[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 194 (Friday, October 7, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 58620-58623]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-20267]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 194 / Friday, October 7, 2005 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 58620]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-22623; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-80-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for all Boeing Model 767 airplanes. This proposed AD would require the 
following actions for the drive mechanism of the horizontal stabilizer: 
Repetitive detailed inspections for discrepancies and loose ball 
bearings; repetitive lubrication of the ballnut and ballscrew; 
repetitive measurements of the freeplay between the ballnut and the 
ballscrew; and corrective action if necessary. This proposed AD is 
prompted by a report of extensive corrosion of a ballscrew in the drive 
mechanism of the horizontal stabilizer on a similar airplane model. We 
are proposing this AD to prevent an undetected failure of the primary 
load path for the ballscrew in the horizontal stabilizer and subsequent 
wear and failure of the secondary load path, which could lead to loss 
of control of the horizontal stabilizer and consequent loss of control 
of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 21, 
2005.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this proposed AD.
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.
     By fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, 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, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-
2207.
    You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at 
http://dms.dot.gov, or at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Room PL-401, on 
the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kelly McGuckin, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Airplane 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-
4056; telephone (425) 917-6490; fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Docket Management System (DMS)

    The FAA has implemented new procedures for maintaining AD dockets 
electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new AD actions are posted on DMS 
and assigned a docket number. We track each action and assign a 
corresponding directorate identifier. The DMS AD docket number is in 
the form ``Docket No. FAA-2005-99999.'' The Transport Airplane 
Directorate identifier is in the form ``Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-
999-AD.'' Each DMS AD docket also lists the directorate identifier 
(``Old Docket Number'') as a cross-reference for searching purposes.

Comments Invited

    We invite you to submit any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-22623; 
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-80-AD'' in the subject line of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will 
consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the 
proposed AD in light of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of 
that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our 
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or 
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, 
etc.). You can review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you 
can visit http://dms.dot.gov.
    We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory 
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of 
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of 
our communications that affect you. You can get more information about 
plain language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You can examine the AD docket in person at the Docket Management 
Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office 
(telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif 
Building at the DOT street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS 
receives them.

Discussion

    On January 31, 2000, there was an accident involving a McDonnell 
Douglas Model DC-9-83 (MD-83) airplane. The National Transportation 
Safety Board (NTSB) determined that the probable cause of this accident 
was a loss of airplane pitch control resulting from the in-flight 
failure of the acme nut threads of the jackscrew assembly of the 
horizontal stabilizer trim system. The NTSB concluded that the thread 
failure was caused by excessive wear, resulting from insufficient 
lubrication of the jackscrew assembly.

[[Page 58621]]

    The drive mechanism of the horizontal stabilizer on McDonnell 
Douglas Model DC-9-83 (MD-83) airplanes has a jackscrew assembly with 
an acme screw. The drive mechanism of the horizontal stabilizer on 
Boeing Model 767 airplanes uses a ballscrew. Acme screws and ballscrews 
have some differences in design, but perform similar functions and have 
the same airplane level effect following failure. The manufacturer's 
safety analysis of the 767 drive mechanism found no safety problems 
with the configuration of the drive mechanism, but showed that changes 
to the maintenance procedures and maintenance intervals are required to 
keep the drive mechanism properly maintained and operating as designed.
    We have received a report indicating that the ballscrew in the 
drive mechanism of the horizontal stabilizer on a Boeing Model 757 
series airplane showed extensive corrosion, which could lead to 
excessive wear. The ballscrew on Boeing Model 757 airplanes is similar 
to that on Boeing Model 767 airplanes that are the subject of this 
proposed AD. Therefore, both of these airplane models could have the 
same unsafe condition. We are considering separate action for the 
Boeing Model 757 series airplanes and other similar Boeing airplanes.
    Extensive corrosion of the ballscrew in the drive mechanism of the 
horizontal stabilizer, if not corrected, could cause an undetected 
failure of the primary load path for the ballscrew and subsequent wear 
and failure of the secondary load path, which could lead to loss of 
control of the horizontal stabilizer and consequent loss of control of 
the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed the following service bulletins:
     Boeing Service Bulletin 767-27A0194, Revision 1, dated 
July 21, 2005 (for Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes); 
and
     Boeing Service Bulletin 767-27A0195, Revision 1, dated 
July 21, 2005 (for Model 767-400ER series airplanes).
    The compliance times specified in the service bulletins are as 
follows:
    For all airplanes: The compliance time for the initial detailed 
inspections and lubrication of the ballnut and ballscrew is 15,000 
total flight hours or 18 months after the original issue date on the 
service bulletin, whichever occurs later. The inspection is repeated at 
intervals not to exceed 3,500 flight hours or 24 months, whichever 
occurs first; the lubrication is repeated at intervals not to exceed 
2,000 flight hours or 12 months, whichever occurs first.
    For all airplanes except those on which an FAA-approved low 
utilization maintenance program is in effect: The compliance time for 
the initial ballscrew-to-ballnut freeplay inspection is 15,000 flight 
hours after accomplishing the last ballscrew-to-ballnut freeplay 
inspection or 18 months after the original issue date on the service 
bulletin, whichever occurs later. If the inspection has never been 
done, the compliance time for the initial inspection is 15,000 flight 
hours after the delivery date of the airplane or 18 months after the 
original issue date on the service bulletin, whichever occurs later. 
The inspection is repeated at intervals not to exceed 18,000 flight 
hours.
    For all airplanes except those on which an FAA-approved low 
utilization maintenance program is in effect: The compliance time for 
the initial ballscrew-to-ballnut freeplay inspection is 60 months after 
accomplishing the last ballscrew-to-ballnut freeplay inspection. If the 
inspection has never been done, the compliance time for the initial 
inspection is within 60 months after the delivery date of the airplane. 
The inspection is repeated at intervals not to exceed 72 months.
    The service bulletins also describe the procedures in the following 
table for the drive mechanism of the horizontal stabilizer:

