Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 241 / Thursday, December 15, 2011 / Proposed Rules 77937 

certificate holding district office. The AMOC 

approval letter must specifically reference 

this AD. 

(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement 

in this AD to obtain corrective actions from 

a manufacturer or other source, use these 

actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective 

actions are considered FAA-approved if they 

are approved by the State of Design Authority 

(or their delegated agent). You are required 

to assure the product is airworthy before it 

is returned to service. 

Related Information 

(m) Refer to MCAI European Aviation 

Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness 

Directive 2010–0177, dated August 30, 2010; 

Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A320–28– 

1162, Revision 02, dated December 18, 2009; 

and Airbus Service Bulletin A320–28–1105, 

Revision 02, dated March 11, 2005; for 

related information. 

Issued in Renton, Washington, on 

December 6, 2011. 

Ali Bahrami, 

Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, 

Aircraft Certification Service. 

[FR Doc. 2011–32076 Filed 12–14–11; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Part 39 

[Docket No. FAA–2011–1320; Directorate 

Identifier 2011–NM–208–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 adopt a new 

airworthiness directive (AD) for all The 

Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. 

This proposed AD was prompted by 

four reports of retaining cross bolt 

hardware not fully engaged into the fuse 

pins of the forward trunnion lower 

housing of the main landing gear (MLG), 

which could result in an incorrect MLG 

emergency landing break-away 

sequence. This proposed AD would 

require a detailed inspection of the fuse 

pin cross bolts and fuse pins of the left 

and right MLG forward trunnion lower 

housing to verify that the cross bolts are 

correctly installed and that there are no 

missing fuse pins, and replacement of 

the fuse pins if necessary. We are 

proposing this AD to prevent an 

incorrect emergency landing MLG 

break-away sequence, which could 

result in puncturing of the wing box and 

consequent fuel leaks and an airplane 

fire. Failure of the fuse pins could also 

result in a premature landing gear 

collapse causing a runway excursion 

during take-off or landing. 

DATES: We must receive comments on 

this proposed AD by January 30, 2012. 

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, Washington 98124– 

2207; phone: (206) 544–5000, extension 

1; fax: (206) 766–5680; email: 

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 

(phone: (800) 647–5527) is in the 

ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 

available in the AD docket shortly after 

receipt. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

James Sutherland, Aerospace Engineer, 

Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA, 

Seattle Aircraft Certification Office 

(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 

Washington 98057–3356; phone: (425) 

917–6533; fax: (425) 917–6590; email: 

James.Sutherland@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– 

2011–1320; Directorate Identifier 2011– 

NM–208–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 four reports of 

retaining cross bolt hardware not fully 

engaged into the fuse pins of the MLG 

forward trunnion lower housing. 

Reports indicated the incorrectly 

installed cross bolts were found during 

a scheduled C-check inspection, an 

MLG replacement, a 4C inspection, and 

a hard landing inspection. All findings 

indicated that the cross bolt and lock 

wire were intact, but the cross bolt had 

not properly engaged in the fuse pin. 

The cross bolt and lock wire are used to 

prevent the fuse pin from migrating out 

of position. A migrated or missing fuse 

pin in the MLG forward trunnion lower 

housing can cause the remaining fuse 

pins in the MLG forward trunnion 

upper and lower housing to wear at a 

faster rate and also result in possible 

failure of the adjacent fuse pins in the 

MLG forward trunnion upper and lower 

housing. Failure of the fuse pins in the 

MLG forward trunnion upper and lower 

housing could result in an incorrect 

emergency landing MLG break-away 

sequence, which will cause the MLG to 

puncture the wing box and consequent 

fuel leaks and possible airplane fire. 

Failure of the fuse pins could also result 

in a premature landing gear collapse 

causing a runway excursion during takeoff or landing. 

