Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model 717-200 Airplanes, 731-733 [05-168]
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 3 / Wednesday, January 5, 2005 / Proposed Rules
cargo door, as listed in Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 727–52–0149,
dated October 16, 2003; certificated in any
category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by reports of
cracking at the forward, lower corner frame
and lower beam of the No. 3 cargo door. We
are proposing this AD to detect and correct
cracking of the forward, lower corner frame
and forward end of the lower beam of the No.
3 cargo door, which could result in failure of
the affected door stops, loss of the cargo door,
and consequent rapid decompression of the
airplane.
(2) If the number of total flight cycles on
the door cannot be positively determined: Do
the actions required by paragraphs (f) and (h)
of this AD, as applicable, or paragraph (j) of
this AD, before installing the door.
Optional Terminating Action
(j) Concurrently with doing the inspection
required by paragraph (f) of this AD, if no
cracking is found, doing the preventative
modification specified in paragraph 3.B.2. of
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 727–52–
0149, dated October 16, 2003, terminates the
repetitive inspections required by paragraph
(f) of this AD.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the
actions required by this AD performed within
the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Repetitive Detailed and High Frequency
Eddy Current (HFEC) Inspections
(f) Do detailed and HFEC inspections for
cracking of the forward, lower corner frame
and forward end of the lower beam of the No.
3 cargo door by accomplishing all of the
applicable actions specified in the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 727–52–
0149, dated October 16, 2003. Do the
inspections at the times specified in the
applicable table in paragraph 1.E.,
‘‘Compliance,’’ of the service bulletin, except
as required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals
not to exceed 4,500 flight cycles. Doing the
applicable actions in paragraph (h) or (j) of
this AD terminates the repetitive inspections.
(g) Where the service bulletin specified in
paragraph (f) of this AD provides a threshold
relative to the release date of the service
bulletin, this AD requires compliance within
the applicable threshold following the
effective date of this AD, if the ‘‘total airplane
flight cycles’’ or ‘‘total replaced door flight
cycles’’ threshold has been exceeded.
Corrective Actions
(h) For airplanes on which cracking is
found during any inspection required by
paragraph (f) of this AD: Before further flight,
do all of the applicable corrective actions
specified in the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention
Service Bulletin 727–52–0149, dated October
16, 2003. Repairing any affected area
terminates the repetitive inspections required
by paragraph (f) of this AD.
Parts Installation
(i) Any replacement No. 3 cargo door
installed on any airplane after the effective
date of this AD must be inspected or
modified in accordance with either
paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD, as
applicable.
(1) If the number of total flight cycles on
the door can be positively determined: Do the
actions required by paragraphs (f) and (h) of
this AD, as applicable, or paragraph (j) of this
AD. Do the actions at the times specified in
Table 2 of paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin
727–52–0149, dated October 16, 2003.
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16:24 Jan 04, 2005
Jkt 205001
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(k)(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.
(2) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
level of safety may be used for any repair for
cracking required by this AD, if it is
approved by a Boeing Company Designated
Engineering Representative who has been
authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to
make such findings. For a repair method to
be approved, the approval must specifically
reference this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
December 27, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05–167 Filed 1–4–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2004–19987; Directorate
Identifier 2004–NM–203–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell
Douglas Model 717–200 Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain McDonnell Douglas Model 717–
200 airplanes. This proposed AD would
require replacing eight brake fuses of the
hydraulic quantity limiter with new or
modified and reidentified fuses. This
proposed AD is prompted by reports
indicating that brake fuses of the
hydraulic quantity limiter of the main
landing gear have failed. We are
proposing this AD to prevent loss of
both hydraulic and brake systems if one
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
731
fuse on each hydraulic system were to
fail simultaneously, and consequent
reduced controllability of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by February 22, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following
addresses to submit comments on this
proposed AD.
• DOT Docket Web site: Go to http:/
/dms.dot.gov and follow the instructions
for sending your comments
electronically.
• Government-wide rulemaking Web
site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending
your comments electronically.
• Mail: Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building,
room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590.
• By fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on
the plaza level of the Nassif Building,
400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington,
DC, 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, Long Beach
Division, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard,
Long Beach, California 90846,
Attention: Data and Service
Management, Dept. C1–L5A (D800–
0024).
You can examine the contents of this
AD docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket
Management Facility, U.S. Department
of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street,
SW., room PL–401, on the plaza level of
the Nassif Building, Washington, DC.
