
[Federal Register: October 25, 2011 (Volume 76, Number 206)]
[Proposed Rules]               
[Page 65991-65995]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr25oc11-23]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-1093; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-149-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

 
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 757 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This proposed AD would require repetitive 
detailed inspections for discrepancies of the horizontal stabilizer 
ballscrew assembly; repetitive lubrication of the horizontal stabilizer 
trim control system; repetitive measurements for discrepancies of the 
ballscrew to ballnut freeplay; and corrective actions if necessary. 
This proposed AD was prompted by a report of extensive corrosion of the 
ballscrew of the drive mechanism of the horizontal stabilizer trim 
actuator. We are proposing this AD to prevent undetected failure of the 
primary and secondary load paths for the ballscrew in the horizontal 
stabilizer, which could lead to loss of control of the horizontal 
stabilizer and consequent loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 9, 
2011.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, 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 206-766-5680; e-mail me.boecom@boeing.com; 
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 425-227-1221.

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 (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kelly McGuckin, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Airplane 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-
3356; telephone (425) 917-6490; fax (425) 917-6590.

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-2011-1093; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-149-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

    We received a report of extensive corrosion of the ballscrew of the 
drive mechanism of the horizontal stabilizer trim actuator (HSTA). 
Boeing previously initiated a design review and safety analysis of the 
ballscrews used on all Model 757 airplanes as a result of an MD-80 
airplane accident which occurred in January 2000. The cause of that 
accident was attributed to an in-flight failure of the horizontal 
stabilizer jackscrew assembly caused by inadequate maintenance. 
Jackscrews and ballscrews are similar in function and have similar 
airplane level failure modes. During this review a Model 757 airplane 
operator reported the subject corrosion. This condition, if not 
corrected, could result in undetected failure of the primary and 
secondary load paths for the ballscrew in the horizontal stabilizer, 
which could lead to loss of control of the horizontal stabilizer and 
consequent loss of control of the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletins 757-27A0144 (for 
Model 757-200, -200CB, and 200PF series airplanes) and 757-27A0145 (for 
Model 757-300 series airplanes), both Revision 1, both dated January 
20, 2010. These service bulletins describe procedures for repetitive 
detailed inspections for discrepancies of the horizontal stabilizer 
ballscrew assembly (including but not limited to, damage, cracking, 
corrosion, or wear); repetitive lubrication of the horizontal 
stabilizer trim control system; and repetitive measurements of the 
ballscrew to ballnut freeplay for discrepancies.
    We have also reviewed Subject 27-41-10, ``Stabilizer Trim Ballscrew 
Freeplay,'' of Chapter 27, ``Flight Controls,'' of the Boeing 757 
Airplane Maintenance Manual (AMM), Revision 101, dated May 20, 2011, 
which describes procedures for accomplishing the subject inspections 
and freeplay measurements, and applicable corrective actions.

[[Page 65992]]

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. 
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in 
the service information described previously, except as discussed under 
``Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information.''

Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Boeing Alert Service Bulletins 757-27A0144 and 757-27A0145, both 
Revision 1, both dated January 20, 2010, do not specify corrective 
actions for airplanes on which the measured freeplay is less than .004 
inch and the freeplay check was done correctly. However, this proposed 
AD requires corrective action that includes replacement of the HSTA 
before further flight with a new or overhauled HSTA, if the freeplay 
measurement is less then 0.002 inch. No action is required for freeplay 
measurements greater then or equal to 0.002 inch but less then 0.004 
inch after verifying the measurement was performed correctly.
    Boeing Alert Service Bulletins 757-27A0144 and 757-27A0145, both 
Revision 1, both dated January 20, 2010, do not specify conditions for 
replacing the HSTA if that replacement is necessary as corrective 
action. This proposed AD requires any replacement HSTA be new or 
overhauled if replaced as corrective action. Any replacement HSTA that 
is not new or overhauled must be inspected before further flight in 
accordance with the requirements of this proposed AD.
    Boeing Alert Service Bulletins 757-27A0144 and 757-27A0145, both 
Revision 1, both dated January 20, 2010, do not give credit for 
airplanes on which the HSTA ballscrews were overhauled after removing 
the HSTA from the airplane as part of a ``hard-time'' replacement 
program. The proposed AD includes credit for airplanes on which any 
HSTA is overhauled before the effective date of this AD, or within the 
compliance time specified in paragraph (g), (h), or (i) of this AD, as 
applicable, as part of a ``hard-time'' replacement program that 
includes removal of the HSTA from the airplane and overhaul of the 
stabilizer ballscrew using original equipment manufacturer 
instructions. Therefore, any such HSTA is considered acceptable for 
compliance with the initial accomplishment of the actions specified in 
paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD, as applicable, and the repeat 
interval for those actions may be determined from the performance date 
of that overhaul.
    Boeing Alert Service Bulletins 757-27A0144 and 757-27A0145, both 
Revision 1, both dated January 20, 2010, do not specify the initial 
compliance times for airplanes on which the detailed inspection or 
lubrication tasks have not been performed; however, this proposed AD 
provides those compliance times.
    Boeing Alert Service Bulletins 757-27A0144 and 757-27A0145, both 
Revision 1, both dated January 20, 2010, specify the initial compliance 
time for the stabilizer ballscrew to ballnut freeplay check for Group 
1, Configuration 1, and Group 1, Configuration 3 airplanes based on 
total flight hours, within 18 months from the date of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletins 757-27A0144 and 757-27A0145, both Revision 1, both 
dated January 20, 2010. This proposed AD requires the initial freeplay 
check before the accumulation of 15,000 total flight hours, or within 
18 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
    We have coordinated the differences discussed above with Boeing.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 730 airplanes of 
U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 13 work-hours 
per product to comply with this proposed AD. The average labor rate is 
$85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this 
proposed AD to the U.S. operators to be $806,650, or $1,105 per 
product.
    We estimate that it would take about 26 work-hours to do any HSTA 
replacement that would be required based on the results of the proposed 
inspection. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that 
might need these replacements. The average labor rate is $85 per work-
hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed 
replacement to the U.S. operators to be $2,210 per product; excluding 
parts cost, which varies depending on airplane configuration.

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 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 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),
    (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 adding the following new AD:

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2011-1093; Directorate Identifier 
2010-NM-149-AD.

[[Page 65993]]

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by December 9, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 757-200, -
200PF, -200CB, and -300 series airplanes, certificated in any 
category.

Subject

    (d) Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport 
Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight Controls.

Unsafe Condition

    (e) This AD was prompted by a report of extensive corrosion of 
the ballscrew of the drive mechanism of the horizontal stabilizer 
trim actuator (HSTA). We are issuing this AD to prevent undetected 
failure of the primary and secondary load paths for the ballscrew in 
the horizontal stabilizer, which could lead to loss of control of 
the horizontal stabilizer and consequent loss of control of the 
airplane.

Compliance

    (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Group 1, Configuration 1 Airplanes--Repetitive Inspections, 
Lubrications, Freeplay Checks

