Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 727 Airplanes, Equipped With An Auxiliary Fuel Tank Having a Fuel Pump Installed, 7695-7697 [05-2835]
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 30 / Tuesday, February 15, 2005 / Proposed Rules
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
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, 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
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.
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,
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:
VerDate jul<14>2003
14:39 Feb 14, 2005
Jkt 205001
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Boeing: Docket No. FAA–20356; Directorate
Identifier 2004–NM–115–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) must receive comments on this AD
action by April 1, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Boeing Model
737–100, –200, –200C, –300, –400, and –500
series airplanes, certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by cracks in the
stiffeners at left buttock line (LBL) and right
buttock line (RBL) 6.15 on the rear spar of the
wing center section. We are issuing this AD
to detect and correct cracks in the stiffeners
at LBL and RBL 6.15, which could result in
damage to the keel beam structure and
consequently reduce the capability of the
airplane to sustain flight loads.
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.
Service Bulletin Reference
(f) The term ‘‘service bulletin,’’ as used in
this AD, means the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
737–57A1269, Revision 1, dated September
16, 2004.
Initial and Repetitive Inspections
(g) Before accumulating 15,000 total flights
cycles, or within 180 days after the effective
date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Do
a detailed inspection of the stiffeners at LBL
and RBL 6.15 for cracks, in accordance with
Part I of the service bulletin. Thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 4,500 flight cycles,
repeat the detailed inspection until the
stiffeners at LBL and RBL 6.15 have been
replaced, in accordance with paragraph (h) or
(i) of this AD.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a
detailed inspection is: ‘‘An intensive
examination of a specific item, installation,
or assembly to detect damage, failure, or
irregularity. Available lighting is normally
supplemented with a direct source of good
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate.
Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying
lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface
cleaning and elaborate procedures may be
required.’’
Replacement of Cracked Stiffener
(h) If any crack is found during any
inspection required by this AD, before further
flight, replace both stiffeners with new,
improved stiffeners by doing all of the
applicable actions in Part II through Part IX
PO 00000
Frm 00023
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
7695
of the service bulletin; except where the
service bulletin specifies to contact Boeing
for appropriate action: Before further flight,
repair according to a method approved by the
Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), FAA, or according to data meeting the
certification basis of the airplane approved
by an Authorized Representative for the
Boeing Delegation Option Authorization
Organization who has been authorized by the
Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those
findings. For a repair method to be approved,
the approval must specifically reference this
AD. Accomplishing the replacement
terminates the repetitive inspections required
by paragraph (g) of this AD.
Optional Terminating Action
(1) Replacement of both stiffeners at LBL
and RBL 6.15 in accordance with paragraph
(h) of this AD terminates the repetitive
inspections required by this AD.
Credit for Previous Service Bulletin
(j) The actions done before the effective
date of this AD in accordance with Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 737–57A1269, dated
December 4, 2003, are acceptable for
compliance with the corresponding actions
required by this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(k)(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA, has
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD,
if requested in accordance with the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(2) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
level of safety may be used for any repair
required by this AD, if it is approved by an
Authorized Representative for the Boeing
Delegation Option Authorization
Organization who 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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February
6, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05–2834 Filed 2–14–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–M
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2005–20355; Directorate
Identifier 2004–NM–198–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 727 Airplanes, Equipped With
An Auxiliary Fuel Tank Having a Fuel
Pump Installed
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
AGENCY:
E:\FR\FM\15FEP1.SGM
15FEP1
7696
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 30 / Tuesday, February 15, 2005 / Proposed Rules
Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
ACTION:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Boeing Model 727 airplanes equipped
with an auxiliary fuel tank having a fuel
pump installed. This proposed AD
would require revising the airplane
flight manual to include limitations on
operating the fuel pumps for the
auxiliary fuel tank. This proposed AD is
prompted by a design review of the fuel
pump installation, which revealed a
potential unsafe condition related to the
auxiliary fuel tank(s). We are proposing
this AD to prevent dry operation of the
fuel pumps for the auxiliary fuel tank,
which could create a potential ignition
source inside the auxiliary fuel tank that
could result in a fire or explosion of the
auxiliary fuel tank.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by April 1, 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, P.O. Box 3707,
Seattle, Washington 98124–2207.
