Rule2022-16606
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
August 3, 2022
Effective
August 18, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This AD was prompted by high electrical resistance within the gust suppression sensor (GSS) transorb modules due to corrosion on the transorb module threads. This AD requires disconnecting the connectors and capping and stowing the wires that had been attached to the affected transorb modules. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 148 (Wednesday, August 3, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 148 (Wednesday, August 3, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47334-47336]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-16606]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0880; Project Identifier AD-2022-00620-T;
Amendment 39-22126; AD 2022-15-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This AD was prompted by high
electrical resistance within the gust suppression sensor (GSS) transorb
modules due to corrosion on the transorb module threads. This AD
requires disconnecting the connectors and capping and stowing the wires
that had been attached to the affected transorb modules. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective August 18, 2022.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by September 19, 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.
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.
[[Page 47335]]
FAA-2022-0880; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this final rule, any comments received, and other information.
The street address for the Docket Operations is listed above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joe Salameh, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3536; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#266c49430875474a474b434e6640474708414950"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="52183d377c01333e333f373a123433337c353d24">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
During scheduled maintenance inspection, high electrical resistance
was found across the GSS transorb modules. The most likely cause of the
high resistance is corrosion over time of the transorb threads. High
electrical resistance in both transorb modules, if not addressed, can
result in two actuator control electronics (ACEs), which are part of
the flight control system, being exposed to damaging lightning
transient voltages in excess of the qualification levels, potentially
inducing erroneous or oscillatory outputs to flight control surfaces,
which could result in loss of control of the airplane. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
The gust suppression function on the Boeing Model 777 airplanes is
a non-essential feature of the essential flight control system. The
gust suppression function provides a minor improvement to ride quality
during lateral wind gusts at low airspeeds. The actions required by
this AD disable the non-essential gust suppression function, which does
not affect the safety of flight.
FAA's Determination
The FAA is issuing this AD because the agency has determined the
unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in
other products of the same type design.
AD Requirements
This AD requires disconnecting the connectors from the affected
transorbs and capping and stowing those wires.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD to be an interim action. The manufacturer
is currently developing a modification that will address the unsafe
condition identified in this AD. Once this modification is developed,
approved, and available, the FAA might consider additional rulemaking.
Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective
Date
Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and
comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds
that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to
the public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days,
upon a finding of good cause.
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public
justifies forgoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule
because failed electrical bonds in both transorb module lightning
protection devices can cause two ACEs to be exposed to damaging
lightning transient voltages. The failure mode of the transorb module
is latent, and therefore is not annunciated to the operator. Damaging
lightning transient voltages in excess of the qualification levels
could induce erroneous or oscillatory outputs to control surfaces and
result in loss of control of the airplane. Accordingly, notice and
opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and contrary to
the public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B).
In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days,
for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forgo notice and
comment.
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments
about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under
ADDRESSES. Include Docket No. FAA-2022-0880 and Project Identifier AD-
2022-00620-T at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, 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 final rule 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 final rule.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and 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 AD 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 AD, 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 AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Joe
Salameh, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Section, FAA,
Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone:
206-231-3536; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#5f15303a710c3e333e323a371f393e3e71383029"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e4ae8b81cab785888589818ca4828585ca838b92">[email protected]</span></a>. Any commentary that the FAA
receives that is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in
the public docket for this rulemaking.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment,
RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 279 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 47336]]
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Disconnecting connectors, capping and 3 work-hours x $85 per $0 $255 $71,145
stowing wires. hour = $255.
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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
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, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
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:
2022-15-06 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-22126; Docket No. FAA-
2022-0880; Project Identifier AD-2022-00620-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 18, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 777-200, 777-
200LR, 777-300, 777-300ER, and 777F series airplanes, certificated
in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight
controls.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by high electrical resistance within the
gust suppression sensor (GSS) transorb modules due to corrosion on
the transorb threads. The FAA is issuing this AD to address high
electrical resistance in both transorb modules, which can result in
two actuator control electronics (ACEs) being exposed to damaging
lightning transient voltages in excess of the qualification levels,
potentially inducing erroneous or oscillatory outputs to flight
control surfaces, and result in loss of control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Disconnect, Cap, and Stow Transorb Module Connectors
At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (2)
of this AD: Disconnect the connectors and cap and stow the wires to
bundles/connectors W7314/D02006P and W7579/D02005P from the transorb
module part numbers CLPT-12SP-06, -07, and -67.
Note 1 to the introductory text of paragraph (g): Guidance on
locating wire bundles/connectors W7314/D02006P and W7579/D02005P can
be found in Section 05-55-43 of the Boeing 777 airplane maintenance
manual.
Note 2 to the introductory text of paragraph (g): Guidance on
capping and stowing the wires once they are disconnected can be
found in Section 20-10-11 of the Boeing Standard Wiring Practices
Manual.
(1) Before the accumulation of 75,000 total flight hours or
23,000 total flight cycles, whichever occurs first.
(2) Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD.
(h) 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 (i) of this AD. Information may be emailed
to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#71485c303f3c5c22141005051d145c30323e5c303c3e325c2314000414020502311710105f161e07"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="390014787774146a5c584d4d555c14787a76147874767a146b5c484c5c4a4d4a795f5858175e564f">[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.
(i) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Joe Salameh,
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Section, FAA, Seattle ACO
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-
3536; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#84ceebe1aad7e5e8e5e9e1ecc4e2e5e5aae3ebf2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5f15303a710c3e333e323a371f393e3e71383029">[email protected]</span></a>.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued on July 11, 2022.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-16606 Filed 8-1-22; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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