    (g) For Group 1, Configuration 1 airplanes identified in Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 757-27A0144 (for Model 757-200, -200CB, and 
200PF series airplanes) or 757-27A0145 (for Model 757-300 series 
airplanes), Revision 1, dated January 20, 2010, that have 
accumulated 15,000 total flight cycles or fewer as of the effective 
date of this AD: Do the actions required by paragraph (g)(1) or 
(g)(2) of this AD, as applicable, and do the actions required by 
paragraph (g)(3) or (g)(4) of this AD, as applicable, and do the 
actions required by paragraph (g)(5) of this AD, at the times 
specified in those paragraphs, and in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-
27A0144 (for Model 757-200, -200CB, and -200PF series airplanes) or 
757-27A0145 (for Model 757-300 series airplanes), Revision 1, dated 
January 20, 2010.
    (1) For airplanes on which a detailed inspection of the 
horizontal stabilizer ballscrew assembly specified in Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 757-27A0144 or 757-27A0145, dated August 7, 2003; 
or Revision 1, dated January 20, 2010; has been done as of the 
effective date of this AD: Do a detailed inspection for 
discrepancies of the horizontal stabilizer ballscrew assembly at the 
later of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (g)(1)(ii) 
of this AD. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 3,500 flight hours or 2 years, whichever occurs first.
    (i) Within 3,500 flight hours or 2 years after doing the most 
recent detailed inspection of the horizontal stabilizer ballscrew 
assembly, whichever occurs first.
    (ii) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes on which a detailed inspection of the 
horizontal stabilizer ballscrew assembly specified in Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 757-27A0144 or 757-27A0145, dated August 7, 2003; 
or Revision 1, dated January 20, 2010; has not been done as of the 
effective date of this AD: Do a detailed inspection for 
discrepancies of the horizontal stabilizer ballscrew assembly within 
3,500 flight hours or 2 years after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs first. Repeat the inspection thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 3,500 flight hours or 2 years, whichever 
occurs first.
    (3) For airplanes on which the lubrication of the horizontal 
stabilizer trim control system specified in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 757-27A0144 or 757-27A0145, dated August 7, 2003; or 
Revision 1, dated January 20, 2010; has been done as of the 
effective date of this AD: Lubricate the horizontal stabilizer trim 
control system at the later of the times specified in paragraphs 
(g)(3)(i) and (g)(3)(ii) of this AD. Repeat the lubrication 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,000 flight hours or 1 year, 
whichever occurs first.
    (i) Within 2,000 flight hours or 1 year after doing the most 
recent lubrication of the horizontal stabilizer trim control system, 
whichever occurs first.
    (ii) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD.
    (4) For airplanes on which the lubrication of the horizontal 
stabilizer trim control system specified in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 757-27A0144 or 757-27A0145, dated August 7, 2003; or 
Revision 1, dated January 20, 2010; has not been done as of the 
effective date of this AD: Lubricate the horizontal stabilizer trim 
control system within 2,000 flight hours or 1 year after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. Repeat the 
lubrication thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,000 flight hours 
or 1 year, whichever occurs first.
    (5) Do the stabilizer ballscrew to ballnut freeplay check for 
discrepancies at the later of the times specified in paragraphs 
(g)(5)(i) and (g)(5)(ii) of this AD. Repeat the freeplay check 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 18,000 flight hours or 5 
years, whichever occurs first.
    (i) Before the accumulation of 15,000 total flight hours.
    (ii) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD.

Group 1, Configuration 2 Airplanes--Repetitive Inspections, 
Lubrications, Freeplay Checks

    (h) For Group 1, Configuration 2 airplanes identified in Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 757-27A0144 (for Model 757-200, -200CB, and 
200PF series airplanes) or 757-27A0145 (for Model 757-300 series 
airplanes), Revision 1, dated January 20, 2010, that have 
accumulated more than 15,000 total flight cycles as of the effective 
date of this AD: Do the actions required by paragraph (h)(1) or 
(h)(2) of this AD, as applicable, and do the actions required by 
paragraph (h)(3) or (h)(4) of this AD, as applicable, and do the 
actions required by paragraph (h)(5) of this AD, at the times 
specified in those paragraphs, and in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-
27A0144 (for Model 757-200, -200CB, and 200PF series airplanes) or 
757-27A0145 (for Model 757-300 series airplanes), Revision 1, dated 
January 20, 2010.
    (1) For airplanes on which a detailed inspection of the 
horizontal stabilizer ballscrew assembly specified in Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 757-27A0144 or 757-27A0145, dated August 7, 2003; 
or Revision 1, dated January 20, 2010; has been done as of the 
effective date of this AD: Do a detailed inspection for 
discrepancies of the horizontal stabilizer ballscrew assembly at the 
later of the times specified in paragraphs (h)(1)(i) and (h)(1)(ii) 
of this AD. Do the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
3,500 flight hours or 2 years, whichever occurs first.
    (i) Within 3,500 flight hours or 18 months after doing the most 
recent detailed inspection of the stabilizer ballscrew assembly, 
whichever occurs first.
    (ii) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes on which a detailed inspection of the 
horizontal stabilizer ballscrew assembly specified in Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 757-27A0144 or 757-27A0145, dated August 7, 2003; 
or Revision 1, dated January 20, 2010; has not been done as of the 
effective date of this AD: Do a detailed inspection for 
discrepancies of the horizontal stabilizer ballscrew assembly within 
3,500 flight hours or 18 months after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs first. Do the inspection thereafter at intervals 
not to exceed 3,500 flight hours or 2 years, whichever occurs first.
    (3) For airplanes on which the lubrication of the horizontal 
stabilizer trim control system specified in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 757-27A0144 or 757-27A0145, dated August 7, 2003; or 
Revision 1, dated January 20, 2010; has been done as of the 
effective date of this AD: Lubricate the horizontal stabilizer trim 
control system at the later of the times specified in paragraphs 
(h)(3)(i) and (h)(3)(ii) of this AD. Do the lubrication thereafter 
at intervals not to exceed 2,000 flight hours or 1 year, whichever 
occurs first.
    (i) Within 2,000 flight hours or 1 year after doing the most 
recent lubrication of the horizontal stabilizer trim control system, 
whichever occurs first.
    (ii) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD.
    (4) For airplanes on which the lubrication of the horizontal 
stabilizer trim control system specified in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletins 757-27A0144 or 757-27A0145, dated August 7, 2003; or 
Revision 1, dated January 20, 2010; has not been done as of the 
effective date of this AD: Lubricate the horizontal stabilizer trim 
control system within 2,000 flight hours or 1 year after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. Do the 
lubrication thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,000 flight hours 
or 1 year, whichever occurs first.
    (5) Do the stabilizer ballscrew to ballnut freeplay check for 
discrepancies within 18 months after the effective date of this AD.

