83_FR_5713 83 FR 5685 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

83 FR 5685 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 28 (February 9, 2018)

Page Range5685-5689
FR Document2018-01807

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and -300ER series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion in the aft fuselage. This AD requires a one-time review of the operator's maintenance procedures, repetitive detailed internal and external inspections for corrosion or cracking, and applicable on-condition actions. This AD also includes an optional terminating action for the inspections. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 28 (Friday, February 9, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 28 (Friday, February 9, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5685-5689]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-01807]


=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0630; Product Identifier 2017-NM-058-AD; Amendment 
39-19173; AD 2018-02-20]
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 certain 
The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and -300ER series 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion in the aft 
fuselage. This AD requires a one-time review of the operator's 
maintenance procedures, repetitive detailed internal and external 
inspections for corrosion or cracking, and applicable on-condition 
actions. This AD also includes an optional terminating action for the 
inspections. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective March 16, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 16, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data 
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 
90740-5600; telephone: 562-797-1717; internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this service information at the 
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 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-2017-
0630.

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-2017-
0630; 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 final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments 
received, and other information. The address for the

[[Page 5686]]

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 
Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW, Renton, WA 
98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6412; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
eric.lin@faa.gov.

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 certain The Boeing Company 
Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and -300ER series airplanes. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on July 14, 2017 (82 FR 32507). The 
NPRM was prompted by reports of corrosion in the aft fuselage. The NPRM 
proposed to require a one-time review of the operator's maintenance 
procedures, repetitive detailed internal and external inspections for 
corrosion or cracking, and applicable on-condition actions. The NPRM 
also included an optional terminating action for the inspections.
    We are issuing this AD to detect and correct untreated vacuum waste 
system spills or leaks, which could cause corrosion of the airplane 
structure, which could lead to fatigue cracks, and could ultimately 
result in rapid decompression and loss of structural integrity.

Comments

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

Support for the NPRM

    Boeing expressed its support for the NPRM.

Request To Extend the Inspection Compliance Time

    Cathay Pacific expressed concern that it would not be able to 
demonstrate that it has performed an acceptable records review, which 
is required to demonstrate that all prior vacuum waste system spills or 
leaks were cleaned and neutralized using the acceptable procedure. 
Cathay Pacific noted that some airplanes in its fleet have been in 
service for more than 20 years, so an older record could easily be 
missed when doing this review. Cathay Pacific stated that because of 
this concern, it has opted to treat all airplanes as having inadequate 
records and perform inspections on them. Cathay Pacific stated that the 
applicable inspection compliance times do not allow waiting for the 
next scheduled maintenance check, leading to additional downtime.
    We infer that Cathay Pacific is requesting that we extend the 
compliance time for the initial and repetitive inspections. We disagree 
with the commenter's request. We have determined that the compliance 
times specified in this AD are necessary to address the identified 
unsafe condition. However, under the provisions of paragraph (j) of 
this AD, we will consider requests for approval of an alternative 
method of compliance (AMOC), including extension of the compliance 
times, if sufficient data is submitted to substantiate that a different 
compliance time will provide an acceptable level of safety. We have not 
changed this AD in this regard.

Request To Extend the Compliance Times for Certain Airplanes

    United Airlines (UAL) and Air France (AF) requested that we revise 
the compliance times for airplanes on which certain inspections have 
been done. UAL requested that the compliance time be extended for 
airplanes on which corrosion prevention and control program (CPCP) 
inspections have already been done. UAL noted that many operators have 
proven corrosion control programs that do not have corrosion findings 
greater than CPCP level 1, which mitigates the corrosion risk factor. 
UAL suggested that the initial inspection compliance time be extended 
for airplanes on which maintenance records show that no corrosion 
findings greater than CPCP level 1 have occurred in the inspection area 
in the 10 years prior to the effective date of the AD.
    AF requested that the compliance times be extended for airplanes on 
which maintenance planning document (MPD) inspections have been done. 
AF noted that existing MPD items require general visual inspections of 
certain areas below the aft and bulk cargo compartment floor panels. AF 
stated that because the majority of its fleet has already been 
inspected under the MPD items, the compliance times in the NPRM are too 
restrictive. AF noted that the initial compliance times cannot be 
accommodated into its 777 C or heavy checks interval. AF suggested 
compliance times based on the number of days since the date of issuance 
of the original airworthiness certificate or date of issuance of the 
original export certificate of airworthiness instead of days after the 
effective date of the AD as specified in the proposed AD.
    We disagree with the commenters' requests to extend the compliance 
times. The CPCP has three different levels of corrosion damage, as 
defined within the MPD, based on the severity and frequency of 
corrosion findings and requires operators to adjust their individual 
programs to limit corrosion findings to level 1 if they have level 2 or 
higher findings. However, operators have reported finding recurring 
corrosion damage in-between scheduled CPCP or MPD inspections that was 
due to untreated vacuum waste system residue. Additionally, we have 
reviewed the existing MPD inspections and have determined that the MPD 
inspections do not repeat at adequate intervals to address the unsafe 
condition. The determinations of the unsafe condition, mitigating 
actions, and compliance times were coordinated with the manufacturer. 
Under the provisions of paragraph (j) of this AD, we will consider 
requests for approval of AMOCs, including extensions of the compliance 
times, if sufficient data, such as an operator's individual CPCP and 
practices for treating vacuum waste system residue, is submitted to 
substantiate that a different compliance time will provide an 
acceptable level of safety. We have not changed this AD in this regard.

Request To Allow the Use of a Different Sodium Bicarbonate Compound

    Japan Airlines (JAL) and AF requested that we revise the NPRM to 
allow the use of a different sodium bicarbonate compound than the ASTM 
D928 specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0083, dated 
April 20, 2017. JAL noted it had difficulty finding the specified 
sodium bicarbonate compound, but could find an equivalent product. AF 
noted that is has a corresponding product.
    We partially agree with the commenters' request. We agree that an 
equivalent sodium bicarbonate compound is acceptable. Boeing has issued 
Boeing Information Notice 777-53A0083 IN 01, dated September 1, 2017, 
to clarify that a commercially available sodium bicarbonate compound is 
acceptable for compliance. However, we do not agree to revise this AD 
because it does not require the use of ASTM D928 sodium bicarbonate 
compound. As indicated in the Accomplishment Instructions and Figure 2 
of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0083, dated April 20, 2017, 
sodium bicarbonate must be used, but a specific compound type is not 
identified.

