Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 757 Airplanes, 50-55 [E6-22469]

Download as PDF 50 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 72, No. 1 Wednesday, January 3, 2007 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2006–26710; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–147–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 757 Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). sroberts on PROD1PC70 with PROPOSALS AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 757 airplanes. This proposed AD would require revising the Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness by incorporating new limitations for fuel tank systems to satisfy Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88 requirements. The proposed AD also would require the initial inspection of certain repetitive inspections specified in the AWLs to phase-in those inspections, and repair if necessary. This proposed AD results from a design review of the fuel tank systems. We are proposing this AD to prevent the potential for ignition sources inside fuel tanks caused by latent failures, alterations, repairs, or maintenance actions, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 20, 2007. 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 VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:33 Dec 29, 2006 Jkt 211001 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. • 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. Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124–2207, for the service information identified in this proposed AD. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathrine Rask, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 917–6505; 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 in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ‘‘FAA–2006–26710; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–147–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 received 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 may review DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–78), or you may visit https:// dms.dot.gov. PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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 DOT street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System receives them. Discussion The FAA has examined the underlying safety issues involved in 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’’ (66 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 E:\FR\FM\03JAP1.SGM 03JAP1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 1 / Wednesday, January 3, 2007 / Proposed Rules sroberts on PROD1PC70 with PROPOSALS 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 a 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 for ignition sources inside fuel tanks caused by latent failures, alterations, repairs, or maintenance actions, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane. FAA’s Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes of this same type design. For this reason, we are proposing this AD, which would require revising the AWLs section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness by incorporating the information in the service information described previously. The proposed AD also would require the initial inspection of certain repetitive inspections specified in the AWLs to phase-in those inspections, and repair if necessary. Rework Required When Implementing AWLs Into an Existing Fleet The AWLs revision for the fuel tank systems specified in paragraph (g) of this proposed AD, which involves Relevant Service Information incorporating the information specified in Revision March 2006 of the MPD, We have reviewed the following would affect how operators maintain sections of Boeing 757 Maintenance their airplanes. After doing that AWLs Planning Data (MPD) Document revision, operators would need to do D622N001–9, Section 9, Revision March any maintenance on the fuel tank 2006 (hereafter referred to as ‘‘Revision system as specified in the CDCCLs. March 2006 of the MPD’’): Maintenance done before doing the • Section E., ‘‘AIRWORTHINESS AWLs revision specified in paragraph LIMITATIONS—FUEL SYSTEMS;’’ (g) would not need to be redone in order to comply with paragraph (g). For • Section F., ‘‘PAGE FORMAT: example, the AWL that requires fuel SYSTEMS AIRWORTHINESS pumps to be repaired and overhauled LIMITATIONS;’’ and per an FAA-approved component • Section G., ‘‘AIRWORTHINESS maintenance manual (CMM) applies to LIMITATIONS—FUEL SYSTEM fuel pumps repaired after the AWLs are AWLs.’’ revised; spare or on-wing fuel pumps do Those sections of Revision March not need to be reworked. For AWLs that 2006 of the MPD describe new require repetitive inspections, the initial airworthiness limitations (AWLs) for inspection interval (threshold) starts fuel tank systems. The new AWLs from the date the AWL revision include: specified in paragraph (g) is done, except as provided by paragraph (h) of • AWL inspections, which are this proposed AD. This proposed AD periodic inspections of certain features would only require the AWLs revision for latent failures that could contribute specified in paragraph (g), and initial to an ignition source; and inspections specified in paragraph (h). • Critical design configuration control No other fleet-wide inspections need to limitations (CDCCL), which are be