, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                              80235

                                            paragraph (i)(4)(ii) of this AD, this step                of principal structural elements                      Conclusion
                                            may be delayed using an accepted                          throughout the airplane.
                                                                                                                                                              We reviewed the relevant data,
                                            method in accordance with the                                An AMOC for AD 2012–07–06,
                                                                                                                                                            considered the comments received, and
                                            operator’s maintenance or inspection                      Amendment 39–17012 (77 FR 21429,
                                                                                                                                                            determined that air safety and the
                                            program without obtaining approval of                     April 10, 2012), was issued so operators
                                                                                                                                                            public interest require adopting this AD
                                            an alternative method of compliance                       could use the corresponding compliance
                                                                                                                                                            with the changes described previously
                                            (AMOC). We have not changed this AD                       times and inspections specified in
                                                                                                                                                            and minor editorial changes. We have
                                            in this regard.                                           Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–
                                                                                                                                                            determined that these minor changes:
                                                                                                      53A0078, dated December 5, 2014, for
                                            Request for Clarification of                              the inspection requirements for the                     • Are consistent with the intent that
                                            Relationship Between the NPRM (80 FR                      corresponding locations specified in                  was proposed in the NPRM (80 FR
                                            27116, May 12, 2015) and AD 2012–07–                      Boeing Model 777 Structural Significant               27116, May 12, 2015) for correcting the
                                            06, Amendment 39–17012 (77 FR                             Item 53–80–I13A and paragraphs (g) and                unsafe condition; and
                                            21429)                                                    (h) of AD 2012–07–06. The information                   • Do not add any additional burden
                                              Air New Zealand requested                               regarding this AMOC is included in                    upon the public than was already
                                            clarification regarding the relationship                  Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–                    proposed in the NPRM (80 FR 27116,
                                            between the NPRM (80 FR 27116, May                        53A0078, dated December 5, 2014.                      May 12, 2015).
                                            12, 2015) and AD 2012–07–06,                              Operators are required to accomplish                    We also determined that these
                                            Amendment 39–17012 (77 FR 21429,                          the requirements in this new AD in                    changes will not increase the economic
                                            April 10, 2012). Specifically, the                        accordance with the Accomplishment                    burden on any operator or increase the
                                            commenter asked if the NPRM would                         Instructions of Boeing Alert Service                  scope of this AD.
                                            supersede AD 2012–07–06; if the AMOC                      Bulletin 777–53A0078, dated December                  Related Service Information Under 1
                                            approval included in AD 2012–07–06                        5, 2014. If the actions of this new AD                CFR Part 51
                                            would be included in the NPRM; and if                     are done, the requirements of AD 2012–
                                            the proposed inspections in the NPRM                      07–06 are met only for areas inspected                   We reviewed Boeing Alert Service
                                            should be done in lieu of or in addition                  in accordance with Boeing Alert Service               Bulletin 777–53A0078, dated December
                                            to the existing inspections required by                   Bulletin 777–53A0078, dated December                  5, 2014. This service information
                                            AD 2012–07–06.                                            5, 2014.                                              describes procedures for inspections of
                                              We agree with the commenter’s                              Regarding the question about whether               the lap splices in the web of the aft
                                            request for clarification. This is a new                  the AMOC approval included in AD                      pressure bulkhead for cracking, and
                                            AD applicable to all The Boeing                           2012–07–06, Amendment 39–17012 (77                    corrective actions. This service
                                            Company Model 777 airplanes and                           FR 21429, April 10, 2012), would be                   information is reasonably available
                                            requires repetitive inspections for                       included in this AD, paragraph (i) of                 because the interested parties have
                                            cracking in the aft webs of the radial lap                this AD contains the AMOC approval                    access to it through their normal course
                                            splices of the aft pressure bulkhead, and                 procedures for this AD. However,                      of business or by the means identified
                                            corrective actions if necessary. AD                       because the existing inspections                      in the ADDRESSES section.
                                            2012–07–06, Amendment 39–17012 (77                        required by AD 2012–07–06 are not                     Costs of Compliance
                                            FR 21429, April 10, 2012), is applicable                  sufficient to preclude WFD in this area,
                                            to certain Model 777 airplanes and                        we have not included previous AMOCs                     We estimate that this AD affects 193
                                            requires revising the maintenance                         issued for AD 2012–07–06 as AMOCs                     airplanes of U.S. registry.
                                            program to update inspection                              for this AD. We have not changed this                   We estimate the following costs to
                                            requirements to detect fatigue cracking                   AD in this regard.                                    comply with this AD:
                                                                                                                   ESTIMATED COSTS
                                                    Action                           Labor cost                    Parts cost                  Cost per product                  Cost on U.S. operators

                                            Inspection ...............   9 work-hours × $85 per hour =                  $0          $765 per inspection cycle ...........   $147,645 per inspection cycle
                                                                           $765 per inspection cycle.