[[Page 5687]]

Request To Define a Neutral pH

    American Airlines (AAL) requested that we revise the NPRM to define 
a neutral pH as one that has a value between 6.5 and 8.5, to account 
for natural variations in tap water. AAL stated that the NPRM does not 
define a tolerance from the common definition of neutral pH, which is a 
pH of 7.
    We disagree with the commenter's request. Paragraph 3.A., General 
Information, Note 19, of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0083, 
dated April 20, 2017, defines neutralization as making the vacuum waste 
system spill or leak contents non-acidic or non-corrosive. No specific 
pH value is defined in the service information or required by this AD. 
Therefore, operators can include tolerances for a neutral pH. One way 
for operators to account for pH variances of their local clean water 
supply is to measure the pH level of their clean water supply in order 
to establish a baseline pH level, that can then be used to compare 
against samples taken from the fuselage structure. We have not changed 
this AD in this regard.

Request To Define a Standard Litmus Paper

    AAL and Cathay Pacific requested that we revise the NPRM to define 
a standard part number for the litmus paper to use in determining if 
the acid is neutralized. AAL noted that the NPRM does not specify a 
resolution or range for the litmus paper. Cathay Pacific claimed that 
because Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0083, dated April 20, 
2017, does not list a specific litmus paper, the instruction to ``use 
litmus paper'' is ambiguous and operators would not be able to 
determine if an acceptable litmus paper is used.
    We disagree with the commenters' request. Litmus paper is a 
commonly available tool. Accomplishing the cleaning and neutralization 
steps in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0083, dated April 20, 
2017, does not specify the use of a specific brand or type of litmus 
paper. We have not changed this AD in this regard.

Request To Define the Location and Quantity of Litmus Paper Testing 
Points

    AAL and Cathay Pacific requested that we revise the NPRM to define 
the locations where litmus paper testing must be done, as well as the 
number of samples that must be taken. AAL pointed out that the 
structural features that must be chemically neutralized are specified 
in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0083, dated April 20, 2017, 
while the litmus paper testing spots are not. Cathay Pacific suggested 
that Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0083, dated April 20, 2017, 
implies that operators should do litmus paper testing on all the 
structural features in the inspection and neutralization area, but 
stated it does not believe this is the intent.
    We agree to provide clarification on the number and location of 
litmus paper testing spots and confirm that paragraph (i) of this AD 
does not require testing with litmus paper at all structural features 
in the neutralization area. However, we do not agree that it is 
necessary to provide a specific number of samples or testing locations. 
The objective of the litmus paper testing is to verify that there are 
no remaining acidic or corrosive substances on the structure. The 
appropriate level of testing may vary between airplanes depending on 
factors such as maintenance records, previous spills or leaks, or 
repairs that obstruct access. Samples should be tested at enough 
locations within the affected area of the structure for the operator to 
determine that there are no residual acidic or corrosive contents on 
primary structural elements in the inspection area, including any 
locations where the sodium bicarbonate solution visibly reacted when 
applied, which indicates the presence of acidic or corrosive 
substances, and any locations where there are signs of corrosion 
damage. We have not changed this AD in this regard.

Request To Allow the Use of Alternative Corrosion Inhibiting Compounds

    AAL requested that we allow the use of alternative corrosion 
inhibiting compounds (which are applied to the cleaned and neutralized 
areas as part of the required restoration) as specified in Boeing 
Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) Task 51-05-01-210-803. AAL noted that 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0083, dated April 20, 2017, 
specifies BMS3-29 compound and does not allow the use of alternative 
compounds.
    We agree with the commenter's request. Boeing AMM Task 51-05-01-
210-803 specifies the application of a single coat of water displacing/
anti-corrosion compound BMS3-29 or BMS3-35 at a minimum, with an option 
to layer different compounds in areas with high potential for severe 
corrosion. We have added paragraph (h)(3) of this AD to specify 
acceptable alternative corrosion inhibiting compounds.

Request To Update the Costs of Compliance

    Cathay Pacific requested that we update the work-hours estimate for 
cleaning and neutralization in the NPRM. Cathay Pacific stated that the 
area to be neutralized covers 13 frames and 15 stringers, so it will 
require more work-hours to complete this task.
    We disagree with the commenter's request. The work-hours estimate 
is determined by Boeing and provided for informational and planning 
purposes only. In addition, Cathay Pacific did not provide any 
alternative estimates for the work-hours. 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 final rule 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 for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final 
rule.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0083, dated April 
20, 2017. The service information describes procedures for a one-time 
review of the operator's maintenance procedures, repetitive detailed 
internal and external inspections for corrosion or cracking, cleaning 
and neutralization of the internal inspection area (an optional 
terminating action), and applicable on-condition 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 161 airplanes of U.S. registry. 
The cost to review an operator's maintenance procedures varies 
depending on the operator's recordkeeping system and fleet size so we 
did not include a specific estimate for that action. We estimate the 
following costs to comply with the remaining actions of this AD:

[[Page 5688]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                Cost on U.S.
            Action                   Labor cost         Parts cost      Cost per  product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections...................  75 work-hours x $85               $0  $6,375 per            $1,026,375 per
                                 per hour = $6,375                     inspection cycle.     inspection cycle.
                                 per inspection
                                 cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Estimated Costs for Optional Terminating Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                   Action                                 Labor cost                Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cleaning and neutralization................  30 work-hours x $85 per hour =                   $0          $2,550
                                              $2,550.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes to 
the Director of the System Oversight Division.

