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18194 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No.

69 / Tuesday, April 11, 2006 / Rules and Regulations

special conditions upon issuance. The ACTION: Final rule. require repetitive measurements of the
FAA is requesting comments to allow freeplay of each of the three power
interested persons to submit views that SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new control units (PCUs) that move the
may not have been submitted in airworthiness directive (AD) for all rudder; repetitive lubrication of rudder
response to the prior opportunities for Boeing Model 757 airplanes. This AD components; and corrective actions if
comment described above. requires repetitive measurements of the necessary.
freeplay of each of the three power
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 25 control units (PCUs) that move the Comments
Aircraft, Aviation safety, Reporting rudder; repetitive lubrication of rudder We provided the public the
and recordkeeping requirements. components; and corrective actions if opportunity to participate in the
The authority citation for these necessary. This AD results from a report development of this AD. We have
special conditions is as follows: of freeplay-induced vibration of the considered the comments received.
rudder. The potential for vibration of
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701, the control surface should be avoided Request To Revise Discussion Section’s
44702, 44704. Reference to Freeplay-Induced Flutter
because the point of transition from
The Special Conditions vibration to divergent flutter is Boeing requests that we revise the
Accordingly, pursuant to the unknown. We are issuing this AD to wording in the first sentence of the
authority delegated to me by the prevent excessive vibration of the Discussion section of the NPRM to
Administrator, the following special airframe during flight, which could replace the phrase ‘‘freeplay-induced
conditions are issued as part of the result in divergent flutter and loss of flutter’’ with the phrase ‘‘freeplay-
supplemental type certification basis for control of the airplane. induced vibration.’’ Boeing states that
the McDonnell Douglas DC–8–72F DATES: This AD becomes effective May the event noted in the Discussion
airplanes modified by Avionics and 16, 2006. section was not divergent flutter, but
Systems Integration Group, LLC. The Director of the Federal Register was a constant amplitude event induced
1. Protection from Unwanted Effects approved the incorporation by reference by excessive freeplay. Boeing states that
of High-Intensity Radiated Fields of certain publications listed in the AD the service event is consistently
(HIRF). Each electrical and electronic as of May 16, 2006. described as freeplay-induced vibration
system that performs critical functions ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD elsewhere in the NPRM. Boeing points
must be designed and installed to docket on the Internet at http:// out that using the phrase ‘‘freeplay-
ensure that the operation and dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket induced flutter’’ in relation to the
operational capability of the system to Management Facility, U.S. Department service event may lead readers to the
perform critical functions are not of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street incorrect conclusion that the service
adversely affected when the airplane is SW., Nassif Building, room PL–401, event was divergent flutter.
exposed to high-intensity radiated Washington, DC. We agree that the Discussion section
fields. Contact Boeing Commercial incorrectly stated that there has been
2. For the purpose of these special Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, one report of ‘‘freeplay-induced flutter,’’
conditions, the following definition Washington 98124–2207, for service rather than ‘‘freeplay-induced
applies: information identified in this AD. vibration.’’ Since the Discussion section
Critical Functions: Functions whose FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: of the preamble does not reappear in the
failure would contribute to or cause a Dennis Stremick, Aerospace Engineer, final rule, we have not changed that
failure condition that would prevent the Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, Seattle section. However, we have changed the
continued safe flight and landing of the Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 1601 unsafe condition in the Summary
airplane. Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington paragraph and in paragraph (d) of this
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 98055–4056; telephone (425) 917–6450; AD to include clarification about
17, 2006. fax (425) 917–6590. freeplay-induced vibration.
Ali Bahrami, SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Request To Clarify Paragraph (e),
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, ‘‘Compliance’’
Aircraft Certification Service. Examining the Docket
[FR Doc. 06–3423 Filed 4–10–06; 8:45 am] You may examine the airworthiness Boeing also requests that we change
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P directive (AD) docket on the Internet at paragraph (e), ‘‘Compliance,’’ which
http://dms.dot.gov or in person at the states, ‘‘* * * unless the actions have
Docket Management Facility office already been done.’’ Boeing requests
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday that we clarify the sentence by stating,
through Friday, except Federal holidays. ‘‘* * * unless the actions have already
Federal Aviation Administration The Docket Management Facility office been done per the appropriate service
(telephone (800) 647–5227) is located on bulletin referenced in paragraph (f)
14 CFR Part 39 the plaza level of the Nassif Building at below.’’ Boeing requests that we give
[Docket No. FAA–2005–22471; Directorate the street address stated in the credit for lubrications accomplished
Identifier 2005–NM–142–AD; Amendment ADDRESSES section. previously in accordance with the
39–14550; AD 2006–07–23] airplane maintenance manual (AMM).
Discussion Boeing also states that the service
RIN 2120–AA64 The FAA issued a notice of proposed bulletins specified in paragraph (f) of
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR the NPRM institute significant
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Airworthiness Directives; Boeing