                                              We have received no definitive data                     section, Congress charges the FAA with                government and the States, or on the
                                            that would enable us to provide cost                      promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in            distribution of power and
                                            estimates for the on-condition actions                    air commerce by prescribing regulations               responsibilities among the various
                                            specified in this AD.                                     for practices, methods, and procedures                levels of government.
                                                                                                      the Administrator finds necessary for                   For the reasons discussed above, I
                                            Authority for this Rulemaking
                                                                                                      safety in air commerce. This regulation               certify that this AD:
                                               Title 49 of the United States Code                     is within the scope of that authority                   (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
                                            specifies the FAA’s authority to issue                    because it addresses an unsafe condition              action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
                                            rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,                     that is likely to exist or develop on                   (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
                                            section 106, describes the authority of                   products identified in this rulemaking                DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
                                            the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:                      action.                                               (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
                                            Aviation Programs, describes in more                                                                              (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
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                                            detail the scope of the Agency’s                          Regulatory Findings                                   in Alaska, and
                                            authority.                                                  This AD will not have federalism                      (4) Will not have a significant
                                               We are issuing this rulemaking under                   implications under Executive Order                    economic impact, positive or negative,
                                            the authority described in Subtitle VII,                  13132. This AD will not have a                        on a substantial number of small entities
                                            Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:                       substantial direct effect on the States, on           under the criteria of the Regulatory
                                            ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that                      the relationship between the national                 Flexibility Act.


