Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 12, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13111-13113]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-4677]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-22623; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-80-AD; 
Amendment 39-15418; AD 2008-06-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Boeing Model 767 airplanes. This AD requires the following actions for 
the drive mechanism of the horizontal stabilizer: Repetitive detailed 
inspections for discrepancies and loose ball bearings; repetitive 
lubrication of the ballnut and ballscrew; repetitive measurements of 
the freeplay between the ballnut and the ballscrew; and corrective 
action if necessary. This AD also requires initial and repetitive 
inspections of the ballscrew-to-ballnut freeplay for certain airplanes. 
This AD results from a report of extensive corrosion of a ballscrew in 
the drive mechanism of the horizontal stabilizer on a similar airplane 
model. We are issuing this AD to prevent an undetected failure of the 
primary load path for the ballscrew in the drive mechanism of the 
horizontal stabilizer and subsequent wear and failure of the secondary 
load path, which could lead to loss of control of the horizontal 
stabilizer and consequent loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective April 16, 2008.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of April 16, 
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 http://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: Kelly McGuckin, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Airplane 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-
3356; telephone (425) 917-6490; fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The FAA issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) 
to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to all Boeing 
Model 767 airplanes. That supplemental NPRM was published in the 
Federal Register on August 21, 2007 (72 FR 46576). That supplemental 
NPRM proposed to require the following actions for the drive mechanism 
of the horizontal stabilizer: Repetitive detailed inspections for 
discrepancies and loose ball bearings; repetitive lubrication of the 
ballnut and ballscrew; repetitive measurements of the freeplay between 
the ballnut and the ballscrew; and corrective action if necessary. That 
supplemental NPRM also proposed to require initial and repetitive 
inspections of the ballscrew-to-ballnut freeplay for certain airplanes.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.

Supportive Comment

    Boeing concurs with the content of the supplemental NPRM.

Request To Allow the Use of New Tool Kits

    Japan Airlines (JAL) asks that we allow use of new tool kits 
A55001-42 (the horizontal stabilizer lock equipment) and A55001-34, as 
specified in the tool change bulletin (Boeing Message Number 1-
203914627-1). JAL notes that Boeing plans to revise Boeing Service 
Bulletin 767-27A0194 to permit the usage of both A55001-34 and A55001-
42 tool kits.
    We acknowledge JAL's concern and we have verified with Boeing that 
tool kit A55001-42 is acceptable to use when accomplishing the actions 
required by the AD. Tool kit A55001-34 is identified in Boeing Service 
Bulletins 767-27A0194 and 767-27A0195, both Revision 2, both dated July 
13, 2006. Those service bulletins are referred to in the supplemental 
NPRM as the appropriate sources of service information for 
accomplishing the specified actions. Therefore, the tool kits 
identified by JAL can be used when accomplishing the actions required 
by the AD. No change to the AD is necessary in this regard.

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 in the supplemental NPRM.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 941 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. This AD affects about 411 airplanes of U.S. registry. 
The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S.

[[Page 13112]]

operators to comply with this AD, per cycle.

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  Number of U.S.-
       Repetitive actions           Work hours     Average labor     Cost per       registered      Fleet cost
                                                   rate per hour     airplane        airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detailed inspection.............               1             $80             $80             411         $32,880
Lubrication.....................               1              80              80             411          32,880
Freeplay measurement............               3              80             240             411          98,640
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The ballscrew-to-ballnut freeplay inspection will take about 1 work 
hour per airplane, at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. Based 
on these figures, the estimated cost of this inspection on U.S. 
operators is $32,880, or $80 per airplane, per inspection cycle.

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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES 
section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2008-06-06 Boeing: Amendment 39-15418. Docket No. FAA-2005-22623; 
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-80-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective April 16, 2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Boeing Model 767-200, -300, -300F, 
and -400ER series airplanes, certificated in any category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by a report of extensive corrosion of a 
ballscrew in the horizontal stabilizer of a similar airplane model. 
We are issuing this AD to prevent an undetected failure of the 
primary load path for the ballscrew in the drive mechanism of the 
horizontal stabilizer and subsequent wear and failure of the 
secondary load path, which could lead to loss of control of the 
horizontal stabilizer and consequent loss of control of the 
airplane.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Repetitive Detailed Inspections/Lubrications/Freeplay Measurement/
Corrective Action