[[Page 65994]]

Repeat the freeplay check thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
18,000 flight hours or 5 years, whichever occurs first.

Group 1, Configuration 3 Airplanes--Repetitive Inspections, 
Lubrications, Freeplay Checks

    (i) For Group 1, Configuration 3 airplanes identified in Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 757-27A0144 (for Model 757-200, -200CB, and 
200PF series airplanes) or 757-27A0145 (for Model 757-300 series 
airplanes), Revision 1, dated January 20, 2010: Do the actions 
required by paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD, as applicable, 
and do the actions required by paragraph (i)(3) or (i)(4) of this 
AD, as applicable, and do the actions required by paragraph (i)(5) 
of this AD, at the time specified in those paragraphs, and in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 757-27A0144 (for Model 757-200, -200CB, and 200PF 
series airplanes) or 757-27A0145 (for Model 757-300 series 
airplanes), Revision 1, dated January 20, 2010.
    (1) For airplanes on which a detailed inspection of the 
horizontal stabilizer ballscrew assembly specified in the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-
27A0144 or 757-27A0145, dated August 7, 2003; or Revision 1, dated 
January 20, 2010; has been done as of the effective date of this AD: 
Do a detailed inspection for discrepancies of the stabilizer 
ballscrew assembly at the later of the times specified in paragraphs 
(h)(1)(i) and (h)(1)(ii) of this AD. Do the inspection thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 3,500 flight hours or 2 years, whichever 
occurs first.
    (i) Within 3,500 flight hours or 2 years after doing the most 
recent detailed inspection of the stabilizer ballscrew assembly, 
whichever occurs first.
    (ii) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes on which a detailed inspection of the 
horizontal stabilizer ballscrew assembly specified in Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 757-27A0144 or 757-27A0145, dated August 7, 2003; 
or Revision 1, dated January 20, 2010; has not been done as of the 
effective date of this AD: Do a detailed inspection for 
discrepancies of the stabilizer ballscrew assembly at the later of 
the times in paragraph (i)(2)(i) or (i)(2)(ii) of this AD. Repeat 
the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3,500 flight 
hours or 2 years, whichever occurs first.
    (i) Within 3,500 flight hours or 2 years, whichever occurs 
first, after accomplishing an overhaul specified in Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 757-27A0142, Revision 2, dated October 23, 2003; or 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-27A0143, Revision 1, dated October 
23, 2003.
    (ii) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD.
    (3) For airplanes on which the lubrication of the horizontal 
stabilizer trim control system specified in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 757-27A0144 or 757-27A0145, dated August 7, 2003; or 
Revision 1, dated January 20, 2010; has been done as of the 
effective date of this AD: Lubricate the horizontal stabilizer trim 
control system at the later of the times specified in paragraphs 
(i)(3)(i) and (i)(3)(ii) of this AD. Do the lubrication thereafter 
at intervals not to exceed 2,000 flight hours or 1 year, whichever 
occurs first.
    (i) Within 2,000 flight hours or 1 year after doing the most 
recent lubrication of the horizontal stabilizer trim control system, 
whichever occurs first.
    (ii) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD.
    (4) For airplanes on which the lubrication of the horizontal 
stabilizer trim control system specified in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 757-27A0144 or 757-27A0145, dated August 7, 2003; or 
Revision 1, dated January 20, 2010; has not been done as of the 
effective date of this AD: Lubricate the horizontal stabilizer trim 
control system at the later of the times specified in paragraphs 
(i)(4)(i) and (i)(4)(ii) of this AD. Do the lubrication thereafter 
at intervals not to exceed 2,000 flight hours or 1 year, whichever 
occurs first.
    (i) Within 2,000 flight hours or 1 year, whichever occurs first, 
after accomplishing an overhaul specified in Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 757-27A0142, Revision 2, dated October 23, 2003; or Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 757-27A0143, Revision 1, dated October 23, 
2003.
    (ii) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD.
    (5) Do the stabilizer ballscrew to ballnut freeplay check for 
discrepancies at the later of the times specified in paragraph 
(i)(5)(i) or (i)(5)(ii) of this AD. Repeat the freeplay check 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 18,000 flight hours or 5 
years, whichever occurs first.
    (i) Before the accumulation of 15,000 total flight hours after 
accomplishing an overhaul specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
757-27A0142, Revision 2, dated October 23, 2003; or Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 757-27A0143, Revision 1, dated October 23, 2003.
    (ii) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD.