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                                            80236            Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 247 / Thursday, December 24, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                            List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39                       Service Bulletin 777–53A0078, dated                   including substeps and identified figures, can
                                                                                                     December 5, 2014. Repeat the inspection               still be done as specified, and the airplane
                                              Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation                 thereafter at intervals not to exceed 8,400           can be put back in an airworthy condition.
                                            safety, Incorporation by reference,                      flight cycles from the previous inspection. If
                                            Safety.                                                                                                        (j) Related Information
                                                                                                     any crack is found during any inspection
                                                                                                     required by this AD, do the applicable                   For more information about this AD,
                                            Adoption of the Amendment                                                                                      contact Eric Lin, Aerospace Engineer,
                                                                                                     corrective actions, in accordance with the
                                              Accordingly, under the authority                       Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert           Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA, Seattle
                                            delegated to me by the Administrator,                    Service Bulletin 777–53A0078, dated                   ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA
                                            the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as                         December 5, 2014. If a corrective action              98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6412; fax: 425–
                                                                                                     described in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin            917–6590; email: Eric.Lin@faa.gov.
                                            follows:
                                                                                                     777–53A0078, dated December 5, 2014,                  (k) Material Incorporated by Reference
                                            PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS                                    specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate
                                                                                                     action: Before further flight, repair using a            (1) The Director of the Federal Register
                                            DIRECTIVES                                                                                                     approved the incorporation by reference
                                                                                                     method approved in accordance with the
                                                                                                     procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this         (IBR) of the service information listed in this
                                            ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39                                                                        paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
                                            continues to read as follows:                            AD.
                                                                                                                                                           part 51.
                                                Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.           (h) Exception to Service Information                     (2) You must use this service information
                                                                                                     Specifications                                        as applicable to do the actions required by
                                            § 39.13   [Amended]                                        Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–            this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
                                            ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding                    53A0078, dated December 5, 2014, specifies               (i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–
                                            the following new airworthiness                          a compliance time ‘‘after the original issue          53A0078, dated December 5, 2014.
                                                                                                     date of this service bulletin,’’ this AD                 (ii) Reserved.
                                            directive (AD):
                                                                                                     requires compliance within the specified                 (3) For service information identified in
                                            2015–25–08 The Boeing Company:                           compliance time after the effective date of           this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
                                                Amendment 39–18346; Docket No.                       this AD.                                              Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services
                                                FAA–2015–1281; Directorate Identifier                                                                      Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65,
                                                2014–NM–241–AD.                                      (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance                 Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone 206–
                                                                                                     (AMOCs)                                               544–5000, extension 1; fax 206 766 5680;
                                            (a) Effective Date
                                                                                                        (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft                  Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
                                              This AD is effective January 28, 2016.                 Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the                 (4) You may view this service information
                                            (b) Affected ADs                                         authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if            at FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
                                                                                                     requested using the procedures found in 14            Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
                                              None.                                                                                                        information on the availability of this
                                                                                                     CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
                                            (c) Applicability                                        send your request to your principal inspector         material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
                                                                                                     or local Flight Standards District Office, as            (5) You may view this service information
                                               This AD applies to all The Boeing                                                                           that is incorporated by reference at the
                                            Company Model 777–200, –200LR, –300,                     appropriate. If sending information directly
                                                                                                     to the manager of the ACO, send it to the             National Archives and Records
                                            –300ER, and 777F series airplanes,                                                                             Administration (NARA). For information on
                                            certificated in any category.                            attention of the person identified in
                                                                                                     paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may be          the availability of this material at NARA, call
                                            (d) Subject                                              emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-                   202–741–6030, or go to: http://
                                                                                                     Requests@faa.gov.                                     www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-
                                              Air Transport Association (ATA) of
                                                                                                        (2) Before using any approved AMOC,                locations.html.
                                            America Code 53, Fuselage.
                                                                                                     notify your appropriate principal inspector,            Issued in Renton, Washington, on
                                            (e) Unsafe Condition                                     or lacking a principal inspector, the manager         December 10, 2015.
                                               This AD was prompted by an evaluation by              of the local flight standards district office/
                                                                                                                                                           Michael Kaszycki,
                                            the design approval holder indicating that               certificate holding district office.
                                                                                                        (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable            Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
                                            the lap splices of the aft pressure bulkhead
                                                                                                     level of safety may be used for any repair,           Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
                                            webs are subject to widespread fatigue
                                            damage on aging Model 777 airplanes that                 modification, or alteration required by this          [FR Doc. 2015–31715 Filed 12–23–15; 8:45 am]
                                            have accumulated at least 38,000 total flight            AD if it is approved by the Boeing                    BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
                                            cycles. We are issuing this AD to detect and             Commercial Airplanes Organization
                                            correct fatigue cracking in the aft webs of the          Designation Authorization (ODA) that has
                                            radial lap splices of the aft pressure                   been authorized by the Manager, Seattle               DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                            bulkhead; such cracking could result in                  ACO, to make those findings. To be
                                            reduced structural integrity of the airplane,            approved, the repair method, modification             Federal Aviation Administration
                                            decompression of the cabin, and collapse of              deviation, or alteration deviation must meet
                                            the floor structure.                                     the certification basis of the airplane and the
                                                                                                     approval must specifically refer to this AD.          14 CFR Part 39
                                            (f) Compliance                                              (4) For service information that contains          [Docket No. FAA–2014–0625; Directorate
                                               Comply with this AD within the                        steps that are labeled as Required for                Identifier 2014–NM–044–AD; Amendment
                                            compliance times specified, unless already               Compliance (RC), the provisions of                    39–18343; AD 2015–25–05]
                                            done.                                                    paragraphs (i)(4)(i) and (1)(4)(ii) of this AD
                                                                                                     apply.                                                RIN 2120–AA64
                                            (g) Inspection of Lap Splice in the Web of the              (i) The steps labeled as RC, including
                                            Aft Pressure Bulkhead                                    substeps under an RC step and any figures             Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier,
                                               Except as required by paragraph (h) of this           identified in an RC step, must be done to             Inc. Airplanes
                                            AD: At the times specified in paragraph 1.E.,            comply with the AD. An AMOC is required
                                                                                                                                                           AGENCY:  Federal Aviation
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                                            ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service                  for any deviations to RC steps, including
                                            Bulletin 777–53A0078, dated December 5,                  substeps and identified figures.                      Administration (FAA), Department of
                                            2014, do a medium frequency eddy current                    (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be                Transportation (DOT).
                                            inspection for any cracking in the aft webs              deviated from using accepted methods in               ACTION: Final rule.
                                            of the radial lap splices of the aft pressure            accordance with the operator’s maintenance
                                            bulkhead, in accordance with the                         or inspection program without obtaining               SUMMARY:  We are adopting a new
                                            Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert              approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps,           airworthiness directive (AD) for certain


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Document Created: 2015-12-24 02:24:52
Document Modified: 2015-12-24 02:24:52
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesThis AD is effective January 28, 2016.
ContactEric Lin, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6412; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected]
FR Citation80 FR 80234 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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