Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 84 / Tuesday, May 1, 2012 / Proposed Rules 25647 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Part 39 

[Docket No. FAA–2012–0424; Directorate 

Identifier 2011–NM–004–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 

heat damage and cracks at the pivot 

joint location of the main landing gear 

(MLG) inner cylinder/truck beam. This 

proposed AD would require repetitive 

lubrication of the MLG pivot joints; 

repetitive detailed inspections of the 

outer diameter chrome on the center 

axles of the MLG for chicken-wire 

cracks, corrosion, and chrome plate 

distress; repetitive magnetic particle 

inspections of the outer diameter 

chrome on the center axles of the MLG 

for cracks; and related investigative and 

corrective actions if necessary. We are 

proposing this AD to detect and correct 

cracking in the MLG center axle and 

shock strut inner cylinder lugs (pivot 

joint), which could result in fracture of 

the MLG pivot joint components and 

consequent collapse of the MLG. 

DATES: We must receive comments on 

this proposed AD by June 15, 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– 

2012–0424; Directorate Identifier 2011– 

NM–004–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 39 MLG 

center axles with cracks at the pivot 

joint location of the inner cylinder/truck 

beam. These cracks were found in areas 

common to the inner cylinder pivot 

bushings where heat damage had 

occurred. This heat damage and cracks 

are caused by MLG truck pitching 

motion during normal airplane 

operations. Heat damage or cracking in 

the MLG center axle and shock strut 

inner cylinder lugs (pivot joint) could 

result in fracture of the MLG pivot joint 

components and consequent collapse of 

the MLG. 

Relevant Service Information 

We reviewed Boeing Alert Service 

Bulletin 777–32A0082, dated December 

9, 2010, which describes procedures for 

repetitive lubrication of the MLG pivot 

joints; repetitive detailed inspections of 

the outer diameter chrome on the center 

axles of the MLG for chicken-wire 

cracks, corrosion, and chrome plate 

distress; repetitive magnetic particle 

inspections of the outer diameter 

chrome on the center axles of the MLG 

for cracks; and related investigative and 

corrective actions if necessary. 

The related investigative actions 

include a detailed inspection of the 

inner diameters and flanges of the inner 

cylinder bushing for cracks, smearing of 

material into the lubrication grooves, 

bushing distress, and wear limits; a 

detailed inspection for corrosion of the 

inner cylinder lug face; a detailed 

inspection of the lug bore inner cylinder 

for cracks, corrosion, or bronze transfer; 

a detailed inspection of the lug bore face 

for corrosion or cracks; a penetrant 

inspection of the lug bore inner cylinder 

for corrosion; a magnetic particle 

inspection of the lug bore inner cylinder 

and face for cracks; and a local etch 

inspection of large parts of the lug bore 

inner cylinder for heat damage. 

The corrective actions include 

repairing the center axle or replacing it 

with a new, overhauled, or serviceable 

axle; and refinishing the lug bore and 

faces, and installing new bushings. 

Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777– 

32A0082, dated December 9, 2010, 

specifies, for the lubrication, an initial 

compliance time of within 120 days 

after the original issue date of that 

service bulletin, and a repetitive interval 

of 50 flight cycles or 25 days, whichever 

occurs later. That service bulletin also 

specifies, for the detailed and magnetic 

particle inspections, an initial 

compliance time between 1,825 days 

after the issue date of the original 

Certificate of Airworthiness or Export 

Certificate of Airworthiness or since the 

last MLG overhaul, or within 1,125 days 

after the original issue date of this 

service bulletin, whichever is later; and 

3,750 days after the issue date of the 

original Certificate of Airworthiness or 

Export Certificate of Airworthiness or 

since the last MLG overhaul, or within 

375 days after the original issue date of 

this service bulletin, whichever is later; 

depending on the airplane 

configuration, lubrication schedule, and 

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25648 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 84 / Tuesday, May 1, 2012 / Proposed Rules 

inspection status. That service bulletin 

specifies a repetitive interval of 3,750 

days for the detailed and magnetic 

particle inspections. 

We have reviewed Boeing Special 

Attention Service Bulletin 777–32– 

0080, dated July 10, 2008; and Boeing 

Special Attention Service Bulletin 777– 

32–0080, Revision 1, dated April 16, 

2009. Part 2 of the Accomplishment 

Instructions of these service bulletins 

describe procedures for a detailed 

inspection of the outer diameter chrome 

on the center axles of the MLG for 

chicken-wire cracks, corrosion, and 

chrome plate distress and a magnetic 

particle inspection of the outer diameter 

chrome on the center axles of the MLG 

for cracks. 

We have reviewed Boeing Service 

Bulletin 777–32A0085, dated April 14, 

2011. This service bulletin describes 

procedures for replacing the MLG left 

and right center axles with new, 

overhauled, or serviceable center axles, 

or changing the center axles by 

polishing to the new configuration; 

replacing the inner cylinder assemblies 

with new, overhauled, or serviceable 

inner cylinder assemblies; part marking 

the MLG components and assemblies; 

lubricating the pivot joint with new 

grease; and updating the maintenance 

program to do repetitive lubrication of 

the MLG pivot joints. 

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 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 160 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 

Lubrication of MLG pivot 

joints.

4 work-hours × $85 per hour 

= $340 per lubrication cycle.

$0 $340 per lubrication cycle ...... $54,400 per lubrication cycle. 