done. limitation requirements to preserve a Changes to Fuel Tank System AWLs critical ignition source prevention feature of the fuel tank system design Paragraph (g) of this proposed AD that is necessary to prevent the would require revising the AWLs occurrence of an unsafe condition. The section of the Instructions for Continued purpose of a CDCCL is to provide Airworthiness by incorporating certain instruction to retain the critical ignition information specified in Revision March source prevention feature during 2006 of the MPD into the MPD. configuration change that may be Paragraph (g) also allows accomplishing caused by alterations, repairs, or the AWL revision in accordance with maintenance actions. A CDCCL is not a later revisions of the MPD as an periodic inspection. acceptable method of compliance if they are approved by the Manager, Seattle Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is intended to Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. In addition, Section E. of Revision adequately address the unsafe March 2006 of the MPD specifies that condition. VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:33 Dec 29, 2006 Jkt 211001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 51 any deviations from the published AWL instructions, including AWL intervals, in that MPD must be approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO. Therefore, after doing the AWLs revision, any revision to an AWL or AWL interval should be done as an AWL change, not as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC). For U.S.-registered airplanes, operators must make requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector (PMI) or Principal Avionics Inspector (PAI) for approval by the Manager, Seattle ACO. A non-U.S. operator should coordinate changes with its governing regulatory agency. Exceptional Short-Term Extensions Section E. of Revision March 2006 of the MPD has provisions for an exceptional short-term extension of 30 days. An exceptional short-term extension is an increase in an AWL interval that may be needed to cover an uncontrollable or unexpected situation. For U.S.-registered airplanes, the FAA PMI or PAI must concur with any exceptional short-term extension before it is used, unless the operator has identified another appropriate procedure with the local regulatory authority. The FAA PMI or PAI may grant the exceptional short-term extensions described in Section E. without consultation with the Manager, Seattle ACO. A non-U.S. operator should coordinate changes with its governing regulatory agency. As explained in Revision March 2006 of the MPD, exceptional short-term extensions must not be used for fleet AWL extensions. An exceptional short-term extension should not be confused with an operator’s short-term escalation authorization approved in accordance with the Operations Specifications or the operator’s reliability program. Ensuring Compliance With Fuel Tank System AWLs Boeing has revised their applicable maintenance manuals and task cards to address AWLs and to include notes about CDCCLs. Operators that may not use Boeing’s revision service should revise their maintenance manuals and task cards to highlight actions that are tied to CDCCLs to ensure that maintenance personnel are complying with the CDCCLs. Appendix 1 of this proposed AD contains a list of Air Transport Association (ATA) sections for the revised maintenance manuals. Operators may wish to use the appendix as an aid to implement the AWLs. E:\FR\FM\03JAP1.SGM 03JAP1 52 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 1 / Wednesday, January 3, 2007 / Proposed Rules Recording Compliance With Fuel Tank System AWLs The applicable operating rules of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR parts 91, 121, 125, and 129) require operators to maintain records with the identification of the current inspection status of an airplane. Some of the AWLs contained in Section G. of Revision March 2006 of the MPD are inspections for which the applicable sections of the operating rules apply. Other AWLs are CDCCLs, which are tied to on-condition maintenance actions. An entry into an operator’s existing maintenance record system for corrective action is sufficient for recording compliance with CDCCLs, as long as the applicable maintenance manual and task cards identify actions that are CDCCLs. Changes to CMMs Cited in Fuel Tank System AWLs Some of the AWLs in Section G. of Revision March 2006 of the MPD refer to specific revision levels of the CMMs as additional sources of service information for doing the AWLs. Boeing is referencing the CMMs by revision level in the applicable AWL for certain components rather than including information directly in the MPD because of the volume of that information. As a result, the Manager, Seattle ACO must approve the CMMs. Any later revision of those CMMs will be handled like a change to the AWL itself. Any use of parts (including the use of parts manufacturer approval (PMA) approved parts), methods, techniques, and practices not contained in the CMMs need to be approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO, or governing regulatory authority. For example, operators that have developed pump repair/overhaul manuals must get them approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO. Changes to AMMs Referenced in Fuel Tank System AWLs In other AWLs in Subsection G. of Revision March 2006 