Model 757 Airplanes part 39 to include an AD that would improvements in the freeplay
apply to all Boeing Model 757 airplanes. measurements and procedures over
AGENCY: Federal Aviation That NPRM was published in the those in the AMM. Boeing would like to
Administration (FAA), Department of Federal Register on September 21, 2005 ensure that freeplay checks performed
Transportation (DOT). (70 FR 55321). That NPRM proposed to per the AMM are not considered

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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 69 / Tuesday, April 11, 2006 / Rules and Regulations 18195

equivalent to the service bulletin commenters explain that expressing the or an airplane operator, unaware that
procedures. compliance times only in terms of flight the procedure is mandated by an AD.
We partially agree with Boeing. We hours would allow for completing both The commenters add that AMMs are not
disagree with the request to change requirements during the heavy subject to FAA approval. If the FAA is
paragraph (e), ‘‘Compliance,’’ of this maintenance C-check, which U.S. concerned that future AMM revisions
AD. Paragraph (e) is written specifically Airways does at the earlier of 6,000 could change the intent of the NPRM,
in reference to the actions in this AD flight hours or 592 days. The proposed Northwest Airlines states that the FAA
and not in reference to the actions rule would require repetitive freeplay should identify the lubrication
performed in accordance with any measurements at the earlier of 12,000 procedures in the NPRM or the service
document that is not specifically flight hours or 36 months; and repetitive bulletin so that FAA approval is
referenced in this AD; the actions must lubrications at the earlier of 6,000 flight required before the procedures are
be accomplished exactly as prescribed hours or 18 months. U.S. Airways states revised.
by the AD. Paragraph (e) of this AD that it would like to complete both We disagree with including specific
allows for compliance only when the actions at the same time during the lubrication procedures in the AD. The
required actions have already been done heavy maintenance visit because the unsafe condition is caused by excessive
in accordance with the required service environment, away from the elements freeplay, which allows control surfaces
information. Therefore, the freeplay with a tail stand set up, would better to vibrate. The lubrication minimizes
measurement must be done in facilitate these actions. The commenters wear and corrosion in all critical
accordance with the procedures state that the rule, as proposed, would mechanical joints in the rudder control
specified in the service bulletins require the lubrication to be surfaces. The service bulletins contain
referenced in the AD. For the accomplished during special line specific procedures for measuring the
lubrication, the service bulletins maintenance visits, and the rudder freeplay. The AMMs referred to in the
reference the AMM for the procedures. freeplay measurement to be done twice service bulletins show where to apply
The AMM is not referenced in the AD. as frequently to fit into its existing C- grease and specify which grease to use.
Compliance with any revision of the checks. These AMMs give lubrication
AMM is acceptable for compliance with We disagree with the commenters’ procedures that follow industry
the lubrication requirements of this AD. request to state the compliance times standard practices. In addition, the AD
We have not changed the AD in this only in terms of flight hours. The specifies that using one grease (BMS 3–
regard. However, the operators may lubrication is required at intervals not to 33) maximizes the repetitive interval for
request approval of an alternative exceed the earlier of 3,000 flight hours the lubrications. We have not changed
method of compliance (AMOC) in or 9 months for airplanes on which BMS the AD in this regard.
accordance with the procedures in 3–33 grease is not used; and the earlier
Request To Extend Initial Threshold
paragraph (k) of this AD. of 6,000 flight hours or 18 months for
airplanes on which BMS 3–33 grease is American Airlines and the ATA
Request To Shorten Compliance Time used. U.S. Airways did not indicate request that we revise paragraphs (g)
for Lubrication which grease it uses. In addition, the and (i) to account for operators who use
The Airline Pilot’s Association commenters did not provide technical BMS 3–33 grease. The commenters
(ALPA) agrees with the actions in the substantiation allowing the calendar request that the interval for the initial
NPRM; however, ALPA states that the time to exceed 9 months or 18 months, freeplay measurement be extended from
proposed implementation period is too depending on the type of grease used. 18 months to 36 months, and that the
long, considering the possible results. The compliance times in the NPRM are interval for the initial lubrication be
ALPA states that the lubrication consistent with the manufacturer’s extended from 9 months to 18 months.
requirement, in particular, should be recommendations. We have determined The commenters state that these
required in as little as 90 days. ALPA that the compliance times in the AD changes would be consistent with the
recommends that we consider represent the maximum interval of time proposed repetitive intervals. American
shortening the required compliance allowable for the affected airplanes to Airlines explains that the safety of flight
time for each element of the AD. continue to safely operate before the issue with the rudder load loop is the
We disagree. ALPA did not provide actions are done. Since maintenance lack of rudder component lubrication.
technical data to support the requests. schedules vary among operators, there The lack of lubrication allows metal-to-
The compliance time for the lubrication would be no assurance that the actions metal contact and infiltration of water
is 9 months after the effective date of the would be done during that maximum and contaminants into the bearing
AD. This compliance time agrees with interval. We have not changed the AD surfaces, causing corrosion and
the manufacturer’s recommendation. In in this regard. However, the commenters inducing freeplay into the rudder
addition, service history shows that the may request approval of an AMOC in system. The commenters point out that
lubrication is not an urgent issue that accordance with the procedures in the recommended changes to the
requires action within 90 days. We have paragraph (k) of this AD. proposed AD would allow operators
not changed the AD in this regard. that currently use BMS 3–33 grease
Request To Include Procedures for every 18 months or 6,000 flight hours to
Request To Express Repetitive Interval Rudder Lubrication extend the initial intervals.
in Terms of Flight Hours Northwest Airlines and the ATA We disagree. The commenters do not
US Airways and the Air Transport request that we specify in the AD the account for the fact that flight hours,
Association (ATA) request that we procedures required for rudder particularly at cruise, exacerbate the
specify the repetitive intervals for both lubrication, or require that those wear of all the critical joints; the
the freeplay measurement and the procedures be specified in the freeplay in the flight control surface is
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rudder lubrication only in terms of applicable service bulletins. The cause by control-system wear and
flight hours so that both requirements commenters explain that the AMMs corrosion. In addition, the commenters
can be accomplished, to the greatest referenced in the service bulletins are do not provide technical justification for
extent possible, during compatible, not identified by date, and that there extending the interval for the initial
scheduled maintenance visits. The could be subsequent revisions by Boeing freeplay measurement. The initial