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) 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):

2018-02-20 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-19173; Docket No. FAA-
2017-0630; Product Identifier 2017-NM-058-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective March 16, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -
300, and -300ER series airplanes, certificated in any category, as 
identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0083, dated April 
20, 2017.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion in the aft 
fuselage. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct untreated 
vacuum waste system spills or leaks, which could cause corrosion of 
the airplane structure, which could lead to fatigue cracks, and 
could ultimately result in rapid decompression and loss of 
structural integrity.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    Except as required by paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(3) of this 
AD: At the applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0083, dated 
April 20, 2017, do all applicable actions identified as ``RC'' 
(required for compliance) in, and in accordance with, the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-
53A0083, dated April 20, 2017.

(h) Exceptions To Service Information Specifications

    (1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0083, dated April 
20, 2017, uses the phrase ``after the original issue date of this 
service bulletin,'' for purposes of determining compliance with the 
requirements of this AD, the phrase ``after the effective date of 
this AD'' must be used.
    (2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0083, dated April 
20, 2017, specifies contacting Boeing, and specifies that action as 
RC: This AD requires using a method approved in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.
    (3) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-53A0083, dated April 
20, 2017, specifies to apply corrosion inhibiting compound BMS3-29 
to the cleaned and neutralized area, and specifies that action as 
RC: This AD allows operators to apply BMS3-29, BMS3-35, or a base 
coat of BMS3-29 or BMS3-35 with a top coat of BMS3-26.

[[Page 5689]]

(i) Optional Terminating Action for Repetitive Inspections

    Accomplishment of ``PART 5: CLEANING AND NEUTRALIZATION,'' as 
specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 777-53A0083, dated April 20, 2017, terminates the 
repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to 
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found 
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request 
to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District 
Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the 
manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD. Information may be 
emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.
    (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD 
if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization 
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the 
Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, 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) Except as required by paragraphs (h)(2) and (h)(3) of this 
AD: For service information that contains steps that are labeled as 
Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (j)(4)(i) 
and (j)(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. If a step or substep is labeled ``RC Exempt,'' then the 
RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. An AMOC is 
required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and 
identified figures.
    (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted 
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection 
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC 
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done 
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition.

(k) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Eric Lin, Aerospace 
Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW, Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6412; fax: 425-917-
6590; email: eric.lin@faa.gov.

(l) 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 777-53A0083, dated April 20, 
2017.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services 
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-
5600; telephone: 562-797-1717; internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards Branch, 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 January 19, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-01807 Filed 2-8-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P



                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 28 / Friday, February 9, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                          5685

                                              To determine whether disclosure of the                  provided timely written notice of                     DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                              requested information is primarily in                   unusual circumstances to you in
                                              your commercial interest FHFA will                      accordance with the FOIA and FHFA                     Federal Aviation Administration
                                              consider the following criteria:                        must have discussed with you via
                                                 (i) FHFA will determine whether you                  written mail, email, or telephone (or                 14 CFR Part 39
                                              have any commercial interest that                       made not less than three good-faith                   [Docket No. FAA–2017–0630; Product
                                              would be furthered by the requested                     attempts to do so) how you could                      Identifier 2017–NM–058–AD; Amendment
                                              disclosure. A commercial interest                       effectively limit the scope of your                   39–19173; AD 2018–02–20]
                                              includes any commercial, trade, or
                                                                                                      request in accordance with 5 U.S.C.                   RIN 2120–AA64
                                              profit interest. You will be given an
                                                                                                      552(a)(6)(B)(ii). If this exception is
                                              opportunity to provide explanatory
                                              information regarding this                              satisfied, FHFA may charge all                        Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
                                              consideration; and                                      applicable fees incurred in the                       Company Airplanes
                                                 (ii) If there is an identified                       processing of the request.
                                                                                                                                                            AGENCY:  Federal Aviation
                                              commercial interest, FHFA will                             (iv) If a court has determined that                Administration (FAA), DOT.
                                              determine whether that is the primary                   exceptional circumstances exist, as                   ACTION: Final rule.
                                              interest furthered by the request.                      defined by the FOIA, a failure to comply
                                                 (i) Fee Waiver determination. FHFA                   with the time limits shall be excused for             SUMMARY:    We are adopting a new
                                              will notify you within 20 days of receipt               the length of time provided by the court              airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
                                              of your request whether the fee waiver                  order.                                                The Boeing Company Model 777–200,
                                              has been granted. Where only some of                                                                          –200LR, –300, and –300ER series
                                              the records to be released satisfy the                     (3) No search or review fees will be
                                                                                                                                                            airplanes. This AD was prompted by
                                              requirements for a waiver of fees, a                    charged for a quarter-hour period unless
                                                                                                                                                            reports of corrosion in the aft fuselage.
                                              waiver will be granted for those records.               more than half of that period is required
                                                                                                                                                            This AD requires a one-time review of
                                              For those records that do not satisfy the               for search or review.