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–2005–
20355; the directorate identifier for this
docket is 2004–NM–198–AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sulmo Mariano, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, FAA,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055–4056; telephone
(425) 917–6501; fax (425) 917–6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
SUMMARY:
VerDate jul<14>2003
14:39 Feb 14, 2005
Jkt 205001
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–
2005–20355; Directorate Identifier
2004–NM–198–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.
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
The FAA has examined the
underlying safety issues involved in
recent fuel tank explosions on several
large transport airplanes, including the
adequacy of existing regulations, the
service history of airplanes subject to
those regulations, and existing
maintenance practices for fuel tank
systems. As a result of those findings,
we issued a regulation titled ‘‘Transport
Airplane Fuel Tank System Design
Review, Flammability Reduction and
Maintenance and Inspection
Requirements’’ (67 FR 23086, May 7,
2001). In addition to new airworthiness
standards for transport airplanes and
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
new maintenance requirements, this
rule included Special Federal Aviation
Regulation No. 88 (‘‘SFAR 88,’’
Amendment 21–78, and subsequent
Amendments 21–82 and 21–83).
Among other actions, SFAR 88
requires certain type design (i.e., type
certificate (TC) and supplemental type
certificate (STC)) holders to substantiate
that their fuel tank systems can prevent
ignition sources in the fuel tanks. This
requirement applies to type design
holders for large turbine-powered
transport airplanes and for subsequent
modifications to those airplanes. It
requires them to perform design reviews
and to develop design changes and
maintenance procedures if their designs
do not meet the new fuel tank safety
standards. As explained in the preamble
to the rule, we intended to adopt
airworthiness directives to mandate any
changes found necessary to address
unsafe conditions identified as a result
of these reviews.
In evaluating these design reviews, we
have established four criteria intended
to define the unsafe conditions
associated with fuel tank systems that
require corrective actions. The
percentage of operating time during
which fuel tanks are exposed to
flammable conditions is one of these
criteria. The other three criteria address
the failure types under evaluation:
Single failures, single failures in
combination with another latent
condition(s), and in-service failure
experience. For all four criteria, the
evaluations included consideration of
previous actions taken that may mitigate
the need for further action.
We have determined that the actions
identified in this AD are necessary to
reduce the potential of ignition sources
inside fuel tanks, which, in combination
with flammable fuel vapors, could result
in fuel tank explosions and consequent
loss of the airplane.
A design review of the fuel pump
installation on the auxiliary fuel tank of
Boeing Model 727 airplanes has
revealed a potential unsafe condition
related to the auxiliary fuel tank(s). Dry
operation of the fuel pumps for the
auxiliary fuel tank could cause metal-tometal contact that may create high
temperatures or sparks. This could
create a potential ignition source inside
the auxiliary fuel tank, which could
result in a fire or explosion of the
auxiliary fuel tank.
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
E:\FR\FM\15FEP1.SGM
15FEP1
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 30 / Tuesday, February 15, 2005 / Proposed Rules
type design. Therefore, we are
proposing this AD, which would require
revising the airplane flight manual
(AFM) to include limitations on
operating the fuel pumps for the
auxiliary fuel tank.
In developing an appropriate
compliance time for this AD, we
considered the manufacturer’s
recommendation, the degree of urgency
associated with the subject unsafe
condition, and the average utilization of
the affected fleet. In light of all of these
factors, we find that a 30-day
compliance time represents an
appropriate interval of time for affected
airplanes to continue to operate without
compromising safety.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 300 airplanes of the
affected design in the worldwide fleet.
This proposed AD would affect about
200 airplanes of U.S. registry. The
proposed AFM revision would take
about 1 work hour per airplane, at an
average labor rate of $65 per work hour.
