[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 192 (Wednesday, October 3, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60285-60288]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-23790]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 192 / Wednesday, October 3, 2012 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 60285]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0424; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-004-AD;
Amendment 39-17205; AD 2012-19-10]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
of The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This AD was prompted by heat
damage and cracks at the pivot joint location of the main landing gear
(MLG) inner cylinder/truck beam. This AD requires repetitive
lubrication of the MLG pivot joints; repetitive detailed inspections of
the outer diameter chrome on the center axles of the MLG for chicken-
wire cracks, corrosion, and chrome plate distress; repetitive magnetic
particle inspections of the outer diameter chrome on the center axles
of the MLG for cracks; and related investigative and corrective actions
if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking in
the MLG center axle and shock strut inner cylinder lugs (pivot joint),
which could result in fracture of the MLG pivot joint components and
consequent collapse of the MLG.
DATES: This AD is effective November 7, 2012.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of November 7,
2012.
ADDRESSES: 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; phone: 206-544-5000,
extension 1; fax: 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
You may review copies of the referenced 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.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; 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 Document 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: Melanie Violette, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6422; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
That NPRM published in the Federal Register on May 1, 2012 (77 FR
25647). That NPRM proposed to require repetitive lubrication of the MLG
pivot joints; repetitive detailed inspections of the outer diameter
chrome on the center axles of the MLG for chicken-wire cracks,
corrosion, and chrome plate distress; repetitive magnetic particle
inspections of the outer diameter chrome on the center axles of the MLG
for cracks; and related investigative and corrective actions if
necessary.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal
(77 FR 24647, May 1, 2012), and the FAA's response to each comment.
Support for the NPRM (77 FR 25647, May 1, 2012)
United Airlines agrees with the intent of the NPRM (77 FR 24647,
May 1, 2012).
Requests to Extend Compliance Time
FedEx and Air France requested that we revise the compliance time
for the inspection specified in paragraph (g) of the NPRM (77 FR 25647,
May 1, 2012) to coincide with the time between overhaul (TBO) of the
MLG for their respective fleets. The applicable compliance time
specified in the NPRM for the FedEx fleet would be 3,000 days; the TBO
for the FedEx fleet is 3,650 days. The applicable compliance time
specified in the NPRM for the Air France fleet would be 3,750 days; the
TBO for the Air France fleet is 4,015 days. FedEx noted that, of the 28
cracked axles found during overhaul, none was fractured.
We disagree to revise the compliance time. In developing an
appropriate compliance time for this AD, we considered not only the
safety implications, but the manufacturer's recommendations and the
practical aspect of accomplishing the required actions within an
interval of time that corresponds to typical scheduled maintenance for
affected operators. Under the provisions of paragraph (l) of this final
rule, however, we might consider requests for adjustments to the
compliance time if data is submitted to substantiate that such an
adjustment would provide an acceptable level of safety. We have not
changed the final rule regarding this issue.
Requests for Alternative Provisions
Boeing, FedEx, and All Nippon Airways requested that we revise
paragraph (i) of the NPRM (77 FR 25647, May 1, 2012) to include an
additional exception to the service information. The commenters
requested that we allow the use of MIL-PRF-32014 grease as an
alternative to the Royco 11MS grease for the lubrications specified in
paragraph (g) of the NPRM. Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-32-0082,
dated December 9, 2010 (referenced in the NPRM as the appropriate
source of service information for this lubrication), replaces the Royco
11MS grease with
[[Page 60286]]
MIL-PRF-32014 grease for lubricating and installing the MLG pivot joint
components.
Boeing asserted that MIL-PRF-32014 grease provides the same
lubricating properties as Royco 11MS grease. Boeing and FedEx noted
that use of MIL-PRF-32014 grease across the fleet will avoid
intermixing grease types and prevent the need to track which grease has
been applied on each airplane. FedEx reported it has already
standardized to MIL-PRF-32014 grease to ensure that there is no
intermixing of greases. Boeing reported that Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 777-32A0082, dated December 9, 2010, will be revised to allow
use of MIL-PRF-32014 grease as an optional grease type, but this
revision will not be available when the AD is issued.
We agree with the request. Both greases have the same lubricating
properties and will work with the original and new bushing materials.