                                                                                                                                                            the operator’s maintenance procedures,
                                              requirements for a waiver of fees, you                     (4) If you seek records for a                      repetitive detailed internal and external
                                              may be charged for those records. When                  commercial use, FHFA will provide                     inspections for corrosion or cracking,
                                              you have committed to pay fees and                      without charge:                                       and applicable on-condition actions.
                                              subsequently ask for a waiver of those                                                                        This AD also includes an optional
                                              fees and that waiver is denied, you must                   (i) The first 100 pages of duplication
                                                                                                      (or the cost equivalent for other media);             terminating action for the inspections.
                                              pay any costs incurred up to the date                                                                         We are issuing this AD to address the
                                              the fee waiver request was received. A                  and
                                                                                                                                                            unsafe condition on these products.
                                              request for fee waiver that is denied may                  (ii) The first two hours of search.
                                                                                                                                                            DATES: This AD is effective March 16,
                                              only be appealed when a final decision                     (5) No fee will be charged when the
                                              has been made on the initial FOIA                                                                             2018.
                                                                                                      total fee, after deducting the 100 free                  The Director of the Federal Register
                                              request.                                                pages (or its cost equivalent) and the
                                                 (j) Restrictions on charging fees. (1)                                                                     approved the incorporation by reference
                                              When FHFA determines that you are an                    first two hours of search, is equal to or             of a certain publication listed in this AD
                                              educational institution, non-commercial                 less than $25.00.                                     as of March 16, 2018.
                                              scientific institution, or representative                  (k) Additional resource. The FOIA                  ADDRESSES: For service information
                                              of the news media, and the records are                  Public Liaison or other FOIA contact is               identified in this final rule, contact
                                              not sought for commercial use, FHFA                     available to assist you in modifying or               Boeing Commercial Airplanes,
                                              will not charge search fees.                            reformulating a request to meet your                  Attention: Contractual & Data Services
                                                 (2)(i) If FHFA fails to comply with the              needs at a lower cost. FHFA will also                 (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC
                                              FOIA’s time limits in which to respond                  notify you of the availability of OGIS to             110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600;
                                              to your request, FHFA will not charge                   provide dispute resolution service.                   telephone: 562–797–1717; internet:
                                              search fees, or, in the instances of                                                                          https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You
                                                                                                      *       *     *     *     *                           may view this service information at the
                                              requests from requesters described in
                                              paragraph (j)(1) of this section, will not              Appendix A to Part 1202 [Amended]                     FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 1601
                                              charge duplication fees, except as                                                                            Lind Avenue SW, Renton, WA. For
                                              described in paragraphs (j)(2)(ii) through              ■  11. Amend Appendix A to Part 1202:                 information on the availability of this
                                              (iv) of this section.                                   ■  a. In paragraph 2 by adding the word               material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
                                                 (ii) If FHFA has determined that                                                                           It is also available on the internet at
                                                                                                      ‘‘only’’ after the word ‘‘Headquarters’’
                                              unusual circumstances as defined by the                                                                       http://www.regulations.gov by searching
                                                                                                      and adding the language ‘‘on FHFA’s
                                              FOIA apply and FHFA has provided                                                                              for and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
                                                                                                      public website’’ after the word
                                              timely written notice to you in                                                                               0630.
                                              accordance with the FOIA, FHFA’s                        ‘‘located’’; and
                                                                                                      ■ b. In paragraphs 3 and 4 by removing
                                                                                                                                                            Examining the AD Docket
                                              failure to comply with the time limit
                                              will be excused for an additional 10                    the comma before the website hyperlink                  You may examine the AD docket on
                                              days.                                                   text and adding in its place ‘‘. You can              the internet at http://
                                                 (iii) If FHFA determines that unusual                find additional information on FHFA’s                 www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                              circumstances, as defined by the FOIA,                  FOIA program at’’.                                    and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
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                                              apply and more than 5,000 pages are                                                                           0630; or in person at the Docket
                                                                                                        Dated: January 30, 2018.
                                              necessary to respond to your request,                                                                         Management Facility between 9 a.m.
                                              FHFA may charge search fees, or, in the                 Melvin L. Watt,                                       and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
                                              case of a requester described in                        Director, Federal Housing Finance Agency.             except Federal holidays. The AD docket
                                              paragraph (j)(1) of this section, may                   [FR Doc. 2018–02338 Filed 2–8–18; 8:45 am]            contains this final rule, the regulatory
                                              charge duplication fees, if the following               BILLING CODE 8070–01–P                                evaluation, any comments received, and
                                              steps are taken. FHFA must have                                                                               other information. The address for the


