[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 193 (Wednesday, October 6, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 54227-54228]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-25936]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
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This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 193 / Wednesday, October 6, 1999 /
Proposed Rules
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 99-NM-57-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 757-200 and -200PF Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Boeing Model 757-200 and -
200PF series airplanes. This proposal would require repetitive detailed
visual inspections to detect loose fuse pins in the outboard beam
attachment and forward trunnion support on the main landing gear (MLG)
and to detect corrosion on the structure adjacent to the fuse pin; and
corrective actions, if necessary. This proposal also would require
eventual replacement of the fuse pins with new corrosion resistant
steel (CRES) fuse pins, which would constitute terminating action for
the repetitive inspections. This proposal is prompted by a report of
damaged fuse pins caused by corrosion. The actions specified by the
proposed AD are intended to prevent corroded fuse pins, which could
result in the MLG separating from the wing, and consequent damage to
the airplane and possible rupture of the wing fuel tank.
DATES: Comments must be received by November 22, 1999.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-57-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this location
between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays.
The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be
obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124-2207. This information may be examined at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rick Kawaguchi, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-1153; fax (425) 227-1181.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as
they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments,
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in
light of the comments received.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested
persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 99-NM-57-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Availability of NPRMs
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules
Docket No. 99-NM-57-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
Discussion
The FAA has received a report indicating that, during heavy
maintenance of several Boeing Model 757-200 series airplanes, 28 fuse
pins were found damaged due to corrosion. Fuse pins made from 4330M and
4340 alloy with cracks in the chrome plating can be damaged by
corrosion. Such corrosion or cracking, if not corrected, could result
in the main landing gear (MLG) separating from the wing, and consequent
damage to the airplane and possible rupture of the wing fuel tank.
The subject fuse pins on Boeing Model 757-200PF series airplanes
are identical to those on the affected Boeing Model 757-200 series
airplanes. Therefore, both of these airplanes may be subjected to the
same unsafe condition.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
The FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
757-57A0054, dated November 5, 1998, which describes procedures for
repetitive detailed visual inspections to detect loose fuse pins in the
outboard beam attachment and forward trunnion support on the MLG and
corrosion on the structure adjacent to the fuse pin; and corrective
actions, if necessary. The corrective actions involve performing a
detailed visual inspection to detect corrosion on the fuse pin's mating
parts, and repairing the parts, if necessary; performing a detailed
visual inspection to detect cracks on the outer surface of the fuse pin
chrome plating; and replacing the alloy steel fuse pins with new
corrosion resistant steel (CRES) fuse pins, which would eliminate the
need for the repetitive inspections. The service bulletin also
describes procedures for a terminating action for the repetitive
inspections. Accomplishment of the action specified in the service
bulletin is intended to adequately address the identified unsafe
condition.
Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the
proposed AD would require accomplishment of the actions
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specified in the service bulletin described previously.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 805 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 350 airplanes of U.S. registry
would be affected by this proposed AD.
It would take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish
the proposed inspection, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour.
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the inspection proposed by
this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $21,000, or $60 per
airplane, per inspection cycle.
It would take approximately 440 work hours per airplane to
accomplish the proposed replacement, at an average labor rate of $60
per work hour. The manufacturer has committed previously to its
customers that it will bear the cost of replacement parts. As a result,
the cost of those parts are not attributable to this proposed AD. Based
on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators
is estimated to be $9,240,000, or $26,400 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements
of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions
in the future if this AD were not adopted.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations proposed herein would not have substantial direct
effects 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. Therefore, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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);
and (3) if promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
Boeing: Docket 99-NM-57-AD.
Applicability: Model 757-200 and -200PF series airplanes, line
numbers 1 through 806 inclusive; certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified,
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent corroded fuse pins, which could result in the main
landing gear (MLG) separating from the wing, and consequent damage
to the airplane and possible rupture of the wing fuel tank,
accomplish the following:
Repetitive Inspections
(a) Perform a detailed visual inspection to detect loose fuse
pins in the outboard beam attachment and forward trunnion support on
the MLG and to detect corrosion on the structure adjacent to the
fuse pin, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-
57A0054, dated November 5, 1998; at the later of the times specified
in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD. Thereafter, repeat the
inspection at intervals not to exceed 3,000 flight cycles or 24
months, whichever occurs first, until accomplishment of paragraph
(c) of this AD.
(1) Prior to 4 years since date of manufacture of the airplane;
or
(2) Within 3,000 flight cycles or 24 months after the effective
date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual
inspection is defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a
specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to
detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is
normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at
intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such
as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning
and elaborate access procedures may be required.''
Corrective Action
(b) If any loose fuse pin or corrosion on the structure adjacent
to the fuse pin is detected during any inspection required by
paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, perform the
applicable corrective action [i.e., detailed visual inspections for
cracks or corrosion, repair of discrepant parts, and replacement of
fuse pin] in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-
57A0054, dated November 5, 1998. Replacement of an alloy steel fuse
pin with a new corrosion resistant steel (CRES) fuse pin constitutes
terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements of
paragraph (a) of this AD for that fuse pin only.
Terminating Action
(c) At the next scheduled MLG overhaul, or within 12 years after
the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, replace all
alloy steel fuse pins with new CRES fuse pins in the outboard beam
attachment and forward trunnion support on the MLG in accordance
with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-57A0054, dated November 5,
1998. Accomplishment of the action specified in this paragraph
constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspection
requirements of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall
submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the
Manager, Seattle ACO.
Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Seattle ACO.
Special Flight Permits
(e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 29, 1999.
D.L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-25936 Filed 10-5-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