Based on these figures, the estimated
cost of the proposed AD for U.S.
operators is $13,000, or $65 per
airplane.
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.
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 for This Rulemaking
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
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.
VerDate jul<14>2003
14:39 Feb 14, 2005
Jkt 205001
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Boeing: Docket No. FAA–2005–20355;
Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–198–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) must receive comments on this AD
action by April 1, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
7697
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision
(f) Within 30 days after the effective date
of this AD, revise the Limitations section of
the AFM to contain the following
information. This may be done by inserting
a copy of this AD in the AFM.
Auxiliary Tank Fuel Pumps
Auxiliary tank fuel pump switches must
not be positioned ‘ON’ unless the auxiliary
tank(s) contain fuel. Auxiliary tank(s) fuel
pumps must not be ‘ON’ unless personnel are
available in the flight deck to monitor low
pressure lights.
When established in a level attitude at
cruise, if the auxiliary tank(s) contain usable
fuel and the auxiliary tank(s) switches are
‘OFF,’ the auxiliary tank(s) pump switches
should be positioned ‘ON’ again.
Each auxiliary tank fuel pump switch must
be positioned ‘OFF’ without delay when the
respective auxiliary tank fuel pump low
pressure light illuminates.’’
Note 1: When text identical to that in
paragraph (f) of this AD has been included
in the general revisions of the AFM, the
general revisions may be inserted into the
AFM, and the copy of this AD may be
removed from the AFM.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(g) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, 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 February
6, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05–2835 Filed 2–14–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 727,
727C, 727–100, 727–100C, 727–200, and
727–200F series airplanes; certificated in any
category; equipped with an auxiliary fuel
tank having a fuel pump installed.
14 CFR Part 39
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by a design
review of the fuel pump installation, which
revealed a potential unsafe condition related
to the auxiliary fuel tank(s). We are issuing
this AD to prevent dry operation of the fuel
pumps for the auxiliary fuel tank, which
could create a potential ignition source
inside the auxiliary fuel tank that could
result in a fire or explosion of the auxiliary
fuel tank.
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 737–100, –200, –200C, –300,
–400, and –500, Series Airplanes
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.
PO 00000
Frm 00025
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
[Docket No. FAA–2005–20354; Directorate
Identifier 2004–NM–166–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Boeing Model 737–100, –200, –200C,
–300, –400, and –500 series airplanes.
This proposed AD would require an
inspection for chafing of certain wire
E:\FR\FM\15FEP1.SGM
15FEP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 30 (Tuesday, February 15, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 7695-7697]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-2835]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-20355; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-198-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 727 Airplanes, Equipped
With An Auxiliary Fuel Tank Having a Fuel Pump Installed
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
[[Page 7696]]
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for Boeing Model 727 airplanes equipped with an auxiliary fuel tank
having a fuel pump installed. This proposed AD would require revising
the airplane flight manual to include limitations on operating the fuel
pumps for the auxiliary fuel tank. This proposed AD is prompted by a
design review of the fuel pump installation, which revealed a potential
unsafe condition related to the auxiliary fuel tank(s). We are
proposing this AD to prevent dry operation of the fuel pumps for the
auxiliary fuel tank, which could create a potential ignition source
inside the auxiliary fuel tank that could result in a fire or explosion
of the auxiliary fuel tank.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 1, 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, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-
2207.
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-2005-20355; the directorate identifier for this docket is
2004-NM-198-AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sulmo Mariano, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone
(425) 917-6501; fax (425) 917-6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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-2005-20355;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-198-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.
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
The FAA has examined the underlying safety issues involved in
recent fuel tank explosions on several large transport airplanes,
including the adequacy of existing regulations, the service history of
airplanes subject to those regulations, and existing maintenance
practices for fuel tank systems. As a result of those findings, we
issued a regulation titled ``Transport Airplane Fuel Tank System Design
Review, Flammability Reduction and Maintenance and Inspection
Requirements'' (67 FR 23086, May 7, 2001). In addition to new
airworthiness standards for transport airplanes and new maintenance
requirements, this rule included Special Federal Aviation Regulation
No. 88 (``SFAR 88,'' Amendment 21-78, and subsequent Amendments 21-82
and 21-83).