This docket number is FAA–2004–
19987; the directorate identifier for this
docket is 2004–NM–203–AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Technical information: Albert Lam,
Aerospace Engineer, Systems and
Equipment Branch, ANM–130L, FAA,
Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
Lakewood, California 90712–4137;
telephone (562) 627–5346; fax (562)
627–5210.
Plain language information: Marcia
Walters, marcia.walters@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Docket Management System (DMS)
The FAA has implemented new
procedures for maintaining AD dockets
electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new
AD actions are posted on DMS and
assigned a docket number. We track
each action and assign a corresponding
directorate identifier. The DMS AD
docket number is in the form ‘‘Docket
No. FAA–2004–99999.’’ The Transport
Airplane Directorate identifier is in the
E:\FR\FM\05JAP1.SGM
05JAP1
732
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 3 / Wednesday, January 5, 2005 / Proposed Rules
form ‘‘Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–
999–AD.’’ Each DMS AD docket also
lists the directorate identifier (‘‘Old
Docket Number’’) as a cross-reference
for searching purposes.
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant
written data, views, or arguments
regarding this proposed AD. Send your
comments to an address listed under
ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
2004–19987; Directorate Identifier
2004–NM–203–AD’’ in the subject line
of your comments. We specifically
invite comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental,
and energy aspects of the proposed AD.
We will consider all comments
submitted by the closing date and may
amend the proposed AD in light of those
comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal
information you provide. We will also
post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD.
Using the search function of that Web
site, anyone can find and read the
comments in any of our dockets,
including the name of the individual
who sent the comment (or signed the
comment on behalf of an association,
business, labor union, etc.). You can
review DOT’s complete Privacy Act
Statement in the Federal Register
published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR
19477–78), or you can visit https://
dms.dot.gov.
We are reviewing the writing style we
currently use in regulatory documents.
We are interested in your comments on
whether the style of this document is
clear, and your suggestions to improve
the clarity of our communications that
affect you. You can get more
information about plain language at
https://www.faa.gov/language and https://
www.plainlanguage.gov.
Examining the Docket
You can examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov, or in
person at the Docket Management
Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. The Docket
Management Facility office (telephone
(800) 647–5227) is located on the plaza
level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in
the AD docket shortly after the DMS
receives them.
fail simultaneously, and consequent
reduced controllability of the airplane.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 717–32A0031, dated
September 10, 2004. The service
bulletin describes procedures for
replacing eight brake fuses of the
hydraulic quantity limiter with new or
modified and reidentified fuses.
Accomplishing the actions specified in
the service information is intended to
adequately address the unsafe
condition.
The service bulletin refers to Parker
Hanninfin Corporation Stratoflex
Products Division Service Bulletin
836SD–8–6–20, Revision 1, dated June
23, 2004, as an additional source of
service information for modifying and
reidentifying the brake fuses.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of the Proposed AD
Discussion
We have received reports indicating
that brake fuses of the hydraulic
quantity limiter of the main landing gear
(MLG) have failed on several McDonnell
Douglas Model 717–200 airplanes. The
failures occurred at the brake fuse cap
due to fatigue, resulting in hydraulic
fluid and pressure loss from the affected
system. Typically, the failure would
manifest itself when full braking
pressure is applied (e.g., at the
beginning of a rejected takeoff or when
the parking brake is set). This condition,
if not corrected, could result in loss of
both hydraulic and brake systems if one
fuse on each hydraulic system were to
We have evaluated all pertinent
information and identified an unsafe
condition that is likely to exist or
develop on other airplanes of this same
type design. Therefore, we are
proposing this AD, which would require
accomplishing the actions specified in
the Boeing service information
described previously.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 133 airplanes of the
affected design in the worldwide fleet
and 103 airplanes on the U.S. registry.
The following table provides the
estimated costs for U.S. operators to
comply with this proposed AD.
ESTIMATED COSTS
Work
hours
Action
Option 1. Replacement with new brake fuses ...............................................................
Option 2. Replacement with modified and reidentified brake fuses ..............................
Authority for This Rulemaking
The FAA’s authority to issue rules
regarding aviation safety is found in
Title 49 of the United States Code.
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.
This rulemaking is promulgated
under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section
44701, ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under
that section, the FAA is charged with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:24 Jan 04, 2005
Jkt 205001
9
13
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 AD.
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
PO 00000
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Average
labor rate
per hour
$65
65
Parts
No Charge ...............
No Charge ...............
Cost per
airplane
$585
845
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); 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.
