[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 159 (Thursday, August 16, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 49396-49399]
[FR Doc No: 2012-20108]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0809; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-135-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive
(AD) that applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 757 airplanes
equipped with Rolls-Royce RB211-535E engines. The existing AD currently
requires repetitive inspections for signs of damage of the aft hinge
fittings and attachment bolts of the thrust reversers, and related
investigative and corrective actions if necessary. The existing AD also
provides for an optional terminating modification for the repetitive
inspections. Since we issued the existing AD, we have received reports
of incorrectly installed washers under the attachment bolts of the aft
hinge fittings of the thrust reversers. For certain airplanes, this
proposed AD would add a one-time inspection of the washers installed
under the attachment bolts of the aft hinge fittings for correct
installation sequence, and reinstallation if necessary. This proposed
AD also adds an option for installing a redesigned aft hinge fitting
with the trim already done, instead of trimming an existing or new
hinge fitting, which is included in the existing optional terminating
modification. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the
attachment bolts and consequent separation of a thrust reverser from
the airplane during flight, which could result in structural damage to
the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 1, 2012.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax:<PHONE_NUMBER>.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone 206-
544-5000, extension 1; fax<PHONE_NUMBER>; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call<PHONE_NUMBER>.

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 proposed AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Office (phone:<PHONE_NUMBER>) is in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nancy Marsh, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM-120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6440; fax:<PHONE_NUMBER>; email<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2012-0809;
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-135-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    On June 8, 2008, we issued AD 2008-13-20, Amendment 39-15583 (73 FR
37786, July 2, 2008), for certain Model 757 airplanes equipped with
Rolls-Royce RB211-535E engines. That AD requires repetitive inspections
for signs of damage of the aft hinge fittings and attachment bolts of
the thrust reversers, and related investigative and corrective actions
if necessary. That AD also provides for an optional terminating
modification for the repetitive inspections. That AD resulted from
reports of several incidents of bolt failure at the aft hinge fittings
of the thrust reversers due to, among other things, high operational
loads. We issued that AD to prevent failure of the attachment bolts and
consequent separation of a thrust reverser from the airplane during
flight, which could

result in structural damage to the airplane.

Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2008-13-20, Amendment 39-15583 (73 FR 37786,
July 2, 2008), we have received reports of incorrectly installed
washers installed under the attachment bolts of the aft hinge fittings
of the thrust reversers, due to an error in the original service
information.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-0049,
Revision 1, dated September 23, 2009; and Revision 2, dated July 27,
2011 (for Model 757-200, -200CB, and -200PF airplanes). We also
reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-0050,
Revision 1, dated October 7, 2009; and Revision 2, dated July 27, 2011
(for Model 757-300 airplanes). For Group 1, Configuration 2 airplanes,
Revision 1 of these service bulletins adds procedures for a detailed
inspection of the washers installed under the attachment bolts of the
aft hinge fittings for correct installation sequence, and if incorrect,
removal and reinstallation of the washer stack up. Revision 2 of these
service bulletins adds an option of installing a redesigned aft hinge
fitting with the trim already done, instead of trimming an existing or
new hinge fitting.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would retain all requirements of AD 2008-13-20,
Amendment 39-15583 (73 FR 37786, July 2, 2008). For certain airplanes,
this proposed AD would add a detailed inspection of the washers
installed under the attachment bolts of the aft hinge fittings for
correct installation sequence, and if incorrect, removal and
reinstallation of the washer stack up. This proposed AD would also
include an option (as part of the optional terminating action in the
existing AD) for installing a redesigned aft hinge fitting designed
with the trim already done, instead of trimming an existing or new
hinge fitting, which is included in the existing optional terminating
modification. This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions
specified in the service information described previously, except as
discussed under ``Difference Between the Proposed AD and the Service
Information.''

Difference Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Although Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletins 757-54-0049 and
757-54-0050, both Revision 2, both dated July 27, 2011, specify that
you may contact the manufacturer for repair instructions, this proposed
AD would require you to repair in one of the following ways:
     In accordance with a method that we approve; or
     Using data that meet the certification basis of the
airplane, and that have been approved by the Boeing Commercial
Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) whom we have
authorized to make those findings.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 389 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost    Cost per product          operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained inspections in AD 2008-   2 work-hours x $85             $0  $170 per inspection   $66,130 per
 13-20, Amendment 39-15583 (73 FR   per hour = $170 per                cycle.                inspection cycle.
 37786, July 2, 2008).              inspection cycle.
Optional modification in AD 2008-  61 work hours x $85         5,276  10,461..............  Up to $4,069,329.
 13-20 (includes new optional       per hour = $5,185.
 actions).
New proposed inspection..........  6 work-hours x $85              0  510.................  Up to $198,390.
                                    per hour = $510.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed
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 proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 the 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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing airworthiness directive
(AD) 2008-13-20, Amendment 39-15583 (73 FR 37786, July 2, 2008), and
adding the following new AD:

