### 82210 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 251 / Friday, December 30, 2011 / Proposed Rules

2H–65, Seattle, Washington 98124–2207; telephone (206) 544–5000, extension 1; fax (206) 766–5680; email me.boecom@boeing.com; Internet https:// www.myboeingfleet.com. For BAE Systems service information identified in this AD, contact BAE Systems, Attention: Commercial Product Support, 600 Main Street, Room S18C, Johnson City, NY 13790–1806; telephone (607) 770–3084; fax (607) 770– 3015; email CS– Customer.Service@baesystems.com; Internet http://www.baesystems-ps.com/ customersupport. 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 16, 2011. Michael Kaszycki, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 2011–33575 Filed 12–29–11; 8:45 am]

**BILLING CODE 4910–13–P**

**DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION**

**Federal Aviation Administration**

**14 CFR Part 39**

**[Docket No. FAA–2011–1412 Directorate Identifier 2011–NM–158–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 certain The Boeing Company Model 777–200 and –300 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracked retract actuator fuse pins that can fail earlier than the previously determined safe life limit of the pins. A fractured retract actuator fuse pin can cause the main landing gear (MLG) to extend without restriction and attempt to lock into position under high dynamic loads. This proposed AD would require an inspection for the part number of the fuse pin, and replacement of the pin if necessary. We are proposing this AD to prevent structural damage to the side and drag brace lock assemblies, which could result in landing gear collapse during touchdown, rollout, or taxi.

**DATES :**  We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 13, 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; telephone (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, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 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– 2011–1412; Directorate Identifier 2011– NM–158–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 reports of cracked retract actuator fuse pins that can fail earlier than previously determined safe life limit of the pins. A fractured retract actuator fuse pin can cause the main landing gear (MLG) to extend without restriction and attempt to lock into position under high dynamic loads. Unrestricted MLG extension could cause structural damage to the side and drag brace lock assemblies. This condition, if not corrected, could result in structural damage to the side and drag brace lock assemblies, which could result in landing gear collapse during touchdown, rollout, or taxi.

Relevant Service Information

We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–32– 0083, Revision 1, dated February 17, 2011. The service information describes procedures for inspecting the retract actuator fuse pin to identify the part number of the pin and, if an affected pin is found, replacing it with a new part number pin.

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 these same type designs.
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 affects 35 airplanes of U.S. registry.

We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:


### 82211 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 251 / Friday, December 30, 2011 / Proposed Rules

E STIMATED 

### COSTS

Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators

Inspection ................................ 4 work-hours × $85 per hour = $340 ..................................... $0 $340 $11,900

We estimate the following costs to do any necessary pin 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:



### O N 

### -CONDITION 

### COSTS

Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product

Pin replacement ....................... 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 per pin ............................... $769 per pin .............. $854 per pin.

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– 2011–1412; Directorate Identifier 2011–
NM–158–AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

We must receive comments by February
13, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

None.
(c) Applicability

This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777–200 and –300 series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–32–0083, Revision 1, dated February 17,

2011.
(d) Subject

Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/ Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Main landing gear.

(e) Unsafe Condition

This AD was prompted by reports of cracked retract actuator fuse pins that can fail earlier than the previously determined safe life limit of the pins. A fractured retract actuator fuse pin can cause the main landing gear (MLG) to extend without restriction and attempt to lock into position under high dynamic loads. We are issuing this AD to prevent structural damage to the side and drag brace lock assemblies, which could result in landing gear collapse during touchdown, rollout, or taxi.
(f) Compliance

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.
(g) Inspection of Retract Actuator Fuse Pin

Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD: Inspect the part number of the fuse pins of the left and right MLG retract actuators, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–32– 0083, Revision 1, dated February 17, 2011. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the part number of the installed actuator fuse pin can be conclusively determined from that
review.

(1) If any retract actuator fuse pin having part number 112W1769–3 is found installed, no further action is required by this paragraph for that fuse pin.

(2) If any retract actuator fuse pin having part number 112W1769–1 is found installed and the pin has accumulated more than 10,000 total flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the fuse pin with a new part number 112W1769–3 fuse pin, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–32–0083, Revision 1, dated February 17, 2011.