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                                              5686               Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 28 / Friday, February 9, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

                                              Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is                  inadequate records and perform                        days after the effective date of the AD
                                              Docket Management Facility, U.S.                        inspections on them. Cathay Pacific                   as specified in the proposed AD.
                                              Department of Transportation, Docket                    stated that the applicable inspection                    We disagree with the commenters’
                                              Operations, M–30, West Building                         compliance times do not allow waiting                 requests to extend the compliance
                                              Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200                        for the next scheduled maintenance                    times. The CPCP has three different
                                              New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC                    check, leading to additional downtime.                levels of corrosion damage, as defined
                                              20590.                                                     We infer that Cathay Pacific is                    within the MPD, based on the severity
                                              FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric                   requesting that we extend the                         and frequency of corrosion findings and
                                              Lin, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe                       compliance time for the initial and                   requires operators to adjust their
                                              Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 1601                  repetitive inspections. We disagree with              individual programs to limit corrosion
                                              Lind Avenue SW, Renton, WA 98057–                       the commenter’s request. We have                      findings to level 1 if they have level 2
                                              3356; phone: 425–917–6412; fax: 425–                    determined that the compliance times                  or higher findings. However, operators
                                              917–6590; email: eric.lin@faa.gov.                      specified in this AD are necessary to                 have reported finding recurring
                                              SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              address the identified unsafe condition.              corrosion damage in-between scheduled
                                                                                                      However, under the provisions of                      CPCP or MPD inspections that was due
                                              Discussion                                                                                                    to untreated vacuum waste system
                                                                                                      paragraph (j) of this AD, we will
                                                We issued a notice of proposed                        consider requests for approval of an                  residue. Additionally, we have reviewed
                                              rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR                       alternative method of compliance                      the existing MPD inspections and have
                                              part 39 by adding an AD that would                      (AMOC), including extension of the                    determined that the MPD inspections do
                                              apply to certain The Boeing Company                     compliance times, if sufficient data is               not repeat at adequate intervals to
                                              Model 777–200, –200LR, –300, and                        submitted to substantiate that a different            address the unsafe condition. The
                                              –300ER series airplanes. The NPRM                       compliance time will provide an                       determinations of the unsafe condition,
                                              published in the Federal Register on                    acceptable level of safety. We have not               mitigating actions, and compliance
                                              July 14, 2017 (82 FR 32507). The NPRM                   changed this AD in this regard.                       times were coordinated with the
                                              was prompted by reports of corrosion in                                                                       manufacturer. Under the provisions of
                                              the aft fuselage. The NPRM proposed to                  Request To Extend the Compliance                      paragraph (j) of this AD, we will
                                              require a one-time review of the                        Times for Certain Airplanes                           consider requests for approval of
                                              operator’s maintenance procedures,                         United Airlines (UAL) and Air France               AMOCs, including extensions of the
                                              repetitive detailed internal and external                                                                     compliance times, if sufficient data,
                                                                                                      (AF) requested that we revise the
                                              inspections for corrosion or cracking,                                                                        such as an operator’s individual CPCP
                                                                                                      compliance times for airplanes on
                                              and applicable on-condition actions.                                                                          and practices for treating vacuum waste
                                                                                                      which certain inspections have been
                                              The NPRM also included an optional                                                                            system residue, is submitted to
                                                                                                      done. UAL requested that the
                                              terminating action for the inspections.                                                                       substantiate that a different compliance
                                                                                                      compliance time be extended for
                                                We are issuing this AD to detect and                                                                        time will provide an acceptable level of
                                                                                                      airplanes on which corrosion
                                              correct untreated vacuum waste system                                                                         safety. We have not changed this AD in
                                                                                                      prevention and control program (CPCP)
                                              spills or leaks, which could cause                                                                            this regard.
                                                                                                      inspections have already been done.
                                              corrosion of the airplane structure,                    UAL noted that many operators have                    Request To Allow the Use of a Different
                                              which could lead to fatigue cracks, and                 proven corrosion control programs that                Sodium Bicarbonate Compound
                                              could ultimately result in rapid                        do not have corrosion findings greater
                                              decompression and loss of structural                                                                             Japan Airlines (JAL) and AF requested
                                                                                                      than CPCP level 1, which mitigates the                that we revise the NPRM to allow the
                                              integrity.                                              corrosion risk factor. UAL suggested                  use of a different sodium bicarbonate
                                              Comments                                                that the initial inspection compliance                compound than the ASTM D928
                                                                                                      time be extended for airplanes on which               specified in Boeing Alert Service
                                                We gave the public the opportunity to
                                                                                                      maintenance records show that no                      Bulletin 777–53A0083, dated April 20,
                                              participate in developing this final rule.
                                                                                                      corrosion findings greater than CPCP                  2017. JAL noted it had difficulty finding
                                              The following presents the comments
                                                                                                      level 1 have occurred in the inspection               the specified sodium bicarbonate
                                              received on the NPRM and the FAA’s
                                                                                                      area in the 10 years prior to the effective           compound, but could find an equivalent
                                              response to each comment.
                                                                                                      date of the AD.                                       product. AF noted that is has a
                                              Support for the NPRM                                       AF requested that the compliance                   corresponding product.
                                                Boeing expressed its support for the                  times be extended for airplanes on                       We partially agree with the
                                              NPRM.                                                   which maintenance planning document                   commenters’ request. We agree that an
                                                                                                      (MPD) inspections have been done. AF                  equivalent sodium bicarbonate
                                              Request To Extend the Inspection                        noted that existing MPD items require                 compound is acceptable. Boeing has
                                              Compliance Time                                         general visual inspections of certain                 issued Boeing Information Notice 777–
                                                 Cathay Pacific expressed concern that                areas below the aft and bulk cargo                    53A0083 IN 01, dated September 1,
                                              it would not be able to demonstrate that                compartment floor panels. AF stated                   2017, to clarify that a commercially
                                              it has performed an acceptable records                  that because the majority of its fleet has            available sodium bicarbonate compound
                                              review, which is required to                            already been inspected under the MPD                  is acceptable for compliance. However,
                                              demonstrate that all prior vacuum waste                 items, the compliance times in the                    we do not agree to revise this AD
                                              system spills or leaks were cleaned and                 NPRM are too restrictive. AF noted that               because it does not require the use of
                                              neutralized using the acceptable                        the initial compliance times cannot be                ASTM D928 sodium bicarbonate
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                                              procedure. Cathay Pacific noted that                    accommodated into its 777 C or heavy                  compound. As indicated in the
                                              some airplanes in its fleet have been in                checks interval. AF suggested                         Accomplishment Instructions and
                                              service for more than 20 years, so an                   compliance times based on the number                  Figure 2 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
                                              older record could easily be missed                     of days since the date of issuance of the             777–53A0083, dated April 20, 2017,
                                              when doing this review. Cathay Pacific                  original airworthiness certificate or date            sodium bicarbonate must be used, but a
                                              stated that because of this concern, it                 of issuance of the original export                    specific compound type is not
                                              has opted to treat all airplanes as having              certificate of airworthiness instead of               identified.


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                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 28 / Friday, February 9, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                         5687