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2012-0809; Directorate Identifier
2011-NM-135-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by October 1,
2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2008-13-20, Amendment 39-15583 (73 FR
37786, July 2, 2008).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 757-200, -200CB, -
200PF, and -300 series airplanes, certificated in any category;
equipped with Rolls-Royce RB211-535E engines.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 54, Nacelles/Pylons.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD results from reports of incorrectly installed washers
under the attachment bolts of the aft hinge fittings of the thrust
reversers. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the
attachment bolts and consequent separation of a thrust reverser from
the airplane during flight, which could result in structural damage
to the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Repetitive Inspections/Investigative and Corrective
Actions

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (f) of AD
2008-13-20, Amendment 39-15583 (73 FR 37786, July 2, 2008), with
revised service information. At the time specified in paragraph 1.E.
``Compliance,'' of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-
0049 or 757-54-0050, both dated July 16, 2007, as applicable; except
as provided by paragraph (h) of this AD: Do a detailed inspection
for signs of damage of the aft hinge fittings and attachment bolts
of the thrust reversers by doing all the actions, including all
applicable related investigative and corrective actions, as
specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable
service bulletins specified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3);
or paragraph (g)(4), (g)(5), or (g)(6) of this AD, as applicable. Do
all applicable related investigative and corrective actions at the
time specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance'' of Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-0049 or 757-54-0050, both dated
July 16, 2007. As of the effective date of this AD, only the service
bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(3) or (g)(6) of this AD, as
applicable, may be used to accomplish the actions required by this
paragraph. If any damage is found and the service bulletin
identified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), (g)(3), (g)(4), (g)(5), or
(g)(6) of this AD specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate
action: Before further flight, repair using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (n) of this
AD.
    (1) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-0049, dated
July 16, 2007.
    (2) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-0049,
Revision 1, dated September 23, 2009.
    (3) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-0049,
Revision 2, dated July 27, 2011.
    (4) Boeing Service Bulletin 757-54-0050, dated July 16, 2007.
    (5) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-0050,
Revision 1, dated October 7, 2009.
    (6) Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-0050,
Revision 2, dated July 27, 2011.

(h) Retained Exception to Service Information

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD
2008-13-20, Amendment 39-15583 (73 FR 37786, July 2, 2008). Where
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-0049 or Boeing
Service Bulletin 757-54-0050, both dated July 16, 2007; as
applicable; specifies compliance times relative to the date on the
service bulletin, this AD requires compliance within the specified
compliance time after August 6, 2008 (the effective date of AD 2008-
13-20).

(i) Retained Optional Terminating Modification

    This paragraph restates the actions specified in paragraph (h)
of AD 2008-13-20, Amendment 39-15583 (73 FR 37786, July 2, 2008).
Accomplishing the preventive modification identified in the service
bulletins specified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3); or
paragraph (g)(4), (g)(5), or (g)(6) of this AD; as applicable;
terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of
this AD.

(j) Retained Concurrent Actions

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD
2008-13-20, Amendment 39-15583 (73 FR 37786, July 2, 2008). Prior to
or concurrently with accomplishing the actions identified in the
service bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of
this AD; as applicable; accomplish the replacement specified in
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-0015, Revision 3,
dated September 19, 1996.

(k) Retained Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph restates the provisions of paragraph (j) of AD
2008-13-20, Amendment 39-15583 (73 FR 37786, July 2, 2008). This
paragraph provides credit for the actions required by paragraph (j)
of this AD, if those actions were performed before August 6, 2008
(the effective date of AD 2008-13-20) using Boeing Service Bulletin
757-54-0015, dated February 16, 1989; Revision 1, dated December 20,
1990; or Revision 2, dated April 21, 1994 (which are not
incorporated by reference in this AD).

(l) New Requirements of This AD: Inspection of Washer Stack Up
Sequence/Corrective Action

    For Group 1, Configuration 2 airplanes: Within 3,000 flight
cycles after the effective date of this AD, do a detailed inspection
of the washers installed under the attachment bolts of the aft hinge
fittings for correct installation sequence, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 757-54-0049 or 757-54-0050, both Revision 2, both dated
July 27, 2011, as applicable. If an incorrect installation sequence
is found, before further flight, remove and reinstall the washer
stack up correctly, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-
0049 or 757-54-0050, both Revision 2, both dated July 27, 2011, as
applicable.

(m) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraph (l) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 757-54-0049, Revision 1, dated September 23, 2009; or
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757-54-0050, Revision 1,
dated October 7, 2009; as applicable.

(n) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (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 the Related Information
section of this AD. Information may be emailed to<EMAIL_ADDRESS>    (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 Organization Designation Authorization
(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 in accordance with AD 2008-13-20,
Amendment 39-15583 (73 FR 37786, July 2, 2008), are approved as
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD.

(o) 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, Washington
98057-3356; phone:<PHONE_NUMBER>; fax:<PHONE_NUMBER>; email:
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone
206-544-5000, extension 1; fax<PHONE_NUMBER>; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the referenced
service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call<PHONE_NUMBER>.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 9, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-20108 Filed 8-15-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P