(3) If any retract actuator fuse pin having part number 112W1769–1 is found installed and the pin has accumulated 8,000 or more, but fewer than or equal to 10,000 total flight cycles, as of the effective date of this AD: Before the accumulation of 10,000 total flight cycles on the pin, or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, replace the fuse pin with a new part number 112W1769–3 fuse pin, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–32–0083, Revision 1, dated February 17, 2011.


### 82212 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 251 / Friday, December 30, 2011 / Proposed Rules

(4) If any retract actuator fuse pin having part number 112W1769–1 is found installed and the pin has accumulated fewer than 8,000 total flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Before the accumulation of 8,000 total flight cycles on the pin, or within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, replace the fuse pin with a new part number 112W1769–3 fuse pin, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–32–0083, Revision 1, dated February 17, 2011.

(h) Parts Installation

As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a retract actuator fuse pin having P/N 112W1769–1 on any airplane.
(i) Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service Information

Actions done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–32–0083, dated February 5, 2009, are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding requirements of this AD.
(j) 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 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.

(k) Related Information

(1) For more information about this AD, contact James Sutherland, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 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; telephone (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 23, 2011. John P. Piccola, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 2011–33544 Filed 12–29–11; 8:45 am]

**BILLING CODE 4910–13–P**

**DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS** 

**38 CFR Part 17**

**RIN 2900–AO01**

**Grants for Transportation of Veterans in Highly Rural Areas** 

**AGENCY :**  Department of Veterans Affairs.

**ACTION :**  Proposed rule.

**SUMMARY :**  The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to amend its regulations in part 17 to establish a new program to provide grants to eligible entities to assist veterans in highly rural areas through innovative transportation services to travel to VA medical centers, and to otherwise assist in providing transportation services in connection with the provision of VA medical care to these veterans. This rulemaking is necessary to implement new statutory authority by establishing procedures for evaluating grant applications under the new grant program, and otherwise administering the new grant program. This proposed rule would implement section 307 of title III of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 (the 2010 Act).

**DATES :**  Comments must be received by VA on or before February 28, 2012.

**ADDRESSES :**  Written comments may be submitted through http://www. regulations.gov; by mail or hand delivery to the Director, Regulation Policy and Management (02REG), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Ave. NW., Room 1068, Washington, DC 20420; or by fax to (202) 273–9026. Comments should indicate that they are submitted in response to ‘‘RIN 2900–AO01, Grants for Transportation of Veterans in Highly Rural Areas.’’ Copies of comments received will be available for public inspection in the Office of Regulation Policy and Management, Room 1063B, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (except holidays). Please call (202) 461–4902 (this is not a toll-free number) for an appointment. In addition, during the comment period, comments may be viewed online through the Federal Docket Management System at http:// www.regulations.gov.

**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT :**  David Riley, Director, Veterans Transportation Service, Chief Business Office (10NB), Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 2957 Clairmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, (404) 828–5601. (This is not a toll-free number).

**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION :**  Section 307 of the 2010 Act, requires that VA ‘‘establish a grant program to provide innovative transportation options to veterans in highly rural areas.’’ To comply with section 307 of the 2010 Act, VA will award grants to eligible entities to assist veterans in highly rural areas to travel to VA medical centers, and to otherwise assist in providing transportation in connection with the provision of VA medical care to these veterans. This proposed rule would establish the grant program in accordance with paragraph (a) of section 307 of the 2010 Act, and establish regulations for evaluating grant applications and otherwise administering the grant program in accordance with paragraph (b) of section 307 of the 2010 Act.

Section 307(d) of the 2010 Act authorizes $3,000,000 of appropriated funds for each fiscal year beginning 2010 through 2014 to carry out the grant program. We would indicate this funding limitation for each of the fiscal years in a Notice of Fund Availability (NOFA) publication in the Federal Register, to adequately provide notice to eligible recipients of the grants. It is not necessary to include the funding limitation or to indicate the specific fiscal years for the program’s funding in the proposed rule, however, because the amount of authorized appropriations may change after fiscal year 2014 and Congress could extend the program past fiscal year 2014. Section 307 of the 2010 Act is not designated by Congress to be a pilot program, and the law does not otherwise contain a provision that it will cease to have effect after a specific date unless extended. By not including the funding limitation or the specific fiscal years the program is to be funded in the proposed rule, we would prevent having a regulation in the Code of Federal Regulations that appeared to restrict or stop the grant program beyond a certain date, when VA may still be compelled to administer the grant program. If funding ceases to be provided or the grant program is not extended beyond 2014, we would not