97-19902. Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 Series Airplanes  

  • [Federal Register Volume 62, Number 148 (Friday, August 1, 1997)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 41254-41255]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 97-19902]
    
    
    =======================================================================
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    
    Federal Aviation Administration
    
    14 CFR Part 39
    
    [Docket No. 97-NM-25-AD; Amendment 39-10093; AD 97-16-03]
    RIN 2120-AA64
    
    
    Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767 Series Airplanes
    
    AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
    
    ACTION: Final rule.
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
    applicable to certain Boeing Model 767 series airplanes, that requires 
    a one-time inspection of the main landing gear (MLG) retaining bolt to 
    ensure that it is installed correctly, and adjustments or repairs, if 
    necessary. This amendment is prompted by a report indicating that a 
    disconnected retaining bolt was found in the MLG forward trunnion joint 
    of a Model 767 series airplane. The actions specified by this AD are 
    intended to prevent aft-acting trunnion loads from being transferred to 
    the MLG beam, and consequent fracture and collapse of the MLG; this 
    condition could result in the loss of control of the airplane on the 
    ground.
    
    DATES: Effective September 5, 1997.
        The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
    the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
    of September 5, 1997.
    
    ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
    obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, 
    Washington 98124-2207. This information may be examined at the Federal 
    Aviation Administration (FAA), ransport Airplane Directorate, Rules 
    Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of 
    the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, 
    Washington, DC.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James G. Rehrl, Aerospace Engineer, 
    Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 
    1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; telephone (425) 227-2783; 
    fax (425) 227-1181.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
    Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
    directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Boeing Model 767 series 
    airplanes was published in the Federal Register on April 1, 1997 (62 FR 
    15435). That action
    
    [[Page 41255]]
    
    proposed to require a one-time inspection of the main landing gear 
    (MLG) retaining bolt to ensure that it is installed correctly, and 
    adjustments or repairs, if necessary.
        Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
    in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
    the single comment received.
        The commenter supports the proposed rule.
    
    Conclusion
    
        After careful review of the available data, including the comment 
    noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
    interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
    
    Cost Impact
    
        There are approximately 598 Boeing Model 767 series airplanes of 
    the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 151 
    airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will 
    take approximately 5 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required 
    actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on 
    these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated 
    to be $45,300, or $300 per airplane.
        The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
    no operator has yet accomplished any of the 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 adopted herein will 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 final 
    rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
    preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
        For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
    and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
    from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
    ADDRESSES.
    
    List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
    
        Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
    reference, Safety.
    
    Adoption of the Amendment
    
        Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
    Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 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:
    
    97-16-03 Boeing: Amendment 39-10093. Docket 97-NM-25-AD.
    
        Applicability: Model 767 series airplanes, line positions 1 
    through 600 inclusive, except line positions 579 and 586; 
    certificated in any category.
    
        Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
    preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
    otherwise 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 (b) 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 aft-acting landing gear trunnion loads from being 
    transferred to the main landing gear (MLG) beam, and consequent 
    fracture and collapse of the MLG and loss of control of the airplane 
    on the ground, accomplish the following:
        (a) Within 500 flight hours or 300 flight cycles after the 
    effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, perform a one-
    time inspection of the MLG retaining bolt to ensure that it is 
    installed correctly, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service 
    Bulletin 767-32A0157, dated October 10, 1996. If the retaining bolt 
    is incorrectly installed, prior to further flight, make adjustments 
    or repairs in accordance with the alert service bulletin.
        (b) 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, eattle 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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
    alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
    obtained from the Seattle ACO.
    
        (c) 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.
        (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert 
    Service Bulletin 767-32A0157, dated October 10, 1996. This 
    incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the 
    Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
    51. Copies may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, 
    P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. Copies may be 
    inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
    Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal 
    Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
        (e) This amendment becomes effective on September 5, 1997.
    
        Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 23, 1997.
    Darrell M. Pederson,
    Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
    Service.
    [FR Doc. 97-19902 Filed 7-31-97; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
9/5/1997
Published:
08/01/1997
Department:
Federal Aviation Administration
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
97-19902
Dates:
Effective September 5, 1997.
Pages:
41254-41255 (2 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 97-NM-25-AD, Amendment 39-10093, AD 97-16-03
RINs:
2120-AA64: Airworthiness Directives
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2120-AA64/airworthiness-directives
PDF File:
97-19902.pdf
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13