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18196 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 69 / Tuesday, April 11, 2006 / Rules and Regulations

freeplay measurement done in Clarification of Service Bulletin received, and determined that air safety
accordance with the AD is critical to Reference and the public interest require adopting
establish a baseline for the entire fleet. We have included in paragraph (f) of the AD with the changes described
Service history for these airplanes has this AD a reference to Appendix A of previously. We have determined that
shown that the initial intervals for the Boeing Special Attention Service these changes will neither increase the
freeplay measurement and lubrication Bulletin 757–27–0148, dated June 16, economic burden on any operator nor
are adequate. We have not changed the 2005; and Boeing Special Attention increase the scope of the AD.
AD in this regard. Service Bulletin 757–27–0149, dated
June 16, 2005. The appendixes contain Costs of Compliance
Clarification of AMOC Paragraph reference information for doing the There are about 1,040 airplanes of the
We have revised this action to clarify actions in the Accomplishment affected design in the worldwide fleet.
the appropriate procedure for notifying Instructions. The NPRM referred only to The following table provides the
the principal inspector before using any the Accomplishment Instructions and estimated costs for U.S. operators to
approved AMOC on any airplane to excluded mention of the appendixes. comply with this AD. No parts are
which the AMOC applies. Conclusion necessary to accomplish either action.
We have carefully reviewed the
available data, including the comments
ESTIMATED COSTS
Number of
Average U.S.-reg-
Action Work hours labor rate Cost per airplane Fleet cost
istered air-
per hour planes

Freeplay measurement ............. 4 $65 $260, per measurement cycle .. 679 $176,540, per measurement
cycle.
Lubrication ................................. 8 65 $520, per lubrication cycle ....... 679 $353,080, per lubrication cycle.

