Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 727 Airplanes, 46074-46076 [05-15587]
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 152 / Tuesday, August 9, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
is approved by an Authorized
Representative for the Boeing DOA
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.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747–53A2503, dated November
11, 2004, to perform the actions that are
required by this AD, unless the AD
specifies otherwise. The Director of the
Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this
document in accordance with 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box
3707, Seattle, Washington 98124–2207,
for a copy of this service information.
You may review copies at the Docket
Management Facility, U.S. Department
of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street
SW., Room PL–401, Nassif Building,
Washington, DC; on the Internet at
https://dms.dot.gov; or at the National
Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the
availability of this material at the
NARA, call (202) 741–6030, or go to
https://www.archives.gov/
federal_register/code_of_
federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 29,
2005.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05–15586 Filed 8–8–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
and corrective actions if necessary. This
AD results from 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.
Effective September 13, 2005.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in the AD
as of September 13, 2005.
DATES:
You may examine the 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., Nassif Building, Room PL–401,
Washington, DC.
Contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124–2207, for service
information identified in this AD.
ADDRESSES:
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:
Examining the Docket
You may 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 street
address stated in the ADDRESSES section.
14 CFR Part 39
Discussion
[Docket No. FAA–2005–20799; Directorate
Identifier 2004–NM–264–AD; Amendment
39–14212; AD 2005–16–07]
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would
apply to all Boeing Model 727 airplanes.
That NPRM was published in the
Federal Register on April 4, 2005 (70 FR
16979). That NPRM proposed to require
determining whether any float switches
are installed in the fuel tanks, and
corrective actions if necessary.
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 727 Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Boeing Model 727 airplanes. This AD
requires determining whether any float
switches are installed in the fuel tanks,
VerDate jul<14>2003
15:06 Aug 08, 2005
Jkt 205001
Comments
We provided the public the
opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have
considered the comments that have
been received on the NPRM.
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Support for Proposed AD
One commenter, the airplane
manufacturer, concurs with the content
of the proposed AD.
Request To Change Applicability
One commenter asks that the
applicability specified in the proposed
AD be limited to Boeing Model 727
airplanes that have float switches
installed. The commenter states that the
effectivity of the proposed AD will
encompass all Boeing Model 727–100
airplanes operated by them, even
though Model 727–100 airplanes are not
included in the effectivity specified in
the service bulletin referenced in the
proposed AD. The commenter adds that
the effectivity in the referenced service
bulletin is limited to airplanes with
factory installed auxiliary fuel tanks; the
design for Model 727–100 airplanes
does not include float switches in the
main fuel tanks because those airplanes
utilize the Volumetric Top-Off system
instead. The commenter realizes that we
are concerned that the effectivity of the
referenced service bulletin may not
encompass all possible scenarios
involving the subject float switches, as
stated in the Supplementary
Information section of the proposed AD.
In consideration of this concern, the
commenter notes that the effectivity of
the proposed AD can be reduced to
include only airplanes where the
design, as delivered or modified,
utilizes float switches in the airplane
fuel tanks. The commenter adds that,
the requested change has no effect on
safety, but does remove the burden of
showing compliance to a known nonapplicable configuration.
We do not agree with the commenter.
The planning information specified in
the referenced service bulletin identifies
only Boeing Model 727–100 airplanes
delivered with two auxiliary fuel tanks
installed. However, the effectivity
specified in the service bulletin
identifies all Boeing Model 727–100 and
–200 airplanes with active Boeing
fueling float switch shutoff systems
installed. We point out that the subject
of this AD is the float switch itself—
regardless of the airplane model on
which it is installed. To help operators
determine if a particular airplane is
subject to this AD, we have included all
airplane models on which the float
switch may be installed in the
applicability of this AD. However,
operators must determine if the float
switch is installed on their airplanes. As
specified in the AD, this determination
can be made by a review of airplane
maintenance records, instead of an
inspection of the fuel tanks; such a
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 152 / Tuesday, August 9, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
review would not result in an undue
burden to operators. We have made no
change to the final rule in this regard.
Explanation of Change to Applicability
We have revised the applicability of
the proposed AD to identify model
designations as published in the most
recent type certificate data sheet for the
affected models.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the
available data, including the comments
that have been received, and determined
that air safety and the public interest
require adopting the AD with the
change described previously. This
change will neither increase the
economic burden on any operator nor
increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 1,300 airplanes of the
affected design in the worldwide fleet.
This AD affects about 800 airplanes of
U.S. registry.
