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[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 20 (Wednesday, January 30, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 6251-6254]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-01972]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-1320; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-095-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain The Boeing Company Model 767 airplanes. This proposed AD was 
prompted by reports of cracks and heat damage on pivot joint components 
found during main landing gear (MLG)

[[Page 6252]]

overhaul. For certain airplanes, this proposed AD would require 
repetitive inspections of the MLG pivots, truck beam bushings, and 
inner cylinder bushings. For all airplanes, this proposed AD would 
require a maintenance program revision, one-time inspections of the MLG 
truck beam, and related investigative and corrective actions (including 
configuration changes) if necessary; accomplishment of these actions 
would terminate the repetitive inspections. We are proposing this AD to 
detect and correct heat damage and cracks in the pivot pin, truck beam 
lugs, and inner cylinder lugs, which could result in fracture of the 
pivot joint components and consequent MLG collapse.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 18, 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. 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 (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Berhane Alazar, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-
917-6577; fax: 425-917-6590; email: berhane.alazar@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-2012-1320; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-095-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

    During overhaul of the MLG, pivot joint components have been found 
with cracks or heat damage. There have been 11 such findings on Model 
767-400ER series airplanes, and 42 findings on Model 767-200, -300, and 
-300F series airplanes. The damage was found on Model 767-400ER series 
airplanes as early as 8 years from delivery, and on Model 767-200, -
300, and -300F series airplanes as early as 7 years from delivery. Heat 
damage and cracks were found at the pivot joint location, caused by the 
truck pitching motion during normal airplane operations. High levels of 
heat in the pivot joint can result in damage and cracks in the pivot 
pin, truck beam lugs, and inner cylinder lugs. These conditions, if not 
corrected, could result in fracture of the pivot joint components and 
consequent MLG collapse.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 767-32A0227, Revision 1, dated 
September 13, 2012. For information on the procedures and compliance 
times, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for Docket No. FAA-2012-1320.

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.
    The phrase ``related investigative actions'' might be used in this 
proposed AD. ``Related investigative actions'' are follow-on actions 
that (1) are related to the primary actions, and (2) further 
investigate the nature of any condition found. Related investigative 
actions in an AD could include, for example, inspections.
    In addition, the phrase ``corrective actions'' might be 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 420 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Number of
            Action                 Labor cost       Parts cost       Cost per      affected U.S.   Cost on U.S.
                                                                      product        airplanes       operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maintenance program revision..  1 work-hour x                 $0             $85             420         $35,700
                                 $85 per hour =
                                 $85.
Repetitive inspections........  59 work-hours x                0           5,015              38         190,570
                                 $85 per hour =
                                 $5,015 per
                                 inspection
                                 cycle.
One-time inspections..........  147 work-hours x               0          12,495             420       5,247,900
                                 $85 per hour =
                                 $12,495.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 6253]]

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions (including related 
investigative actions, configuration changes, and corrective 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.

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

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):

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2012-1320; Directorate Identifier 
2012-NM-095-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by March 18, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, -
300F, and -400ER series airplanes, certificated in any category, as 
identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 767-32A0227, Revision 1, dated 
September 13, 2012.

(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 reports of cracks and heat damage found 
on pivot joint components found during main landing gear (MLG) 
overhaul. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct heat damage 
and cracks in the pivot pin, truck beam lugs, and inner cylinder 
lugs, which could result in fracture of the pivot joint components 
and consequent MLG collapse.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Maintenance Program Revision

    At the applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-32A0227, Revision 1, 
dated September 13, 2012, except as provided by paragraph (j) of 
this AD, revise the maintenance program to incorporate the specified 
maintenance review board (MRB) item, in accordance with Part 1 of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-
32A0227, Revision 1, dated September 13, 2012.

(h) Repetitive Pivot Pin and Bushing Inspections

    For airplanes identified as Group 1 in Boeing Service Bulletin 
767-32A0227, Revision 1, dated September 13, 2012: At the applicable 
times specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Service 
Bulletin 767-32A0227, Revision 1, dated September 13, 2012, except 
as provided by paragraph (j) of this AD, do detailed and etch 
inspections to detect discrepancies (including bronze transfer, heat 
discoloration, darkened streaks, thermal spray coating distress, 
wear, cracking, smearing of material into the lubrication grooves, 
or grease not present in the bushing inner diameter) of the MLG 
pivots, truck beam bushings, and inner cylinder bushings, and do all 
applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-32A0227, Revision 1, 
dated September 13, 2012. Do all applicable corrective actions 
before further flight. Repeat the inspections thereafter at the 
applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of 
Boeing Service Bulletin 767-32A0227, Revision 1, dated September 13, 
2012.

(i) MLG Truck Beam Inspections

    For all airplanes: At the applicable time specified in paragraph 
1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-32A0227, 
Revision 1, dated September 13, 2012, except as provided by 
paragraph (j) of this AD, inspect the MLG truck beam, using a 
detailed inspection, etch inspection, and fluorescent penetrant 
inspection (FPI), as applicable, to detect discrepancies (including 
distress, corrosion, and cracking), and do all applicable related 
investigative and corrective actions (including configuration 
changes), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Service Bulletin 767-32A0227, Revision 1, dated September 13, 
2012. Do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions 
before further flight. Boeing Service Bulletin 767-32A0227, Revision 
1, dated September 13, 2012, provides options for accomplishing 
certain corrective actions.

(j) Service Information Exception

    Where Boeing Service Bulletin 767-32A0227, Revision 1, dated 
September 13, 2012, specifies a compliance time ``after the original 
issue date of this service bulletin,'' this AD requires compliance 
within the specified compliance time after the effective date of 
this AD.

(k) Terminating Action

    (1) Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraphs (g) and 
(i) of this AD terminates the requirements of paragraph (h) of this 
AD.
    (2) Overhaul of the MLG and installation of truck beam and inner 
cylinder bushings having applicable part numbers identified in 
Appendix ``B'' of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-32A0227, Revision 1, 
dated September 13, 2012, terminate the requirements of paragraphs 
(h) and (i) of this AD, if the actions are done using a method 
approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph 
(n) of this AD.

(l) No Alternative Actions or Intervals

    After accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may 
be used unless the actions or intervals are approved as an 
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (n) of this AD.

[[Page 6254]]

(m) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraphs (g), (h), (i), and (k) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 767-32A0227, dated April 25, 2012, which is not 
incorporated by reference in this AD.

(n) 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 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.
    (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.

(o) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Berhane Alazar, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 
98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6577; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
berhane.alazar@faa.gov.
    (2) 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; 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. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 23, 2013.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-01972 Filed 1-29-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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