E:\FR\FM\05JAP1.SGM
05JAP1
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 3 / Wednesday, January 5, 2005 / Proposed Rules
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES
section for a location to examine the
regulatory evaluation.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Safety.
McDonnell Douglas: Docket No. FAA–2004–
19987; Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–
203–AD.
The Proposed Amendment
Comments Due Date
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) must receive comments on this AD
action by February 22, 2005.
Affected ADs
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
Applicability
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
(c) This AD applies to McDonnell Douglas
Model 717–200 airplanes, fuselage numbers
(b) None.
733
5002 through 5134 inclusive; certificated in
any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by reports
indicating that brake fuses of the hydraulic
quantity limiter of the main landing gear
(MLG) have failed. We are issuing this AD to
prevent loss of both hydraulic and brake
systems if one fuse on each hydraulic system
were to fail simultaneously, and consequent
reduced controllability of the airplane.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the
actions required by this AD performed within
the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Compliance Times
(f) At the applicable time in Table 1 of this
AD, do the action required by paragraph (g)
of this AD.
TABLE 1.—COMPLIANCE TIMES
For airplanes having—
Compliance time
(1) Less than 5,000 total flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD
(2) 5,000 or more total flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD ..
Replacement
(g) Replace the eight brake fuses of the
hydraulic quantity limiter by doing either
Within 3,600 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD.
Within 1,500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD.
Option 1 or Option 2 in Table 2 of this AD
in accordance with Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 717–32A0031, dated September 10,
2004.
TABLE 2.—REPLACEMENT
Option—
Replace eight fuses having part number (P/N) 7918282–5503 with—
1 ...................
2 ...................
New fuses having P/N 7918282–5505.
Modified and reidentified fuses having P/N 7918282–5505.
Note 1: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717–
32A0031 refers to Parker Hanninfin
Corporation Stratoflex Products Division
Service Bulletin 836SD–8–6–20 Revision 1,
dated June 23, 2004, as an additional source
of service information for modifying and
reidentifying the brakes fuses.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Parts Installation
RIN 2120–AA64
(h) As of the effective date of this AD, no
person may install a brake fuse, P/N
7918282–5503, on any airplane.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
VerDate jul<14>2003
16:24 Jan 04, 2005
Jkt 205001
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2004–19986; Directorate
Identifier 2004–NM–247–AD]
We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by February 22, 2005.
DATES:
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 737–600, –700, –800, and –900
Series Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
(i) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
requested in accordance with the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
December 27, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05–168 Filed 1–4–05; 8:45 am]
Federal Aviation Administration
decreasing indicated airspeed after the
flightcrew set a new altitude into the
autopilot. We are proposing this AD to
prevent anomalous autopilot operation
that produces a hazardous combination
of airplane attitude and airspeed, which
could result in loss of control of the
airplane.
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Boeing Model 737–600, –700,
–800, and –900 series airplanes. This
proposed AD would require installing
and testing an updated version of the
operational program software of the
flight control computers. This proposed
AD is prompted by a report of an
airplane pitching up with rapidly
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Use one of the following
addresses to submit comments on this
proposed AD.
• DOT Docket Web site: Go to
https://dms.dot.gov and follow the
instructions for sending your comments
electronically.
• Government-wide rulemaking Web
site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending
your comments electronically.
• Mail: Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building,
room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590.
• By fax: (202) 493–2251.
ADDRESSES:
E:\FR\FM\05JAP1.SGM
05JAP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 3 (Wednesday, January 5, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 731-733]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-168]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2004-19987; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-203-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model 717-200
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain McDonnell Douglas Model 717-200 airplanes. This proposed AD
would require replacing eight brake fuses of the hydraulic quantity
limiter with new or modified and reidentified fuses. This proposed AD
is prompted by reports indicating that brake fuses of the hydraulic
quantity limiter of the main landing gear have failed. We are proposing
this AD to prevent loss of both hydraulic and brake systems if one fuse
on each hydraulic system were to fail simultaneously, and consequent
reduced controllability of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 22,
2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590.
By fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, 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, Long Beach Division, 3855 Lakewood
Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Data and Service
Management, Dept. C1-L5A (D800-0024).
You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at
https://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL-
401, on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC. This
docket number is FAA-2004-19987; the directorate identifier for this
docket is 2004-NM-203-AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Technical information: Albert Lam, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and
Equipment Branch, ANM-130L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137;
telephone (562) 627-5346; fax (562) 627-5210.
