[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 192 (Wednesday, October 3, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60285-60288]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-23790]



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  Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 192 / Wednesday, October 3, 2012 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 60285]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0424; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-004-AD; 
Amendment 39-17205; AD 2012-19-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
of The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This AD was prompted by heat 
damage and cracks at the pivot joint location of the main landing gear 
(MLG) inner cylinder/truck beam. This AD requires 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 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.

DATES: This AD is effective November 7, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of November 7, 
2012.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; phone: 206-544-5000, 
extension 1; fax: 206-766-5680; 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, WA. 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The address for the 
Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is Document Management Facility, 
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West 
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Melanie Violette, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6422; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM published in the Federal Register on May 1, 2012 (77 FR 
25647). That NPRM proposed to 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.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal 
(77 FR 24647, May 1, 2012), and the FAA's response to each comment.

Support for the NPRM (77 FR 25647, May 1, 2012)

    United Airlines agrees with the intent of the NPRM (77 FR 24647, 
May 1, 2012).

Requests to Extend Compliance Time

    FedEx and Air France requested that we revise the compliance time 
for the inspection specified in paragraph (g) of the NPRM (77 FR 25647, 
May 1, 2012) to coincide with the time between overhaul (TBO) of the 
MLG for their respective fleets. The applicable compliance time 
specified in the NPRM for the FedEx fleet would be 3,000 days; the TBO 
for the FedEx fleet is 3,650 days. The applicable compliance time 
specified in the NPRM for the Air France fleet would be 3,750 days; the 
TBO for the Air France fleet is 4,015 days. FedEx noted that, of the 28 
cracked axles found during overhaul, none was fractured.
    We disagree to revise the compliance time. In developing an 
appropriate compliance time for this AD, we considered not only the 
safety implications, but the manufacturer's recommendations and the 
practical aspect of accomplishing the required actions within an 
interval of time that corresponds to typical scheduled maintenance for 
affected operators. Under the provisions of paragraph (l) of this final 
rule, however, we might consider requests for adjustments to the 
compliance time if data is submitted to substantiate that such an 
adjustment would provide an acceptable level of safety. We have not 
changed the final rule regarding this issue.

Requests for Alternative Provisions

    Boeing, FedEx, and All Nippon Airways requested that we revise 
paragraph (i) of the NPRM (77 FR 25647, May 1, 2012) to include an 
additional exception to the service information. The commenters 
requested that we allow the use of MIL-PRF-32014 grease as an 
alternative to the Royco 11MS grease for the lubrications specified in 
paragraph (g) of the NPRM. Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-32-0082, 
dated December 9, 2010 (referenced in the NPRM as the appropriate 
source of service information for this lubrication), replaces the Royco 
11MS grease with

[[Page 60286]]

MIL-PRF-32014 grease for lubricating and installing the MLG pivot joint 
components.
    Boeing asserted that MIL-PRF-32014 grease provides the same 
lubricating properties as Royco 11MS grease. Boeing and FedEx noted 
that use of MIL-PRF-32014 grease across the fleet will avoid 
intermixing grease types and prevent the need to track which grease has 
been applied on each airplane. FedEx reported it has already 
standardized to MIL-PRF-32014 grease to ensure that there is no 
intermixing of greases. Boeing reported that Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 777-32A0082, dated December 9, 2010, will be revised to allow 
use of MIL-PRF-32014 grease as an optional grease type, but this 
revision will not be available when the AD is issued.
    We agree with the request. Both greases have the same lubricating 
properties and will work with the original and new bushing materials. 
We have added new paragraph (i)(2) in this final rule (and redesignated 
paragraph (i) of the NPRM (77 FR 25647, May 1, 2012) as paragraph 
(i)(1) of this final rule) to allow the use of either MIL-PRF-32014 or 
Royco 11MS grease for the lubrications required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD.

Requests To Include Terminating Action

    FedEx, Air France, United Airlines, and All Nippon Airways 
requested that we revise paragraph (j) of the NPRM (77 FR 25647, May 1, 
2012) to provide terminating action for the repetitive inspections 
specified in paragraph (g) of the NPRM. FedEx stated that airplanes 
after incorporation of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-32-0085, dated April 
14, 2011, have the same configuration as new production airplanes. Air 
France stated that incorporation of Boeing Service Bulletin 777-32-
0085, dated April 14, 2011, and the incorporation of Item 32-CMR-01 of 
Section 9, Airworthiness Limitations of the Boeing 777 Maintenance 
Planning Document (MPD) into the airplane maintenance program 
terminates the repetitive inspections specified in paragraph (g) of the 
NPRM by modifying the MLG and including the repetitive lubrication in 
the airplane maintenance program.
    We agree that accomplishment of the actions specified in Boeing 
Service Bulletin 777-32-0085, dated April 14, 2011, involves a final 
inspection, modification to the MLG, and modification of the airplane 
maintenance program to terminate the repetitive inspections of 
paragraph (g) of this AD. Paragraph (j)(2) of this AD provides the 
optional terminating action. It is, therefore, unnecessary to revise 
that paragraph. We have made no changes to the AD in this regard.