Relevant Service Information 

We reviewed Boeing Alert Service 

Bulletin 777–57A0090, dated August 24, 

2011. This service information describes 

procedures for doing a detailed 

inspection of the fuse pin cross bolts 

and fuse pins of the left and right MLG 

forward trunnion lower housing to 

verify that the cross bolts are correctly 


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77938 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 241 / Thursday, December 15, 2011 / Proposed Rules 

installed and that there are no missing 

fuse pins, and replacing all fuse pins in 

the MLG forward trunnion upper and 

lower housing with new fuse pins if 

necessary. 

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. 

Costs of Compliance 

We estimate that this proposed AD 

will affect 166 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. 

operators 

Detailed Inspection ............................................. 3 work-hours × $85 per hour = $255 ................. $0 $255 $42,330 

We estimate the following costs to do 

any necessary replacements that would 

be required based on the results of the 

proposed inspection. We have no way of 

determining the number of aircraft that 

might need these replacements. 

ON-CONDITION COSTS

Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product 

Replace fuse pins .......................... 44 work-hours × $85 per hour = 

$3,740.

Between $15,216 and $52,620 .... Between $18,956 and $56,360. 

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 [Amended] 

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding 

the following new airworthiness 

directive (AD): 

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA– 

2011–1320; Directorate Identifier 2011– 

NM–208–AD. 

(a) Comments Due Date 

We must receive comments by January 30, 

2012. 

(b) Affected ADs 

None. 

(c) Applicability 

This AD applies to all The Boeing 

Company Model 777–200, –200LR, –300, 

–300ER, and 777F series airplanes; 

certificated in any category. 

(d) Subject 

Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/ 

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America 

Code 57, Wings. 

(e) Unsafe Condition 

This AD was prompted by four reports of 

retaining cross bolt hardware not fully 

engaged into the fuse pins of the forward 

trunnion lower housing of the main landing 

gear (MLG), which could result in an 

incorrect MLG emergency landing breakaway sequence. We are issuing this AD to 

prevent an incorrect emergency landing MLG 

break-away sequence, which could result in 

puncturing of the wing box and consequent 

fuel leaks and an airplane fire. Failure of the 

fuse pins could also result in a premature 

landing gear collapse causing a runway 

excursion during take-off or landing. 

(f) Compliance 

Comply with this AD within the 

compliance times specified, unless already 

done. 

(g) Detailed Inspection and Replacement 

Within 1,125 days after the effective date 

of this AD, perform a detailed inspection of 


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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 241 / Thursday, December 15, 2011 / Proposed Rules 77939 

1 Includes Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) 

Azimuth, VOR/TACAN (VORTAC), VOR/DME, 

Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) operated by the 

FAA. 

2Core 30 airports are those with significant 

activity serving major metropolitan areas and also 

serve as hubs for airline operations, found at http:// 

aspmhelp.faa.gov/index.php/Core_30. 

the fuse pin cross bolts and fuse pins of the 

left and right MLG forward trunnion lower 

housing to verify that the cross bolts are 

installed correctly and that there are no 

missing fuse pins, in accordance with the 

Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 

Service Bulletin 777–57A0090, dated August 

24, 2011. If any cross bolt of the MLG 

forward trunnion lower housing is not 

installed correctly, or if any fuse pin of the 

MLG forward trunnion lower housing is 

missing: Before further flight, replace all fuse 

pins in the MLG forward trunnion upper and 

lower housing, in accordance with the 

Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 

Service Bulletin 777–57A0090, dated August 

24, 2011. 

Note 1: The service bulletin 

accomplishment instructions might refer to 

other procedures. When the words ‘‘refer to’’ 

are used and the operator has an accepted 

alternative procedure, the accepted 

alternative procedure can be used to comply 

with the AD. When the words ‘‘in accordance 

with’’ are included in the instruction, the 

procedure in the design approval holder 

(DAH) document must be used to comply 

with the AD. 

(h) 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-ANMSeattle-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. 

