Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 40828-40830 [2012-16963]

Download as PDF 40828 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 133 / Wednesday, July 11, 2012 / Proposed Rules 11590; telephone: (516) 228–7300; fax: (516) 794–5531. 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. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. (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. Comments Invited DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION upper torque link bolts with a new or serviceable part. We are proposing this AD to prevent damage to the MLG and consequent damage to airplane structure, which could adversely affect the airplane’s continued safe flight and landing. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 27, 2012. 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 https://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, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, MC D800–0019, Long Beach, CA 90846–0001; telephone 206–544–5000, extension 2; fax 206– 766–5683; Internet https:// www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. Federal Aviation Administration Examining the AD Docket Explanation of Proposed Compliance Time (k) Related Information (1) Refer to MCAI Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF–2012–10, dated March 12, 2012; and Bombardier Service Bulletin 670BA–53– 042, Revision A, dated April 27, 2012; for related information. (2) For service information identified in ˆ this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., 400 Cote´ Vertu Road West, Dorval, Quebec H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone 514–855–5000; fax 514– 855–7401; email thd.crj@aero.bombardier.com; Internet https:// www.bombardier.com. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 29, 2012. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–16960 Filed 7–10–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2012–0680; Directorate Identifier 2011–NM–247–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model DC–10–10 and MD–10–10F airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that the safe life limit on certain main landing gear (MLG) upper torque link bolts is reduced significantly due to incorrect fabrication. This proposed AD would require replacing certain MLG erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:44 Jul 10, 2012 Jkt 226001 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 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: Nenita Odesa, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712–4137; phone: (562) 627–5234; fax: (562) 627–5210; email: nenita.odesa@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 2012–0680; Directorate Identifier 2011– NM–247–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 https:// 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 We have received a report that the safe life limit on certain MLG upper torque link bolts is reduced significantly due to incorrect fabrication. This condition, if not corrected, could result in damage to the MLG and consequent damage to airplane structure, which could adversely affect the airplane’s continued safe flight and landing. Relevant Service Information We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10–32A260, dated September 30, 2011. The service information describes procedures for replacing certain MLG upper torque link bolts with a new or serviceable part. Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10– 32A260, dated September 30, 2011, specifies a compliance time of ‘‘before further flight or before 6,590 flight cycles from installation,’’ for replacing the MLG upper torque link bolt. This proposed AD would change the compliance time to ‘‘within 6,590 flight cycles from bolt installation or within 180 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.’’ We have determined that this compliance time would provide adequate time for the actions to be done without grounding airplanes. 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. E:\FR\FM\11JYP1.SGM 11JYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 133 / Wednesday, July 11, 2012 / Proposed Rules Proposed AD Requirements Costs of Compliance This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service information described previously. 40829 We estimate that this proposed AD affects 17 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: ESTIMATED COSTS Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators Bolt Replacement ................... 2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 ..................................... $9,340 $9,510 $161,670 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. erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 Regulatory Findings We 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 this 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. VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:44 Jul 10, 2012 Jkt 226001 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 Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA– 2012–0680; Directorate Identifier 2011– NM–247–AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by August 27, 2012. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model DC–10–10 and MD–10–10F airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10–32A260, dated September 30, 2011. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/ Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing Gear. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted a report that the safe life limit on certain main landing gear (MLG) upper torque link bolts is reduced significantly due to incorrect fabrication. We are issuing this AD to prevent damage to the MLG and consequent damage to airplane structure, which could adversely affect the airplane’s continued safe flight and landing. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 For airplanes having any bolts identified in paragraph 3.B.1. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10–32A260, dated September 30, 2011: Within 6,590 flight cycles from bolt installation or within 180 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Replace the MLG upper torque link bolt with a new or serviceable bolt, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10–32A260, dated September 30, 2011. (h) Parts Installation 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: § 39.13 (g) Modification As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a bolt identified in paragraph 3.B.1. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10–32A260, dated September 30, 2011, on any airplane. (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Los Angeles Airplane Certification Office (ACO), ANM–120L, 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. (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, Los Angeles ACO, to make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and 14 CFR 25.571, Amendment 45, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. (j) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Nenita Odesa, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712– 4137; phone: (562) 627–5234; fax: (562) 627– 5210; email: nenita.odesa@faa.gov. E:\FR\FM\11JYP1.SGM 11JYP1 40830 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 133 / Wednesday, July 11, 2012 / Proposed Rules (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, MC D800–0019, Long Beach, CA 90846–0001; telephone 206–544–5000, extension 2; fax 206–766–5683; email dse.boecom@boeing.com; Internet https:// www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 5, 2012. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–16963 Filed 7–10–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2012–0719; Directorate Identifier 2011–NM–240–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330–200 freighter series airplanes; Model A330–200 and –300 series airplanes; and Model A340–200 and –300 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of ram air turbine (RAT) pump failure. This proposed AD would require inspecting the RAT pump anti-stall valve for correct setting, re-identifying the RAT pump, performing a functional ground test of the RAT, and replacing the RAT pump or the RAT assembly with a serviceable part if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct malfunction of the RAT pump, which could lead to in-flight loss of the RAT-pump pressurization, possibly resulting in reduced control of the airplane. erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 SUMMARY: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 27, 2012. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. DATES: VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:44 Jul 10, 2012 Jkt 226001 • 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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Airbus SAS— Airworthiness Office—EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com; Internet https://www.airbus.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 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 proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–1138; fax (425) 227–1149. 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–2012–0719; Directorate Identifier 2011–NM–240–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 based on those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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 The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2011–0197, dated October 10, 2011 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: During a test flight before delivery from production, an A330 aeroplane experienced a RAT [ram air turbine] pump failure, as a result of which, the green hydraulic system could not be fully pressurized. Investigations concluded that this malfunction was due to poor installation of the anti-stall valve sleeve, causing a shift in the anti-stall speed setting and leading to an inability of the hydraulic pump Part Number (P/N) 5909522 to provide enough hydraulic pressure. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to the in-flight loss of the RAT-Pump pressurization which, in case of a total engine flame out, could have consequences for the hydraulic circuits, possibly resulting in reduced control of the aeroplane. A340–500/–600 series aeroplanes are not affected by this issue because they are fitted with a different hydraulic pump P/N. For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a check to ensure correct setting of the RAT anti-stall valve in the pump housing, followed by a RAT functional ground test, and accomplishment of the applicable corrective actions, depending on findings. Corrective actions include replacing the RAT pump or the RAT assembly with a serviceable part. Required actions include reporting the findings of the inspection. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. Relevant Service Information Airbus has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin A330–29–3117, dated July 19, 2011 (for Model A330 airplanes); and Mandatory Service Bulletin A340–29– 4090, dated July 19, 2011 (for Model A340 airplanes). The actions described in this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI. FAA’s Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have been notified E:\FR\FM\11JYP1.SGM 11JYP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 133 (Wednesday, July 11, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 40828-40830]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-16963]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0680; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-247-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain The Boeing Company Model DC-10-10 and MD-10-10F airplanes. This 
proposed AD was prompted by a report that the safe life limit on 
certain main landing gear (MLG) upper torque link bolts is reduced 
significantly due to incorrect fabrication. This proposed AD would 
require replacing certain MLG upper torque link bolts with a new or 
serviceable part. We are proposing this AD to prevent damage to the MLG 
and consequent damage to airplane structure, which could adversely 
affect the airplane's continued safe flight and landing.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 27, 2012.

