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 Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2011-0254; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-180-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
 AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
 ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
 SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD would require a one-time inspection for damage of the hydraulic actuator rod ends and actuator attach fittings on the thrust reversers, and repair or replacement if necessary. For all airplanes, this proposed AD also would require repetitive inspections for damage of the hydraulic actuator rod ends, attach bolts, and nuts; repetitive inspections for damage of fitting assemblies, wear spacers, and actuator attach fittings on the thrust reverser; repetitive measurements of the wear spacer; and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD was prompted by in-service damage of the attachment fittings for the thrust reverser actuator. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct such damage, which could result in actuator attach fitting failure, loss of the thrust reverser auto restow function, and consequent loss of control of the airplane.
 DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 6, 2011.
 ADDRESSES: You may send comments 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, Washington 98124-2207; 
                        *phone:*
                         206-544-5000, extension 1; 
                        *fax:*
                         206-766-5680; 
                        *e-mail: me.boecom@boeing.com;**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. 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 proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office 
                    ( print page 15865)
                    (
                    *phone:*
                     800-647-5527) is in the 
                    **ADDRESSES**
                     section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chris R. Parker, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; 
                        *phone:*
                         425-917-6496; 
                        *fax:*
                         425-917-6590; 
                        *e-mail: Chris.R.Parker@faa.gov.*


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the 
                    **ADDRESSES**
                     section. Include “Docket No. FAA-2011-0254; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-180-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 We have received a report indicating that the attachment fittings for the thrust reverser actuator have shown in-service wear damage. While in the stowed position, the actuator is locked and is in tension. The tensile load applied by the locking screw causes the hydraulic actuator rod end to rotate. As the hydraulic actuator rod end rotates, wear occurs to the bushings in the actuator attach fitting. The bushings continue to wear until there is contact directly between the hydraulic actuator rod end and the attach fitting. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in actuator attach fitting failure and loss of the thrust reverser auto restow function. Loss of the thrust reverser auto restow function removes one of the three primary levels of protection against an uncommanded thrust reverser deployment. An uncommanded thrust reverser deployment could result in loss of airplane control. Relevant Service Information We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-78-1083, dated June 30, 2010. For Group 1 airplanes, this service bulletin specifies a one-time detailed inspection to detect damage (
                    *i.e.,*
                     wear, cracks, nicks, dents, and scratches) of the hydraulic actuator rod ends and the actuator attach fittings on the right and left thrust reversers. For airplanes on which damage is found on a hydraulic actuator rod end, this service bulletin specifies replacing of the hydraulic actuator rod end assembly with a new hydraulic actuator rod end assembly. For airplanes on which no damage is found on an actuator attach fitting, this service bulletin specifies installing of a new spacer. For damage found on an actuator attach fitting that is within stated repair limits, this service bulletin specifies repairing the actuator attach fitting and installing a new spacer. For damage that exceeds the repair limits of the actuator attach fitting, this service bulletin specifies replacing the actuator attach fitting with a new actuator fitting. For both Group 1 and Group 2 airplanes, this service bulletin describes procedures for repetitive inspections for damage (as specified in each inspection that follows), repetitive measurements, and corrective actions if necessary. The inspections and measurement include the following: A general visual inspection for cracks, nicks, dents, and scratches of the fitting assembly
                A detailed inspection for tears, holes, and disbonds of the wear spacer
                A measurement of the thickness of the wear spacer
                A detailed inspection for surface damage of the attach fitting
                A general visual inspection for damage (*i.e.*
                     missing, cracked, or bent parts) of the rod end, attach bolt, and nut The corrective actions include replacing spacers with new spacers, repairing attach fittings, replacing attach fittings with new attach fittings, replacing the rod end, attach bolt, and nuts with a new actuator rod end assembly. 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 This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service information described previously, except as discussed under “Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information.” Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information Appendix A of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-78-1083, dated June 30, 2010, specifies a general visual inspection for cracks, nicks, dents, and scratches of the fitting assembly. We have determined that this inspection is accomplished during the detailed inspections specified in Appendix A of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-78-1083, dated June 30, 2010. Appendix A of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-78-1083, dated June 30, 2010, specifies to replace missing, cracked, and bent rod ends, attach bolts, and nuts, but does not specify replacement parts and how to replace the affected part. This proposed AD would require replacing missing, cracked, and bent rod ends, attach bolts, and nuts with new parts in accordance with a method approved by the FAA. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 1,070 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: Estimated costs
Action
Labor cost
Parts
                             cost
Cost per product
Cost on U.S. operatorsOne-time detailed inspection and installation (Group 1: 850 airplanes)
28 work-hours × $85 per hour = $2,380
$68
$2,448
$2,080,800.General visual and detailed inspections (Group 1 and 2 airplanes)
23 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,955 per inspection cycle
0
$1,955 per inspection cycle
$2,091,850 per inspection cycle.
 
