[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 156 (Tuesday, August 13, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 49229-49232]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-19531]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0690; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-088-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2009-24-
07, which applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, and -800 series airplanes. AD 2009-24-07 currently requires
repetitive lubrications of the right and left main landing gear (MLG)
forward trunnion pins. AD 2009-24-07 also requires an inspection for
discrepancies of the transition radius of the MLG forward trunnion
pins, and corrective actions if necessary. For certain airplanes, AD
2009-24-07 requires repetitive detailed inspections for discrepancies
(including finish damage, corrosion, pitting, and base metal scratches)
of the transition radius of the left and right MLG trunnion pins, and
corrective action if necessary. Replacing or overhauling the trunnion
pins would terminate the actions required by AD 2009-24-07. This
proposed AD would add airplanes to the applicability of AD 2009-24-07.
We are proposing this AD to prevent stress corrosion cracking of the
forward trunnion pins, which could result in fracture of the pins and
consequent collapse of the MLG.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 27,
2013.
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 proposed 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 https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356. 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://
[[Page 49230]]
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 proposed AD, 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: Nancy Marsh, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone 425-917-
6440; fax 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2013-0690;
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-088-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD 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 proposed AD.
Discussion
On November 12, 2009, we issued AD 2009-24-07, Amendment 39-16095
(74 FR 62231, November 27, 2009), for certain Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, and -800 series airplanes. AD 2009-24-07 requires repetitive
lubrications of the right and left main landing gear (MLG) forward
trunnion pins. AD 2009-24-07 also requires an inspection for
discrepancies of the transition radius of the MLG forward trunnion
pins, and corrective actions if necessary. For certain airplanes, AD
2009-24-07 also requires repetitive detailed inspections for
discrepancies (including finish damage, corrosion, pitting, and base
metal scratches) of the transition radius of the left and right MLG
trunnion pins, and corrective action if necessary. Replacing or
overhauling the trunnion pins would terminate the actions required by
that AD. AD 2009-24-07 resulted from a report that the protective
finishes on the forward trunnion pins for the left and right MLG might
have been damaged during final assembly. We issued AD 2009-24-07 to
prevent stress corrosion cracking of the forward trunnion pins, which
could result in fracture of the pins and consequent collapse of the
MLG.
Actions Since AD 2009-24-07 Was Issued
Since we issued AD 2009-24-07, we have determined that airplanes
outside the applicability of AD 2009-24-07, including Model 737-900
airplanes, are also subject to the identified unsafe condition. This
determination is due to reports of corrosion protection damage to the
forward trunnion pin on some of those airplanes.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-1402,
Revision 1, dated February 7, 2013. For information on the procedures
and compliance times, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. FAA-2013-0690.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing 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.
Proposed AD Requirements
Although this proposed AD does not explicitly restate the
requirements of AD 2009-24-07, this proposed AD would retain all of the
requirements of AD 2009-24-07. Those requirements are referenced in the
service information identified previously, which, in turn, is
referenced in paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this proposed AD. This
proposed AD would also add airplanes to the applicability statement of
AD 2009-24-07. This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions
specified in the service information described previously.
The phrase ``corrective actions'' is used in this proposed AD.
``Corrective actions'' are actions that correct or address any
condition found. Corrective actions in an AD could include, for
example, repairs.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 431 airplanes of U.S.
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of
Average U.S.-
Action Work hours labor rate Parts Cost per product registered Fleet cost
per hour airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repetitive lubrications.................. 1 $85 $0 $85 per lubrication......... 431 $8,500 per lubrication.
Repetitive inspections................... 8 85 0 $680 per inspection cycle... 431 $68,000 per inspection
cycle.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed
AD.
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.
[[Page 49231]]
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 the proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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 removing airworthiness directive (AD)
2009-24-07, Amendment 39-16095 (74 FR 62231, November 27, 2009), and
adding the following new AD:
The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2013-0690; Directorate Identifier
2013-NM-088-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by September 27,
2013.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD supersedes AD 2009-24-07, Amendment 39-16095 (74 FR
62231, November 27, 2009).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, -800 and -900 series airplanes, certificated in any category;
as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-
1402, Revision 1, dated February 7, 2013.
(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 a report that the protective finishes on
the forward trunnion pins for the left and right MLG might have been
damaged during final assembly. We are issuing this AD to prevent
stress corrosion cracking of the forward trunnion pins, which could
result in fracture of the pins and consequent collapse of the MLG.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Repetitive Lubrications
At the applicable compliance time specified in paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-
1402, Revision 1, dated February 7, 2013, except as required by
paragraph (j) of this AD: Lubricate the left and right MLG forward
trunnion pins, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-1402, Revision 1,
dated February 7, 2013. Repeat the lubrication thereafter at the
applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' until
all applicable requirements of paragraph (h) of this AD have been
accomplished.
(h) Inspection
At the applicable compliance time specified in paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-
1402, Revision 1, dated February 7, 2013, except as required by
paragraph (j) of this AD: Except as provided by paragraph (i) of
this AD, do a detailed inspection for discrepancies (including
finish damage, corrosion, pitting, and base metal scratches) of the
transition radius of the left and right MLG trunnion pins, and do
all applicable repetitive inspections and related investigative and
corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-
1402, Revision 1, dated February 7, 2013. Accomplishing the detailed
inspections (initial and repetitive) and all applicable corrective
actions specified in this paragraph terminates the repetitive
lubrication requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.
(i) Optional Terminating Action
Overhauling or replacing a trunnion pin in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 737-32-1402, Revision 1, dated February 7, 2013, ends the
repetitive lubrication requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD, and
the actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD, for that pin only.
(j) Exception to Service Information Specifications
Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-1402,
Revision 1, dated February 7, 2013, specifies a compliance time
``from the date of Revision 1 of this service bulletin,'' this AD
requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the
effective date of this AD.
(k) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by this
AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of
this AD using Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-1402,
dated August 6, 2008.
(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle 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 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.
(4) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2009-24-07,
Amendment 39-16095 (74 FR 62231, November 27, 2009), are approved as
AMOCs for the corresponding actions required by paragraphs (g) and
(h) of this AD.
(m) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Nancy Marsh,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington
98057-3356; phone 425-917-6440; fax 425-917-6590; email:
[email protected].
(2) 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 https://www.myboeingfleet.com.You may review copies of the referenced
service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356. For information on
the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. You
may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington 98057-3356. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
[[Page 49232]]
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 2, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-19531 Filed 8-12-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P