AD 2014-25-05
final rule
Applicability
| Type | Manufacturer | Model | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 777-200 Series | Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 777-200LR Series | Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 777-300 Series | Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 777-300ER Series | Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes |
| aircraft | The Boeing Company | 777F Series | Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes |
Unsafe Condition
Corroded, migrated, or broken spring pins of the girt bar floor fitting could result in improper deployment of the escape slide/raft and consequent delay and injury during evacuation.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Required Actions
Replace the existing spring pins at each passenger entry door at both girt bar floor fittings with new spring pins.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Compliance Time
Within 37 months after the effective date of this AD.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Affected Aircraft
The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes, as specified in the referenced service information.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Federal Register Abstract
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of corroded, migrated, or broken spring pins of the girt bar floor fitting; in one case the broken pins prevented a door escape slide from deploying during a maintenance test. This AD requires replacing the existing spring pins at each passenger entry door at both girt bar floor fittings with new spring pins. We are issuing this AD to prevent broken or migrated spring pins of the girt bar floor fittings, which could result in improper deployment of the escape slide/raft and consequent delay and injury during evacuation of passengers and crew from the cabin in the event of an emergency.
Applicability Source Text
Show captured applicability text from the source AD
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -
300, -300ER, and 777F series airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-52A0050,
Revision 1, dated August 7, 2014.
Document Text
Show stored source text (verify against official source)
[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 239 (Friday, December 12, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 73805-73808]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2014-28916]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2014-0053; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-174-AD;
Amendment 39-18047; AD 2014-25-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports
of corroded, migrated, or broken spring pins of the girt bar floor
fitting; in one case the broken pins prevented a door escape slide from
deploying during a maintenance test. This AD requires replacing the
existing spring pins at each passenger entry door at both girt bar
floor fittings with new spring pins. We are issuing this AD to prevent
broken or migrated spring pins of the girt bar floor fittings, which
could result in improper deployment of the escape slide/raft and
consequent delay and injury during evacuation of passengers and crew
from the cabin in the event of an emergency.
DATES: This AD is effective January 16, 2015.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 16,
2015.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing
[[Page 73806]]
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box
3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-5000,
extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet <a href="https://www.myboeingfleet.com">https://www.myboeingfleet.com</a>.
You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-
227-1221.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0053; 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ana Martinez Hueto, Aerospace
Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6592; fax: 425-917-6591; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4d2c232c63206325382839220d2b2c2c632a223b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3c5d525d12511254495948537c5a5d5d125b534a">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing Company
Model 777 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on
February 6, 2014 (79 FR 7103). The NPRM was prompted by reports of
corroded, migrated, or broken spring pins of the girt bar floor
fitting; in one case the broken pins prevented a door escape slide from
deploying during a maintenance test. The NPRM proposed to require
replacing the existing spring pins at each passenger entry door at both
girt bar floor fittings with new spring pins. We are issuing this AD to
prevent broken or migrated spring pins of the girt bar floor fittings,
which could result in improper deployment of the escape slide/raft and
consequent delay and injury during evacuation of passengers and crew
from the cabin in the event of an emergency.
Revised Service Information
Since publication of the NPRM (79 FR 7103, February 6, 2014),
Boeing has issued Service Bulletin 777-52A0050, Revision 1, dated
August 7, 2014. That revision states that no more work is necessary on
airplanes changed in accordance with the original issue (Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 777-52A0050, dated June 18, 2013), which was specified
as the appropriate source of service information in the NPRM.
We have changed paragraphs (c) and (g) of this AD to specify Boeing
Service Bulletin 777-52A0050, Revision 1, dated August 7, 2014; added a
new paragraph (h) to this AD to give credit for actions done before the
effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-
52A0050, dated June 18, 2013; and redesignated subsequent paragraphs
accordingly.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM (79
FR 7103, February 6, 2014) and the FAA's response to each comment.
Request To Change Compliance Time
Boeing asked that we change the compliance time in paragraph (g) of
the NPRM (79 FR 7103, February 6, 2014) from 36 months to 1,175 days.
Boeing stated that 1,175 days (3 years, 80 days) is consistent with the
compliance time specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-52A0050,
dated June 18, 2013. Boeing noted that this compliance time encompasses
the 777 maintenance planning document C-check inspection interval of
1,125 days (3 years, 30 days) for structural items. Boeing added that
this change is not significant.
American Airlines (AA) asked that we change the compliance time to
match the Maintenance Review Board (MRB) limit of 1,125 days, which
would allow AA's maintenance to be scheduled at regular maintenance
visits without any undue burden on current flight schedules.
We agree with changing the compliance time to coincide with regular
maintenance inspection intervals. However, instead of specifying 1,175
days, we worked in conjunction with Boeing to determine that a 37-month
compliance time is appropriate. We have changed paragraph (g) of this
AD accordingly.
Request To Limit Parts Installation Prohibition
Delta Airlines (Delta) asked that we revise paragraph (h) of the
NPRM (79 FR 7103, February 6, 2014), which is paragraph (i) of this AD,
to prohibit installation of the specified spring pins only in the
locations being addressed by this AD. Delta stated that this
clarification would allow the use of part number (P/N) MS39086-261 or
P/N MS16562-252 in locations not subject to the actions in the NPRM.
Delta added that the proposed language would prevent the use of these
pins anywhere on the applicable Model 777 airplanes.
We agree to specify the location on the airplane where installation
of the spring pins is prohibited. We have changed paragraph (i) of this
AD accordingly.