  Procedures Specified in Boeing Service Bulletins 767-27A0194 and 767-
                                 27A0195
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Work  package        Repetitive actions         Corrective action
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1...................  Accomplish detailed       Replace the ballscrew
                       inspections for           actuator with a new or
                       discrepancies             overhauled actuator if
                       (including cracks,        any discrepancy is
                       corrosion, damage, and    found during any
                       worn areas); and a        inspection.
                       detailed inspection for
                       loose ball bearings of
                       the external areas of
                       the drive mechanism and
                       areas below the drive
                       mechanism.
2...................  Lubricate the ballnut     Not applicable.
                       and ballscrew of the
                       horizontal stabilizer
                       drive mechanism.
3...................  Measure the freeplay      Replace the ballscrew
                       between the ballnut and   actuator with a new or
                       ballscrew.                overhauled actuator if
                                                 the freeplay is more
                                                 than the specified
                                                 limit.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have also reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-27A0185, 
dated July 10, 2003, which is included as an additional source of 
service information for accomplishing certain actions. This service 
bulletin applies to Boeing Model 767 airplanes that have line numbers 
002 through 175 inclusive, and has procedures that are equivalent to 
those in Service Bulletins 767-27A0194 and 767-27A0195. Accomplishing 
the inspection and lubrication specified in Service Bulletin 767-
27A0185 is considered acceptable for compliance with the initial 
inspection and lubrication specified in Revision 1 of Boeing Service 
Bulletins 767-27A0194 and 767-27A0195.
    We have determined that accomplishing the actions specified in 
Revision 1 of Boeing Service Bulletins 767-27A0194 and 767-27A0195 will 
adequately address the unsafe condition.
    Revision 1 of Boeing Service Bulletins 767-27A0194 and 767-27A0195 
refers to the 767 Airplane Maintenance Manuals (AMM) in the following 
table as additional sources of service information for accomplishing 
the detailed inspections, lubrications, freeplay measurements, and 
corrective action.

                Additional Sources of Service Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Boeing AMM                             Subject
------------------------------------------------------------------------
767-200.................................................        27-41-10
767-200.................................................        12-21-05
------------------------------------------------------------------------

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an 
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes 
of this same type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which 
would require

[[Page 58622]]

the following actions for the drive mechanism of the horizontal 
stabilizer:
     Repetitive detailed inspections for discrepancies of the 
ballscrew assembly;
     Repetitive lubrication of the ballnut and ballscrew;
     Repetitive measurements of freeplay between the ballnut 
and the ballscrew; and
     Corrective action if necessary.
    The proposed AD would require you to use Revision 1 of Service 
Bulletins 767-27A0194 and 767-27A0195 to perform these actions; except 
as discussed under ``Difference Between the Proposed AD and Service 
Information.''

