[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 3 (Friday, January 4, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 541-542]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-205]



[[Page 541]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-333-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Boeing Model 777 series 
airplanes. This proposal would require inspection of certain aft axle 
pivot pins of the main landing gear (MLG) for heat damage and either 
reworking of damaged pins or replacement of damaged pins with new pins. 
This action is necessary to prevent breakage of the aft axle pivot pin 
of the MLG, which could overload the center axle, causing the tires to 
blow out upon landing, and could disengage the aft axle so that it jams 
the gear in the wheel well, preventing proper extension of the MLG. 
This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by February 19, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket Number 2000-NM-333-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. 
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 
[email protected]. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must 
contain ``Docket No. 2000-NM-333-AD'' in the subject line and need not 
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached 
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or 
ASCII text.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, 
Washington 98124-2207. This information may be examined at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stan Wood, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2772; fax (425) 227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as 
they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number 
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this action may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Submit comments using the following format:
     Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the 
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
     For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed 
AD is being requested.
     Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each 
request.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All 
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing 
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested 
persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2000-NM-333-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped 
and returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules 
Docket Number 2000-NM-333-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The FAA has received a report indicating that a fractured aft axle 
pivot pin had been discovered in the main landing gear (MLG) of a 
Boeing Model 777 series airplane used as a flight test airplane with 
488 total flight cycles. Metallurgical inspection of the aft axle pivot 
pin revealed heat damage to the base metal. Such heat damage, if not 
corrected, could cause breakage of the aft axle of the pivot pin of the 
MLG. A broken aft axle pivot pin could migrate from the joint, 
disengaging the aft axle and causing it to jam the gear in the wheel 
well, which could prevent proper extension of the MLG. In addition, the 
loss of function of the aft axle could overload the center axle, 
causing the tires to blow out upon landing.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing special Attention Service 
Bulletin 777-32-0029, dated May 18, 2000, which describes procedures 
for performing a visual inspection of the aft axle pivot pins of the 
MLG to determine their serial numbers, removal of certain pivot pins, 
inspection of the pivot pins for heat damage using either the 
Barkhausen Noise Inspection method for chromium-plated parts or the 
magnetic particle inspection method, and re-installation of undamaged 
pivot pins or replacement of damaged pivot pins with new pivot pins. 
Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletin is 
intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition.

Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the 
proposed AD would require accomplishment of the actions specified in 
the service bulletin described previously.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 263 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 73 airplanes of U.S. registry 
would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 
4 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed inspection, and 
that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these 
figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be at least $17,520, or $240 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no

[[Page 542]]

operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements of this 
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this proposed AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures 
discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to 
perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures 
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to 
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other 
administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this proposal would not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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); 
and (3) if promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

Boeing: Docket 2000-NM-333-AD.

    Applicability: Model 777 series airplanes, line numbers 1 
through 263 inclusive; certificated in any category.


    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.


    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent breakage of the aft axle pivot pin of the main 
landing gear (MLG), which could overload the center axle, causing 
the tires to blow out upon landing, and could disengage the aft axle 
so that it jams the gear in the wheel well, preventing proper 
extension of the MLG, accomplish the following:

Inspection

    (a) Within 18 months of the effective date of this AD: Perform 
the actions specified in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, as 
applicable, in accordance with Boeing special Attention Service 
Bulletin 777-32-0029, dated May 18, 2000.
    (1) For airplanes which have line numbers 1 through 68 inclusive 
(designated as Group 1 airplanes in the service bulletin) and on 
which the aft axle pivot pin of the main landing gear (MLG) has been 
replaced prior to the effective date of this AD: Inspect the serial 
number of the pivot pin.
    (i) If the serial number of the pivot pin does not have the 
prefix of EGL, no further action is required.
    (ii) If the serial number of the pivot pin does have the prefix 
of EGL, prior to further flight, perform the actions required by 
paragraph (a)(2) of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes which have line numbers 69 through 263 
inclusive (designated as Group 2 airplanes in the service bulletin): 
Remove the aft axle pivot pin, remove the lube insert from the aft 
axle pivot pin, and inspect the aft axle pivot pin for heat damage. 
The inspection must be done either by the Barkhausen Noise 
Inspection method for chromium-plated parts or by the magnetic 
particle inspection method, in accordance with the service bulletin.
    (i) If heat damage is found by the inspection required by 
paragraph (a)(2) of this AD: Prior to further flight, re-work the 
existing aft axle pivot pin, re-install the existing lube insert, 
and re-install the re-worked aft axle pivot pin or install a new aft 
axle pivot pin in the MLG, in accordance with the service bulletin.
    (ii) If no heat damage is found by the inspection required by 
paragraph (a)(2) of this AD: Prior to further flight, re-install the 
existing lube insert and re-install the existing aft axle pivot pin 
or install a new aft axle pivot pin in the MLG, in accordance with 
the service bulletin.

Spares

    (b) After the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
an aft axle pivot pin having a serial number with the prefix ``EGL'' 
in the MLG, unless the pivot pin has been inspected as required by 
paragraph (a) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through an 
appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add 
comments and then send it to the Manager, Seattle ACO.


    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Seattle ACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (d) 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 requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 28, 2001.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-205 Filed 1-3-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P