46075
The inspections (for presence and
model of float switch) take about 1 work
hour, at an average labor rate of $65 per
hour. Based on these figures, the
estimated cost of the 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 group
1
2
3
4
5
6
Airplane model
..................................................................................
..................................................................................
..................................................................................
..................................................................................
..................................................................................
..................................................................................
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.
We have determined that this AD will
not have federalism implications under
Executive Order 13132. This AD will
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 this AD:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
15:06 Aug 08, 2005
727–200
727–200
727–200
727–200
727–200
727–100
(2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
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 AD and placed it in the AD docket.
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, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
I
Jkt 205001
Average
hourly
labor rate
Work
hours
0
1
2
3
4
2
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
Regulatory Findings
VerDate jul<14>2003
Number of
auxiliary
fuel tanks
27
9
14
18
23
14
$65
65
65
65
65
65
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
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective September
13, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Boeing Model
727, 727C, 727–100, 727–100C, 727–200, and
727–200F series 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.
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
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
of the fuel tanks, a review of airplane
maintenance records is acceptable if the
§ 39.13 [Amended]
presence of any float switch can be
conclusively determined from that review.
I 2. The Federal Aviation
(1) If no float switches are present: No
Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13 by
adding the following new airworthiness further work is required by this paragraph.
(2) If any float switch is present: Before
directive (AD):
further flight, inspect to identify the float
2005–16–07 Boeing: Amendment 39–14212. switch models. Instead of an inspection of
the fuel tanks, a review of airplane
Docket No. FAA–2005–20799;
Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–264–AD. maintenance records is acceptable if the
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
I
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 152 / Tuesday, August 9, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
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.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 727–28A0127, dated August 26,
2004, to perform the actions that are required
by this AD, unless the AD specifies
otherwise. The Director of the Federal
Register approved the incorporation by
reference of this document in accordance
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O.
Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124–2207
for a copy of this service information. You
may review copies at the Docket Management
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation,
400 Seventh Street SW., Room PL–401,
Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the
internet at https://dms.dot.gov; or at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at the NARA,
call (202) 741–6030, or go to https://
www.archives.gov/federal_register/
code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.
VerDate jul<14>2003
15:06 Aug 08, 2005
Jkt 205001
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 29,
2005.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05–15587 Filed 8–8–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2005–20873; Directorate
Identifier 2005–NM–026–AD; Amendment
39–14213; AD 2005–16–08]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell
Douglas Model 717–200 Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
McDonnell Douglas Model 717–200
airplanes. This AD requires repetitively
replacing and testing a certain relay in
the passenger oxygen release system in
the forward cabin. This AD results from
reports of a failed relay in the passenger
oxygen release system. We are issuing
this AD to prevent failure of the relay,
which could result in the oxygen masks
failing to deploy and deliver oxygen to
the passengers in the event of a rapid
decompression or cabin
depressurization.
Effective September 13, 2005.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in the AD
as of September 13, 2005.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the 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., Nassif Building, Room PL–401,
Washington, DC.
Contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Long Beach Division, 3855
Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach,
California 90846, Attention: Data and
Service Management, Dept. C1–L5A
(D800–0024), for service information
identified in this AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Albert Lam, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin
Safety and Environmental Systems
Branch, ANM–150L, FAA, Los Angeles
Aircraft Certification Office, 3960
Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood,
DATES:
PO 00000
Frm 00012
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
California 90712–4137; telephone (562)
627–5346; fax (562) 627–5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Examining the Docket
You may 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 street
address stated in the ADDRESSES section.
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would
apply to certain McDonnell Douglas
Model 717–200 airplanes. That NPRM
was published in the Federal Register
on April 6, 2005 (70 FR 17353). That
NPRM proposed to require repetitively
replacing and testing a certain relay in
the passenger oxygen release system in
the forward cabin.
Comments
We provided the public the
opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have
considered the comments that have
been received on the proposed AD from
a single commenter, the airplane
manufacturer.
Request To Add Revised Service
Information
The commenter states that Revision 1
of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717–
35A0003 is scheduled to be released in
early July. The original issue of the
service bulletin was referenced in the
proposed AD as the appropriate source
of service information for accomplishing
the specified actions. The commenter
notes that Revision 1 provides
additional work instructions.
We infer that the commenter is asking
that Revision 1 of the referenced service
bulletin be added to the AD for
accomplishing the required actions. We
agree, and we have reviewed Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 717–35A0003,
Revision 1, dated June 7, 2005. The
procedures in Revision 1 are essentially
the same as those in the original issue
of the service bulletin, and merely
clarify the work instructions to specify
removing electrical power before relay
replacement and to change the voltage
requirement of the relay test procedures
to allow for residual voltage.
Accordingly, we have revised the
service bulletin citation specified in the
applicability in paragraph (c) of this AD,
and for accomplishing the actions in
E:\FR\FM\09AUR1.SGM
09AUR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 152 (Tuesday, August 9, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 46074-46076]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-15587]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-20799; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-264-AD;
Amendment 39-14212; AD 2005-16-07]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 727 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Boeing Model 727 airplanes. This AD requires determining whether any
float switches are installed in the fuel tanks, and corrective actions
if necessary. This AD results from 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.
DATES: Effective September 13, 2005.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of September 13,
2005.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the 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., Nassif Building,
Room PL-401, Washington, DC.
Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124-2207, for service information identified in this 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:
Examining the Docket
You may 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 street address stated in the
ADDRESSES section.
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to all Boeing Model 727
airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on April 4,
2005 (70 FR 16979). That NPRM proposed to require determining whether
any float switches are installed in the fuel tanks, and corrective
actions if necessary.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have considered the comments that have been
received on the NPRM.
Support for Proposed AD
One commenter, the airplane manufacturer, concurs with the content
of the proposed AD.
Request To Change Applicability
One commenter asks that the applicability specified in the proposed
AD be limited to Boeing Model 727 airplanes that have float switches
installed. The commenter states that the effectivity of the proposed AD
will encompass all Boeing Model 727-100 airplanes operated by them,
even though Model 727-100 airplanes are not included in the effectivity
specified in the service bulletin referenced in the proposed AD. The
commenter adds that the effectivity in the referenced service bulletin
is limited to airplanes with factory installed auxiliary fuel tanks;
the design for Model 727-100 airplanes does not include float switches
in the main fuel tanks because those airplanes utilize the Volumetric
Top-Off system instead. The commenter realizes that we are concerned
that the effectivity of the referenced service bulletin may not
encompass all possible scenarios involving the subject float switches,
as stated in the Supplementary Information section of the proposed AD.
In consideration of this concern, the commenter notes that the
effectivity of the proposed AD can be reduced to include only airplanes
where the design, as delivered or modified, utilizes float switches in
the airplane fuel tanks. The commenter adds that, the requested change
has no effect on safety, but does remove the burden of showing
compliance to a known non-applicable configuration.
We do not agree with the commenter. The planning information
specified in the referenced service bulletin identifies only Boeing
Model 727-100 airplanes delivered with two auxiliary fuel tanks
installed. However, the effectivity specified in the service bulletin
identifies all Boeing Model 727-100 and -200 airplanes with active
Boeing fueling float switch shutoff systems installed. We point out
that the subject of this AD is the float switch itself--regardless of
the airplane model on which it is installed. To help operators
determine if a particular airplane is subject to this AD, we have
included all airplane models on which the float switch may be installed
in the applicability of this AD. However, operators must determine if
the float switch is installed on their airplanes. As specified in the
AD, this determination can be made by a review of airplane maintenance
records, instead of an inspection of the fuel tanks; such a
[[Page 46075]]
review would not result in an undue burden to operators. We have made
no change to the final rule in this regard.
Explanation of Change to Applicability
We have revised the applicability of the proposed AD to identify
model designations as published in the most recent type certificate
data sheet for the affected models.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the
comments that have been received, and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting the AD with the change described
previously. This change will neither increase the economic burden on
any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 1,300 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. This AD affects about 800 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The inspections (for presence and model of float switch) take about
1 work hour, at an average labor rate of $65 per hour. Based on these
figures, the estimated cost of the 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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of Average
Airplane group Airplane model auxiliary Work hours hourly Parts Cost per
fuel tanks labor rate airplane
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866;
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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 AD and placed it in the AD docket. 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, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
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]
0
2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
2005-16-07 Boeing: Amendment 39-14212. Docket No. FAA-2005-20799;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-264-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective September 13, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Boeing Model 727, 727C, 727-100, 727-
100C, 727-200, and 727-200F series 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.
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
[[Page 46076]]
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.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-28A0127,
dated August 26, 2004, to perform the actions that are required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this
document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124-2207 for a copy of this service information. You
may review copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department
of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Room PL-401, Nassif
Building, Washington, DC; on the internet at https://dms.dot.gov; or
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this material at the NARA, call
(202) 741-6030, or go to https://www.archives.gov/federal_register/
code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 29, 2005.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-15587 Filed 8-8-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