    (f) Do all the applicable actions, including any applicable 
corrective action, specified in Work Packages 1, 2, and 3 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-27A0194 
(for Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes) or Boeing 
Service Bulletin 767-27A0195 (for Model 767-400ER series airplanes), 
both Revision 1, both dated July 21, 2005; or both Revision 2, both 
dated July 13, 2006; as applicable. Do the actions at the applicable 
compliance time specified in Table 1 of paragraph 1.E. 
``Compliance'' of the service bulletins; except, where the service 
bulletins specify a compliance time relative to the original issue 
date of the service bulletin, this AD requires compliance relative 
to the effective date of this AD. Where the service bulletins 
specify a compliance time relative to the delivery date of the 
airplane, this AD requires compliance relative to the date of 
issuance of the original standard airworthiness certificate or the 
date of issuance of the original export certificate of 
airworthiness. Do all applicable corrective actions before further 
flight. Repeat the actions at the applicable repeat interval 
specified in Table 1 of paragraph 1.E ``Compliance'' of the 
applicable service bulletin. As of the effective date of this AD 
only Revision 2 of the service bulletins may be used.

Repetitive Ballscrew-to-Ballnut Freeplay Inspections

    (g) For airplanes on which the A55001-22 lock equipment was used 
to do the ballscrew-to-ballnut freeplay inspection, and the 
maintenance records do not show that the tool was correctly adjusted 
in accordance with Appendix A, Step 1.E.3, of Boeing Service 
Bulletin 767-27A0194 or 767-27A0195, both Revision 1, both dated 
July 21, 2005: Do the ballscrew-to-ballnut freeplay inspection 
specified in Work Package 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
the applicable service bulletin, including any applicable corrective 
action, at the time specified in Table 1 of paragraph 1.E. 
``Compliance'' of Boeing Service Bulletin 767-27A0194 or 767-
27A0195, both Revision 2, both dated July 13, 2006, as applicable. 
Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight. Repeat 
the

[[Page 13113]]

inspection thereafter at the intervals specified in Table 1 of 
paragraph 1.E ``Compliance'' of the applicable service bulletin.

Previously Accomplished Actions

    (h) For airplanes on which the drive mechanism of the horizontal 
stabilizer was replaced before the effective date of this AD with a 
drive mechanism that was not new or overhauled, and the detailed and 
freeplay inspections were not accomplished in accordance with Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 767-27A0194 or 767-27A0195, both dated August 
21, 2003: Within 3,500 flight hours or 24 months after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever is first, accomplish the inspections and 
perform all applicable corrective actions before further flight in 
accordance with Work Package 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Service Bulletin 767-27A0194 or Boeing Service Bulletin 767-
27A0195, both Revision 1, both dated July 21, 2005; or both Revision 
2, both dated July 13, 2006; as applicable. As of the effective date 
of this AD only Revision 2 of the service bulletins may be used.
    (i) For Model 767 airplanes that have line numbers 002 through 
175 inclusive: Accomplishing the initial inspection, applicable 
corrective action, and lubrication before the effective date of this 
AD in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-27A0185, 
dated July 10, 2003; is considered acceptable for compliance with 
the applicable actions required by paragraph (f) of this AD.

    Note 1: Boeing Service Bulletins 767-27A0194 and 767-27A0195, 
both Revision 2, both dated July 13, 2006, refer to the applicable 
Boeing 767 Airplane Maintenance Manuals as additional sources of 
service information for accomplishing the detailed inspections, 
lubrications, freeplay measurements, and corrective action.

Parts Installation

    (j) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
on any airplane a horizontal stabilizer trim actuator unless it is 
new or has been overhauled as specified in Boeing Service Bulletins 
767-27A0194 and 767-27A0195, both Revision 2, both dated July 13, 
2006; or has been inspected, lubricated, and measured in accordance 
with paragraph (f) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (k)(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.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (l) You must use Boeing Service Bulletin 767-27A0194, Revision 
2, dated July 13, 2006; or Boeing Service Bulletin 767-27A0195, 
Revision 2, dated July 13, 2006; as applicable; to perform the 
actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies 
otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of these documents in accordance with 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Boeing Commercial 
Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207 for a copy 
of this service information. You may review copies at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98057-3356; 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: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 28, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E8-4677 Filed 3-11-08; 8:45 am]
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