We have added new paragraph (i)(2) in this final rule (and redesignated
paragraph (i) of the NPRM (77 FR 25647, May 1, 2012) as paragraph
(i)(1) of this final rule) to allow the use of either MIL-PRF-32014 or
Royco 11MS grease for the lubrications required by paragraph (g) of
this AD.
Requests To Include Terminating Action
FedEx, Air France, United Airlines, and All Nippon Airways
requested that we revise paragraph (j) of the NPRM (77 FR 25647, May 1,
2012) to provide terminating action for the repetitive inspections
specified in paragraph (g) of the NPRM. FedEx stated that airplanes
after incorporation of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-32-0085, dated April
14, 2011, have the same configuration as new production airplanes. Air
France stated that incorporation of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-32-
0085, dated April 14, 2011, and the incorporation of Item 32-CMR-01 of
Section 9, Airworthiness Limitations of the Boeing 777 Maintenance
Planning Document (MPD) into the airplane maintenance program
terminates the repetitive inspections specified in paragraph (g) of the
NPRM by modifying the MLG and including the repetitive lubrication in
the airplane maintenance program.
We agree that accomplishment of the actions specified in Boeing
Service Bulletin 777-32-0085, dated April 14, 2011, involves a final
inspection, modification to the MLG, and modification of the airplane
maintenance program to terminate the repetitive inspections of
paragraph (g) of this AD. Paragraph (j)(2) of this AD provides the
optional terminating action. It is, therefore, unnecessary to revise
that paragraph. We have made no changes to the AD in this regard.
Request To Clarify Specific Terminating Actions
Air France noted that the optional terminating action specified in
paragraph (j)(2) of the NPRM (77 FR 25647, May 1, 2012) does not
specify the inner cylinder assembly upgrade with bushing replacement,
as specified in Part 2, Option 2, of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-32-0085, dated April 14, 2011.
We agree to revise the AD. Instead of identifying every action,
however, we have revised paragraph (j)(2) in this final rule to require
all applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-32-0085, dated April 14, 2011.
Request for Warranty Support
Air France expressed concern regarding the cost of the inspection
and modification program, with no industry support from Boeing. Air
France noted that an unsafe condition due to normal operation would be
considered a major design defect. Air France requested that Boeing
propose industry support to cover the maintenance burden of the design
defect.
Air France did not request any change to the AD. Further, we do not
control warranty coverage for affected individuals. We have, therefore,
not changed the AD regarding the estimated costs.
Request To Extend Compliance Time for On-Condition Action
Air France reported that it found the service information
instructions to be complex, with a high risk of grounding airplanes due
to on-condition findings and a lack of Boeing support regarding the
inner cylinder assembly. Air France requested that Boeing add service
extension limits in case of on-condition findings.
Air France did not specifically request a change to the AD. We
cannot allow continued operation if cracking is detected, due to the
safety implications and consequences of such cracking. We have not
changed the final rule regarding this issue.
Request To Clarify On-Condition Actions
Boeing requested that we revise the NPRM (77 FR 25647, May 1, 2012)
to clarify the related investigative and corrective actions for the
inner cylinder. Boeing noted minor differences between the wording of
the NPRM and the wording of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-32A0082,
dated December 9, 2010. Boeing requested that we revise the NPRM to
more closely align with the Accomplishment Instructions of that service
bulletin.
We partially agree. We agree that Boeing's proposed changes are
consistent with the procedures provided in the service information
specified in the preamble of the NPRM (77 FR 24647, May 1, 2012). But
this level of detail is not provided in the regulatory language of this
AD. Instead, the AD refers to the service information for the required
procedures. It is not necessary to revise the final rule to account for
this request.
Request To Correct Service Bulletin Reference
Boeing noted an incorrect reference to service information
specified in the NPRM (77 FR 25647, May 1, 2012). Where the NPRM
referred to ``Boeing Service Bulletin 777-32A0085,'' the correct
service bulletin number is ``777-32-0085.'' We have revised paragraph
(j)(2) of this AD accordingly.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
the AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
[Agr]re consistent with the intent that was proposed in
the NPRM (77 FR 25647, May 1, 2012) for correcting the unsafe
condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 25647, May 1, 2012).
We also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 160 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 60287]]
Estimated Costs
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Parts Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost cost Cost per product operators
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Lubrication of MLG pivot joints... 4 work-hours x $85 $0 $340 per lubrication $54,400 per
per hour = $340 per cycle. lubrication cycle.
lubrication cycle.