                                              Request To Define a Neutral pH                          Bulletin 777–53A0083, dated April 20,                 Request To Update the Costs of
                                                 American Airlines (AAL) requested                    2017, while the litmus paper testing                  Compliance
                                              that we revise the NPRM to define a                     spots are not. Cathay Pacific suggested                 Cathay Pacific requested that we
                                              neutral pH as one that has a value                      that Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–               update the work-hours estimate for
                                              between 6.5 and 8.5, to account for                     53A0083, dated April 20, 2017, implies                cleaning and neutralization in the
                                              natural variations in tap water. AAL                    that operators should do litmus paper                 NPRM. Cathay Pacific stated that the
                                              stated that the NPRM does not define a                  testing on all the structural features in             area to be neutralized covers 13 frames
                                              tolerance from the common definition of                 the inspection and neutralization area,               and 15 stringers, so it will require more
                                              neutral pH, which is a pH of 7.                         but stated it does not believe this is the            work-hours to complete this task.
                                                 We disagree with the commenter’s                     intent.                                                 We disagree with the commenter’s
                                              request. Paragraph 3.A., General                           We agree to provide clarification on               request. The work-hours estimate is
                                              Information, Note 19, of Boeing Alert                   the number and location of litmus paper               determined by Boeing and provided for
                                              Service Bulletin 777–53A0083, dated                     testing spots and confirm that paragraph              informational and planning purposes
                                              April 20, 2017, defines neutralization as               (i) of this AD does not require testing               only. In addition, Cathay Pacific did not
                                              making the vacuum waste system spill                    with litmus paper at all structural                   provide any alternative estimates for the
                                              or leak contents non-acidic or non-                     features in the neutralization area.                  work-hours. We have not changed this
                                              corrosive. No specific pH value is                      However, we do not agree that it is                   AD in this regard.
                                              defined in the service information or                   necessary to provide a specific number
                                                                                                      of samples or testing locations. The                  Conclusion
                                              required by this AD. Therefore,
                                              operators can include tolerances for a                  objective of the litmus paper testing is                 We reviewed the relevant data,
                                              neutral pH. One way for operators to                    to verify that there are no remaining                 considered the comments received, and
                                              account for pH variances of their local                 acidic or corrosive substances on the                 determined that air safety and the
                                              clean water supply is to measure the pH                 structure. The appropriate level of                   public interest require adopting this
                                              level of their clean water supply in                    testing may vary between airplanes                    final rule with the changes described
                                              order to establish a baseline pH level,                 depending on factors such as                          previously and minor editorial changes.
                                              that can then be used to compare against                maintenance records, previous spills or               We have determined that these minor
                                              samples taken from the fuselage                         leaks, or repairs that obstruct access.               changes:
                                              structure. We have not changed this AD                  Samples should be tested at enough                       • Are consistent with the intent that
                                              in this regard.                                         locations within the affected area of the             was proposed in the NPRM for
                                                                                                      structure for the operator to determine               correcting the unsafe condition; and
                                              Request To Define a Standard Litmus                     that there are no residual acidic or                     • Do not add any additional burden
                                              Paper                                                   corrosive contents on primary structural              upon the public than was already
                                                 AAL and Cathay Pacific requested                     elements in the inspection area,                      proposed in the NPRM.
                                              that we revise the NPRM to define a                     including any locations where the                        We also determined that these
                                              standard part number for the litmus                     sodium bicarbonate solution visibly                   changes will not increase the economic
                                              paper to use in determining if the acid                 reacted when applied, which indicates                 burden on any operator or increase the
                                              is neutralized. AAL noted that the                      the presence of acidic or corrosive                   scope of this final rule.
                                              NPRM does not specify a resolution or                   substances, and any locations where
                                              range for the litmus paper. Cathay                      there are signs of corrosion damage. We               Related Service Information Under 1
                                              Pacific claimed that because Boeing                     have not changed this AD in this regard.              CFR Part 51
                                              Alert Service Bulletin 777–53A0083,                     Request To Allow the Use of                             We reviewed Boeing Alert Service
                                              dated April 20, 2017, does not list a                   Alternative Corrosion Inhibiting                      Bulletin 777–53A0083, dated April 20,
                                              specific litmus paper, the instruction to               Compounds                                             2017. The service information describes
                                              ‘‘use litmus paper’’ is ambiguous and                                                                         procedures for a one-time review of the
                                              operators would not be able to                            AAL requested that we allow the use                 operator’s maintenance procedures,
                                              determine if an acceptable litmus paper                 of alternative corrosion inhibiting                   repetitive detailed internal and external
                                              is used.                                                compounds (which are applied to the                   inspections for corrosion or cracking,
                                                 We disagree with the commenters’                     cleaned and neutralized areas as part of              cleaning and neutralization of the
                                              request. Litmus paper is a commonly                     the required restoration) as specified in             internal inspection area (an optional
                                              available tool. Accomplishing the                       Boeing Aircraft Maintenance Manual                    terminating action), and applicable on-
                                              cleaning and neutralization steps in                    (AMM) Task 51–05–01–210–803. AAL                      condition actions. This service
                                              Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–                      noted that Boeing Alert Service Bulletin              information is reasonably available
                                              53A0083, dated April 20, 2017, does not                 777–53A0083, dated April 20, 2017,                    because the interested parties have
                                              specify the use of a specific brand or                  specifies BMS3–29 compound and does                   access to it through their normal course
                                              type of litmus paper. We have not                       not allow the use of alternative                      of business or by the means identified
                                              changed this AD in this regard.                         compounds.                                            in the ADDRESSES section.
                                                                                                        We agree with the commenter’s
                                              Request To Define the Location and                      request. Boeing AMM Task 51–05–01–                    Costs of Compliance
                                              Quantity of Litmus Paper Testing Points                 210–803 specifies the application of a                   We estimate that this AD affects 161
                                                AAL and Cathay Pacific requested                      single coat of water displacing/anti-                 airplanes of U.S. registry. The cost to
                                              that we revise the NPRM to define the                   corrosion compound BMS3–29 or                         review an operator’s maintenance
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                                              locations where litmus paper testing                    BMS3–35 at a minimum, with an option                  procedures varies depending on the
                                              must be done, as well as the number of                  to layer different compounds in areas                 operator’s recordkeeping system and
                                              samples that must be taken. AAL                         with high potential for severe corrosion.             fleet size so we did not include a
                                              pointed out that the structural features                We have added paragraph (h)(3) of this                specific estimate for that action. We
                                              that must be chemically neutralized are                 AD to specify acceptable alternative                  estimate the following costs to comply
                                              specified in Boeing Alert Service                       corrosion inhibiting compounds.                       with the remaining actions of this AD:



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                                              5688                  Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 28 / Friday, February 9, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

                                                                                                                            ESTIMATED COSTS
                                                                                                                                                             Cost per                           Cost on U.S.
                                                       Action                             Labor cost                        Parts cost                       product                             operators

                                              Inspections .............    75 work-hours × $85 per hour =                                $0    $6,375 per inspection cycle ........   $1,026,375 per inspection cycle.
                                                                             $6,375 per inspection cycle.