Detailed and magnetic particle 

inspections.

39 work-hours × $85 per hour 

= $3,315 per inspection 

cycle.

0 $3,315 per inspection cycle ... $530,400 per inspection 

cycle. 

Inner cylinder lug bore inspection.6 work-hours × $85 per hour 

= $510 per inspection cycle.

0 $510 per inspection cycle ...... $81,600 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 inspections. 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 product 

Replacing center axle ....................................... 25 work-hours × $85 per hour = $2,125 .......... $54,030 ..................... $56,155. 

Refinishing the lug bore and faces, and installing new bushings.12 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,020 .......... Up to $3,526 ............. Up to $4,546. 

Replacing the inner cylinder assembly ............. 46 work-hours × $85 per hour = $3,910 .......... Up to $254,847 ......... Up to $258,757. 

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: 

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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 84 / Tuesday, May 1, 2012 / Proposed Rules 25649 

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– 

2012–0424; Directorate Identifier 2011– 

NM–004–AD. 

(a) Comments Due Date 

We must receive comments by June 15, 

2012. 

(b) Affected ADs 

None. 

(c) Applicability 

This AD applies to The Boeing Company 

Model 777–200, –200LR, –300, –300ER, and 

777F series airplanes, certificated in any 

category, as identified in Boeing Alert 

Service Bulletin 777–32A0082, dated 

December 9, 2010. 

(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 heat damage 

and cracks at the pivot joint location of the 

main landing gear (MLG) cylinder/truck 

beam. We are issuing this AD to detect and 

correct cracking in the MLG center axle and 

shock strut inner cylinder lugs (pivot joint), 

which could result in fracture of the MLG 

pivot joint components and consequent 

collapse of the MLG. 

(f) Compliance 

Comply with this AD within the 

compliance times specified, unless already 

done. 

(g) Repetitive Lubrication and Inspections 

At the applicable compliance times 

specified in paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of 

Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777–32A0082, 

dated December 9, 2010, except as provided 

by paragraph (i) of this AD: Lubricate the 

MLG pivot joints; do a detailed inspection of 

the outer diameter chrome on the center 

axles of the MLG for chicken-wire cracks, 

corrosion, and chrome plate distress; do a 

magnetic particle inspection of the outer 

diameter chrome on the center axles of the 

MLG for cracks; and do all applicable related 

investigative and corrective actions; in 

accordance with the Accomplishment 

Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 

777–32A0082, dated December 9, 2010. 

Repeat the lubrication and inspections 

thereafter at the applicable interval specified 

in paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing 

Alert Service Bulletin 777–32A0082, dated 

December 9, 2010. Do all applicable related 

investigative and corrective actions before 

further flight. 

(h) Definition 

For the purposes of this AD, chicken-wire 

cracks are defined as cracks that occur when 

stress created in the chrome deposit during 

plating is relieved. The cracks are evident in 

the deposited chrome when viewed from a 

perpendicular plane as a pattern similar to 

chicken wire. Crack size can vary with 

plating conditions. 

(i) Exception to Service Information 

Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777– 

32A0082, dated December 9, 2010, specifies 

a compliance time after the original issue 

date of that service bulletin, this AD requires 

compliance within the specified compliance 

time after the effective date of this AD. 

(j) Optional Actions for Compliance With 

Paragraph (g) of This AD 

(1) Doing the detailed and magnetic 

particle inspections in accordance with Part 

2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of 

Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 

777–32–0080, dated July 10, 2008; or Boeing 

Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–32– 

0080, Revision 1, dated April 16, 2009; is 

considered acceptable for compliance with 

the inspections of the center axle of the MLG 

required by paragraph (g) of this AD. 

(2) Replacing the MLG left and right center 

axles with new, overhauled, or serviceable 

center axles, or changing the center axles by 

polishing to the new configuration; replacing 

the inner cylinder assembly with new, 

overhauled, or serviceable inner cylinder 

assembly; part marking the MLG components 

and assemblies; and lubricating the pivot 

joint with new grease; and updating the 

maintenance program to repetitively 

lubricate the MLG pivot joints; in accordance 

with the Accomplishment Instructions of 

Boeing Service Bulletin 777–32A0085, dated 

April 14, 2011; is considered acceptable for 

compliance with lubricating of the MLG 

pivot joints and inspecting the center axles 

of the MLG as required by paragraph (g) of 

this AD. 

(k) Special Flight Permit 

Special flight permits may be issued in 

accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 

of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 

21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to 

a location where the airplane can be 

modified (if the operator elects to do so), if 

the flight is operated as a non-revenue flight. 

(l) 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. 

(m) 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 April 20, 

2012. 

Michael Kaszycki, 

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane 

Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. 

[FR Doc. 2012–10489 Filed 4–30–12; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND 

SECURITY 

Coast Guard 

33 CFR Part 100 

[Docket No. USCG–2012–0264] 

RIN 1625–AA08 

Special Local Regulations for Marine 

Events; Patuxent River, Solomons, MD 

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS. 

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. 

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard proposes to 

establish special local regulations 

during the ‘‘Chesapeake Challenge’’ 

power boat races, a marine event to be 

held on the waters of the Patuxent 

River, near Solomons, MD on September 

15 and 16, 2012. These special local 

regulations are necessary to provide for 

the safety of life on navigable waters 

during the event. This action is 

intended to temporarily restrict vessel 

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