(i) Related Information 

(1) For more information about this AD, 

contact James Sutherland, Aerospace 

Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, 

FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office 

(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 

Washington 98057–3356; phone: (425) 917– 

6533; fax: (425) 917–6590; email: 

James.Sutherland@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; phone: 

(206) 544–5000, extension 1; fax: (206) 766– 

5680; email: 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. 

Issued in Renton, Washington, on 

December 6, 2011. 

Ali Bahrami, 

Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, 

Aircraft Certification Service. 

[FR Doc. 2011–32077 Filed 12–14–11; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Parts 91, 121, 125, 129, and 135 

Proposed Provision of Navigation 

Services for the Next Generation Air 

Transportation System (NextGen) 

Transition to Performance-Based 

Navigation (PBN) 

AGENCY: Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA), DOT. 

ACTION: Notice of proposed policy and 

request for comments. 

SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA) seeks comments 

on a proposed transition of the U.S. 

National Airspace System (NAS) 

navigation infrastructure to enable 

performance-based navigation (PBN) as 

part of the Next Generation Air 

Transportation System (NextGen). The 

FAA plans to transition from defining 

airways, routes and procedures using 

VHF Omni-directional Range (VOR) and 

other legacy navigation aids 

(NAVAIDs) 1 towards a NAS based on 

Area Navigation (RNAV) everywhere 

and Required Navigation Performance 

(RNP) where beneficial. Such 

capabilities will be enabled largely by 

the Global Positioning System (GPS) 

and the Wide Area Augmentation 

System (WAAS). The FAA plans to 

retain an optimized network of Distance 

Measuring Equipment (DME) stations 

and a minimum operational network 

(MON) of VOR stations to ensure safety 

and continuous operations for high and 

low altitude en route airspace over the 

conterminous US (CONUS) and 

terminal operations at the Core 30 

airports.2 The FAA is also conducting 

research on Alternate Positioning, 

Navigation and Timing (APNT) 

solutions that would enable further 

reduction of VORs below the MON. 

In addition, the FAA plans to satisfy 

any new requirements for Category I 

instrument operations with WAAS 

localizer performance with vertical 

guidance (LPV) procedures. A network 

of existing Instrument Landing Systems 

(ILS) would be sustained to provide 

alternative approach and landing 

capabilities to continue recovery and 

dispatch of aircraft during GPS outages. 

This transition would be consistent 

with the FAA’s NextGen 

Implementation Plan (NGIP), NAS 

Enterprise Architecture (EA), and other 

documentation. More information is 

available on the FAA’s NextGen Web 

site at http://www.faa.gov/nextgen and 

the EA Web site at https://nasea.faa.gov. 

DATES: Comments must be received on 

or before March 7, 2012. 

ADDRESSES: Send comments identified 

by Docket No. FAA–2011–1082 using 

any of the following methods: 

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to 

http://www.regulations.gov and follow 

the online instructions for sending your 

comments electronically. 

• Mail: Send comments to Docket 

Operations, M–30; U.S. Department of 

Transportation (DOT), 1200 New Jersey 

Avenue SE., Room W12–140, West 

Building Ground Floor, Washington, DC 

20590–0001. 

• Hand Delivery or Courier: Take 

comments to Docket Operations in 

Room W12–140 of the West Building 

Ground Floor at 1200 New Jersey 

Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 

9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through 

Friday, except Federal holidays. 

• Fax: Fax comments to Docket 

Operations at (202) 493–2251. 

Privacy: The FAA will post all 

comments it receives, without change, 

to http://www.regulations.gov, including 

any personal information the 

commenter provides. Using the search 

function of the docket Web site, anyone 

can find and read the electronic form of 

all comments received into any FAA 

dockets, including the name of the 

individual sending the comment (or 

signing the comment for an association, 

business, labor union, etc.). DOT’s 

complete Privacy Act Statement can be 

found in the Federal Register published 

on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–19478) 

as well as at http://DocketsInfo.dot.gov. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. 

Greg Joyner, AJW–911, Navigation 

Services, Federal Aviation 

Administration, 800 Independence 

Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; 

telephone: (202) 493–5721. 


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