                                                                                               ESTIMATED COSTS FOR OPTIONAL TERMINATING ACTIONS
                                                                                                                                                                                                           Cost per
                                                                            Action                                                                Labor cost                             Parts cost        product

                                              Cleaning and neutralization ..........................................   30 work-hours × $85 per hour = $2,550 ......................                   $0        $2,550



                                                We have received no definitive data                            For the reasons discussed above, I                       (d) Subject
                                              that would enable us to provide cost                           certify that this AD:                                       Air Transport Association (ATA) of
                                              estimates for the on-condition actions                           (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory                    America Code 53, Fuselage.
                                              specified in this AD.                                          action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
                                                                                                                                                                        (e) Unsafe Condition
                                              Authority for This Rulemaking                                    (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
                                                                                                             DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures                        This AD was prompted by reports of
                                                 Title 49 of the United States Code                          (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),                          corrosion in the aft fuselage. We are issuing
                                              specifies the FAA’s authority to issue                           (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation                  this AD to detect and correct untreated
                                              rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,                          in Alaska, and                                             vacuum waste system spills or leaks, which
                                              section 106, describes the authority of                          (4) Will not have a significant                          could cause corrosion of the airplane
                                              the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:                                                                                      structure, which could lead to fatigue cracks,
                                                                                                             economic impact, positive or negative,
                                              Aviation Programs, describes in more                                                                                      and could ultimately result in rapid
                                                                                                             on a substantial number of small entities
                                              detail the scope of the Agency’s                                                                                          decompression and loss of structural
                                                                                                             under the criteria of the Regulatory                       integrity.
                                              authority.                                                     Flexibility Act.
                                                 We are issuing this rulemaking under                                                                                   (f) Compliance
                                              the authority described in Subtitle VII,                       List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
                                              Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:                                                                                         Comply with this AD within the
                                                                                                               Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation                   compliance times specified, unless already
                                              ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that                           safety, Incorporation by reference,                        done.
                                              section, Congress charges the FAA with                         Safety.
                                              promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in                                                                                (g) Required Actions
                                              air commerce by prescribing regulations                        Adoption of the Amendment                                     Except as required by paragraphs (h)(1)
                                              for practices, methods, and procedures                           Accordingly, under the authority                         through (h)(3) of this AD: At the applicable
                                              the Administrator finds necessary for                          delegated to me by the Administrator,                      times specified in paragraph 1.E.,
                                              safety in air commerce. This regulation                        the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as                           ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service
                                              is within the scope of that authority                          follows:                                                   Bulletin 777–53A0083, dated April 20, 2017,
                                              because it addresses an unsafe condition                                                                                  do all applicable actions identified as ‘‘RC’’
                                              that is likely to exist or develop on                          PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS                                      (required for compliance) in, and in
                                              products identified in this rulemaking                         DIRECTIVES                                                 accordance with, the Accomplishment
                                              action.                                                                                                                   Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
                                                 This AD is issued in accordance with                        ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39                    777–53A0083, dated April 20, 2017.
                                              authority delegated by the Executive                           continues to read as follows:                              (h) Exceptions To Service Information
                                              Director, Aircraft Certification Service,                          Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.             Specifications
                                              as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C.
                                              In accordance with that order, issuance                        § 39.13     [Amended]                                         (1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
                                                                                                                                                                        777–53A0083, dated April 20, 2017, uses the
                                              of ADs is normally a function of the                           ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding                      phrase ‘‘after the original issue date of this
                                              Compliance and Airworthiness                                   the following new airworthiness                            service bulletin,’’ for purposes of determining
                                              Division, but during this transition                           directive (AD):                                            compliance with the requirements of this AD,
                                              period, the Executive Director has                                                                                        the phrase ‘‘after the effective date of this
                                              delegated the authority to issue ADs                           2018–02–20 The Boeing Company:
                                                                                                                 Amendment 39–19173; Docket No.                         AD’’ must be used.
                                              applicable to transport category                                                                                             (2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
                                                                                                                 FAA–2017–0630; Product Identifier
                                              airplanes to the Director of the System                            2017–NM–058–AD.                                        777–53A0083, dated April 20, 2017, specifies
                                              Oversight Division.                                                                                                       contacting Boeing, and specifies that action
                                                                                                             (a) Effective Date                                         as RC: This AD requires using a method
                                              Regulatory Findings
                                                                                                               This AD is effective March 16, 2018.                     approved in accordance with the procedures
                                                This AD will not have federalism                                                                                        specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.
                                              implications under Executive Order                             (b) Affected ADs
                                                                                                                                                                           (3) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
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                                              13132. This AD will not have a                                   None.
                                                                                                                                                                        777–53A0083, dated April 20, 2017, specifies
                                              substantial direct effect on the States, on                    (c) Applicability                                          to apply corrosion inhibiting compound
                                              the relationship between the national                             This AD applies to The Boeing Company                   BMS3–29 to the cleaned and neutralized
                                              government and the States, or on the                           Model 777–200, –200LR, –300, and –300ER                    area, and specifies that action as RC: This AD
                                              distribution of power and                                      series airplanes, certificated in any category,            allows operators to apply BMS3–29, BMS3–
                                              responsibilities among the various                             as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin             35, or a base coat of BMS3–29 or BMS3–35
                                              levels of government.                                          777–53A0083, dated April 20, 2017.                         with a top coat of BMS3–26.



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                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 28 / Friday, February 9, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                         5689