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 https://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, 
3855 Lakewood Boulevard, MC D800-0019, Long Beach, CA 90846-0001; 
telephone 206-544-5000, extension 2; fax 206-766-5683; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the referenced service 
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at 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 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: Nenita Odesa, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: (562) 
627-5234; fax: (562) 627-5210; email: nenita.odesa@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2012-0680; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-247-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 https://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

    We have received a report that the safe life limit on certain MLG 
upper torque link bolts is reduced significantly due to incorrect 
fabrication. This condition, if not corrected, could result in damage 
to the MLG and consequent damage to airplane structure, which could 
adversely affect the airplane's continued safe flight and landing.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-32A260, dated 
September 30, 2011. The service information describes procedures for 
replacing certain MLG upper torque link bolts with a new or serviceable 
part.

Explanation of Proposed Compliance Time

    Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-32A260, dated September 30, 
2011, specifies a compliance time of ``before further flight or before 
6,590 flight cycles from installation,'' for replacing the MLG upper 
torque link bolt. This proposed AD would change the compliance time to 
``within 6,590 flight cycles from bolt installation or within 180 days 
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.'' We have 
determined that this compliance time would provide adequate time for 
the actions to be done without grounding airplanes.

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.

[[Page 40829]]

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 17 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
              Action                        Labor cost            Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bolt Replacement..................  2 work-hours x $85 per             $9,340           $9,510         $161,670
                                     hour = $170.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 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 this 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

    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]

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

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2012-0680; Directorate Identifier 
2011-NM-247-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by August 27, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model DC-10-10 and MD-10-
10F airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin DC10-32A260, dated September 30, 2011.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 32, Landing Gear.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted a report that the safe life limit on 
certain main landing gear (MLG) upper torque link bolts is reduced 
significantly due to incorrect fabrication. We are issuing this AD 
to prevent damage to the MLG and consequent damage to airplane 
structure, which could adversely affect the airplane's continued 
safe flight and landing.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Modification

    For airplanes having any bolts identified in paragraph 3.B.1. of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
DC10-32A260, dated September 30, 2011: Within 6,590 flight cycles 
from bolt installation or within 180 days after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs later: Replace the MLG upper torque 
link bolt with a new or serviceable bolt, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-
32A260, dated September 30, 2011.

(h) Parts Installation

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
bolt identified in paragraph 3.B.1. of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin DC10-32A260, dated 
September 30, 2011, on any airplane.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles Airplane Certification Office 
(ACO), ANM-120L, 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.
    (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, Los Angeles ACO, to 
make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair 
must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and 14 CFR 
25.571, Amendment 45, and the approval must specifically refer to 
this AD.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Nenita Odesa, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles 
Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, 
CA 90712-4137; phone: (562) 627-5234; fax: (562) 627-5210; email: 
nenita.odesa@faa.gov.

[[Page 40830]]

    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
3855 Lakewood Boulevard, MC D800-0019, Long Beach, CA 90846-0001; 
telephone 206-544-5000, extension 2; fax 206-766-5683; email 
dse.boecom@boeing.com; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You 
may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 5, 2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-16963 Filed 7-10-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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