[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 156 (Tuesday, August 13, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 49229-49232]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-19531]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0690; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-088-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede airworthiness directive (AD) 2009-24-
07, which applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, and -800 series airplanes. AD 2009-24-07 currently requires 
repetitive lubrications of the right and left main landing gear (MLG) 
forward trunnion pins. AD 2009-24-07 also requires an inspection for 
discrepancies of the transition radius of the MLG forward trunnion 
pins, and corrective actions if necessary. For certain airplanes, AD 
2009-24-07 requires repetitive detailed inspections for discrepancies 
(including finish damage, corrosion, pitting, and base metal scratches) 
of the transition radius of the left and right MLG trunnion pins, and 
corrective action if necessary. Replacing or overhauling the trunnion 
pins would terminate the actions required by AD 2009-24-07. This 
proposed AD would add airplanes to the applicability of AD 2009-24-07. 
We are proposing this AD to prevent stress corrosion cracking of the 
forward trunnion pins, which could result in fracture of the pins and 
consequent collapse of the MLG.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 27, 
2013.

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, WA 98124-2207; telephone 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, Washington 98057-3356. 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://

[[Page 49230]]

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: Nancy Marsh, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone 425-917-
6440; fax 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2013-0690; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-088-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

    On November 12, 2009, we issued AD 2009-24-07, Amendment 39-16095 
(74 FR 62231, November 27, 2009), for certain Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, and -800 series airplanes. AD 2009-24-07 requires repetitive 
lubrications of the right and left main landing gear (MLG) forward 
trunnion pins. AD 2009-24-07 also requires an inspection for 
discrepancies of the transition radius of the MLG forward trunnion 
pins, and corrective actions if necessary. For certain airplanes, AD 
2009-24-07 also requires repetitive detailed inspections for 
discrepancies (including finish damage, corrosion, pitting, and base 
metal scratches) of the transition radius of the left and right MLG 
trunnion pins, and corrective action if necessary. Replacing or 
overhauling the trunnion pins would terminate the actions required by 
that AD. AD 2009-24-07 resulted from a report that the protective 
finishes on the forward trunnion pins for the left and right MLG might 
have been damaged during final assembly. We issued AD 2009-24-07 to 
prevent stress corrosion cracking of the forward trunnion pins, which 
could result in fracture of the pins and consequent collapse of the 
MLG.

Actions Since AD 2009-24-07 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2009-24-07, we have determined that airplanes 
outside the applicability of AD 2009-24-07, including Model 737-900 
airplanes, are also subject to the identified unsafe condition. This 
determination is due to reports of corrosion protection damage to the 
forward trunnion pin on some of those airplanes.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-1402, 
Revision 1, dated February 7, 2013. For information on the procedures 
and compliance times, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. FAA-2013-0690.

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 design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    Although this proposed AD does not explicitly restate the 
requirements of AD 2009-24-07, this proposed AD would retain all of the 
requirements of AD 2009-24-07. Those requirements are referenced in the 
service information identified previously, which, in turn, is 
referenced in paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this proposed AD. This 
proposed AD would also add airplanes to the applicability statement of 
AD 2009-24-07. This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions 
specified in the service information described previously.
    The phrase ``corrective actions'' is used in this proposed AD. 
``Corrective actions'' are actions that correct or address any 
condition found. Corrective actions in an AD could include, for 
example, repairs.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 431 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                                     Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                 Number of
                                                          Average                                                  U.S.-
                  Action                    Work hours   labor rate     Parts           Cost per product         registered           Fleet cost
                                                          per hour                                               airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repetitive lubrications..................            1          $85           $0  $85 per lubrication.........          431  $8,500 per lubrication.
Repetitive inspections...................            8           85            0  $680 per inspection cycle...          431  $68,000 per inspection
                                                                                                                              cycle.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed 
AD.

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.

[[Page 49231]]

Regulatory Findings

    We have 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 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),
    (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

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 removing airworthiness directive (AD) 
2009-24-07, Amendment 39-16095 (74 FR 62231, November 27, 2009), and 
adding the following new AD:

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2013-0690; Directorate Identifier 
2013-NM-088-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by September 27, 
2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2009-24-07, Amendment 39-16095 (74 FR 
62231, November 27, 2009).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, -800 and -900 series airplanes, certificated in any category; 
as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-
1402, Revision 1, dated February 7, 2013.

(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 a report that the protective finishes on 
the forward trunnion pins for the left and right MLG might have been 
damaged during final assembly. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
stress corrosion cracking of the forward trunnion pins, which could 
result in fracture of the pins and consequent collapse of the MLG.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Repetitive Lubrications

    At the applicable compliance time specified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-
1402, Revision 1, dated February 7, 2013, except as required by 
paragraph (j) of this AD: Lubricate the left and right MLG forward 
trunnion pins, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-1402, Revision 1, 
dated February 7, 2013. Repeat the lubrication thereafter at the 
applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' until 
all applicable requirements of paragraph (h) of this AD have been 
accomplished.

(h) Inspection

    At the applicable compliance time specified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-
1402, Revision 1, dated February 7, 2013, except as required by 
paragraph (j) of this AD: Except as provided by paragraph (i) of 
this AD, do a detailed inspection for discrepancies (including 
finish damage, corrosion, pitting, and base metal scratches) of the 
transition radius of the left and right MLG trunnion pins, and do 
all applicable repetitive inspections and related investigative and 
corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-
1402, Revision 1, dated February 7, 2013. Accomplishing the detailed 
inspections (initial and repetitive) and all applicable corrective 
actions specified in this paragraph terminates the repetitive 
lubrication requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.

(i) Optional Terminating Action

    Overhauling or replacing a trunnion pin in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-32-1402, Revision 1, dated February 7, 2013, ends the 
repetitive lubrication requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD, and 
the actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD, for that pin only.

(j) Exception to Service Information Specifications

    Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-1402, 
Revision 1, dated February 7, 2013, specifies a compliance time 
``from the date of Revision 1 of this service bulletin,'' this AD 
requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the 
effective date of this AD.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by this 
AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of 
this AD using Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-1402, 
dated August 6, 2008.

(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle 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 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.
    (4) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2009-24-07, 
Amendment 39-16095 (74 FR 62231, November 27, 2009), are approved as 
AMOCs for the corresponding actions required by paragraphs (g) and 
(h) of this AD.

(m) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Nancy Marsh, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 
98057-3356; phone 425-917-6440; fax 425-917-6590; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) 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; telephone 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, Washington 98057-3356. For information on 
the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. You 
may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
Washington 98057-3356. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.


[[Page 49232]]


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 2, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.

[FR Doc. 2013-19531 Filed 8-12-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P