Authority for This Rulemaking (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory 2006–07–23 BOEING: Amendment 39–
action’’ under Executive Order 12866; 14550. Docket No. FAA–2005–22471;
Title 49 of the United States Code (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under Directorate Identifier 2005–NM–142–AD.
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures Effective Date
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
Section 106, describes the authority of (a) This AD becomes effective May 16,
(3) Will not have a significant
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, 2006.
economic impact, positive or negative,
Aviation Programs, describes in more on a substantial number of small entities Affected ADs
detail the scope of the Agency’s under the criteria of the Regulatory (b) None.
authority. Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation Applicability
We are issuing this rulemaking under
the authority described in Subtitle VII, of the estimated costs to comply with (c) This AD applies to all Boeing Model
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, this AD and placed it in the AD docket. 757–200, –200PF, –200CB, and –300 series
‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that See the ADDRESSES section for a location airplanes, certificated in any category.
section, Congress charges the FAA with to examine the regulatory evaluation. Unsafe Condition
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 (d) This AD results from a report of
air commerce by prescribing regulations freeplay-induced vibration of the rudder. The
for practices, methods, and procedures Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation potential for vibration of the control surface
the Administrator finds necessary for safety, Incorporation by reference, should be avoided because the point of
safety in air commerce. This regulation Safety. transition from vibration to divergent flutter
is within the scope of that authority Adoption of the Amendment is unknown. We are issuing this AD to
because it addresses an unsafe condition prevent excessive vibration of the airframe
that is likely to exist or develop on ■ Accordingly, under the authority during flight, which could result in divergent
products identified in this rulemaking delegated to me by the Administrator, flutter and loss of control of the airplane.
action. the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as Compliance
follows:
Regulatory Findings (e) You are responsible for having the
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS actions required by this AD performed within
We have determined that this AD will the compliance times specified, unless the
DIRECTIVES
not have federalism implications under actions have already been done.
Executive Order 13132. This AD will ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
Service Bulletin References
not have a substantial direct effect on continues to read as follows:
the States, on the relationship between (f) The term ‘‘service bulletin,’’ as used in
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. this AD, means the Accomplishment
the national government and the States,
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or on the distribution of power and § 39.13 [Amended] Instructions and Appendix A of the following
service bulletins, as applicable:
responsibilities among the various ■ 2. The Federal Aviation (1) For Model 757–200, –200PF, –200CB
levels of government. Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13 series airplanes: Boeing Special Attention
For the reasons discussed above, I by adding the following new Service Bulletin 757–27–0148, dated June 16,
certify that this AD: airworthiness directive (AD): 2005; and

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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 69 / Tuesday, April 11, 2006 / Rules and Regulations 18197