Detailed and magnetic particle 39 work-hours x $85 0 $3,315 per $530,400 per
inspections. per hour = $3,315 inspection cycle. inspection cycle.
per inspection cycle.
Inner cylinder lug bore inspection 6 work-hours x $85 0 $510 per inspection $81,600 per
per hour = $510 per cycle. inspection cycle.
inspection cycle.
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repairs or
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
inspections. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that
might need these repairs or replacements.
On-Condition Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Replacing center axle............. 25 work-hours x $85 $54,030................... $56,155.
per hour = $2,125.
Refinishing the lug bore and 12 work-hours x $85 Up to $3,526.............. Up to $4,546.
faces, and installing new per hour = $1,020.
bushings.
Replacing the inner cylinder 46 work-hours x $85 Up to $254,847............ Up to $258,757.
assembly cylinder assembly. per hour = $3,910.
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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.
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):
2012-19-10 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-17205; Docket No. FAA-
2012-0424; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-004-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective November 7, 2012.
(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 Alert Service Bulletin 777-
32A0082, dated December 9, 2010.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 32, Landing Gear.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by heat damage and cracks at the pivot
joint location of the main landing gear (MLG) cylinder/truck beam.
We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking in the MLG
center axle and shock strut inner cylinder lugs (pivot joint), which
could result in fracture of the MLG pivot joint components and
consequent collapse of the MLG.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Repetitive Lubrication and Inspections
At the applicable compliance times specified in paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-32A0082, dated
December 9, 2010, except as provided by paragraph (i) of this AD:
Lubricate the MLG pivot joints; do a detailed inspection of the
outer diameter chrome on the center axles of the MLG for chicken-
wire cracks, corrosion, and chrome plate distress; do a magnetic
particle inspection of the outer diameter chrome on the center axles
of the MLG for cracks; and do all applicable related investigative
and corrective actions; in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-32A0082, dated
December 9, 2010, except as provided by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD.
Repeat the lubrication and inspections thereafter at the applicable
interval specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing
[[Page 60288]]
Alert Service Bulletin 777-32A0082, dated December 9, 2010. Do all
applicable related investigative and corrective actions before
further flight.
(h) Definition
For the purposes of this AD, chicken-wire cracks are defined as
cracks that occur when stress created in the chrome deposit during
plating are relieved. The cracks are evident in the deposited chrome
when viewed from a perpendicular plane as a pattern similar to
chicken wire. Crack size can vary with plating conditions.
(i) Exceptions to Service Information
(1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-32A0082, dated
December 9, 2010, specifies a compliance time after the original
issue date of that service bulletin, this AD requires compliance
within the specified compliance time after the effective date of
this AD.
(2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-32A0082, dated
December 9, 2010, specifies use of Royco 11MS grease for the
lubrication required by paragraph (g) of this AD, this AD also
allows use of MIL-PRF-32014 grease.
(j) Optional Actions for Compliance With Paragraph (g) of This AD
(1) Doing the detailed and magnetic particle inspections in
accordance with Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-32-0080, dated July 10, 2008;
or Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-32-0080, Revision
1, dated April 16, 2009; is considered acceptable for compliance
with the inspections of the center axle of the MLG required by
paragraph (g) of this AD.
(2) Accomplishment of all applicable actions specified in and in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service
Bulletin 777-32-0085, dated April 14, 2011, is considered acceptable
for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.
(k) Special Flight Permit
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 airplane
can be modified (if the operator elects to do so), if the flight is
operated as a non-revenue flight.
(l) 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 the Related Information
section 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 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 and the approval must
specifically refer to this AD.
(m) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Melanie Violette,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; phone: 425-917-6422; fax: 425-917-6590; email:
[email protected].
(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 the following service information to do the
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-32A0082, dated December 9,
2010.
(ii) Boeing Service Bulletin 777-32-0085, dated April 14, 2011.
(iii) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-32-0080,
dated July 10, 2008.
(iv) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-32-0080,
Revision 1, dated April 16, 2009.
(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; phone: 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax: 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
(4) You may review copies of the referenced 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 also review copies of the 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 Renton, Washington, on September 19, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-23790 Filed 10-2-12; 8:45 am]
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