Proposed Rule2021-28181
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
December 28, 2021
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of the loss of the nuts at all four fastener locations common to the outboard flap inboard support rear spar attachment fittings, which affects the retention feature of the fasteners and leaves the fasteners susceptible to migrating out of the joint. This proposed AD would require repetitive detailed inspections for discrepancies of the fasteners and shim of the wing rear spar at certain outboard flap supports, a detailed inspection for damage of the shim, flap support mechanism, and wing lower skin; installing new fasteners and shims; and repair or replacement of damaged parts. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 246 (Tuesday, December 28, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 246 (Tuesday, December 28, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 73706-73708]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-28181]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-1020; Project Identifier AD-2021-00864-T]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This proposed AD
was prompted by a report of the loss of the nuts at all four fastener
locations common to the outboard flap inboard support rear spar
attachment fittings, which affects the retention feature of the
fasteners and leaves the fasteners susceptible to migrating out of the
joint. This proposed AD would require repetitive detailed inspections
for discrepancies of the fasteners and shim of the wing rear spar at
certain outboard flap supports, a detailed inspection for damage of the
shim, flap support mechanism, and wing lower skin; installing new
fasteners and shims; and repair or replacement of damaged parts. The
FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by February
11, 2022.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
<bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this NPRM, 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 <a href="https://www.myboeingfleet.com">https://www.myboeingfleet.com</a>. You may
view this referenced service information at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
1020.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1020; or in person at
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for Docket
Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Luis Cortez, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: (206) 231-3958; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a3efd6cad08de28de0ccd1d7c6d98eeed6cdcad9e3c5c2c28dc4ccd5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5418213d277a157a173b2620312e7919213a3d2e143235357a333b22">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-1020; Project Identifier
AD-2021-00864-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and
[[Page 73707]]
actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Luis
Cortez, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: (206) 231-
3958; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7e320b170d503f503d110c0a1b0453330b1017043e181f1f50191108"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4a063f2339640b640925383e2f3067073f2423300a2c2b2b642d253c">[email protected]</span></a>. Any commentary that the FAA
receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in
the public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
The FAA has received a report of the loss of the nuts at all four
fastener locations common to the outboard flap inboard support rear
spar attachment fittings, which affects the retention feature of the
fasteners and leaves the fasteners susceptible to migrating out of the
joint. These conditions, if not addressed, could result in the
inability of the outboard flap support to sustain limit load, and
potential loss of the outboard flap. Loss of the fastener retention
feature in the rear spar attachment may lead to a severed joint at the
forward attachment point, leading to separation of the support fitting.
Contact with the airplane from a departed outboard flap or support
fitting could cause damage and consequent reduced controllability and
reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other
products of the same type design.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 777-57A0123 RB,
dated July 8, 2021. This service information specifies procedures for
repetitive detailed inspections for discrepancies (missing nuts, loose
nuts, thread protrusion, shim migration, and gapping between the shim
and wing lower skin or between the shim and flap support fitting) of
the fasteners and shim of the wing rear spar at outboard flap support
numbers 1, 2, 7, and 8, a detailed inspection for damage of the shim,
flap support mechanism, and wing lower skin; installing new fasteners
and shims; and repair or replacement of damaged parts. Installation of
the new fasteners and shim would eliminate the need for the repetitive
inspections. This service information is reasonably available because
the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in ADDRESSES.
Proposed AD Requirements in this NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in the service information already described, except for any
differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this
proposed AD. For information on the procedures and compliance times,
see this service information at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1020.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 280 airplanes of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated costs
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Detailed inspections............. 39 work-hours x $85 $0 $3,315............. $928,200 per
per hour = $3,315. inspection cycle.
Inspect for damage, install Up to 37 work-hours 1,920 Up to $5,065....... Up to $1,418,200.
fasteners/shim, replace damaged x $85 per hour =
parts. Up to $3,145.
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The FAA has received no definitive data on which to base the cost
estimates for the on-condition repairs specified in this proposed AD.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
[[Page 73708]]
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:
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2021-1020; Project Identifier
AD-2021-00864-T.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by February 11, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -
300, -300ER, and 777F series airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 777-
57A0123 RB, dated July 8, 2021.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of the loss of the nuts at all
four fastener locations common to the outboard flap inboard support
rear spar attachment fittings, which affects the retention feature
of the fasteners and leaves the fasteners susceptible to migrating
out of the joint. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
resulting inability of the outboard flap support to sustain limit
load, and potential loss of the outboard flap. Loss of the fastener
retention feature in the rear spar attachment may lead to a severed
joint at the forward attachment point, leading to separation of the
support fitting, which could cause damage and consequent reduced
controllability and reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Except as specified by paragraph (h) of this AD: At the
applicable times specified in the ``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 777-57A0123 RB, dated July 8, 2021, do
all applicable actions identified in, and in accordance with, the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin
777-57A0123 RB, dated July 8, 2021.
Note 1 to paragraph (g): Guidance for accomplishing the actions
required by this AD can be found in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
777-57A0123, dated July 8, 2021, which is referred to in Boeing
Alert Requirements Bulletin 777-57A0123 RB, dated July 8, 2021.
(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications
(1) Where the Compliance Time columns of the tables in the
``Compliance'' paragraph of Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 777-
57A0123 RB, dated July 8, 2021, use the phrase ``the original issue
date of Requirements Bulletin 777-57A0123 RB,'' this AD requires
using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 777-57A0123 RB,
dated July 8, 2021, specifies contacting Boeing for repair
instructions: This AD requires doing the repair using a method
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph
(i) of this AD.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request
to your principal inspector or responsible Flight Standards Office,
as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of
the certification office, send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. Information may be
emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#122b3f535c5f3f41777366667e773f53515d3f535f5d513f4077636777616661527473733c757d64"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="764f5b37383b5b25131702021a135b3735395b373b39355b24130703130502053610171758111900">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD
if it is approved by The Boeing Company Organization Designation
Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle
ACO Branch, FAA, to make those findings. To be approved, the repair
method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must meet
the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must
specifically refer to this AD.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Luis Cortez,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: (206) 231-
3958; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#266a534f5508670865495452435c0b6b53484f5c6640474708414950"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="622e170b114c234c210d101607184f2f170c0b18220403034c050d14">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) 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 <a href="https://www.myboeingfleet.com">https://www.myboeingfleet.com</a>. You may view this referenced service
information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational
Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
Issued on December 2, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-28181 Filed 12-27-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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