(2) For Model 757–300 series airplanes: 2005; or Boeing Special Attention Service of certain publications listed in the AD
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin Bulletin 757–27–0149, dated June 16, 2005; as of May 16, 2006.
757–27–0149, dated June 16, 2005. as applicable; to perform the actions that are
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies
Repetitive Measurements
otherwise. The Director of the Federal
docket on the Internet at http://
(g) Within 18 months after the effective Register approved the incorporation by dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket
date of this AD: Measure the freeplay for each reference of these documents in accordance Management Facility, U.S. Department
of the three power control units that move with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street
the rudder. Repeat the measurement Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. SW., Nassif Building, Room PL–401,
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12,000 Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124–2207, Washington, DC.
flight hours or 36 months, whichever occurs for a copy of this service information. You Contact Boeing Commercial
first. Do all actions required by this may review copies at the Docket Management Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
paragraph in accordance with the applicable Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation,
service bulletin.
Washington 98124–2207, for service
400 Seventh Street SW., room PL–401, Nassif information identified in this AD.
Related Investigative and Corrective Actions Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet at
http://dms.dot.gov; or at the National FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
(h) If any measurement found in paragraph Archives and Records Administration Louis Natsiopoulos, Aerospace
(g) of this AD is outside certain limits (NARA). For information on the availability Engineer, Systems and Equipment
specified in the service bulletin: Before of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741– Branch, ANM–130S, FAA, Seattle
further flight, do the applicable related 6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/
investigative and corrective actions in
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind
federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
accordance with the service bulletin. ibr_locations.html. 98055–4056; telephone (425) 917–6478;
Repetitive Lubrication Issued in Renton, Washington, on March fax (425) 917–6590.
(i) Within 9 months after the effective date 30, 2006. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
of this AD: Lubricate the rudder components Ali Bahrami,
specified in the applicable service bulletin. Examining the Docket
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Repeat the lubrication thereafter at the You may examine the airworthiness
Aircraft Certification Service.
applicable interval in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2)
of this AD. Do all actions required by this [FR Doc. 06–3378 Filed 4–10–06; 8:45 am] directive (AD) docket on the Internet at
paragraph in accordance with the applicable BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
http://dms.dot.gov or in person at the
service bulletin. Docket Management Facility office
(1) For airplanes on which BMS 3–33 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
grease is not used: 3,000 flight hours or 9 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION through Friday, except Federal holidays.
months, whichever occurs first. The Docket Management Facility office
(2) For airplanes on which BMS 3–33 Federal Aviation Administration (telephone (800) 647–5227) is located on
grease is used: 6,000 flight hours or 18 the plaza level of the Nassif Building at
months, whichever occurs first. 14 CFR Part 39 the street address stated in the
Concurrent Repetitive Cycles ADDRESSES section.
[Docket No. FAA–2005–20688; Directorate
(j) If a freeplay measurement required by Identifier 2004–NM–165–AD; Amendment Discussion
paragraph (g) of this AD and a lubrication 39–14551; AD 2006–07–24]
cycle required by paragraph (i) of this AD are The FAA issued a notice of proposed
due at the same time or will be accomplished RIN 2120–AA64 rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
during the same maintenance visit, the part 39 to include an AD that would
freeplay measurement and applicable related Airworthiness Directives; Boeing apply to certain Boeing Model 757–200
investigative and corrective actions must be Model 757–200 and –300 Series and -300 series airplanes. That NPRM
done before the lubrication is accomplished. Airplanes was published in the Federal Register
Alternative Methods of Compliance AGENCY: Federal Aviation on March 23, 2005 (70 FR 14592). That
(AMOCs) NPRM proposed to require replacing
Administration (FAA), Department of
(k)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Transportation (DOT). certain electrical panels with certain
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the new panels.
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if ACTION: Final rule.
requested in accordance with the procedures Comments
found in 14 CFR 39.19.
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain We provided the public the
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in opportunity to participate in the
accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to Boeing Model 757–200 and -300 series
airplanes. This AD requires replacing development of this AD. We have
which the AMOC applies, notify the
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA certain electrical panels with certain considered the comments received.
Flight Standards Certificate Holding District new panels. This AD results from a Support for the NPRM
Office. report of some loose wire terminations
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable The Boeing Company and American
in the P50 panel that caused Airlines support the NPRM.
level of safety may be used for any repair intermittent indications in the flight
required by this AD, if it is approved by an Request to Address Defective Parts
Authorized Representative for the Boeing
deck. We are issuing this AD to prevent
Commercial Airplanes Delegation Option intermittent indications in the flight Manufacturer Approval (PMA) Parts
Authorization Organization who has been deck, incorrect circuitry operation in the The Modification and Replacement
authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to panels, and airplane system Parts Association (MARPA) requests
make those findings. For a repair method to malfunctions that may adversely affect that the NPRM be revised to cover
be approved, the repair must meet the the alternate flaps, alternate gear possible defective PMA alternative parts
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certification basis of the airplane, and the extension, and fire extinguishing. and to identify the manufacturer of the
approval must specifically refer to this AD.
DATES: This AD becomes effective May defective electrical panels, so that those
Material Incorporated by Reference 16, 2006. defective PMA parts also are subject to
(l) You must use Boeing Special Attention The Director of the Federal Register the NPRM. MARPA states that the
Service Bulletin 757–27–0148, dated June 16, approved the incorporation by reference electrical panels are identified in the

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