Differences Between the Proposed AD and Service Information

    The service bulletins specify compliance times relative to the date 
of issuance of the service bulletins; however, this proposed AD would 
require compliance before the specified compliance time after the 
effective date of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 903 Model 767 airplanes in the worldwide fleet. The 
following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to 
comply with this proposed AD, per cycle.

                                                                     Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                          Number of U.S.-
              Repetitive actions                 Work    Average labor                Parts                  Cost per       registered      Fleet cost
                                                hours    rate per hour                                       airplane        airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detailed inspection..........................        1             $65  None............................             $65             411         $26,715
Lubrication..................................        1              65  None............................              65             411          26,715
Freeplay measurement.........................        3              65  None............................             195             411          80,145
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 have determined that this proposed AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD will 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 that the 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. 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location 
to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Airplane, Aviation safety, 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.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive (AD):

Boeing: Docket No. FAA-2005-22623; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
80-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive 
comments on this AD action by November 21, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Boeing Model 767-200, -300, -300F, 
and -400ER series airplanes, certificated in any category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by a report of extensive corrosion of a 
ballscrew in the horizontal stabilizer of a similar airplane model. 
We are issuing this AD to prevent an undetected failure of the 
primary load path for the ballscrew in the drive mechanism of the 
horizontal stabilizer and subsequent wear and failure of the 
secondary load path, which could lead to loss of control of the 
horizontal stabilizer and consequent loss of control of the 
airplane.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Repetitive Detailed Inspections/Lubrications/Freeplay Measurement/
Corrective Action

    (f) Do all the applicable actions, including any applicable 
corrective action, specified in Work Packages 1, 2, and 3 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-27A0194 
(for Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes) or Boeing 
Service Bulletin 767-27A0195 (for Model 767-400ER series airplanes), 
both Revision 1, both dated July 21, 2005; as applicable. Do the 
actions at the applicable compliance time specified in Table 1 of 
paragraph 1.E. ``Compliance'' of the service bulletins; except, 
where the service bulletins specify a compliance time relative to 
the original issue date of the service bulletin, this AD requires 
compliance relative to the effective date of this AD. Where the 
service bulletins specify a compliance time relative to the delivery 
date of the airplane, this AD requires compliance relative to the 
date of issuance of the original standard airworthiness certificate. 
Do any applicable corrective action before further flight. Repeat 
the actions at the applicable repeat interval specified in Table 1 
of paragraph 1.E ``Compliance'' of the service bulletins.

Previously Accomplished Actions

    (g) For airplanes on which the drive mechanism of the horizontal 
stabilizer was replaced before the effective date of this AD with a 
drive mechanism that was not new or overhauled, and the detailed and 
freeplay inspections were not accomplished in

[[Page 58623]]

accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-27A0194 or 767-
27A0195, both dated August 21, 2003, as applicable: Within 4,000 
flight hours or 24 months after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever is first, accomplish the inspections and perform any 
applicable corrective action before further flight in accordance 
with Work Package 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 
Service Bulletin 767-27A0194 or Boeing Service Bulletin 767-27A0195, 
both Revision 1, both dated July 21, 2005; as applicable.
    (h) For Model 767 airplanes that have line numbers 002 through 
175 inclusive: Accomplishing the initial inspection, applicable 
corrective action, and lubrication before the effective date of this 
AD in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-27A0185, 
dated July 10, 2003; is considered acceptable for compliance with 
the applicable actions required by paragraph (f) of this AD.

    Note 1: Boeing Service Bulletins 767-27A0194 and 767-27A0195, 
both Revision 1, both dated July 21, 2005, refer to the 767 Airplane 
Maintenance Manuals (AMM) in Table 1 of this AD as additional 
sources of service information for accomplishing the detailed 
inspections, lubrications, freeplay measurements, and corrective 
action.


           Table 1.--Additional Sources of Service Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Boeing AMM                             Subject
------------------------------------------------------------------------
767-200.................................................        27-41-10
767-200.................................................        12-21-05
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Parts Installation

    (i) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
on any airplane a horizontal stabilizer trim actuator unless it is 
new or has been overhauled in accordance with Boeing Service 
Bulletins 767-27A0194 and 767-27A0195, both Revision 1, both dated 
July 21, 2005; or has been inspected, lubricated, and measured in 
accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (j) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, has 
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in 
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 30, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Airplane Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-20267 Filed 10-6-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P