[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 134 (Thursday, July 12, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32198-32201]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-14702]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0588; Product Identifier 2017-NM-105-AD; Amendment 
39-19328; AD 2018-14-08]
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: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
The Boeing Company Model 777-200LR series airplanes. This AD requires 
revising certain documents to provide revised operating limitations. 
For certain airplanes, modification of the water and fuel scavenge 
systems in the fuel tanks, electrical changes in the main equipment 
center, and installation of new electrical load management system 
(ELMS2) software is an acceptable alternative to the documents 
revision. This AD was prompted by reports of unreliable performance of 
the water and fuel scavenge systems. We are issuing this AD to address 
the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 27, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 27, 
2018.
    We must receive comments on this AD by August 27, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     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.
     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 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, 
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 on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0588.

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-2018-
0588; 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 street address for the Docket 
Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will 
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3555; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    Operators have reported unreliable performance of the water and 
fuel scavenge systems. During flight, any water in the fuel can sink to 
the bottom of the fuel tank. This water can enter the fuel scavenge 
inlets and can then freeze as it travels from the body center fuel tank 
into the colder fuel scavenge tubes in the left and right cheek center 
fuel tanks (outboard of the side of body ribs). The frozen water can 
restrict the flow of scavenge fuel from the center fuel tank to the 
main fuel tanks, causing the fuel flow to decrease or stop. When this 
occurs, as much as 700 pounds of fuel can remain unavailable during 
flight. If the flightcrew is not aware that this fuel is unavailable 
and the fuel quantity decreases to the quantity of the unavailable 
fuel, then fuel exhaustion will occur, which could lead to subsequent 
power loss of all engines due to loss of capability to scavenge fuel in 
the center fuel tank.

Related Rulemaking

    We issued AD 2016-11-03, Amendment 39-18530 (81 FR 34867, June 1, 
2016) (``AD 2016-11-03''), that applied to certain Boeing Model 777-
200LR series airplanes equipped with or without auxiliary fuel tanks. 
For airplanes with auxiliary fuel tanks, variable numbers WD049-WD053 
inclusive only, AD 2016-11-03 requires modification of the water and 
fuel scavenge systems after removal of the auxiliary fuel tanks. This 
AD requires incorporation of revised operating limitations for those 
airplanes, which terminates the associated requirements of AD 2016-11-
03. This AD also provides the option of modifying the water and fuel 
scavenge systems in the fuel tanks, making electrical changes in the 
main equipment center, and installing new ELMS2 software after removal 
of the auxiliary fuel tanks. Either compliance method terminates the 
requirements of paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of AD 2016-11-03 for those 
airplanes.
    Additionally, paragraph (g) of this AD requires a revision to 
certain documents to provide revised operating limitations for airplane 
variable numbers WD011 through WD015 inclusive and WD016 through WD018 
inclusive. These airplanes are not affected by AD 2016-11-03, which 
refers to Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-28-0078, 
Revision 1, dated April 27, 2015, for the applicability.
    Airplane variable numbers WD011 through WD015 inclusive are 
included in the effectivity of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 777-28-0078, Revision 3, dated December 19, 2017; therefore, 
this AD provides a modification of the water and fuel scavenge systems 
in the fuel tanks, electrical changes in the main equipment center, and 
installation of new ELMS2 software as an acceptable alternative to the 
documents revision. However, there is no approved service information 
for airplane variable numbers WD016 through WD018 inclusive for the 
modification of the water and fuel scavenge systems in the fuel tanks, 
electrical changes in the main equipment center, and installation of 
new ELMS2 software; therefore, there is no alternative to the documents 
revision specified in this AD for these airplanes.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-28-0078, 
Revision 3, dated December 19, 2017. The service information describes

[[Page 32199]]

procedures for the removal of the auxiliary fuel tanks and modification 
of the water and fuel scavenge systems in the fuel tanks, electrical 
changes in the main equipment center, and installation of new ELMS2 
software. 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.

FAA's Determination

    We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and 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 revising certain documents to provide revised 
operating limitations. For certain airplanes, this AD provides for the 
optional accomplishment of the actions specified in the service 
information described previously, as an acceptable alternative to the 
documents revision.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    There are currently no domestic operators of this product. 
Therefore, we find that notice and opportunity for prior public comment 
are unnecessary and that good cause exists for making this amendment 
effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public 
comment. However, we invite you to send any written data, views, or 
arguments about this final rule. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2018-
0588 and Product Identifier 2017-NM-105-AD at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this final rule. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
final rule because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this final rule.

