[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 182 (Thursday, September 19, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 57542-57545]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-22784]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0789; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-127-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) 2012-12-
08, which applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 777-200 and -300 
series airplanes. AD 2012-12-08 requires an inspection for the part 
number of the fuse pin, and replacement of the pin if necessary. Since 
we issued AD 2012-12-08, we have determined that additional airplanes 
may be subject to the identified unsafe condition. This proposed AD 
would retain the actions required by AD 2012-12-08 and add airplanes to 
the applicability. We are proposing this AD to prevent structural 
damage to the side and drag brace lock assemblies, which could result 
in

[[Page 57543]]

landing gear collapse during touchdown, rollout, or taxi.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 4, 
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. 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: Melanie Violette, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6422; 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-2013-0789; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-127-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 June 7, 2012, we issued AD 2012-12-08, Amendment 39-17088 (77 FR 
37781, June 25, 2012) (``AD 2012-12-08''), for certain The Boeing 
Company Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes. (A correction of AD 
2012-12-08 was published in the Federal Register on July 20, 2012 (77 
FR 42625)). AD 2012-12-08 requires an inspection for the part number of 
the fuse pin, and replacement of the pin if necessary. AD 2012-12-08 
resulted from reports of cracked retract actuator fuse pins that could 
fail earlier than the previously determined safe life limit of the 
pins. A fractured retract actuator fuse pin can cause the main landing 
gear (MLG) to extend without restriction and attempt to lock into 
position under high dynamic loads. We issued AD 2012-12-08 to prevent 
structural damage to the side and drag brace lock assemblies, which 
could result in landing gear collapse during touchdown, rollout, or 
taxi.

Actions Since AD 2012-12-08 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2012-12-08, it was discovered that an 
interchangeability error in the Boeing 777 Illustrated Parts Catalog 
(IPC) permitted replacing the new pin (-3) with the old pin (-1). 
Therefore, we have determined that additional airplanes may be subject 
to the identified unsafe condition.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-32-0083, 
Revision 2, dated May 2, 2013. For information on the procedures and 
compliance times, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. FAA-2013-0789.

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 these same type 
designs.

Proposed AD Requirements

    Although this proposed AD does not explicitly restate the 
requirements of AD 2012-12-08, this proposed AD would retain all 
requirements of AD 2012-12-08. Those requirements are referenced in the 
service information identified previously, which, in turn, is 
referenced in paragraph (g) of this proposed AD. This proposed AD would 
add airplanes to the applicability statement of AD 2012-12-08.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 129 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
              Action                        Labor cost            Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection........................  5 work-hours x $85 per                 $0             $425          $54,825
                                     hour = $425.
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    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. 
We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need 
these replacements:

[[Page 57544]]



                                               On-Condition Costs
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                Action                        Labor cost               Parts cost            Cost per product
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Pin Replacement......................  1 work-hour x $85 per    $700 per pin...........  $785 per pin.
                                        hour = $85 per pin.
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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 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) 
2012-12-08, Amendment 39-17088 (77 FR 37781, June 25, 2012; corrected 
July 20, 2012 (77 FR 42625)), and adding the following new AD:

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2013-0789; Directorate Identifier 
2013-NM-127-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by November 4, 
2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2012-12-08, Amendment 39-17088 (77 FR 
37781, June 25, 2012; corrected July 20, 2012 (77 FR 42625)).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200 and -300 
series airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in 
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-32-0083, Revision 2, 
dated May 2, 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 determination that additional 
airplanes may be subject to the identified unsafe condition. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent structural damage to the side and drag 
brace lock assemblies, which could result in landing gear collapse 
during touchdown, rollout, or taxi.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Part Number Inspection and Replacement

    Except as required by paragraph (h) of this AD, at the 
applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of 
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-32-0083, Revision 2, 
dated May 2, 2013: Inspect the retract actuator fuse pin to 
determine the part number, and replace any retract actuator fuse pin 
having part number 112W1769-1, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-32-
0083, Revision 2, dated May 2, 2013. A review of airplane 
maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the 
part number of the retract actuator fuse pin can be conclusively 
determined from that review. Do all applicable replacements at the 
applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of 
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-32-0083, Revision 2, 
dated May 2, 2013.

(h) Exception to Service Information Specifications

    Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-32-0083, 
Revision 2, dated May 2, 2013, specifies a compliance time ``after 
the Revision 2 date of this service bulletin,'' this AD requires 
compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective 
date of this AD.

(i) Parts Installation Prohibition

    (1) For airplanes identified in Group 1 of Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 777-32-0083, Revision 2, dated May 2, 
2013: As of July 30, 2012 (the effective date of AD 2012-12-08, 
Amendment 39-17088 (77 FR 37781, June 25, 2012; corrected July 20, 
2012 (77 FR 42625)), no person may install a retract actuator fuse 
pin having part number 112W1769-1 on any airplane.
    (2) For airplanes identified in Group 2 of Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 777-32-0083, Revision 2, dated May 2, 
2013: As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
retract actuator fuse pin having part number 112W1769-1 on any 
airplane.

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of AD 2012-12-08, Amendment 39-17088 (77 FR 37781, 
June 25, 2012; corrected July 20, 2012 (77 FR 42625)) using Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-32-0083, dated February 5, 
2009, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 777-32-0083, Revision 1, dated February 17, 2011, which is 
not incorporated by reference in this AD.

(k) 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

[[Page 57545]]

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.

(l) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Melanie 
Violette, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, 
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6422; 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. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 13, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-22784 Filed 9-18-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P