# AD 98-02-06: Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777-200 Series Airplanes - Type: Airworthiness directive - Effective: February 9, 1998 - Published: January 23, 1998, 63 FR 3458–3459 - Issued as: Final rule; request for comments - Superseded by: Nothing supersedes this AD - Amendment: 39-10288 - Docket: 97-NM-335-AD - Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/02/fb/02fbca80246e1dbb78290bd16341922778b82e58ddc3256f19d7bb7533f60a9d (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-1998-01-23/pdf/98-1543.pdf) - Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/1998/01/23/98-1543/airworthiness-directives-boeing-model-777-200-series-airplanes - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ad/98-02-06 ## Summary This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Boeing Model 777-200 series airplanes. This action 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. This amendment is prompted by reports of missing or damaged components on the lock link mechanism. The actions specified in this 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. ## The airworthiness directive ### 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. ### Sec. 39.13 [Amended] 2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 98-02-06 Boeing: Amendment 39-10288. Docket 97-NM-335-AD. Applicability: Model 777-200 series airplanes, line positions 1 through 40 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 (b) 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 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: ### (a) (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, 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 therafter at intervals not to exceed 75 days or 400 flight cycles, whichever occurs first. ### (b) (b) 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. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Seattle ACO. ### (c) (c) 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. ### (d) (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-32A0015, dated September 4, 1997. 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. ### (e) (e) This amendment becomes effective on February 9, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 15, 1998. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. ## Rule preamble ### Dates Effective February 9, 1998. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of February 9, 1998. Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or before March 24, 1998. ### Addresses Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-335-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056. 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 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. ### For further information contact 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. ### Supplementary information Boeing has advised the FAA of the recent discovery of discrepancies of the lock link mechanism on the side struts and drag struts on the main landing gear (MLG) on several Model 777-200 series airplanes. The discrepancies included missing cotter pins, a missing cotter pin and nut with the bolt migrating out of the joint, and a cotter pin migrating from the bolt end through the nut. Such discrepancies, if not corrected, could result in failure of the lock link mechanism to lock the MLG in the down position, and consequent collapse of the MLG during ground operation. ### Explanation of Relevant Service Information The FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-32A0015, dated September 4, 1997, which describes procedures for 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 left- and right-hand MLG. The alert service bulletin also describes procedures for corrective action for missing or damaged parts. ### Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other Boeing Model 777-200 series airplanes of the same type design, this AD requires accomplishment of the actions specified in the alert service bulletin described previously. ### Interim Action This is considered to be interim action until final action is identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking. ### Determination of Rule's Effective Date Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days. ### Comments Invited Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All communications received on or before the closing date for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be needed. Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this AD will be filed in the Rules Docket. Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments to Docket Number 97-NM-335-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter. ### Regulatory Impact The 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. The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, 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: No proposed rule in this release led to it. Its text cites no advisory circulars or STCs. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.