95-27076. Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-8 Series Airplanes Equipped With Swivel-Type Bogie Beams on the Main Landing Gears  

  • [Federal Register Volume 60, Number 211 (Wednesday, November 1, 1995)]
    [Proposed Rules]
    [Pages 55496-55498]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 95-27076]
    
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    14 CFR Part 39
    
    [Docket No. 95-NM-115-AD]
    
    
    Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-8 Series 
    Airplanes Equipped With Swivel-Type Bogie Beams on the Main Landing 
    Gears
    
    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 McDonnell Douglas Model 
    DC-8 series airplanes. This proposal would require an inspection to 
    detect cracking of the swivel bogie beam lugs, and repair, if 
    necessary. For airplanes on which no cracking is found, this proposal 
    also would require an inspection to detect corrosion of the swivel pin 
    lug surfaces and bores, and modification of the forward bogie beams. 
    This proposal is prompted by reports indicating that swivel pin lugs of 
    the main landing gear (MLG) have failed due to cracks resulting from 
    stress corrosion. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended 
    to prevent such stress corrosion, which could result in failure of the 
    swivel-type bogie beam of the MLG; this condition could result in a 
    collapse of the MLG during landing.
    
    DATES: Comments must be received by December 28, 1995.
    
    ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
    Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
    Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-NM-115-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 McDonnell Douglas Corporation, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, 
    Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Technical Publications 
    Business Administration, Department C1-L51 (2-60). This information may 
    be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
    
    [[Page 55497]]
    1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Transport 
    Airplane Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
    3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Lee, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe 
    Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 
    Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712; telephone (310) 627-
    5325; fax (310) 627-5210.
    
    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 95-NM-115-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-103, Attention: Rules 
    Docket No. 95-NM-115-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
    98055-4056.
    
    Discussion
    
        The FAA has received numerous reports indicating that the swivel 
    pin lug of the forward bogie beam on certain main landing gears (MLG) 
    installed on McDonnell Douglas Model DC-8 series airplanes has failed. 
    The swivel pin lug failures have been attributed, in part, to overload 
    due to insufficient lubrication of the swivel pin lugs, which can be 
    prevented by proper and timely maintenance practices. The swivel pin 
    lug failures also have been attributed, in part, to cracks resulting 
    from stress corrosion. This stress corrosion usually occurs after 
    approximately 10,000 hours time-in-service. These conditions, if not 
    detected and corrected in a timely manner, could result in collapse/
    failure of the MLG during landing.
        The FAA has reviewed and approved McDonnell Douglas DC-8 Service 
    Bulletin 32-182, dated January 20, 1995; and McDonnell Douglas Service 
    Bulletin DC8-32-182, Revision 1, dated July 21, 1995, and Revision 2, 
    dated August 30, 1995, which describe procedures for a magnetic 
    particle inspection to detect cracking of the swivel bogie beam lugs. 
    For airplanes on which no cracking is found, these service bulletins 
    also describe procedures for a visual inspection to detect corrosion of 
    the swivel pin lug surfaces and bores, and modification of the forward 
    bogie beam. This modification involves removing corrosion and sulfamate 
    nickel or electroless nickel plating of the swivel pin lugs of the 
    forward bogie beam. Accomplishment of this modification will minimize 
    the possibility of failure or collapse of the landing gear due to 
    stress corrosion cracking.
        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 a magnetic particle inspection to detect 
    cracking of the swivel bogie beam lugs, and repair, if necessary. For 
    airplanes on which no cracking is found during the magnetic particle 
    inspection, the proposed AD also would require a visual inspection to 
    detect corrosion of the swivel pin lug surfaces and bores, and 
    modification of the forward bogie beams.
        Repair of any cracking detected during the magnetic particle 
    inspection would be required to be accomplished in accordance with a 
    method approved by the FAA. The other proposed actions (inspections and 
    modification) would be required to be accomplished in accordance with 
    the service bulletins described previously.
        There are approximately 148 Model DC-8 series airplanes of the 
    affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 97 
    airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that 
    it would take approximately 83 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
    the proposed actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work 
    hour. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the proposed AD 
    on U.S. operators is estimated to be $483,060, or $4,980 per airplane.
        The total cost impact figure discussed above is 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.
        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), 40101, 40113, 44701.
    
    
    Sec. 39.13  [Amended]
    
        2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
    airworthiness directive:
    
    McDonnell Douglas: Docket 95-NM-115-AD.
    
