Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 727 Airplanes, 19968-19971 [E8-7176]

Download as PDF 19968 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 72 / Monday, April 14, 2008 / Rules and Regulations regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. 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: I FAA AD Differences PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/ or service information as follows: No differences. 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: I Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: I 2008–08–03 Pacific Aerospace Limited: Amendment 39–15455; Docket No. FAA–2008–0175; Directorate Identifier 2007–CE–105–AD. Effective Date (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective May 19, 2008. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 750XL airplanes, serial numbers 101 through 107, certificated in any category. Subject (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 31: Instruments. cprice-sewell on PROD1PC62 with RULES Reason (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states: To prevent electrical malfunction from causing damage to the wiring that may result in arcing or fire, accomplish Pacific Aerospace Service Bulletin PACSB/XL/008. The MCAI requires the addition and replacement of certain pitot heat sensor circuit breakers and the addition of a cooling fan circuit. Actions and Compliance (f) Unless already done, within 100 hours time-in-service May 19, 2008 (the effective date of this AD), do the following actions following Pacific Aerospace Corporation Limited Mandatory Service Bulletin PACSB/ XL/008, dated July 8, 2004: (1) For airplanes only authorized to operate under visual flight rules (VFR) flight: VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:37 Apr 11, 2008 Jkt 214001 (i) Add a ten-amp circuit breaker supplying the pitot heat system to the left hand switch panel; (ii) Replace the switching circuit breaker used as the pitot heat selector with a switch; and (iii) Add a three-amp fuse at the power bus at the supply to the avionics cooling fan connection. (2) For airplanes with serial numbers 101 through 107 that have been modified to operate under instrument flight rules (IFR) flight, contact Pacific Aerospace Corporation Limited at Pacific Aerospace Limited, Private Bag HN3027, Hamilton, New Zealand, telephone: +(64) 7–843–6144, fax: +(64) 7– 843–6134, e-mail: pacific@aerospace.co.nz., for FAA-approved procedures to comply with this AD, and follow the procedures prior to further flight. Other FAA AD Provisions (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329–4146; fax: (816) 329–4090. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et.seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120–0056. Related Information (h) Refer to MCAI Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand AD DCA/750XL/2, dated September 30, 2004; and Pacific Aerospace Corporation Limited Mandatory Service Bulletin PACSB/XL/008, dated July 8, 2004, for related information. Material Incorporated by Reference (h) You must use Pacific Aerospace Corporation Limited Mandatory Service Bulletin PACSB/XL/008, dated July 8, 2004; Pacific Aerospace Corporation Ltd 750XL Maintenance Manual Drawing 11–81101, PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Assembly, Switch Panel—LH, dated October 15, 2003; and Pacific Aerospace Corporation Ltd 750XL Maintenance Manual Drawing 11– 81519, Schematics Miscellaneous Circuits, dated October 10, 2003, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Pacific Aerospace Corporation Limited at Pacific Aerospace Limited, Private Bag HN3027, Hamilton, New Zealand, telephone: +(64) 7–843–6144, fax: +(64) 7–843–6134, e-mail: pacific@aerospace.co.nz. (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or 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: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/ cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 31, 2008. Kim Smith, Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8–7167 Filed 4–11–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–0227; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–159–AD; Amendment 39–15454; AD 2008–08–02] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 727 Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 727 airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking or corrosion of the threaded end of the lower segment of the main landing gear (MLG) side strut, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also requires prior or concurrent inspection for cracking or corrosion of the threads and thread relief area of the lower segment, corrective action if necessary, and re-assembly using corrosion inhibiting compound. This AD results from reports of the threads cracking on the MLG side strut lower segment. We are issuing this AD to E:\FR\FM\14APR1.SGM 14APR1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 72 / Monday, April 14, 2008 / Rules and Regulations prevent a fractured side strut, which could result in collapse of the MLG. DATES: This AD is effective May 19, 2008. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of May 19, 2008. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124–2207. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// 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 (telephone 800–647–5527) is the Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West 19969 Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Berhane Alazar, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 917–6577; fax (425) 917–6590. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: for cracking or corrosion of the threads and thread relief area of the lower segment, corrective action if necessary, and re-assembly using corrosion inhibiting compound. Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to all Boeing Model 727 airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on November 26, 2007 (72 FR 65913). That NPRM proposed to require repetitive inspections for cracking or corrosion of the threaded end of the lower segment of the main landing gear (MLG) side strut, and corrective actions if necessary. That NPRM also proposed to require prior or concurrent inspection Conclusion Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We considered the single comment received. Boeing supports the NPRM. We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed. Costs of Compliance There are about 842 airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. This AD affects about 459 airplanes of U.S. registry. The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to comply with this AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work hour. ESTIMATED COSTS Action Work hours Inspection ........................................ Prior/concurrent actions .................. 12 ................ Up to 6 ........ 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. cprice-sewell on PROD1PC62 with RULES Average labor rate per hour 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 VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:31 Apr 11, 2008 Jkt 214001 $80 80 Cost per airplane $960, per inspection cycle .............. Up to $480 ...................................... 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. You can find our regulatory evaluation and the estimated costs of compliance in the AD Docket. 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: I PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fleet cost Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 $440,640, per inspection cycle. Up to $220,320. PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: I Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: I 2008–08–02 Boeing: Amendment 39–15454. Docket No. FAA–2007–0227; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–159–AD. Effective Date (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 19, 2008. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to all Model 727, 727C, 727–100, 727–100C, 727–200, and 727–200F series airplanes, certificated in any category. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from reports of the threads cracking on the main landing gear (MLG) side strut lower segment. We are issuing this AD to prevent a fractured side strut, which could result in collapse of the MLG. E:\FR\FM\14APR1.SGM 14APR1 19970 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 72 / Monday, April 14, 2008 / Rules and Regulations 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. Inspections and Corrective Actions (f) At the latest applicable time in paragraph (f)(1), (f)(2), or (f)(3) of this AD: Do detailed and magnetic particle inspections for cracking or corrosion of the threaded end of the lower segment of the MLG side strut and do all applicable corrective actions as specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727–32–0338, Revision 4, dated April 7, 2007. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 120 months. (1) Within 48 months after the last MLG overhaul. (2) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD. (3) Within 120 months after the last MLG overhaul for airplanes on which the actions in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727–32–0338, Revision 4, dated April 7, 2007, have been accomplished before the effective date of this AD. Prior/Concurrent Requirements (g) Prior to or concurrently with the actions required by paragraph (f) of this AD: Do all applicable actions specified in the service bulletins listed in Table 1 of this AD. Where the lubrication and corrosion protection procedures in any service bulletin listed in Table 1 of this AD differ from those in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727–32– 0338, Revision 4, dated April 7, 2007, use the procedures in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727–32–0338, Revision 4. TABLE 1.—PRIOR/CONCURRENT REQUIREMENTS For— Service Bulletin— Describes procedures for these prior or concurrent actions— (1) All airplanes .................................................. Boeing Special Attention 727–32–0411, Revision 1, dated February 19, 2007. (2) Airplanes specified as Options III, IV and V configurations in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727–32–0338, Revision 4. Boeing 727 Service Bulletin 32–79, Revision 1, dated February 27, 1967. Inspecting for corrosion or cracking of the threads and thread relief area of the swivel clevis, and improving the corrosion protection of the swivel clevis fitting threads in commonly affected airplanes. Modifying the MLG side strut universal joint. Boeing 727 Service Bulletin 32–157, dated August 30, 1968. (3) Airplanes specified as Option V configuration in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 727–32–0338, Revision 4. Boeing Service Bulletin 727–32–268, Revision 2, dated February 20, 1981. Boeing Service Bulletin 727–57–163, dated September 17, 1982. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (h)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. (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 (i) You must use the applicable service information listed in Table 2 of this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of Replacing the MLG side strut swivel bushing, incorporating only parts kit 65–89855–1, and not installing the lube fitting in the lower segment. Inspecting and modifying the MLG side strut. Resolving the interference between the MLG gear beam and the MLG side strut. this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124–2207. (3) You may review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 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: https://www.archives.gov/federal_register/ code_of_federal_regulations/ ibr_locations.html. TABLE 2.—MATERIAL INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE cprice-sewell on PROD1PC62 with RULES Service Bulletin Boeing Boeing Boeing Boeing Boeing Boeing Revision Special Attention Service Bulletin 727–32–0338 ................................................................ Special Attention Service Bulletin 727–32–0411 ................................................................ 727 Service Bulletin 32–157 ............................................................................................... 