Corrective Actions

    (j) If any discrepancy is found during any action required by 
paragraph (g), (h), or (i) of this AD: Before further flight, do the 
replacement specified in paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) of this AD, in 
accordance with Subject 27-41-10, ``Stabilizer Trim Ballscrew 
Freeplay,'' of Chapter 27, ``Flight Controls,'' of the Boeing 757 
Airplane Maintenance Manual (AMM), Revision 101, dated May 20, 2011; 
except as provided by paragraph (k) of this AD.
    (1) Replace the HSTA with a new or overhauled HSTA.
    (2) Replace the HSTA with a HSTA that is not new or overhauled 
on which a detailed inspection, freeplay measurement, and 
lubrication of that actuator are performed in accordance with 
paragraph (g), (h), or (i) of this AD, as applicable, and no 
discrepancies are found during the inspection and freeplay 
measurement.
    (k) No action is required if a freeplay measurement greater then 
or equal to 0.002 inch but less than 0.004 inch is found and the 
measurement is verified that it was performed correctly. This AD 
requires HSTA replacement, as specified in paragraph (j) of this AD, 
if a freeplay measurement less then 0.002 inch is found.

    Note 1: Additional guidance for the verification of the 
measurement can be found in Subject 27-41-10, ``Stabilizer Trim 
Ballscrew Freeplay,'' of Chapter 27, ``Flight Controls,'' of the 
Boeing 757 Airplane Maintenance Manual (AMM), Revision 101, dated 
May 20, 2011.

Credit for Hard-Time Replacement of HSTA

    (l) Any HSTA overhauled before the effective date of this AD, or 
within the compliance time specified in paragraph (g), (h), or (i) 
of this AD, as applicable--as part of a ``hard-time'' replacement 
program that includes removal of the HSTA from the airplane and 
overhaul of the stabilizer ballscrew in accordance with original 
equipment manufacturer component maintenance manual instructions--
meets the intent of one detailed inspection, one freeplay 
inspection, and one lubrication of the HSTA as specified in 
paragraph (g), (h), or (i) of this AD; and therefore, is considered 
acceptable for compliance with the initial accomplishment of the 
actions specified in paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD, as 
applicable, and the repeat interval for those actions may be 
determined from the performance date of that overhaul.

Parts Installation

    (m) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, 
on any airplane, a horizontal stabilizer trim actuator that is not 
new or overhauled; unless a detailed inspection, freeplay 
measurement, and lubrication of that actuator are performed in 
accordance with paragraph (g), (h), or (i) of this AD, as 
applicable, and no discrepancies are found during the inspection and 
freeplay measurement.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (n)(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 e-mailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-
ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
    (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.

Related Information

    (o) For more information about this AD, contact Kelly McGuckin, 
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, Seattle 
ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone 
(425) 917-6490; fax (425) 917-6590; e-mail: kelly.mcguckin@faa.gov.
    (p) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services

[[Page 65995]]

Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; 
telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; e-mail 
me.boecom@boeing.com; 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 98057-3356. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 13, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-27484 Filed 10-24-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

