AD 98-02-06 R1 ACTIVE

This amendment revises an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Boeing 777-200 series airplanes, that currently requires repetitive visual inspections to determine the presence and condition of the nut and cotter pin of the lock link mechanism on the side struts and drag struts on the main landing gear (MLG); and corrective action, if necessary. That AD was prompted by reports of missing or damaged components on the lock link mechanism. The actions specified by that AD are intended to prevent failure of the lock link mechanism to lock the MLG in the down position, and consequent collapse of the MLG during ground operation. This amendment provides an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections.

Final rule

98-02-06 R1 BOEING: Amendment 39-11396. Docket 98-NM-03-AD. Revises AD 98-02-06, Amendment 39-10288. Issued October 22, 1999. \n\n\tApplicability: Model 777-200 series airplanes, line positions 1 through 40 inclusive, certificated in any category. \n\n\tNOTE 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. \n\n\tCompliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. \n\n\tTo prevent failure of the lock link mechanism to lock the main landing gear (MLG) in the down position, and consequent collapse of the MLG during ground operation, accomplish the following: \n\nRESTATEMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF AD 98-02-06 \nRepetitive Inspections and Corrective Actions \n\n\t(a)\tWithin 30 days after February 9, 1998 (the effective date of AD 98-02-06, amendment 39-10288), perform a visual inspection to determine the presence and condition of the cotter pin and nut of the lock link mechanism on the side struts and drag struts on the left- and right-hand MLG, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-32A0015, dated September 4, 1997. If any discrepancy is found, prior to further flight, correct the discrepancy in accordance with the service bulletin. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 75 days or 400 flight cycles, whichever occurs first. \n\nNEW ACTIONS PROPOSEDBY THIS AD \nOptional Terminating Action \n\n\t(b)\tReplacement of the existing retention bolt, end caps, washer, and nut of the lock link mechanism on the side struts and drag struts on the MLG with a new lock link assembly that incorporates a new bolt, washer, nut, and end-caps, in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 777-32-0016, dated January 14, 1999, constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD. \n\nAlternative Methods of Compliance \n\t(c)\tAn 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. \n\n\tNOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may beobtained from the Seattle ACO. \n\nSpecial Flight Permits \n\t(d)\tSpecial 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. \n\nIncorporation by Reference \n\t(e)\tThe actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-32A0015, dated September 4, 1997, or Boeing Service Bulletin 777-32-0016, dated January 14, 1999, as applicable. \n\n\t\t(1)\tThe incorporation by reference of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-32-0016, dated January 14, 1999, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. \n\n\t\t(2) The incorporation by reference of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-32A0015, dated September 4, 1997, as listed in the regulations was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of February 9, 1997 (63 FR 3458, January 23, 1998). \n\n\t\t(3)\tCopies 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. \n\n\t(f)\tThis amendment becomes effective on December 7, 1999.

A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by revising AD 98-02-06, amendment 39-10288 (63 FR 3458, January 23, 1998), which is applicable to certain Boeing 777-200 series airplanes, was published in the Federal Register on August 20, 1999 (64 FR 45472). The action proposed to continue to require repetitive visual inspections to determine the presence and condition of the nut and cotter pin of the lock link mechanism on the side struts and drag struts on the main landing gear (MLG); and corrective action, if necessary. The action also proposed to provide an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. \n\nComments \n\n\tInterested 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. \n\nConclusion \n\n\tThe FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed. \n\nCost Impact \n\n\tThere are approximately 40 Model 777-200 series airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 17 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD. \n\n\tThe inspection that is currently required by AD 98-02-06, and retained in this AD, takes approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $2,040, or $120 per airplane, per inspection cycle. \n\n\tThe 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 \n\n\tShould an operator elect to accomplish the optional terminating action rather than continue the repetitive inspections, it would take approximately 1 workhour per airplane to accomplish the replacement, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $5,094 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this optional terminating action is estimated to be $5,154 per airplane. \n\nRegulatory Impact \n\n\tThe regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct effects 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, in accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment. \n\n\tFor 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." \n\nList of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 \n\n\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. \n\nAdoption of the Amendment \n\n\tAccordingly, 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:\n\n PART 39 - AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n\t1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 (Amended) \n\t2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-10288 (63 FR 3458, January 23, 1998), andby adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), amendment 39-11396, to read as follows:

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.

Stan Wood, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2772; fax (425) 227-1181.