80 FR 81795 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 251 (December 31, 2015)

Page Range		81795-81797
FR Document		2015-32850

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of heavy corrosion and chrome damage on the forward and aft trunnion pin assemblies of the right and left main landing gears (MLGs). This proposed AD would require repetitive lubrication of the forward and aft trunnion pin assemblies of the right and left MLGs; repetitive inspections of these assemblies for corrosion and chrome damage, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary; and the installation of new or modified trunnion pin assembly components, which would terminate the repetitive lubrication and repetitive inspections. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct heavy corrosion and chrome damage on the forward and aft trunnion pin assemblies of the right and left MLGs, which could result in cracking of these assemblies and collapse of the MLGs.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 251 (Thursday, December 31, 2015)

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 251 (Thursday, December 31, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 81795-81797]
From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-32850]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-8133; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-101-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 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and
-900ER series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of
heavy corrosion and chrome damage on the forward and aft trunnion pin
assemblies of the right and left main landing gears (MLGs). This
proposed AD would require repetitive lubrication of the forward and aft
trunnion pin assemblies of the right and left MLGs; repetitive
inspections of these assemblies for corrosion and chrome damage, and
related investigative and corrective actions if necessary; and the
installation of new or modified trunnion pin assembly components, which
would terminate the repetitive lubrication and repetitive inspections.
We are proposing this AD to detect and correct heavy corrosion and
chrome damage on the forward and aft trunnion pin assemblies of the
right and left MLGs, which could result in cracking of these assemblies
and collapse of the MLGs.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 16,
2016.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this 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. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
8133.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
8133; 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: Alan Pohl, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6450; fax:
425-917-6590; email: alan.pohl@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-2015-8133;
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-101-AD at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

We received reports of heavy corrosion and chrome damage of the
forward and aft trunnion pin assemblies of the right and left main MLGs
on Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series
airplanes. Investigation revealed that the lubrication between the
forward and aft trunnion pin assemblies and the outer cylinder assembly
bushings and the lubrication of the aft trunnion bearing ball was not
sufficient to prevent wear and corrosion. It was also determined that
the clearances between the forward and aft trunnion pin cross bolt
bushings and the cross bolts could affect the rate of wear and
corrosion of the MLG trunnion pin assemblies. Corrosion and chrome
damage of the forward and aft trunnion pin assemblies of the right and
left main MLGs, if not corrected, could result in cracking of these
assemblies and collapse of the MLGs.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-1448,
Revision 1, dated May 29, 2015. The service information describes
procedures for lubricating the forward and aft trunnion pin assemblies
on the left and right MLGs, inspecting the forward and aft trunnion pin
assemblies

[[Page 81796]]

for corrosion or damage, and performing corrective actions. In
addition, the service information describes procedures for installing a
new forward trunnion pin housing assembly, seal, and retainer
configuration. This service information is reasonably available because
the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section of this
NPRM.

FAA's Determination

We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in the service information described previously, except as discussed
under ``Differences Between this Proposed AD and the Service
Information.'' For information on the procedures and compliance times,
see this service information at http://regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-8133.
The phrase ``related investigative actions'' is used in this
proposed AD. ``Related investigative actions'' are follow-on actions
that (1) are related to the primary actions, and (2) further
investigate the nature of any condition found. Related investigative
actions in an AD could include, for example, inspections.
The phrase ``corrective actions'' is used in this proposed AD.
``Corrective actions'' are actions that correct or address any
condition found. Corrective actions in an AD could include, for
example, repairs.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this proposed AD affects 1,023 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lubrication....................... 2 work-hours x $85 $0 $170 $173,190, per
per hour = $170, per lubrication cycle
lubrication cycle. (1,023 airplanes).
Inspection (Groups 1 and 2, 51 work-hours x $85 0 4,335 $4,282,980, per
Configuration 1 airplanes). per hour = $4,335, inspection cycle
per inspection cycle. (988 airplanes).
Inspection (Group 3 airplanes).... 93 work-hours x $85 0 7,905 $276,675, per
per hour = $7,905, inspection cycle (35
per inspection cycle. airplanes).
Replacement/overhaul (Groups 1 and 84 work-hours x $85 0 7,140 7,054,320 (988
2). per hour = $7,140. airplanes).
Replacement/overhaul (Group 3 86 work-hours x $85 0 7,310 $255,850 (35
airplanes). per hour = $7,310. airplanes).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Authority for This Rulemaking

Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.