Request To Revise Parts Installation Prohibition to Pertain to
Unmodified Airplanes Only
AA asked that we prohibit installation of spring pins only on
airplanes modified in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 777-
52A0050, Revision 1, dated August 7, 2014, and allow installation of
the spring pins on unmodified airplanes. AA added that the Boeing Model
777 Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) currently identifies spring pins
having P/N MS16562-252 as valid parts for installation on unmodified
airplanes. AA added that, since the analysis of broken spring pins has
shown that they have failed due to stress corrosion, it should be
acceptable to install a new pin in an unmodified airplane because the
airplane will be modified within a set amount of time.
We do not agree to allow installation of the spring pins having
part number MS39086-261 or MS16562-252 on unmodified airplanes. In
general, once we have determined that an unsafe condition exists, we do
not allow that condition to be introduced into the fleet. In developing
the technical information on which every AD is based, we consider the
availability of replacement parts that the AD will require to be
installed. Since we have determined that replacement parts are
available to operators, this AD prohibits installation of the unsafe
parts. We have not changed this AD in this regard.
Request To Define Configuration/Parts Control
Singapore Airlines asked for an explanation of how Boeing ensures
that the affected spring pins are not delivered to operators since the
girt bar assembly includes the spring pins.
FedEx asked that we revise the NPRM (79 FR 7103, February 6, 2014)
either to specifically state that no reidentification of the floor
fitting assemblies is required, or to provide a specific
reidentification process. FedEx Express also asked that the issue of
parts
[[Page 73807]]
identification as specified in the referenced service information
(Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-52A0050, dated June 18, 2013), be
resolved. FedEx noted ``a vague requirement'' to identify
accomplishment of the service bulletin on the part but there are no
specific instructions. FedEx stated this could result in the part being
inadvertently returned to a pre-modification condition. FedEx
recognized that ensuring compliance lies in the control of the spring
pins, not the floor fitting assemblies. FedEx stated that there is no
value added by identifying the part after the change is made because
Boeing did not provide a step in the Work Instructions with a location
to apply this identification.
We acknowledge the commenter's concerns. Since issuance of the NPRM
(79 FR 7103, February 6, 2014), Boeing has updated its IPC and Boeing
Service Bulletin 777-52A0050, Revision 1, dated August 7, 2014, to
clarify appropriate parts installation. In addition, Boeing Service
Bulletin 777-52A0050, Revision 1, dated August 7, 2014, includes Work
Instructions for applying the part identification. We have not changed
this AD in this regard.
Concern Regarding Parts Availability
FedEx expressed concern about the ability of operators to obtain
the required parts since Boeing currently restricts the part's
availability. FedEx noted that it has an adequate supply.
We consider the compliance times in this AD to be adequate to allow
operators to acquire parts to have on hand for replacing the affected
spring pins. Therefore, we have determined that, due to the safety
implications and consequences associated with corroded, migrated, or
broken spring pins, the existing pins must be replaced within 37 months
after the effective date of this AD. We have not changed this AD
regarding this issue.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this AD with the changes described previously, except for minor
editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
<bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (79 FR 7103, February 6, 2014) for correcting the unsafe
condition; and
<bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 7103, February 6, 2014).
We also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 189 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement................... Up to 40 work-hours x $0 Up to $3,400.... Up to $642,600.
$85 per hour = Up to
$3,400.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2014-25-05 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18047 ; Docket No. FAA-
2014-0053; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-174-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective January 16, 2015.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -
300, -300ER, and 777F series airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 777-52A0050,
Revision 1, dated August 7, 2014.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.
[[Page 73808]]
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of corroded, migrated, or broken
spring pins of the girt bar floor fitting; in one case the broken
pins prevented a door escape slide from deploying during a
maintenance test. We are issuing this AD to prevent broken or
migrated spring pins of the girt bar floor fittings, which could
result in improper deployment of the escape slide/raft and
consequent delay and injury during evacuation of passengers and crew
from the cabin in the event of an emergency.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Spring Pin Replacement
Within 37 months after the effective date of this AD: Replace
the spring pin at both girt bar floor fittings at each passenger
entry door with a new spring pin, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-52A0050,
Revision 1, dated August 7, 2014.
(h) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the action specified in
paragraph (g) of this AD, if that action was performed before the
effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-
52A0050, dated June 18, 2013, which is not incorporated by reference
in this AD.
(i) Parts Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a
spring pin having part number MS39086-261 or MS16562-252 at a girt
bar floor fitting at a passenger entry door on any airplane.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
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 ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0a33274b444727596f6b7e7e666f274b4945274b47454927586f7b7f6f797e794a6c6b6b246d657c"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e1d8cca0afacccb2848095958d84cca0a2aecca0acaea2ccb384909484929592a1878080cf868e97">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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 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, to make
those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must
meet the certification basis of the airplane.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Ana Martinez
Hueto, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems
Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6592;
fax: 425-917-6591; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#49282728672467213c2c3d26092f2828672e263f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9bfaf5fab5f6b5f3eefeeff4dbfdfafab5fcf4ed">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses in
paragraphs (l)(3) and (l)(4) of this AD.
(l) 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 Service Bulletin 777-52A0050, Revision 1, dated
August 7, 2014.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
P. O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet <a href="https://www.myboeingfleet.com">https://www.myboeingfleet.com</a>.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
425-227-1221.
(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: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
Issued in Renton, WA, on November 28, 2014.
John P. Piccola, Jr.,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-28916 Filed 12-11-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
Source: Official FAA Source ↗
Retrieved: Apr 6, 2026
Rights: U.S. Government Public Domain
This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the FAA. Always verify with official sources.
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