        Applicability: Model DC-8 series airplanes equipped with main 
    landing gears having 
    
    [[Page 55498]]
    swivel type bogie beams on which the swivel pin lugs have not been 
    nickel plated, 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 use the authority 
    provided in paragraph (e) of this AD to request approval from the 
    FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current 
    configuration eliminates the unsafe condition; or different actions 
    necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such 
    a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed 
    configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no 
    case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair 
    remove any airplane from the applicability of this AD.
        Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
    previously.
        To prevent failure of the swivel-type bogie beam of the main 
    landing gear (MLG) due to stress corrosion, which could result in a 
    collapse of the MLG during landing, accomplish the following:
        (a) Perform a magnetic particle inspection to detect cracking of 
    the swivel bogie beam lugs, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas DC-
    8 Service Bulletin 32-182, dated January 20, 1995, McDonnell Douglas 
    Service Bulletin DC8-32-182, Revision 1, dated July 21, 1995, or 
    Revision 02, dated August 30, 1995, at the later of the times 
    specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD.
        (1) Prior to the accumulation of 11,600 total flight hours, or 
    within 10 years since the installation of the forward bogie beam of 
    the MLG, whichever occurs first.
        (2) Prior to the accumulation of 2,000 flight hours, or 2 years 
    after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
        (b) If no cracking is detected during the inspection required by 
    paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, perform a visual 
    inspection to detect corrosion in the swivel pin lug surfaces and 
    bores, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas DC-8 Service Bulletin 
    32-182, dated January 20, 1995; McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin 
    DC8-32-182, Revision 1, dated July 21, 1995; or Revision 02, dated 
    August 30, 1995.
        Note 2: Particular attention should be paid to the lubrication 
    of the swivel pin lug and the lower swivel pin bushing during 
    regular normal maintenance.
        (1) If no corrosion is detected, prior to further flight, 
    accomplish paragraph (b)(1)(i), (b)(1)(ii), (b)(1)(iii), or 
    (b)(1)(iv) of this AD, as applicable, in accordance with the service 
    bulletin.
        (i) For Group I airplanes on which the forward bogie beam has 
    not been modified previously: Modify the forward bogie beam in 
    accordance with the actions specified (for Group I airplanes) as 
    Condition 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service 
    bulletin.
        (ii) For Group I airplanes on which the forward bogie beam has 
    been modified previously: Modify the forward bogie beam in 
    accordance with the actions specified (for Group I airplanes) as 
    Condition 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service 
    bulletin.
        (iii) For Group II airplanes on which the forward bogie beam has 
    not been modified previously: Modify the forward bogie beam in 
    accordance with the actions specified (for Group II airplanes) as 
    Condition 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service 
    bulletin.
        (iv) For Group II airplanes on which the forward bogie beam has 
    been modified previously: Modify the forward bogie beam in 
    accordance with the actions specified (for Group II airplanes) as 
    Condition 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service 
    bulletin.
        (2) If any corrosion is detected, prior to further flight, 
    accomplish paragraph (b)(2)(i), (b)(2)(ii), (b)(2)(iii), or 
    (b)(2)(iv), as applicable, in accordance with the service bulletin.
        (i) For Group I airplanes on which the forward bogie beam has 
    not been modified previously: Modify the forward bogie beam in 
    accordance with the actions specified (for Group I airplanes) as 
    Condition 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service 
    bulletin.
        (ii) For Group I airplanes on which the forward bogie beam has 
    been modified previously: Modify the forward bogie beam in 
    accordance with the actions specified (for Group I airplanes) as 
    Condition 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service 
    bulletin.
        (iii) For Group II airplanes on which the forward bogie beam has 
    not been modified previously: Modify the forward bogie beam in 
    accordance with the actions specified (for Group II airplanes) as 
    Condition 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service 
    bulletin. If the minimum thickness of the reworked swivel pin lug 
    exceeds the dimensions specified in Table I of the service bulletin, 
    prior to further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved 
    by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
    FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate.
        (iv) For Group II airplanes on which the forward bogie beam has 
    been modified previously: Modify the forward bogie beam in 
    accordance with the actions specified (for Group II airplanes) as 
    Condition 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service 
    bulletin. If the minimum thickness of the reworked swivel pin lug 
    exceeds the dimensions specified in Table I of the service bulletin, 
    prior to further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved 
    by the Manager, Los Angeles ACO.
        (c) If any cracking is detected during the inspection required 
    by paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, repair in 
    accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Los Angeles ACO.
        (d) As of the effective date of this AD, no forward bogie beam 
    swivel pin lug shall be installed on any airplane, unless that 
    swivel pin lug has been modified in accordance with McDonnell 
    Douglas DC-8 Service Bulletin 32-182, dated January 20, 1995; 
    McDonnell Douglas Service Bulletin DC8-32-182, Revision 1, dated 
    July 21, 1995; or Revision 02, dated August 30, 1995.
        (e) 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, Los Angeles ACO. Operators shall 
    submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal 
    Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
    Manager, Los Angeles ACO.
        Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
    alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
    obtained from the Los Angeles ACO.
        (f) 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 October 26, 1995.
    Darrell M. Pederson,
    Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
    Service.
    [FR Doc. 95-27076 Filed 10-31-95; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
    
    

Document Information

Published:
11/01/1995
Department:
Transportation Department
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Document Number:
95-27076
Dates:
Comments must be received by December 28, 1995.
Pages:
55496-55498 (3 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 95-NM-115-AD
PDF File:
95-27076.pdf
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13