AD 2002-16-11 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777 Series Airplanes

Models named: 777 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 777 series airplanes, line numbers 1 through 263 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 (c) 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.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously,” which appears in every AD. If an operator's maintenance records show conclusively that the aft axle pivot pin installed on an airplane has been inspected per the referenced service bulletin and found to be acceptable, no further action is required. Specifically with regard to the airplane with L/N 1, though that airplane may have been delivered with a pin that is not subject to this AD, it is possible that a subject pin could be installed on that airplane after delivery. Therefore, L/N 1 must be included in the applicability of this AD, so that it is subject to paragraph (b) of this AD, the “Spares” paragraph, which prohibits installation of a subject aft axle pivot pin unless it has been inspected per this AD. We have made no change to the final rule related to these requests. Eliminate Inspection in Spares Provision One commenter requests that we eliminate the inspection specified in paragraph (b), the “Spares” paragraph, of the proposed AD. The commenter states that the proposed requirement would impose an unnecessary inspection on all aft axle pivot pins with an “EGL” prefix, rather than only the suspect pins. The commenter notes that Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-32-0029, dated May 18, 2000, was issued to address a finite number of pins, which were manufactured between November 1996 and October 1999. The commenter states that the root cause of the defect in this set of pins was identified and the supplier has corrected its process accordingly. The commenter is concerned about forcing operators to inspect pins produced after the process was corrected in October 1999. Similarly, a second commenter requests that we revise paragraph (b) of this AD to exempt aft axle pivot pins purchased from the manufacturer after the release date of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-32-0029. The commenter notes that pins purchased from the manufacturer after the release of the service bulletin should not be subject to the identified unsafe condition. The commenter indicates that the manufacturer has advised that it is not necessary to inspect such pins. We do not concur with these requests. While we have learned that the manufacturer is working to develop a method of tracking the subject pins, no such system is currently in place, so it is possible that some of the subject pins may have been procured as spares. Thus, we find it necessary to require inspection of any aft axle pivot pin having a serial number with the prefix “EGL.” If a system is in place to track the pins, operators may request approval of an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD. No change to the final rule is necessary in this regard. Conclusion After careful review of the available data, including the comments noted above, we have determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes previously described. We have determined that these changes will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD. Cost Impact There are approximately 263 Model 777 series airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 73 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 4 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required inspection, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $17,520, or $240 per airplane. The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD action, 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. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2002-16-11 Boeing: Amendment 39-12850. Docket 2000-NM-333-AD.