Among other actions, SFAR 88 requires certain type design (i.e.,
type certificate (TC) and supplemental type certificate (STC)) holders
to substantiate that their fuel tank systems can prevent ignition
sources in the fuel tanks. This requirement applies to type design
holders for large turbine-powered transport airplanes and for
subsequent modifications to those airplanes. It requires them to
perform design reviews and to develop design changes and maintenance
procedures if their designs do not meet the new fuel tank safety
standards. As explained in the preamble to the rule, we intended to
adopt airworthiness directives to mandate any changes found necessary
to address unsafe conditions identified as a result of these reviews.
In evaluating these design reviews, we have established four
criteria intended to define the unsafe conditions associated with fuel
tank systems that require corrective actions. The percentage of
operating time during which fuel tanks are exposed to flammable
conditions is one of these criteria. The other three criteria address
the failure types under evaluation: Single failures, single failures in
combination with another latent condition(s), and in-service failure
experience. For all four criteria, the evaluations included
consideration of previous actions taken that may mitigate the need for
further action.
We have determined that the actions identified in this AD are
necessary to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel
tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result
in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.
A design review of the fuel pump installation on the auxiliary fuel
tank of Boeing Model 727 airplanes has revealed a potential unsafe
condition related to the auxiliary fuel tank(s). Dry operation of the
fuel pumps for the auxiliary fuel tank could cause metal-to-metal
contact that may create high temperatures or sparks. This could create
a potential ignition source inside the auxiliary fuel tank, which could
result in a fire or explosion of the auxiliary fuel tank.
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
[[Page 7697]]
type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require
revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) to include limitations on
operating the fuel pumps for the auxiliary fuel tank.
In developing an appropriate compliance time for this AD, we
considered the manufacturer's recommendation, the degree of urgency
associated with the subject unsafe condition, and the average
utilization of the affected fleet. In light of all of these factors, we
find that a 30-day compliance time represents an appropriate interval
of time for affected airplanes to continue to operate without
compromising safety.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 300 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 200 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The proposed AFM revision would take about 1 work hour
per airplane, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on
these figures, the estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators
is $13,000, or $65 per airplane.
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); 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.
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):
Boeing: Docket No. FAA-2005-20355; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
198-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive
comments on this AD action by April 1, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 727, 727C, 727-100, 727-
100C, 727-200, and 727-200F series airplanes; certificated in any
category; equipped with an auxiliary fuel tank having a fuel pump
installed.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by a design review of the fuel pump
installation, which revealed a potential unsafe condition related to
the auxiliary fuel tank(s). We are issuing this AD to prevent dry
operation of the fuel pumps for the auxiliary fuel tank, which could
create a potential ignition source inside the auxiliary fuel tank
that could result in a fire or explosion of the auxiliary fuel tank.
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.
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision
(f) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise
the Limitations section of the AFM to contain the following
information. This may be done by inserting a copy of this AD in the
AFM.
Auxiliary Tank Fuel Pumps
Auxiliary tank fuel pump switches must not be positioned `ON'
unless the auxiliary tank(s) contain fuel. Auxiliary tank(s) fuel
pumps must not be `ON' unless personnel are available in the flight
deck to monitor low pressure lights.
When established in a level attitude at cruise, if the auxiliary
tank(s) contain usable fuel and the auxiliary tank(s) switches are
`OFF,' the auxiliary tank(s) pump switches should be positioned `ON'
again.
Each auxiliary tank fuel pump switch must be positioned `OFF'
without delay when the respective auxiliary tank fuel pump low
pressure light illuminates.''
Note 1: When text identical to that in paragraph (f) of this AD
has been included in the general revisions of the AFM, the general
revisions may be inserted into the AFM, and the copy of this AD may
be removed from the AFM.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(g) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 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 February 6, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-2835 Filed 2-14-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