                                              (i) Optional Terminating Action for                     (IBR) of the service information listed in this       the applicability; adds a one-time
                                              Repetitive Inspections                                  paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR             inspection and adjustment of certain
                                                 Accomplishment of ‘‘PART 5: CLEANING                 part 51.                                              hook gaps; reinforcement of the door
                                              AND NEUTRALIZATION,’’ as specified in                      (2) You must use this service information
                                                                                                      as applicable to do the actions required by
                                                                                                                                                            frame structure; related investigative
                                              the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing                                                                     and corrective actions if necessary; and
                                              Alert Service Bulletin 777–53A0083, dated               this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
                                                                                                         (i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–             a modification, which allows deferring
                                              April 20, 2017, terminates the repetitive
                                              inspections required by paragraph (g) of this           53A0083, dated April 20, 2017.                        reinforcement of the cargo door
                                              AD.                                                        (ii) Reserved.                                     structure. This AD was prompted by a
                                                                                                         (3) For service information identified in          determination that a new inspection
                                              (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance                   this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
                                              (AMOCs)
                                                                                                                                                            procedure is necessary to address the
                                                                                                      Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
                                                                                                                                                            unsafe condition. We are issuing this
                                                 (1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch,                 Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd.,
                                                                                                      MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600;               AD to address the unsafe condition on
                                              FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
                                              for this AD, if requested using the procedures          telephone: 562–797–1717; internet: https://           these products.
                                              found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with               www.myboeingfleet.com.                                DATES:  This AD is effective March 16,
                                              14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your                    (4) You may view this service information
                                                                                                      at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch,
                                                                                                                                                            2018. The Director of the Federal
                                              principal inspector or local Flight Standards
                                              District Office, as appropriate. If sending             1601 Lind Avenue SW, Renton, WA. For                  Register approved the incorporation by
                                              information directly to the manager of the              information on the availability of this               reference of certain publications listed
                                              certification office, send it to the attention of       material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.               in this AD as of March 16, 2018.
                                              the person identified in paragraph (k) of this             (5) You may view this service information
                                              AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-               that is incorporated by reference at the              ADDRESSES:   For service information
                                              Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.                      National Archives and Records                         identified in this final rule, contact
                                                 (2) Before using any approved AMOC,                  Administration (NARA). For information on             Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office—
                                              notify your appropriate principal inspector,            the availability of this material at NARA, call       EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte,
                                              or lacking a principal inspector, the manager           202–741–6030, or go to: http://                       31707 Blagnac Cedex, France;
                                              of the local flight standards district office/          www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-            telephone: +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax: +33
                                              certificate holding district office.                    locations.html.                                       5 61 93 45 80; email:
                                                 (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
                                                                                                        Issued in Renton, Washington, on January            airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com;
                                              level of safety may be used for any repair,
                                                                                                      19, 2018.                                             internet: http://www.airbus.com. You
                                              modification, or alteration required by this
                                              AD if it is approved by the Boeing                      Michael Kaszycki,                                     may view this referenced service
                                              Commercial Airplanes Organization                       Acting Director, System Oversight Division,           information at the FAA, Transport
                                              Designation Authorization (ODA) that has                Aircraft Certification Service.                       Standards Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue
                                              been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO             [FR Doc. 2018–01807 Filed 2–8–18; 8:45 am]            SW, Renton, WA. For information on
                                              Branch, to make those findings. To be                   BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                the availability of this material at the
                                              approved, the repair method, modification                                                                     FAA, call 425–227–1221. It is also
                                              deviation, or alteration deviation must meet
                                              the certification basis of the airplane, and the                                                              available on the internet at http://
                                                                                                      DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                          www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                              approval must specifically refer to this AD.
                                                 (4) Except as required by paragraphs (h)(2)                                                                and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
                                                                                                      Federal Aviation Administration                       0713.
                                              and (h)(3) of this AD: For service information
                                              that contains steps that are labeled as
                                              Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions            14 CFR Part 39                                        Examining the AD Docket
                                              of paragraphs (j)(4)(i) and (j)(4)(ii) of this AD       [Docket No. FAA–2017–0713; Product
                                              apply.                                                                                                           You may examine the AD docket on
                                                                                                      Identifier 2016–NM–199–AD; Amendment                  the internet at http://
                                                 (i) The steps labeled as RC, including               39–19170; AD 2018–02–17]
                                              substeps under an RC step and any figures                                                                     www.regulations.gov by searching for
                                              identified in an RC step, must be done to               RIN 2120–AA64                                         and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
                                              comply with the AD. If a step or substep is                                                                   0713; or in person at the Docket
                                              labeled ‘‘RC Exempt,’’ then the RC                      Airworthiness Directives; Airbus                      Management Facility between 9 a.m.
                                              requirement is removed from that step or                Airplanes                                             and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
                                              substep. An AMOC is required for any
                                                                                                      AGENCY:  Federal Aviation                             except Federal holidays. The AD docket
                                              deviations to RC steps, including substeps
                                              and identified figures.                                 Administration (FAA), Department of                   contains this AD, the regulatory
                                                 (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be                  Transportation (DOT).                                 evaluation, any comments received, and
                                              deviated from using accepted methods in                                                                       other information. The address for the
                                                                                                      ACTION: Final rule.
                                              accordance with the operator’s maintenance                                                                    Docket Office (telephone 800–647–5527)
                                              or inspection program without obtaining                 SUMMARY:   We are superseding                         is Docket Management Facility, U.S.
                                              approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps,             Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012–12–                 Department of Transportation, Docket
                                              including substeps and identified figures, can                                                                Operations, M–30, West Building
                                                                                                      12 and AD 2013–16–26, which applied
                                              still be done as specified, and the airplane                                                                  Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
                                              can be put back in an airworthy condition.              to all Airbus Model A330–200, A330–
                                                                                                      200 Freighter, A330–300, A340–200,                    New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
                                              (k) Related Information                                 and A340–300 series airplanes. AD                     20590.
                                                For more information about this AD,                   2012–12–12 required repetitive                        FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                              contact Eric Lin, Aerospace Engineer,                   inspections of the outer skin rivets of               Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES




                                              Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch,              the cargo doors, repair if necessary, and
                                              1601 Lind Avenue SW, Renton, WA 98057–                                                                        International Section, Transport
                                                                                                      other repetitive inspections. AD 2013–
                                              3356; phone: 425–917–6412; fax: 425–917–                                                                      Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind
                                                                                                      16–26 required repetitive inspections of
                                              6590; email: eric.lin@faa.gov.                                                                                Avenue SW, Renton, WA 98057–3356;
                                                                                                      certain cargo doors, and repair if
                                              (l) Material Incorporated by Reference
                                                                                                                                                            telephone 425–227–1138; fax 425–227–
                                                                                                      necessary. This new AD continues to
                                                                                                                                                            1149.
                                                 (1) The Director of the Federal Register             require repetitive inspections, and
                                              approved the incorporation by reference                 repair if necessary. This new AD revises              SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:



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Document Created: 2018-02-09 00:12:13
Document Modified: 2018-02-09 00:12:13
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 March 16, 2018.
ContactEric Lin, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW, Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6412; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected]
FR Citation83 FR 5685 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

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