Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777-200 Series Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 777-200 series airplanes, that currently requires a one-time inspection to determine the serial numbers of various switch modules on the overhead panel and control stand, and replacement of certain switch modules with new, improved modules. That AD also requires repetitive tests of the cargo fire extinguishing system, and one-time tests of the fuel crossfeed valve, pack, trim air, and alternate flap control switches; and repair or replacement of switch modules with new improved modules, if necessary. This amendment revises the applicability of the existing AD. This action also requires replacement of the existing switch modules with new switch modules; replacement of the existing module assemblies with new module assemblies; or reworked module assemblies; as applicable. This amendment is prompted by the FAA's determination that certain switches are susceptible to contamination. The actions specified by this AD are intended to minimize contamination of the switch contacts and consequent failure of the switches, which, if not corrected, could result in inability of the flight crew to activate the cargo fire extinguishing, fuel, air conditioning, and alternate flap systems.

DATES:

Effective September 25, 2000.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of September 25, 2000.

ADDRESSES:

The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. This information may be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Mohamed Jamil, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2677; fax (425) 227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 96-20-01, amendment 39-9767 (61 FR 53035, October 10, 1996), which is applicable to certain Boeing Model 777-200 series airplanes, was published in the Federal Register on May 30, 2000 (65 FR 34420). The action proposed to revise the applicability of the existing AD. The action also proposed to require replacement of the existing switch modules with new switch modules; replacement of the existing module assemblies with new module assemblies; or reworked module assemblies; as applicable.

Comments

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

There are approximately 85 airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 23 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 20 work hours (for Method I) or 9 work hours (for Method II) per airplane to accomplish the required replacement, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $12,785 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $321,655, or $13,985 per airplane (for Method I), or $306,475, or $13,325 per airplane (for Method II).

The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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); and (3) 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

• Air transportation
• Aircraft
• Aviation safety
• Incorporation by reference
• Safety

Adoption of the Amendment

Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-9767 ( 61 FR 53035, October 10, 1996), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), amendment 39-11872, to read as follows:

2000-16-16 Boeing: Amendment 39-11873. Docket 97-NM-260-AD. Supersedes AD 96-20-01, Amendment 39-9767.

Applicability: Model 777-200 series airplanes, line numbers 1 through 85 inclusive, certificated in any category.

Note 1:

This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d)(1) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To minimize contamination of the switch contacts and consequent failure of the switches, which, if not corrected, could result in inability of the flight crew to activate the cargo fire extinguishing, fuel, air conditioning, and alternate flap systems, accomplish the following:

Replacement and Reidentification

(a) For Groups 1 and 2 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-31A0019, Revision 4, dated April 27, 2000, except as provided in paragraph (b) of this AD, within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, perform the actions in either paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD.

(1) Replace the existing switch modules with new switch modules (including changing the part number of the reworked module assemblies and control stand assembly) in accordance with Method I of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-31A0019, Revision 4, dated April 27, 2000.

(2) Replace the existing switch modules with new switch modules, and replace the existing module assemblies with new module assemblies or reworked module assemblies (including changing the part number of the control stand assembly), in accordance with Method II of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-31A0019, Revision 4, dated April 27, 2000.

Note 2:

Replacements accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-31A0019, dated October 2, 1997; Revision 1, dated March 12, 1998; Revision 2, dated March 25, 1999; or Revision 3, dated January 27, 2000; are acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD.

(b) For Group 2 airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-31A0019, Revision 4, dated April 27, 2000, on which a guarded toggle passenger oxygen switch has been installed: Accomplishment of the actions specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD is not required for the passenger oxygen switch or window heat/emergency light module assembly.

Spares

(c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install on any airplane, any part listed in the “Existing Part Number” column of the table listed in paragraph II.D., “Existing Parts Accountability,” of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-31A0019, Revision 4, dated April 27, 2000.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

(d)(1) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Seattle ACO.

(2) Alternative methods of compliance approved previously in accordance with AD 96-20-01, amendment 39-9767, are not considered to be approved as alternative methods of compliance with this AD.

Note 3:

Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Seattle ACO.

Special Flight Permits

(e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

Incorporation by Reference

(f) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-31A0019, Revision 4, dated April 27, 2000. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

Effective Date

(g) This amendment becomes effective on September 25, 2000.