Costs of Compliance

    Currently, there are no affected U.S.-registered airplanes. If an 
affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the 
future, we provide the following cost estimates to comply with this AD:

                                      Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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                                                                                                     Cost per
                   Action                                 Labor cost                Parts cost        product
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Revise operating limitations...............  1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85...              $0             $85
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                                      Estimated Costs for Optional Actions
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               Action                          Labor cost             Parts cost          Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modification........................  Up to 253 work-hours x $85           $66,960  Up to $88,465.
                                       per hour = up to $21,505.
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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.
    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.

[[Page 32200]]

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2018-14-08 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-19328; Docket No. FAA-
2018-0588; Product Identifier 2017-NM-105-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective July 27, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This new AD affects AD 2016-11-03, Amendment 39-18530 (81 FR 
34867, June 1, 2016) (``AD 2016-11-03'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200LR series 
airplanes, certificated in any category, variable numbers (V/Ns) 
WD011 through WD015 inclusive, WD016 through WD018 inclusive, and 
WD049 through WD053 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of unreliable performance of the 
water and fuel scavenge systems. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
fuel exhaustion and subsequent power loss of all engines due to loss 
of access to fuel in the center fuel tank.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Revision to Operating Limitations

    Except as provided by paragraph (h) of this AD: Within 36 months 
after the effective date of this AD, revise the applicable section 
of the documents specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this 
AD to include the information specified in figure 1 to the 
introductory text of paragraph (g) of this AD.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR12JY18.019

    (1) Insert the information specified in figure 1 to the 
introductory text of paragraph (g) of this AD into the ``Fuel-
System--Loading'' section of the ``Certificate Limitations'' section 
of the FAA-approved Boeing Model 777 Airplane Flight Manual.
    (2) Insert the information specified in figure 1 to the 
introductory text of paragraph (g) of this AD into the ``Loading 
Limitations'' section of the ``Fuel Loading Procedures'' section of 
the ``Fuel Management'' section of the FAA-approved Boeing Model 777 
Weight and Balance Control and Loading Manual.

(h) Optional Terminating Action for V/Ns WD049-WD053 Inclusive and 
WD011-WD015 Inclusive

    For airplane V/Ns WD049 through WD053 inclusive, and WD011 
through WD015 inclusive: Accomplishment of the actions specified in 
paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD terminates the requirements 
of paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (1) Remove the auxiliary fuel tanks in accordance with step 1. 
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 777-28-0078, Revision 3, dated December 19, 2017.
    (2) Modify the water and fuel scavenge systems in the fuel 
tanks, make electrical changes in the main equipment center, and 
install new electrical load management system (ELMS2) software, by 
doing all applicable actions identified as ``RC'' (required for 
compliance) in, and in accordance with, the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-28-
0078, Revision 3, dated December 19, 2017.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 777-28-0078, Revision 2, dated October 5, 
2016.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for airplane V/Ns WD049 
through WD053 inclusive for the actions specified in paragraphs 
(h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
the effective date of this AD using April 27, 2015; or Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-28-0078, Revision 1, dated 
April 27, 2015.

(j) Parts Installation Prohibition

    After completion of the actions specified in paragraph (h) of 
this AD, no person may install an auxiliary fuel tank on that 
airplane.

(k) Terminating Action for AD 2016-11-03 for V/Ns WD049-WD053 Inclusive

    Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (g) or (h) 
of this AD terminates the requirements of paragraphs (g), (h), and 
(i) of AD 2016-11-03 for that airplane, V/Ns WD049 through WD053 
inclusive only.

(l) 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 (m) of this AD. Information may be 
emailed to [email protected].
    (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, 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.
    (4) For service information that contains steps that are labeled 
as Required for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs 
(l)(4)(i) and (l)(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.

(m) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Kevin Nguyen, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-
3555; email: [email protected].

[[Page 32201]]

(n) 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 Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-28-0078, 
Revision 3, dated December 19, 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, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
206-231-3195.
    (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 Des Moines, Washington, on June 29, 2018.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-14702 Filed 7-11-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