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

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 airworthiness
directive (AD):

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2015-8133; Directorate Identifier
2015-NM-101-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

We must receive comments by February 16, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

None.

This AD applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -
700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes, certificated in
any category, as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 737-32-1448, Revision 1, dated May 29, 2015.

(d) Subject

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing
Gear.

[[Page 81797]]

(e) Unsafe Condition

This AD was prompted by reports of heavy corrosion and chrome
damage of the forward and aft trunnion pin assemblies of the right
and left main landing gears (MLG). We are issuing this AD to detect
and correct heavy corrosion and chrome damage of the forward and aft
trunnion pin assemblies of the right and left MLGs, which could
result in cracking of these assemblies and collapse of the MLGs.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Repetitive Lubrication of MLG Trunnion Pin Assemblies

(h) Repetitive Inspections, Corrective Actions, and Lubrication

For airplanes in Groups 1 and 2, Configuration 1, and airplanes
in Group 3, as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 737-32-1448, Revision 1, dated May 29, 2015: Except as
required by paragraph (k) of this AD, at the applicable time
specified in Table 1 or Table 2 of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,''
of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-1448, Revision
1, dated May 29, 2015, do a general visual inspection of the left
and right MLGs at the forward and aft trunnion pin locations and the
visible surfaces of the forward and aft trunnion pin assemblies for
signs of corrosion or chrome plating damage and lubricate the
forward and aft trunnion pin assemblies, in accordance with Work
Package 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-1448, Revision 1, dated May 29,
2015. Repeat the general visual inspections thereafter at intervals
not to exceed those specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-1448, Revision 1,
dated May 29, 2015. If any discrepancy is found during any
inspection required by this paragraph, before further flight, do all
applicable related investigative and corrective actions in
accordance with Work Package 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737 32-1448, Revision 1,
dated May 29, 2015. Accomplishment of the actions required by
paragraph (i) of this AD terminates the repetitive inspections
required by this paragraph.

(i) Modification of MLG Trunnion Pin Assemblies

(j) Replacement of MLG Forward Trunnion Pin Housing Assembly Seal and
Retainer

For airplanes in Groups 1 and 2, Configuration 2, as identified
in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-1448, Revision
1, dated May 29, 2015: At the applicable time specified in Table 3,
paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 737-32-1448, Revision 1, dated May 29, 2015, replace the
seal, retainer, and support ring assembly with a new seal and
retainer configuration, install the forward trunnion pin assembly
into the housing assembly, and lubricate the forward and aft
trunnion pin assemblies for the left and right MLGs, in accordance
with Work Package 4 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-1448, Revision 1, dated
May 29, 2015.

(k) Exception to Service Information Specification

Where paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-1448, Revision 1, dated May 29,
2015, specifies a compliance time ``from the original issue date on
this service bulletin,'' this AD requires compliance within the
specified compliance time ``after the effective date of this AD.''

(l) Credit for Previous Actions

This paragraph provides credit for the requirements of paragraph
(g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective
date of this AD using Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-
32-1448, dated May 19, 2011, which is not incorporated by reference
in this AD.

(m) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14
CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector 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 paragraph (n) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
(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, modification, or alteration required by this AD
if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the
Manager, Seattle ACO to make those findings. To be approved, the
repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must
meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must
specifically refer to this AD.

(n) Related Information

(1) For more information about this AD, contact Alan Pohl,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356;
phone: 425-917-6450; fax: 425-917-6590; email: alan.pohl@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this 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 December 21, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-32850 Filed 12-30-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