Request To Clarify Specific Terminating Actions

    Air France noted that the optional terminating action specified in 
paragraph (j)(2) of the NPRM (77 FR 25647, May 1, 2012) does not 
specify the inner cylinder assembly upgrade with bushing replacement, 
as specified in Part 2, Option 2, of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-32-0085, dated April 14, 2011.
    We agree to revise the AD. Instead of identifying every action, 
however, we have revised paragraph (j)(2) in this final rule to require 
all applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Service Bulletin 777-32-0085, dated April 14, 2011.

Request for Warranty Support

    Air France expressed concern regarding the cost of the inspection 
and modification program, with no industry support from Boeing. Air 
France noted that an unsafe condition due to normal operation would be 
considered a major design defect. Air France requested that Boeing 
propose industry support to cover the maintenance burden of the design 
defect.
    Air France did not request any change to the AD. Further, we do not 
control warranty coverage for affected individuals. We have, therefore, 
not changed the AD regarding the estimated costs.

Request To Extend Compliance Time for On-Condition Action

    Air France reported that it found the service information 
instructions to be complex, with a high risk of grounding airplanes due 
to on-condition findings and a lack of Boeing support regarding the 
inner cylinder assembly. Air France requested that Boeing add service 
extension limits in case of on-condition findings.
    Air France did not specifically request a change to the AD. We 
cannot allow continued operation if cracking is detected, due to the 
safety implications and consequences of such cracking. We have not 
changed the final rule regarding this issue.

Request To Clarify On-Condition Actions

    Boeing requested that we revise the NPRM (77 FR 25647, May 1, 2012) 
to clarify the related investigative and corrective actions for the 
inner cylinder. Boeing noted minor differences between the wording of 
the NPRM and the wording of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-32A0082, 
dated December 9, 2010. Boeing requested that we revise the NPRM to 
more closely align with the Accomplishment Instructions of that service 
bulletin.
    We partially agree. We agree that Boeing's proposed changes are 
consistent with the procedures provided in the service information 
specified in the preamble of the NPRM (77 FR 24647, May 1, 2012). But 
this level of detail is not provided in the regulatory language of this 
AD. Instead, the AD refers to the service information for the required 
procedures. It is not necessary to revise the final rule to account for 
this request.

Request To Correct Service Bulletin Reference

    Boeing noted an incorrect reference to service information 
specified in the NPRM (77 FR 25647, May 1, 2012). Where the NPRM 
referred to ``Boeing Service Bulletin 777-32A0085,'' the correct 
service bulletin number is ``777-32-0085.'' We have revised paragraph 
(j)(2) of this AD accordingly.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
the AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     [Agr]re consistent with the intent that was proposed in 
the NPRM (77 FR 25647, May 1, 2012) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 25647, May 1, 2012).
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 160 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 60287]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Parts                              Cost on U.S.
              Action                      Labor cost          cost      Cost per product          operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lubrication of MLG pivot joints...  4 work-hours x $85            $0  $340 per lubrication  $54,400 per
                                     per hour = $340 per               cycle.                lubrication cycle.
                                     lubrication cycle.
Detailed and magnetic particle      39 work-hours x $85            0  $3,315 per            $530,400 per
 inspections.                        per hour = $3,315                 inspection cycle.     inspection cycle.
                                     per inspection cycle.
Inner cylinder lug bore inspection  6 work-hours x $85             0  $510 per inspection   $81,600 per
                                     per hour = $510 per               cycle.                inspection cycle.
                                     inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repairs or 
replacements that would be required based on the results of the 
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 x $85   $54,030...................  $56,155.
                                     per hour = $2,125.
Refinishing the lug bore and        12 work-hours x $85   Up to $3,526..............  Up to $4,546.
 faces, and installing new           per hour = $1,020.
 bushings.
Replacing the inner cylinder        46 work-hours x $85   Up to $254,847............  Up to $258,757.
 assembly cylinder assembly.         per hour = $3,910.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This 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 this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2012-19-10 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-17205; Docket No. FAA-
2012-0424; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-004-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective November 7, 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, except as provided by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD. 
Repeat the lubrication and inspections thereafter at the applicable 
interval specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing

[[Page 60288]]

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 are 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) Exceptions to Service Information

    (1) 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.
    (2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-32A0082, dated 
December 9, 2010, specifies use of Royco 11MS grease for the 
lubrication required by paragraph (g) of this AD, this AD also 
allows use of MIL-PRF-32014 grease.

(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) Accomplishment of all applicable actions specified in and in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin 777-32-0085, dated April 14, 2011, is considered acceptable 
for compliance with the requirements of 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: [email protected].
    (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

    For more information about this AD, contact Melanie Violette, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; phone: 425-917-6422; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
[email protected].

(n) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use the following service information to do the 
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 777-32A0082, dated December 9, 
2010.
    (ii) Boeing Service Bulletin 777-32-0085, dated April 14, 2011.
    (iii) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-32-0080, 
dated July 10, 2008.
    (iv) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-32-0080, 
Revision 1, dated April 16, 2009.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P. O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; phone: 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax: 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (4) You may review copies of the referenced service information 
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
    (5) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 19, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-23790 Filed 10-2-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P