 
 We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repairs or replacements that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. These on-condition costs are based on all the thrust reverser attachment fittings needing repair or replacement. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these repairs or replacements. On-Condition Costs
Action
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per productAttach fitting replacement
75 work-hours × $85 per hour = $6,375
$10,850
$17,225
 According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost estimate. 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 We 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 this 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 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority:
                        49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13
  2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): **The Boeing Company:**
                                 Docket No. FAA-2011-0254; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-180-AD. Comments Due Date (a) We must receive comments by May 6, 2011. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C,-800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-78-1083, dated June 30, 2010. Subject (d) Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 78, Exhaust. Unsafe Condition (e) This AD was prompted by in-service damage of the attachment fittings for the thrust reverser actuator. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such damage, which could result in actuator attach fitting failure, loss of the thrust reverser auto restow function, and consequent loss of control of the airplane. Compliance (f) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. Inspection and Repair: Group 1 Airplanes (g) For Group 1 airplanes, as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-78-1083, dated June 30, 2010: At the compliance time specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, whichever is later, perform a one-time detailed inspection to detect wear, cracks, nicks, dents, and scratches of the hydraulic actuator rod ends and actuator attach fittings on the thrust reversers, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-78-1083, dated June 30, 2010. (1) Within 7,500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD. (2) Before the accumulation of 15,000 total flight cycles or 30,000 total flight hours, whichever occurs first. (h) If any wear, crack, nick, dent, or scratch of any hydraulic actuator rod end is found during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD: Before further flight, replace the affected hydraulic actuator rod end assembly with a new hydraulic actuator rod end assembly, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-78-1083, dated June 30, 2010. (i) If no wear, cracks, nicks, dents, and scratches of any actuator attach fittings are found during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD: Before further flight, install new wear spacers on the affected actuator attach fitting, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-78-1083, dated June 30, 2010. (j) If any wear, crack, nick, dent, or scratch of any actuator attach fitting is found during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, and is less than 0.005 inch in depth: Before further flight, repair the affected actuator attach fitting and install the new wear spacer, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-78-1083, dated June 30, 2010. (k) If any wear, crack, nick, dent, or scratch of any actuator attach fitting is found during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, and is 0.005 inch or greater in depth: Before further flight, replace the actuator attach fitting with a new actuator attach fitting, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
                                ( print page 15867)
                                Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-78-1083, dated June 30, 2010. Repetitive Inspections and Corrective Actions (l) For Group 1 airplanes, as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-78-1083, dated June 30, 2010: Within 7,500 flight hours after accomplishing the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (l)(1), (l)(2), (l)(3), and (l)(4) of this AD. Repeat the actions thereafter at intervals not to exceed 7,500 flight hours. (1) Do a detailed inspection for tears, holes, and disbonds of the wear spacer, in accordance with Appendix A of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-78-1083, dated June 30, 2010. If any tear, hole, or disbond is found, before further flight, replace the spacer with a new spacer, in accordance with Appendix A of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-78-1083, dated June 30, 2010. (2) Measure the thickness of the wear spacer in accordance with Appendix A of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-78-1083, dated June 30, 2010. If the thickness is less than 0.020 inch, before further flight, replace the spacer with a new spacer, in accordance with Appendix A of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-78-1083, dated June 30, 2010. (3) Do a detailed inspection for surface damage of the attach fitting, in accordance with Appendix A of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-78-1083, dated June 30, 2010. (i) If the surface damage is less than 0.005 inch depth, before further flight, repair the attach fitting, in accordance with Appendix A of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-78-1083, dated June 30, 2010. (ii) If the surface damage is 0.005 inch or greater in depth, before further flight, replace the attach fitting with a new attach fitting, in accordance with Appendix B of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-78-1083, dated June 30, 2010. (4) Do a general visual inspection for damage (i.e. wear, missing, cracked, or bent parts) of the rod end, attach bolt, and nut, in accordance with Appendix A of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-78-1083, dated June 30, 2010. If any damage is found, before further flight, replace the affected part with a new part in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. Group 2 Inspection and Repair (m) For Group 2 airplanes, as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-78-1083, dated June 30, 2010: Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, perform the actions required in paragraph (l) of this AD. Repeat the actions thereafter at intervals not to exceed 7,500 flight hours. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (n)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 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 e-mailed to 
                                *9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.* (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. Related Information (o) For more information about this AD, contact Chris R. Parker, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; 
                                *phone:*
                                 425-917-6496; 
                                *fax:*
                                 425-917-6590; 
                                *e-mail:**Chris.R.Parker@faa.gov.* (p) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, 
                                *Attention:*
                                 Data & Services Management, P. O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; 
                                *phone:*
                                 206-544-5000, extension 1; 
                                *fax:*
                                 206-766-5680;
                                *e-mail: me.boecom@boeing.com; Internet:https://www.myboeingfleet.com.*
                                 You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, the FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
 Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 14, 2011. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.


[FR Doc. 2011-6613 Filed 3-21-11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P