81796 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 251 / Thursday, December 31, 2015 / Proposed Rules

for corrosion or damage, and performing develop in other products of the same follow-on actions that (1) are related to
corrective actions. In addition, the type design. the primary actions, and (2) further
service information describes investigate the nature of any condition
Proposed AD Requirements
procedures for installing a new forward found. Related investigative actions in
trunnion pin housing assembly, seal, This proposed AD would require an AD could include, for example,
and retainer configuration. This service accomplishing the actions specified in inspections.
information is reasonably available the service information described The phrase ‘‘corrective actions’’ is
because the interested parties have previously, except as discussed under used in this proposed AD. ‘‘Corrective
access to it through their normal course ‘‘Differences Between this Proposed AD actions’’ are actions that correct or
and the Service Information.’’ For address any condition found. Corrective
of business or by the means identified
information on the procedures and actions in an AD could include, for
in the ADDRESSES section of this NPRM.
compliance times, see this service example, repairs.
FAA’s Determination information at http://regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. Costs of Compliance
We are proposing this AD because we FAA–2015–8133. We estimate that this proposed AD
evaluated all the relevant information The phrase ‘‘related investigative affects 1,023 airplanes of U.S. registry.
and determined the unsafe condition actions’’ is used in this proposed AD. We estimate the following costs to
described previously is likely to exist or ‘‘Related investigative actions’’ are comply with this proposed AD:

ESTIMATED COSTS
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators

Lubrication .............................. 2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170, per lu- $0 $170 $173,190, per lubrication
brication cycle. cycle (1,023 airplanes).
Inspection (Groups 1 and 2, 51 work-hours × $85 per hour = $4,335, per 0 4,335 $4,282,980, per inspection
Configuration 1 airplanes). inspection cycle. cycle (988 airplanes).
Inspection (Group 3 airplanes) 93 work-hours × $85 per hour = $7,905, per 0 7,905 $276,675, per inspection
inspection cycle. cycle (35 airplanes).
Replacement/overhaul 84 work-hours × $85 per hour = $7,140 ........ 0 7,140 7,054,320 (988 airplanes).
(Groups 1 and 2).
Replacement/overhaul (Group 86 work-hours × $85 per hour = $7,310 ........ 0 7,310 $255,850 (35 airplanes).
3 airplanes).

We have received no definitive data proposed AD would not have a PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
that would enable us to provide cost substantial direct effect on the States, on DIRECTIVES
estimates for the on-condition actions the relationship between the national
specified in this proposed AD. Government and the States, or on the ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
distribution of power and continues to read as follows:
Authority for This Rulemaking
responsibilities among the various
Title 49 of the United States Code Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
levels of government.
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue For the reasons discussed above, I § 39.13 [Amended]
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, certify this proposed regulation:
section 106, describes the authority of ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: the following new airworthiness
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
Aviation Programs, describes in more directive (AD):
(2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
detail the scope of the Agency’s The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA–
the DOT Regulatory Policies and
authority. 2015–8133; Directorate Identifier 2015–
We are issuing this rulemaking under Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26,
1979), NM–101–AD.
the authority described in Subtitle VII,
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation (a) Comments Due Date
‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that in Alaska, and We must receive comments by February
section, Congress charges the FAA with (4) Will not have a significant 16, 2016.
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities (b) Affected ADs
air commerce by prescribing regulations
for practices, methods, and procedures under the criteria of the Regulatory None.
the Administrator finds necessary for Flexibility Act. (c) Applicability
safety in air commerce. This regulation List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 This AD applies to certain The Boeing
is within the scope of that authority Company Model 737–600, –700, –700C,
because it addresses an unsafe condition Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
–800, –900, and -900ER series airplanes,
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS

that is likely to exist or develop on safety, Incorporation by reference,
certificated in any category, as identified in
products identified in this rulemaking Safety. Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin
action. The Proposed Amendment 737–32–1448, Revision 1, dated May 29,
Regulatory Findings 2015.
Accordingly, under the authority
We determined that this proposed AD delegated to me by the Administrator, (d) Subject
would not have federalism implications the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part Air Transport Association (ATA) of
under Executive Order 13132. This 39 as follows: America Code 32, Landing Gear.

VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:32 Dec 30, 2015 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\31DEP1.SGM 31DEP1

Document Created: 2015-12-31 02:14:45
Document Modified: 2015-12-31 02:14:45

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Proposed Rules
Action		Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Dates		We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 16, 2016.
Contact		Alan Pohl, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6450; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected]
FR Citation		80 FR 81795
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

80 FR 81795 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 251 (December 31, 2015)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration