Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 727 Airplanes, 16979-16981 [05-6577]
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 63 / Monday, April 4, 2005 / Proposed Rules
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Scott E. Thomas,
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[FR Doc. 05–6521 Filed 4–1–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6715–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2005–20799; Directorate
Identifier 2004–NM–264–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 727 Airplanes
• 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, 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–
20799; the directorate identifier for this
docket is 2004–NM–264–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:
AGENCY:
Comments Invited
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Boeing Model 727 airplanes. This
proposed AD would require
determining whether any float switches
are installed in the fuel tanks, and
corrective actions if necessary. This
proposed AD is prompted by reports of
contamination of the fueling float
switch by moisture or fuel, and chafing
of the float switch wiring against the
fuel tank conduit. We are proposing this
AD to prevent such contamination and
chafing, which could present an ignition
source inside the fuel tank that could
cause a fire or explosion.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by May 19, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following
addresses to submit comments on this
proposed AD.
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–
2005–20799; Directorate Identifier
2004–NM–264–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
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
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16979
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
Boeing has performed a quality
analysis on float switches removed from
Model 737–200 series airplanes.
Investigation revealed cracked potting
material, which permitted moisture and
fuel to enter the switch cavity. Fuel and
moisture contamination inside the float
switch reed cavity could provide an
electrical path between the switch and
the airplane structure that could result
in electrical arcing that could lead to a
fuel tank explosion. Also, Boeing
reported worn float switch wiring
insulation in the center fuel tank due to
chafing of the wires against the walls of
the conduit housing the wires. Wire
chafing against the conduit could
present an ignition source inside the
fuel tank that could cause a fire or
explosion.
The float switch wiring installation is
similar on Model 727 and 737–200
series airplanes. Therefore, the unsafe
condition could exist on Model 727
airplanes equipped with the same float
switch model found on the 737–200
series airplanes.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 727–28A0127, dated
August 26, 2004. The service bulletin
describes procedures for replacing
Ametek Model F8300–146 float
switches with new switches and
installing a liner system inside the
electrical cable conduit in the main and
auxiliary fuel tanks.
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
E:\FR\FM\04APP1.SGM
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16980
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 63 / Monday, April 4, 2005 / Proposed Rules
develop on other airplanes of this same
type design. Therefore, we are
proposing this AD, which would require
accomplishing the actions specified in
the service information described
previously, except as discussed under
‘‘Differences Between the Proposed AD
and the Service Bulletin.’’
Differences Between the Proposed AD
and the Service Bulletin
The service bulletin affects Model 727
airplanes ‘‘with active Boeing fueling
float switch shutoff systems installed’’
and requires replacing the float switches
and installing a liner system. However,
this proposed AD would apply to all
Model 727 airplanes and would require
first determining whether any fuel float
switches are installed in the fuel tanks.
For those airplanes with float switches,
this proposed AD would then require
identifying the float switches, replacing
Ametek Model F8300–146 float
switches with new switches, and
installing the liner system. We have
determined that the effectivity in the
service bulletin may not encompass all
possible scenarios involving the subject
float switches. Because the auxiliary
fuel tanks have been moved from
airplane to airplane—via field approval
or supplemental type certificate, the
proposed applicability and
requirements would ensure that all
subject float switch designs are
replaced.
These differences have been
coordinated with Boeing and are
intended to adequately address the
unsafe condition.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 1,300 airplanes of the
affected design in the worldwide fleet.
This proposed AD would affect about
800 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The proposed inspections (for
presence and model of float switch)
would take about 1 work hour, at an
average labor rate of $65 per hour. Based
on these figures, the estimated cost of
the proposed inspections for U.S.
operators is $52,000, or $65 per
airplane.
The following table provides the
estimated costs for U.S. operators to
replace the float switches, if necessary.
We estimate that about 162 airplanes
may require parts replacement.
ESTIMATED COSTS
Airplane
model
Airplane
1
2
3
4
5
6
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
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
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15:01 Apr 01, 2005
Jkt 205001
Number of
auxiliary fuel
tanks
Work
hours
Average
hourly
labor rate
0
1
2
3
4
2
27
9
14
18
23
14
$65
65
65
65
65
65
727–200
727–200
727–200
727–200
727–200
727–100
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.
Parts
$4,174
1,542
3,108
4,626
6,168
3,079
Cost per
airplane
$5,929
2,127
4,018
5,796
7,663
3,989
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.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Boeing: Docket No. FAA–2005–20799;
Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–264–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) must receive comments on this AD
action by May 19, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
(c) This AD applies to all Boeing Model
727 airplanes, certificated in any category.
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Safety.
Unsafe Condition
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
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(d) This AD was prompted by reports of
contamination of the fueling float switch by
moisture or fuel, and chafing of the float
switch wiring against the fuel tank conduit.
We are issuing this AD to prevent such
contamination and chafing, which could
present an ignition source inside the fuel
tank that could cause a fire or explosion.
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 63 / Monday, April 4, 2005 / Proposed Rules
Compliance
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(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.
Inspection for Float Switches
(f) Within 48 months after the effective
date of this AD, inspect the wing and
auxiliary fuel tanks to determine if any float
switches are present. Instead of an inspection
of the fuel tanks, a review of airplane
maintenance records is acceptable if the
presence of any float switch can be
conclusively determined from that review.
(1) If no float switches are present: No
further work is required by this paragraph.
(2) If any float switch is present: Before
further flight, inspect to identify the float
switch models. Instead of an inspection of
the fuel tanks, a review of airplane
maintenance records is acceptable if the
identity of the float switch can be
conclusively determined from that review.
(i) If a float switch other than an Ametek
Model F8300–146 float switch is installed:
Before further flight, install a liner system
inside the float switch electrical cable
conduit in the fuel tanks by doing all
applicable actions specified in the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 727–28A0127, dated August
26, 2004.
(ii) If any Ametek Model F8300–146 float
switch is installed: Before further flight,
replace it with a new switch and install a
liner system inside the float switch electrical
cable conduit in the fuel tanks, by doing all
applicable actions specified in the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 727–28A0127, dated August
26, 2004.
Note 1: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727–
28A0127 segregates the work into nine work
packages for the six fuel tank configurations
identified in the service bulletin. The work
packages do not have to be completed
sequentially. Each work package can be done
independently or simultaneously. However,
all work packages, as applicable for each fuel
tank configuration, must be done to complete
the requirements of this AD.
Parts Installation
(g) As of the effective date of this AD, no
person may install an Ametek Model F8300–
146 float switch in a fuel tank on any
airplane.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(h) 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 March
28, 2005.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05–6577 Filed 4–1–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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15:01 Apr 01, 2005
Jkt 205001
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2005–20796; Directorate
Identifier 2004–NM–160–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model
A300 B2 and A300 B4 Series Airplanes;
Model A300 B4–600, B4–600R and F4–
600R Series Airplanes, and Model A300
C4–605R Variant F Airplanes
(Collectively Called A300–600); and
Model A310 Series Airplanes
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
the Airbus models identified above.
This proposed AD would require
modifying the electrical power supply
logic for the integral lighting of the
standby horizon indicator in the
cockpit; accomplishing repetitive
operational tests of the integral lighting
logic system, and corrective action if
necessary. This proposed AD is
prompted by a report of temporary loss
of six cathode ray tube flight displays
and the integral lighting of the standby
horizon indicator in the cockpit during
takeoff, due to failure of the normal
electrical power circuit. We are
proposing this AD to prevent loss of that
integral lighting due to such failure,
which could result in inability of the
pilot to read the backup attitude
information during takeoff, and possible
deviation from the intended flight path.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by May 4, 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.
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16981
For service information identified in
this proposed AD, contact Airbus, 1
Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707
Blagnac Cedex, France.
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–
20796; the directorate identifier for this
docket is 2004–NM–160–AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim
Backman, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055–4056; telephone (425) 227–2797;
fax (425) 227–1149.
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–
2005–20796; Directorate Identifier
2004–NM–160–AD’’ at the beginning 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 our docket
website, 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 the 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
E:\FR\FM\04APP1.SGM
04APP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 63 (Monday, April 4, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16979-16981]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-6577]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-20799; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-264-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 727 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Boeing Model 727 airplanes. This proposed AD would require
determining whether any float switches are installed in the fuel tanks,
and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by
reports of contamination of the fueling float switch by moisture or
fuel, and chafing of the float switch wiring against the fuel tank
conduit. We are proposing this AD to prevent such contamination and
chafing, which could present an ignition source inside the fuel tank
that could cause a fire or explosion.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 19, 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-2005-20799; the directorate identifier for this docket is
2004-NM-264-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-2005-20799;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-264-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
Boeing has performed a quality analysis on float switches removed
from Model 737-200 series airplanes. Investigation revealed cracked
potting material, which permitted moisture and fuel to enter the switch
cavity. Fuel and moisture contamination inside the float switch reed
cavity could provide an electrical path between the switch and the
airplane structure that could result in electrical arcing that could
lead to a fuel tank explosion. Also, Boeing reported worn float switch
wiring insulation in the center fuel tank due to chafing of the wires
against the walls of the conduit housing the wires. Wire chafing
against the conduit could present an ignition source inside the fuel
tank that could cause a fire or explosion.
The float switch wiring installation is similar on Model 727 and
737-200 series airplanes. Therefore, the unsafe condition could exist
on Model 727 airplanes equipped with the same float switch model found
on the 737-200 series airplanes.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-28A0127, dated
August 26, 2004. The service bulletin describes procedures for
replacing Ametek Model F8300-146 float switches with new switches and
installing a liner system inside the electrical cable conduit in the
main and auxiliary fuel tanks.
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
[[Page 16980]]
develop on other airplanes of this same type design. Therefore, we are
proposing this AD, which would require accomplishing the actions
specified in the service information described previously, except as
discussed under ``Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service
Bulletin.''
Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Bulletin
The service bulletin affects Model 727 airplanes ``with active
Boeing fueling float switch shutoff systems installed'' and requires
replacing the float switches and installing a liner system. However,
this proposed AD would apply to all Model 727 airplanes and would
require first determining whether any fuel float switches are installed
in the fuel tanks. For those airplanes with float switches, this
proposed AD would then require identifying the float switches,
replacing Ametek Model F8300-146 float switches with new switches, and
installing the liner system. We have determined that the effectivity in
the service bulletin may not encompass all possible scenarios involving
the subject float switches. Because the auxiliary fuel tanks have been
moved from airplane to airplane--via field approval or supplemental
type certificate, the proposed applicability and requirements would
ensure that all subject float switch designs are replaced.
These differences have been coordinated with Boeing and are
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 1,300 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 800 airplanes of
U.S. registry.
The proposed inspections (for presence and model of float switch)
would take about 1 work hour, at an average labor rate of $65 per hour.
Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the proposed inspections
for U.S. operators is $52,000, or $65 per airplane.
The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators
to replace the float switches, if necessary. We estimate that about 162
airplanes may require parts replacement.
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average
Airplane Number of Work hourly Cost per
Airplane model auxiliary hours labor Parts airplane
fuel tanks rate
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1............................................... 727-200 0 27 $65 $4,174 $5,929
2............................................... 727-200 1 9 65 1,542 2,127
3............................................... 727-200 2 14 65 3,108 4,018
4............................................... 727-200 3 18 65 4,626 5,796
5............................................... 727-200 4 23 65 6,168 7,663
6............................................... 727-100 2 14 65 3,079 3,989
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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-2005-20799; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
264-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive
comments on this AD action by May 19, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Boeing Model 727 airplanes,
certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by reports of contamination of the
fueling float switch by moisture or fuel, and chafing of the float
switch wiring against the fuel tank conduit. We are issuing this AD
to prevent such contamination and chafing, which could present an
ignition source inside the fuel tank that could cause a fire or
explosion.
[[Page 16981]]
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.
Inspection for Float Switches
(f) Within 48 months after the effective date of this AD,
inspect the wing and auxiliary fuel tanks to determine if any float
switches are present. Instead of an inspection of the fuel tanks, a
review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable if the presence
of any float switch can be conclusively determined from that review.
(1) If no float switches are present: No further work is
required by this paragraph.
(2) If any float switch is present: Before further flight,
inspect to identify the float switch models. Instead of an
inspection of the fuel tanks, a review of airplane maintenance
records is acceptable if the identity of the float switch can be
conclusively determined from that review.
(i) If a float switch other than an Ametek Model F8300-146 float
switch is installed: Before further flight, install a liner system
inside the float switch electrical cable conduit in the fuel tanks
by doing all applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-28A0127, dated
August 26, 2004.
(ii) If any Ametek Model F8300-146 float switch is installed:
Before further flight, replace it with a new switch and install a
liner system inside the float switch electrical cable conduit in the
fuel tanks, by doing all applicable actions specified in the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-
28A0127, dated August 26, 2004.
Note 1: Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-28A0127 segregates the
work into nine work packages for the six fuel tank configurations
identified in the service bulletin. The work packages do not have to
be completed sequentially. Each work package can be done
independently or simultaneously. However, all work packages, as
applicable for each fuel tank configuration, must be done to
complete the requirements of this AD.
Parts Installation
(g) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install
an Ametek Model F8300-146 float switch in a fuel tank on any
airplane.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(h) 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 March 28, 2005.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-6577 Filed 4-1-05; 8:45 am]
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