727 Service Bulletin 32–79 ................................................................................................. Service Bulletin 727–32–268 .............................................................................................. Service Bulletin 727–57–163 .............................................................................................. VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:37 Apr 11, 2008 Jkt 214001 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Date 4 ................................ 1 ................................ Original ...................... 1 ................................ 2 ................................ Original ...................... April 7, 2007. February 19, 2007. August 30, 1968. February 27, 1967. February 20, 1981. September 17, 1982. E:\FR\FM\14APR1.SGM 14APR1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 72 / Monday, April 14, 2008 / Rules and Regulations Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 28, 2008. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8–7176 Filed 4–11–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2006–25173; Directorate Identifier 2006–NE–24–AD; Amendment 39– 15453; AD 2008–08–01] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; McCauley Propeller Systems Propeller Models B5JFR36C1101/114GCA–0, C5JFR36C1102/L114GCA–0, B5JFR36C1103/114HCA–0, and C5JFR36C1104/L114HCA–0 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. cprice-sewell on PROD1PC62 with RULES AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding three existing airworthiness directives (ADs) for McCauley Propeller Systems propeller models B5JFR36C1101/ 114GCA–0, C5JFR36C1102/L114GCA–0, B5JFR36C1103/114HCA–0, and C5JFR36C1104/L114HCA–0. Those ADs currently require fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPI) and eddy current inspections (ECI) of propeller blades for cracks, and if any crack indications are found, removing the blade from service. This AD requires the same initial inspections, but extends the compliance times and intervals, adds repetitive inspections, and mandates a life limit for the blades. This AD results from our determination that we must require repetitive inspections for cracks, and from reports of blunt leading edges of the propeller blades due to erosion. We are issuing this AD to detect cracks in the propeller blade that could cause failure and separation of the propeller blade and loss of control of the airplane, and to detect blunt leading edges on the propeller blades, which could cause airplane single engine climb performance degradation and could result in an increased risk of collision with terrain. DATES: This AD becomes effective May 19, 2008. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations as of May 19, 2008. ADDRESSES: You can get the service information identified in this AD from VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:37 Apr 11, 2008 Jkt 214001 McCauley Propeller Systems, P.O. Box 7704, Wichita, KS 67277–7704, telephone (800) 621–7767. The Docket Operations office is located at Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeff Janusz, Aerospace Engineer, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, KS 67209; email: jeff.janusz@faa.gov; telephone: (316) 946–4148; fax: (316) 946–4107. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 by superseding AD 2003–15–01, Amendment 39–13243 (68 FR 42244, July 17, 2003); AD 2003–17–10, Amendment 39–13285 (68 FR 50462, August 21, 2003); and AD 2006–15–13, Amendment 39–14693 (71 FR 42258, July 26, 2006), with a proposed AD. The proposed AD applies to McCauley Propeller Systems propeller models B5JFR36C1101/114GCA–0, C5JFR36C1102/L114GCA–0, B5JFR36C1103/114HCA–0, and C5JFR36C1104/L114HCA–0. We published the proposed AD in the Federal Register on November 1, 2007 (72 FR 61824). That action proposed to require the same initial inspections as the three ADs being superseded, but to extend the compliance times and intervals, to add repetitive inspections, and to mandate a life limit for the blades. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 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 street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is provided in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. Comments We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the development of this AD. We have considered the one comment received. The commenter supports the proposal. We also found we needed to clarify that blades that had crack indications were no longer eligible for installation on any other airframe or in any other configuration. We clarified the AD on the point. PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 19971 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 as proposed. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD will affect 22 propeller assemblies installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate that it will take about 47 work-hours per propeller to perform the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $260 per propeller. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of the AD to U.S. operators to be $88,440. 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 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 summary of the costs to comply with this AD and placed it in E:\FR\FM\14APR1.SGM 14APR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 72 (Monday, April 14, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19968-19971]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-7176]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-0227; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-159-AD; 
Amendment 39-15454; AD 2008-08-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 727 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Boeing Model 727 airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections for 
cracking or corrosion of the threaded end of the lower segment of the 
main landing gear (MLG) side strut, and corrective actions if 
necessary. This AD also requires prior or concurrent inspection for 
cracking or corrosion of the threads and thread relief area of the 
lower segment, corrective action if necessary, and re-assembly using 
corrosion inhibiting compound. This AD results from reports of the 
threads cracking on the MLG side strut lower segment. We are issuing 
this AD to

