Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 82 (Tuesday, April 29, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 23903-23906]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-09309]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0690; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-088-AD; 
Amendment 39-17835; AD 2014-08-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2009-24-07 for 
certain the Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, and -800 series 
airplanes. AD 2009-24-07 required repetitive lubrications of the right 
and left main landing gear (MLG) forward trunnion pins. AD 2009-24-07 
also required an inspection for discrepancies of the transition radius 
of the MLG forward trunnion pins, and corrective actions if necessary. 
For certain airplanes, AD 2009-24-07 required repetitive detailed 
inspections for discrepancies (including finish damage, corrosion, 
pitting, and base metal scratches) of the transition radius of the left 
and right MLG trunnion pins, and corrective action if necessary. 
Replacing or overhauling the trunnion pins terminates the actions 
required by AD 2009-24-07. This new AD adds airplanes to the 
applicability of AD 2009-24-07. This AD was prompted by reports of 
corrosion protection damage to the forward trunnion pin on additional 
airplanes. We are issuing this AD to prevent stress corrosion cracking 
of the forward trunnion pins, which could result in fracture of the 
pins and consequent collapse of the MLG.

DATES: This AD is effective June 3, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 3, 
2014.

ADDRESSES: 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.

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-2013-
0690; 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 (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket 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: Nancy Marsh, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6440; fax: 
425-917-6590; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to supersede AD 2009-24-07, Amendment 39-16095 (74 FR 62231, 
November 27, 2009). AD 2009-24-07 applied to certain The Boeing Company 
Model 737-600, -700, -700C, and -800 series airplanes. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on August 13, 2013 (78 FR 49229). The 
NPRM was prompted by reports of corrosion protection damage to the 
forward trunnion pin on additional airplanes. The NPRM proposed to 
continue to require repetitive lubrications of the right and left main 
landing gear (MLG) forward trunnion pins. The NPRM also proposed to 
continue to require an inspection for discrepancies of the transition 
radius of the MLG forward trunnion pins, and corrective actions if 
necessary. For certain airplanes, the NPRM proposed to continue to 
require repetitive detailed inspections for discrepancies (including 
finish damage, corrosion, pitting, and base metal scratches) of the 
transition radius of the left and right MLG trunnion pins, and 
corrective action if necessary. Replacing or overhauling the trunnion 
pins would terminate the actions required by AD 2009-24-07. The NPRM 
proposed to add airplanes to the applicability of AD 2009-24-07. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent stress corrosion cracking of the forward 
trunnion pins, which could result in fracture of the pins and 
consequent collapse of the MLG.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal 
(78 FR 49229, August 13, 2013) and the FAA's response to each comment.

Concurrence With the NPRM (78 FR 49229, August 13, 2013)

    Boeing stated that it concurs with the content of the NPRM (78 FR 
49229, August 13, 2013).

Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) Winglet Comment

    Aviation Partners Boeing stated that the installation of winglets 
per STC ST00830SE (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/408E012E008616A7862578880060456C?OpenDocument&Highlight=st00830se) does 
not affect the accomplishment of the manufacturer's service 
instructions.
    We have redesignated paragraph (c) of the NPRM (78 FR 49229, August 
13, 2013) as paragraph (c)(1) of this AD, and added paragraph (c)(2) to 
this AD to state that installation of STC ST00830SE (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/408E012E008616A7862578880060456C?OpenDocument&Highlight=st00830se) does 
not affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by this AD. 
Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST00830SE is installed, a 
``change in product'' alternative method of compliance (AMOC) approval 
request is not necessary to comply with the requirements of 14 CFR 
39.17. For all other AMOC requests, the operator must request approval 
of an AMOC in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (l) 
of this AD.

Request for Clarification of Location of Trunnion Pins

    Delta asked for clarification of the term ``trunnion pins'' as 
specified in the

[[Page 23904]]

NPRM (78 FR 49229, August 13, 2013). Delta stated that throughout the 
preamble of the NPRM, the subject pins are referred to as ``forward 
trunnion pins;'' however, in paragraphs (h) and (i) of the NPRM, the 
location is omitted and the term ``trunnion pins'' is used. Delta noted 
that since forward and aft trunnion pins are installed, failing to 
identify the affected pin as a ``forward trunnion pin'' adds a 
potential for errors.
    We agree that the term ``trunnion pins'' should be clarified to 
include the pin location. We have changed paragraphs (h) and (i) of 
this final rule to specify ``forward trunnion pins.''

Request To Use Alternate Grease for Lubrication of the Forward Trunnion 
Pins

    Delta asked that paragraph (g) of the NPRM (78 FR 49229, August 13, 
2013) be changed to allow the use of Royco-11MS grease as an alternate 
to the BMS 3-33 grease specified in Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-32-1402, Revision 1, dated February 7, 2013. Delta stated 
that Royco-11MS is the standard grease used on Delta aircraft landing 
gear applications, and it would like to continue using this grease when 
lubricating the forward trunnion pins.
    We do not agree to allow the use of an alternative type of grease. 
Approval of an operator's unique maintenance actions is dependent on 
its ability to provide acceptable data supporting the request. We would 
not provide such an approval to all operators via a change to the NPRM 
(78 FR 49229, August 13, 2013). However, we would consider this request 
for approval of unique maintenance practices in accordance with the 
procedures identified in paragraph (l) of this AD. We have made no 
change to this final rule in this regard.