Plain language information: Marcia Walters, marcia.walters@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Docket Management System (DMS)
The FAA has implemented new procedures for maintaining AD dockets
electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new AD actions are posted on DMS
and assigned a docket number. We track each action and assign a
corresponding directorate identifier. The DMS AD docket number is in
the form ``Docket No. FAA-2004-99999.'' The Transport Airplane
Directorate identifier is in the
[[Page 732]]
form ``Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-999-AD.'' Each DMS AD docket also
lists the directorate identifier (``Old Docket Number'') as a cross-
reference for searching purposes.
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2004-19987;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-203-AD'' in the subject line of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of
that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union,
etc.). You can review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you
can visit https://dms.dot.gov.
We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of
our communications that affect you. You can get more information about
plain language at https://www.faa.gov/language and https://
www.plainlanguage.gov.
Examining the Docket
You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.
Discussion
We have received reports indicating that brake fuses of the
hydraulic quantity limiter of the main landing gear (MLG) have failed
on several McDonnell Douglas Model 717-200 airplanes. The failures
occurred at the brake fuse cap due to fatigue, resulting in hydraulic
fluid and pressure loss from the affected system. Typically, the
failure would manifest itself when full braking pressure is applied
(e.g., at the beginning of a rejected takeoff or when the parking brake
is set). This condition, if not corrected, could result in loss of both
hydraulic and brake systems if one fuse on each hydraulic system were
to fail simultaneously, and consequent reduced controllability of the
airplane.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717-32A0031, dated
September 10, 2004. The service bulletin describes procedures for
replacing eight brake fuses of the hydraulic quantity limiter with new
or modified and reidentified fuses. Accomplishing the actions specified
in the service information is intended to adequately address the unsafe
condition.
The service bulletin refers to Parker Hanninfin Corporation
Stratoflex Products Division Service Bulletin 836SD-8-6-20, Revision 1,
dated June 23, 2004, as an additional source of service information for
modifying and reidentifying the brake fuses.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes
of this same type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which
would require accomplishing the actions specified in the Boeing service
information described previously.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 133 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet and 103 airplanes on the U.S. registry. The following
table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to comply with
this proposed AD.
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average
Work labor Cost per
Action hours rate per Parts airplane
hour
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Option 1. Replacement with new brake fuses... 9 $65 No Charge....................... $585
Option 2. Replacement with modified and 13 65 No Charge....................... 845
reidentified brake fuses.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Authority for This Rulemaking
The FAA's authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is
found in Title 49 of the United States Code. 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.
This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, the FAA is charged 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 AD.
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); 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.
[[Page 733]]
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location
to examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 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
airworthiness directive (AD):
McDonnell Douglas: Docket No. FAA-2004-19987; Directorate Identifier
2004-NM-203-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive
comments on this AD action by February 22, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to McDonnell Douglas Model 717-200
airplanes, fuselage numbers 5002 through 5134 inclusive;
certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by reports indicating that brake fuses
of the hydraulic quantity limiter of the main landing gear (MLG)
have failed. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of both
hydraulic and brake systems if one fuse on each hydraulic system
were to fail simultaneously, and consequent reduced controllability
of the airplane.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Compliance Times
(f) At the applicable time in Table 1 of this AD, do the action
required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
Table 1.--Compliance Times
------------------------------------------------------------------------
For airplanes having-- Compliance time
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Less than 5,000 total flight cycles Within 3,600 flight cycles
as of the effective date of this AD. after the effective date of
this AD.
(2) 5,000 or more total flight cycles Within 1,500 flight cycles
as of the effective date of this AD. after the effective date of
this AD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement
(g) Replace the eight brake fuses of the hydraulic quantity
limiter by doing either Option 1 or Option 2 in Table 2 of this AD
in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717-32A0031, dated
September 10, 2004.
Table 2.--Replacement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace eight fuses having part number (P/
Option-- N) 7918282-5503 with--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1........................... New fuses having P/N 7918282-5505.
2........................... Modified and reidentified fuses having P/N
7918282-5505.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 1: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717-32A0031 refers to
Parker Hanninfin Corporation Stratoflex Products Division Service
Bulletin 836SD-8-6-20 Revision 1, dated June 23, 2004, as an
additional source of service information for modifying and
reidentifying the brakes fuses.
Parts Installation
(h) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a
brake fuse, P/N 7918282-5503, on any airplane.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(i) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 27, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-168 Filed 1-4-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
