Airworthiness directives: Boeing, 17691-17694 [06-3194]
Agencies
[Federal Register: April 7, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 67)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 17691-17694]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr07ap06-1]
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[[Page 17691]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2004-19866; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-25-AD;
Amendment 39-14541; AD 2006-07-14]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -300F
Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes. This AD
requires verifying the part and serial numbers of certain main landing
gear (MLG) bogie beam pivot pins; replacing those pivot pins with new
or overhauled pivot pins if necessary; and ultimately replacing all
pivot pins with new, improved pivot pins. This AD also requires
repetitive lubrications and inspections of the pivot pin, and related
investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from
reports indicating that numerous fractures of the MLG bogie beam pivot
pin have been found and that some pivot pins may have had improper
rework during manufacture. We are issuing this AD to prevent fracture
of the MLG bogie beam pivot pin, which could lead to possible loss of
the MLG truck during takeoff or landing and consequent loss of control
of the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective May 12, 2006.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of May 12, 2006.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov
or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building,
Room PL-401, Washington, DC.
Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124-2207, for service information identified in this AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Candice Gerretsen, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
917-6428; fax (425) 917-6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Examining the Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov
or 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 street address stated in the
ADDRESSES section.
Discussion
The FAA issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM)
to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to certain
Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes. That SNPRM was
published in the Federal Register on November 9, 2005 (70 FR 67939).
That SNPRM proposed to require verifying the part and serial numbers of
certain main landing gear (MLG) bogie beam pivot pins; replacing those
pivot pins with new or overhauled pivot pins if necessary; and
ultimately replacing all pivot pins with new, improved pivot pins. That
SNPRM also proposed to require repetitive lubrications and inspections
of the pivot pin, and related investigative and corrective actions if
necessary.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.
Request To Revise Paragraph (h)
The Boeing Company requests that the word ``inspection'' in the
last sentence of paragraph (h) of the SNPRM be removed. Boeing notes
that there are no inspection requirements in paragraph (h).
We agree. Paragraph (h) contains special lubrication requirements
and no inspection requirements. Therefore, we have changed the final
rule to clarify that doing the actions in paragraph (j) of the AD
terminates the special lubrication requirements of paragraph (h),
rather than the inspection requirements.
Request for New Interim Action
The Air Transport Association (ATA), on behalf of American
Airlines, does not object to the proposed lubrication and terminating
modification, but does not believe any of the three proposed inspection
options are viable. ATA and American recommend that the FAA and the
manufacturer develop a practical and effective interim action because
the daily pin measurements are impractical to perform. ATA and American
state that these measurements require accurate and unique tools, and
they are also physically awkward. In addition, ATA and American believe
that the second proposed option (the ultrasonic inspections) require
unique tools and may provide faulty readings due to the stamped part
number on the pin. ATA and American believe that these two options for
inspections may lead to unnecessary flight cancellation. ATA and
American also state that the third option (the detailed inspection)
requires pin removal, and there is no value added in removing and
reinstalling the old pin. American believes that airlines would prefer
to replace the pins at the time of inspection, which may cause an
industry shortage of pins.
We partially agree. We agree that ATA and American Airlines have
valid concerns, and we recognize that the proposed inspections may not
be suitable for each operator. For that reason we carefully considered
a variety of inspection methods with varying levels of reliability and
corresponding repeat intervals in order to ease the burden on
operators. In fact, the manufacturer developed its service information
with the participation of the ATA lead airline. Note that no single
method is required in order to comply with the AD. By providing
alternatives, we consider that a viable inspection method is available
to operators. We
[[Page 17692]]
disagree with re-developing interim actions because a variety of
inspection methods have already been provided. If American Airlines
wishes to use a new alternative inspection that provides an acceptable
level of safety, American Airlines may request an approval of an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with the procedures in
paragraph letter (l) of this AD. In regard to the availability of pins,
the manufacturer has assured us that sufficient new-material pins will
be supplied within the replacement schedule of this AD, so an industry
shortage of pins should not occur. Given that we have received 11
reports of failed pins since the issuance of the service information
that is cited in this AD, interim inspections are necessary until these
pins can be replaced. We have not changed the AD in this regard.
Request for Alternate Terminating Action
Japan Airlines notes that the terminating action provided in
paragraph (j) of the NPRM is written on the airplane level rather than
the component level. Japan Airlines requests that we include as a
terminating action in the AD the installation of an overhauled MLG
assembly with a new part number (P/N) 161T1145-5 pivot pin in
accordance with Boeing 767 Component Maintenance Manual (CMM) 32-11-30,
new bogie beam bushings in accordance with Boeing 767 CMM 32-11-50, and
inner cylinder pivot bushings in accordance with Boeing 767 CMM 32-11-
40. Japan Airlines believes that installing an overhauled MLG assembly
with the new part number is the same action as Part 5 of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 767-32A0199, Revision 2, dated May 26, 2005.
We partially agree. We infer that Japan Airlines wants to track AD
compliance by tracking MLG modification status rather than tracking
airplane status. We agree that installing an overhauled MLG assembly
with a new part number (P/N) 161T1145-5 pivot pin, is the same as the
terminating action provided in paragraph (j) of the NPRM; this action
would bring the airplane into compliance. However, by regulation AD
compliance is tracked at the airplane level rather than at the
component level. For this reason we do not agree with the commenter's
request. We have not changed the AD in this regard.
Request To Revise Costs of Compliance
The Boeing Company states that the estimated costs in the SNPRM are
incomplete and inaccurate. Boeing states that the costs do not reflect
those in the manufacturer's service information. In addition, Boeing
points out that the costs are a per-pin cost rather than a per-airplane
cost.
We partially agree. 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. In this case, the costs include only the time
to do the inspections, lubrications, and replacement. However, we have
revised the last two rows of the Estimated Costs table to multiply by
two the costs that were listed in the NPRM as ``per pivot pin'' to more
accurately reflect the costs per airplane.
Explanation of Further Change to NPRM
We have removed Note 2 of the NPRM, which gave a definition of a
``detailed inspection.'' Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-32A0199,
Revision 2, now includes this definition.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the
comments received, and determined that air safety and the public
interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously.
We have determined that these changes will neither increase the
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 857 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. The following table provides the estimated costs for
U.S. operators to comply with this AD.
Estimated Costs
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Number of
Average U.S.-
Action Work hours labor rate Parts Cost per airplane registered Fleet costs
per hour airplanes
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Pin Inspection....................... 1 $65 None.................... $65.................... 374 $24,310.
Repetitive Lubrication............... 1 65 None.................... $65, per lubrication 374 $24,310, per
cycle. lubrication cycle.
Repetitive Inspection Option 1: 1 65 None.................... $65, per inpsection 374 N/A.
Length Measurement. cycle.
Repetitive Inspection Option 2: 2 65 None.................... $130, per inspection 374 N/A.
Ultrasonic Inspection. cyle.
Repetitive Inspection Option 3: 14 65 None.................... $910, per inspection 374 N/A.
Detailed Inspection (with Pivot Pin cycle.
Removed).
Pivot Pin Short-term Replacement 12 65 $5,369.................. $11,518................ 374 N/A.
(Optional), per pivot pin.
Terminating Action (Permanent 14 65 $11,686................. $24,282................ 374 $9,081,468.
Replacement).
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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
[[Page 17693]]
products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that 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); 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 AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES
section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
2006-07-14 Boeing: Amendment 39-14541. Docket No. FAA-2004-19866;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-25-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective May 12, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -300F
series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-32A0202, dated July 22, 2004, and
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-32A0199, Revision 2, dated May 26,
2005.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from reports indicating that numerous
fractures of the main landing gear (MLG) bogie beam pivot pin have
been found and that some pivot pins may have had improper rework
during manufacture. We are issuing this AD to prevent fracture of
the MLG bogie beam pivot pin, which could lead to possible loss of
the MLG truck during takeoff or landing 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.
Inspection for Part Number and Serial Number, and Short-Term
Replacement
(f) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, do a
general visual inspection of the part number (P/N) and serial number
(S/N) of the MLG bogie beam pivot pin in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-
32A0202, dated July 22, 2004. A review of airplane maintenance
records is acceptable for compliance with this paragraph if the P/N
and S/N of the MLG bogie beam pivot pin can be positively determined
from that review.
(1) If the S/N of the pivot pin contains the letters ``MA'' or
``MAM,'' or if the S/N of the pivot pin is not listed in Figure 1 of
the service bulletin, no further action is required by this
paragraph.
(2) If any pivot pin has a P/N and S/N that is listed in Figure
1 of the service bulletin: Within 6 months after the effective date
of this AD, replace the pivot pin with an overhauled pin having P/N
161T1145-2, -3, or -4, that includes a chrome plate strip as part of
the pin overhaul; or with a new-material pin having P/N 161T1145-5;
in accordance with paragraph (j) of this AD. Replacing the pin with
a new-material pin having P/N 161T1145-5 in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin, terminates the
requirements of this AD for that pivot pin.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection
is: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area,
installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or
irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching
distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to
ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This
level of inspection is made under normally available lighting
conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or
droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or
doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain
proximity to the area being checked.''
Discrepancy Reporting
(g) If any pivot pin has a P/N and S/N listed in Figure 1 of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-32A0202, dated July 22, 2004,
submit a report of the inspection required by paragraph (f) of this
AD to the Manager, Airline Support, Boeing Commercial Airplanes,
P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207, at the applicable
time specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD. The report
must include the P/N and S/N of the pivot pin, a description of any
discrepancies found, the airplane serial number, and the number of
landings and flight hours on the airplane. Under the provisions of
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information
collection requirements contained in this AD and has assigned OMB
Control Number 2120-0056.
(1) If the inspection was done after the effective date of this
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of
this AD.
Repetitive Lubrication
(h) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Do the
pivot pin special lubrication in accordance with Part 1 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-
32A0199, Revision 2, dated May 26, 2005. Repeat the lubrication
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 14 days or 50 flight cycles,
whichever occurs earlier. Doing the terminating action in paragraph
(j) of this AD ends the special lubrication requirements of this
paragraph.
Repetitive Pin Inspections
(i) Except as provided by paragraph (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this
AD, at the applicable compliance time specified in paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-32A0199,
Revision 2, including Appendix A, dated May 26, 2005, do one of the
following inspections of the installed pivot pin in accordance with
the specified part of the service bulletin: Part 2--Length
Measurement, Part 3--Ultrasonic Inspection, or Part 4--Detailed
Inspection; and do all applicable related investigative and
corrective actions before further flight. Repeat the inspection
thereafter at the applicable interval specified in paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of the service bulletin. Doing the replacement
specified in paragraph (j) of this AD ends the inspection
requirements of this paragraph.
(1) Where the service bulletin specifies a compliance time based
on the release date of Revision 2 of the service bulletin, this AD
requires compliance based on the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where the Note at the end of Table 1 in paragraph 1.E.,
``Compliance,'' of the service bulletin specifies to contact Boeing
for a longer compliance time for ``Group 2 airplanes that have been
operated at weights less than 353,000 pounds since pivot pin
installation'': Operators must contact the Manager, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, for an alternative method of
compliance in accordance with paragraph (l) of this AD for any
requests for a longer compliance time.
[[Page 17694]]
Terminating Action
(j) At the applicable compliance time in paragraph (j)(1) or
(j)(2) of this AD, replace any MLG bogie beam pivot pin having P/N
161T1145-2, -3, or -4, with a new, improved pivot pin having P/N
161T1145-5; and do all applicable related investigative and
corrective actions before further flight; in accordance with Part 5
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
767-32A0199, Revision 2, dated May 26, 2005. Where the Note at the
end of Table 1 in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of the service
bulletin specifies to contact Boeing for a longer compliance time
for ``Group 2 airplanes that have been operated at weights less than
353,000 pounds since pivot pin installation'': Operators must
contact the Manager, Seattle ACO, for an alternative method of
compliance in accordance with paragraph (l) of this AD for any
requests for a longer compliance time. Doing the replacement in
accordance with this paragraph terminates the requirements of this
AD for that pivot pin.
(1) For airplanes identified in the service bulletin as Group 1
airplanes: Within 96 months after the effective date of this AD.
(2) For airplanes identified in the service bulletin as Group 2
airplanes: Within 48 months after the effective date of this AD.
Actions Accomplished According to Previous Issues of Service Bulletin
(k) Replacing any pivot pin with a new, improved pivot pin
having P/N 161T1145-5, before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with the service bulletins identified in Table 1 of this
AD is considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding
action specified in this AD.
Table 1.--Previous Issues of Service Bulletin
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin Revision Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
767-32A0199.................... Original........ April 8, 2004.
767-32A0199.................... 1............... July 22, 2004.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(l)(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards
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 an
Authorized Representative for the Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Delegation Option Authorization Organization who 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(m) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-32A0202,
dated July 22, 2004; and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-32A0199,
Revision 2, dated May 26, 2005; as applicable; to perform the
actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies
otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of these documents in accordance with 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207, for a copy
of this service information. You may review copies at the Docket
Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh
Street, SW., Room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the
Internet at https://dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to https://www.archives.gov/federal_register
/code--of--federal--regulations /
ibr--locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 24, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 06-3194 Filed 4-6-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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