Request To Further Clarify Certain Language

    Ryanair (RYR) asked that clarification be provided to reflect new 
information it received from Boeing. RYR stated that the intent of 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of the NPRM (78 FR 49229, August 13, 2013) 
appears to be to require that the 30-day repetitive lubrication task 
continue until all repetitive inspections are completed, as stated in 
Notes (a) and (b) of paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special 
Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-1402, Revision 1, dated February 7, 
2013. RYR received correspondence from Boeing stating that the 30-day 
lubrication task is terminated after accomplishing the first in-situ 
detailed inspection. RYR recommends the information from Boeing be 
included in the NPRM.
    RYR has correctly interpreted the requirements in paragraphs (g) 
and (h) of this AD. However, we find that further clarification is 
necessary. If certain discrepancies are found during the detailed 
inspection of the forward trunnion pins, replacing the affected 
trunnion pins terminates the repetitive requirements in this AD. If no 
discrepancies are found during the detailed inspection of the forward 
trunnion pins, an additional lubrication of the left and right MLG 
forward trunnion is required, which terminates the repetitive 
requirements in this AD. If certain other discrepancies are found 
during the detailed inspection of the forward trunnion pins, the 
lubrications and detailed inspections must be repeated until overhaul 
or replacement of the affected trunnion pins.
    Additionally, Boeing did not provide any new information or data to 
the FAA, nor are we aware of any intention to revise its service 
information. However, under the provisions of paragraph (l) of this AD, 
we may consider requests for approval of an alternative method of 
compliance (AMOC) if sufficient data are submitted to substantiate that 
terminating the repetitive lubrications after doing the first detailed 
inspection would provide an acceptable level of safety. In light of 
these factors, we have made no change to this final rule.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the changes described previously. We also determined that 
these changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or 
increase the scope of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 431 airplanes of U.S. registry.

                                                                     Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                 Number of U.S.-
                Action                   Work hours     Average labor       Parts          Cost per product        registered           Fleet cost
                                                        rate per hour                                               airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repetitive lubrications..............               1             $85              $0  $85 per lubrication.....             431  $36,635 per
                                                                                                                                  lubrication.
Repetitive inspections...............               8              85               0  $680 per inspection                  431  $293,080 per inspection
                                                                                        cycle.                                    cycle.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this 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 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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative,

[[Page 23905]]

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.

Adoption of the Amendment

    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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2009-24-07, Amendment 39-16095 (74 FR 62231, November 27, 2009), and 
adding the following new AD:

2014-08-11 Boeing: Amendment 39-17835; Docket No. FAA-2013-0690; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-088-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective June 3, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2009-24-07, Amendment 39-16095 (74 FR 
62231, November 27, 2009).

(c) Applicability

    (1) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, -800 and -900 series airplanes, certificated in any category; 
as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-
1402, Revision 1, dated February 7, 2013.
    (2) Installation of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) 
ST00830SE (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/408E012E008616A7862578880060456C?OpenDocument&Highlight=st00830se) 
does not affect the ability to accomplish the actions required by 
this AD. Therefore, for airplanes on which STC ST00830SE is 
installed, a ``change in product'' alternative method of compliance 
(AMOC) approval request is not necessary to comply with the 
requirements of 14 CFR 39.17.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report that the protective finishes on 
the forward trunnion pins for the left and right MLG might have been 
damaged during final assembly. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
stress corrosion cracking of the forward trunnion pins, which could 
result in fracture of the pins and consequent collapse of the MLG.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Repetitive Lubrications

    At the applicable compliance time specified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-
1402, Revision 1, dated February 7, 2013, except as required by 
paragraph (j) of this AD: Lubricate the left and right MLG forward 
trunnion pins, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-1402, Revision 1, 
dated February 7, 2013. Repeat the lubrication thereafter at the 
applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' until 
all applicable requirements of paragraph (h) of this AD have been 
accomplished.

(h) Inspection

    At the applicable compliance time specified in paragraph 1.E., 
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-
1402, Revision 1, dated February 7, 2013, except as required by 
paragraph (j) of this AD: Except as provided by paragraph (i) of 
this AD, do a detailed inspection for discrepancies (including 
finish damage, corrosion, pitting, and base metal scratches) of the 
transition radius of the left and right MLG forward trunnion pins, 
and do all applicable repetitive inspections and related 
investigative and corrective actions, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-32-1402, Revision 1, dated February 7, 2013. 
Accomplishing the detailed inspections (initial and repetitive) and 
all applicable corrective actions specified in this paragraph 
terminates the repetitive lubrication requirements of paragraph (g) 
of this AD.

(i) Optional Terminating Action

    Overhauling or replacing a forward trunnion pin, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 737-32-1402, Revision 1, dated February 7, 2013, 
ends the repetitive lubrication requirements of paragraph (g) of 
this AD, and the actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD, for 
that forward trunnion pin only.

(j) Exception to Service Information Specifications

    Where Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-1402, 
Revision 1, dated February 7, 2013, specifies a compliance time 
``from the date of Revision 1 of this service bulletin,'' this AD 
requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the 
effective date of this AD.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by this 
AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of 
this AD using Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-1402, 
dated August 6, 2008, which was incorporated by reference in AD 
2009-24-07, Amendment 39-16095 (74 FR 62231, November 27, 2009).

(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle 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 
(m)(1) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.
    (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair required by this AD if it is approved by the 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes ODA that has been authorized by the 
Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. For a repair method to 
be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the 
airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD.
    (4) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2009-24-07, Amendment 39-
16095 (74 FR 62231, November 27, 2009), are approved as AMOCs for 
the corresponding provisions of paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD.

(m) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Nancy Marsh, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; 
phone: 425-917-6440; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference in this AD may be obtained at the 
addresses specified in paragraphs (n)(3) and (n)(4) of this AD.

(n) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-32-1402, 
Revision 1, dated February 7, 2013.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) 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.
    (4) You may view this 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.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records

[[Page 23906]]

Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 14, 2014.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-09309 Filed 4-28-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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