[[Page 19969]]

prevent a fractured side strut, which could result in collapse of the 
MLG.

DATES: This AD is effective May 19, 2008.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of May 19, 2008.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-
2207.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
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 (telephone 800-647-5527) is the 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: Berhane Alazar, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
917-6577; fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to 
all Boeing Model 727 airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal 
Register on November 26, 2007 (72 FR 65913). That NPRM proposed to 
require repetitive inspections for cracking or corrosion of the 
threaded end of the lower segment of the main landing gear (MLG) side 
strut, and corrective actions if necessary. That NPRM also proposed to 
require prior or concurrent inspection for cracking or corrosion of the 
threads and thread relief area of the lower segment, corrective action 
if necessary, and re-assembly using corrosion inhibiting compound.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We considered the single comment received. Boeing supports the 
NPRM.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
the AD as proposed.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 842 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. This AD affects about 459 airplanes of U.S. registry. 
The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to 
comply with this AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work hour.

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Average labor
             Action                    Work hours        rate per hour   Cost per airplane        Fleet cost
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection......................  12..................             $80  $960, per            $440,640, per
                                                                         inspection cycle.    inspection cycle.
Prior/concurrent actions........  Up to 6.............              80  Up to $480.........  Up to $220,320.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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), 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.
    You can find our regulatory evaluation and the estimated costs of 
compliance in the AD Docket.

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 FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2008-08-02 Boeing: Amendment 39-15454. Docket No. FAA-2007-0227; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-159-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 19, 2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Model 727, 727C, 727-100, 727-100C, 
727-200, and 727-200F series airplanes, certificated in any 
category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from reports of the threads cracking on the 
main landing gear (MLG) side strut lower segment. We are issuing 
this AD to prevent a fractured side strut, which could result in 
collapse of the MLG.

[[Page 19970]]

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.

Inspections and Corrective Actions

    (f) At the latest applicable time in paragraph (f)(1), (f)(2), 
or (f)(3) of this AD: Do detailed and magnetic particle inspections 
for cracking or corrosion of the threaded end of the lower segment 
of the MLG side strut and do all applicable corrective actions as 
specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 727-32-0338, Revision 4, dated April 7, 
2007. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight. 
Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 120 
months.
    (1) Within 48 months after the last MLG overhaul.
    (2) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD.
    (3) Within 120 months after the last MLG overhaul for airplanes 
on which the actions in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 
727-32-0338, Revision 4, dated April 7, 2007, have been accomplished 
before the effective date of this AD.

Prior/Concurrent Requirements

    (g) Prior to or concurrently with the actions required by 
paragraph (f) of this AD: Do all applicable actions specified in the 
service bulletins listed in Table 1 of this AD. Where the 
lubrication and corrosion protection procedures in any service 
bulletin listed in Table 1 of this AD differ from those in Boeing 
Special Attention Service Bulletin 727-32-0338, Revision 4, dated 
April 7, 2007, use the procedures in Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 727-32-0338, Revision 4.

                 Table 1.--Prior/Concurrent Requirements
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Describes procedures
            For--              Service Bulletin--    for these prior or
                                                    concurrent actions--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) All airplanes...........  Boeing Special        Inspecting for
                               Attention 727-32-     corrosion or
                               0411, Revision 1,     cracking of the
                               dated February 19,    threads and thread
                               2007.                 relief area of the
                                                     swivel clevis, and
                                                     improving the
                                                     corrosion
                                                     protection of the
                                                     swivel clevis
                                                     fitting threads in
                                                     commonly affected
                                                     airplanes.
(2) Airplanes specified as    Boeing 727 Service    Modifying the MLG
 Options III, IV and V         Bulletin 32-79,       side strut
 configurations in Boeing      Revision 1, dated     universal joint.
 Special Attention Service     February 27, 1967.
 Bulletin 727-32-0338,
 Revision 4.
                              Boeing 727 Service    Replacing the MLG
                               Bulletin 32-157,      side strut swivel
                               dated August 30,      bushing,
                               1968.                 incorporating only
                                                     parts kit 65-89855-
                                                     1, and not
                                                     installing the lube
                                                     fitting in the
                                                     lower segment.
(3) Airplanes specified as    Boeing Service        Inspecting and
 Option V configuration in     Bulletin 727-32-      modifying the MLG
 Boeing Special Attention      268, Revision 2,      side strut.
 Service Bulletin 727-32-      dated February 20,
 0338, Revision 4.             1981.
                              Boeing Service        Resolving the
                               Bulletin 727-57-      interference
                               163, dated            between the MLG
                               September 17, 1982.   gear beam and the
                                                     MLG side strut.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (h)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in 
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
    (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different 
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. 
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC 
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA 
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local 
FSDO.
    (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

    (i) You must use the applicable service information listed in 
Table 2 of this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the 
AD specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 
98124-2207.
    (3) You may review copies of the service information that is 
incorporated by reference at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 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: https://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_
regulations/ibr_locations.html.

                                  Table 2.--Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Service Bulletin                           Revision                               Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing Special Attention Service        4..................................  April 7, 2007.
 Bulletin 727-32-0338.
Boeing Special Attention Service        1..................................  February 19, 2007.
 Bulletin 727-32-0411.
Boeing 727 Service Bulletin 32-157....  Original...........................  August 30, 1968.
Boeing 727 Service Bulletin 32-79.....  1..................................  February 27, 1967.
Boeing Service Bulletin 727-32-268....  2..................................  February 20, 1981.
Boeing Service Bulletin 727-57-163....  Original...........................  September 17, 1982.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



[[Page 19971]]

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 28, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-7176 Filed 4-11-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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