of the MPD, the AWLs contain all the necessary data. The applicable section of the maintenance manual is usually included in the AWLs. Boeing intended this information to assist operators in maintaining the maintenance manuals. A maintenance manual change to these tasks can be made without approval by the Manager, Seattle ACO, through an appropriate FAA PMI or PAI, by the governing regulatory authority, or by using the operator’s standard process for revising maintenance manuals. An acceptable change would have to maintain the information specified in the AWL such as the pass/fail criteria or special test equipment. Costs of Compliance There are about 990 airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to comply with this proposed AD. ESTIMATED COSTS Revision of AWL of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness .......... Detailed and special detailed inspections ............................................... Authority for This Rulemaking sroberts on PROD1PC70 with PROPOSALS 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 VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:33 Dec 29, 2006 Jkt 211001 Average labor rate per hour Work hours Action 8 8 Cost per airplane $80 $80 Number of U.S.registered airplanes $640 $640 639 639 Fleet cost $408,960 $408,960 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 and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation. the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Applicability (c) This AD applies to all Boeing Model 757–200, –200PF, –200CB, and –300 series airplanes, certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD requires revisions to certain operator maintenance documents to include new inspections and maintenance actions. Compliance with these limitations is Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): Boeing: Docket No. FAA–2006–26710; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–147–AD. Comments Due Date (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by February 20, 2007. Affected ADs (b) None. E:\FR\FM\03JAP1.SGM 03JAP1 53 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 1 / Wednesday, January 3, 2007 / Proposed Rules required by 14 CFR 43.16 and 91.403(c). For airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the areas addressed by these limitations, the operator may not be able to accomplish the actions described in the revisions. In this situation, to comply with 14 CFR 43.16 and 91.403(c), the operator must request approval for revision to the airworthiness limitations (AWLs) in the Boeing 757 Maintenance Planning Data (MPD) Document D622N001– 9 according to paragraph (g) of this AD. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from a design review of the fuel tank systems. We are issuing this AD to prevent the potential for ignition sources inside fuel tanks caused by latent failures, alterations, repairs, or maintenance actions, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane. Compliance (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Service Information (f) The term ‘‘Revision March 2006 of the MPD’’ as used in this AD, means Section 9 of Boeing 757 MPD Document D622N001–9, Revision March 2006. Revision of AWLs Section (g) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the AWLs section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness by incorporating the information in the sections specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(3) of this AD into the MPD, except that the inspections specified in Table 1 of this AD may be done at the compliance times specified in Table 1. Accomplishing the revision in accordance with a later revision of the MPD is an acceptable method of compliance if the revision is approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. (1) Section E., ‘‘AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS—FUEL SYSTEMS,’’ of Revision March 2006 of the MPD. (2) Section F., ‘‘PAGE FORMAT: SYSTEMS AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS,’’ of Revision March 2006 of the MPD. (3) Section G., ‘‘AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS—FUEL SYSTEM AWLs’’ of Revision March 2006 of the MPD. Initial Inspections and Repair (h) Do the inspections specified in Table 1 of this AD and repair any discrepancy, in accordance with Section G., ‘‘AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS—FUEL SYSTEM AWLs,’’ of Revision March 2006 of the MPD. The repair must be done before further flight. TABLE 1.—INITIAL INSPECTIONS Compliance Time (whichever occurs later) Airworthiness Limitations Number Description (1) 28–AWL–01 ..... A detailed inspection of external wires over the center fuel tank for damaged clamps, wire chafing, and wire bundles in contact with the surface of the center fuel tank. (2) 28–AWL–03 ..... A special detailed inspection of the lightning shield to ground termination on the out-of-tank fuel quantity indicating system to verify functional integrity. (3) 28–AWL–14 ..... A special detailed inspection of the fault current bond of the fueling shutoff valve actuator of the center wing tank to verify electrical bond. Threshold Note 2: 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.’’ sroberts on PROD1PC70 with PROPOSALS Note 3: For the purposes of this AD, a special detailed inspection is: ‘‘An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, Grace Period Before the accumulation of 36,000 total flight cycles, or within 120 months since the date of issuance of the original standard airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness, whichever occurs first. Before the accumulation of 36,000 total flight cycles, or within 120 months since the date of issuance of the original standard airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness, whichever occurs first. Before the accumulation of 36,000 total flight cycles, or within 120 months since the date of issuance of the original standard airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness, whichever occurs first. Within 72 months after the effective date of this AD. or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. The examination is likely to make extensive use of specialized inspection techniques and/or equipment. Intricate cleaning and substantial access or disassembly procedure may be required.’’ Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (i)(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office. Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 21, 2006. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. Appendix 1. Fuel Tank System Airworthiness Limitations—Applicable Maintenance Manuals AWL # ALI/CDCCL ATA section or CMM document Task title 28–AWL–01 ................................... ALI ................................... AMM 28–11–00/601 ...... External Wires Over the Center Tank Inspection. VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:33 Dec 29, 2006 Jkt 211001 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\03JAP1.SGM 03JAP1 Task # 28–11–00–206–221. 54 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 1 / Wednesday, January 3, 2007 / Proposed Rules AWL # ALI/CDCCL ATA section or CMM document 28–AWL–02 ................................... CDCCL ............................ SWPM 20–10–11 .......... 28–AWL–03 ................................... ALI ................................... AMM 20–55–54/601 ...... 28–AWL–04 ................................... CDCCL ............................ SWPM 20–10–15 .......... 28–AWL–05 ................................... CDCCL ............................ SWPM 20–10–11 .......... 28–AWL–06 ................................... CDCCL ............................ 28–AWL–07 ................................... CDCCL ............................ 28–AWL–08 ................................... CDCCL ............................ CMM 28–41–68 Revision 4 or subsequent revisions. CMM 28–40–56, Revision 4; CMM 28–40– 62, revision 3; CMM 28–40–59, revision 5; or subsequent revisions. SWPM 20–14–12 .......... AMM 28–41–09/401 ...... 28–AWL–09 ................................... CDCCL ............................ AMM 29–11–26/401 ...... 28–AWL–10 ................................... CDCCL ............................ AMM 28–22–07/401 ...... 28–AWL–11 ................................... 28–AWL–12 ................................... CDCCL. CDCCL ............................ 28–AWL–13 ................................... CDCCL ............................ CMM 28–22–08, revision 3; CMM 28–20–02, revision 9; or subsequent revisions. AMM 28–22–03/401 ...... 28–AWL–14 ................................... ALI ................................... AMM 28–21–02/401 ...... 28–AWL–15 ................................... CDCCL ............................ AMM 28–21–02/401 ...... AMM 28–21–12/401 ...... 28–AWL–16 ................................... CDCCL ............................ AMM 28–11–01/401 ...... AMM 28–11–02/401 ...... AMM 28–11–03/401 ...... 28–AWL–17 ................................... CDCCL ............................ AMM 28–11–03/401 ...... AMM 28–13–04/201 ...... 28–AWL–18 ................................... CDCCL ............................ AMM 28–11–03/401 ...... AMM 28–13–05/401 ...... CDCCL ............................ FIM 28–22–00/101 ........ 28–AWL–20 ................................... ALI ................................... AMM 28–22–00/501 ...... 28–AWL–21 ................................... 28–AWL–22 ................................... sroberts on PROD1PC70 with PROPOSALS 28–AWL–19 ................................... ALI ................................... CDCCL ............................ AMM 28–22–00/501. AMM 28–41–24/401 ...... 28–AWL–23 ................................... CDCCL ............................ 28–AWL–24 ................................... CDCCL ............................ Task title Wiring Assembly and Installation Configuration. FQIS Connectors— 20–55–54–286–001. Inspection/ Check. Assembly of Shield Ground Wires. Wiring Assembly and Installation Configuration. Repair of Fuel Quantity Indicator System (FQIS) Wire Harness. Install the Tank Wiring Harness. Install the Heat Exchanger. Install the Fuel Line and Fittings. Install the Fuel Boost Pump Assembly or the Fuel Override Pump Assembly. Fueling Shutoff Valve Resistance Check. Install the Fueling Shutoff Valve. Install the Actuator of the Fueling Shutoff Valve. Install the Main Tank Access Door. Install the Center Tank Access Door. Install the Surge Tank Access Door. Install the Surge Tank Access Door. Install the Pressure Relief Valve. Install the Surge Tank Access Door. Install the Housing of the Vent Flame Arrestor. Engine Fuel Feed System—Fault Isolation. Center Tank Fuel Override Pump Auto Shutoff Functional Test. AMM 28–22–01/401. AMM 28–22–02/401. AMM 28–22–11/401. AMM 28–22–12/401. AMM 28–26–01/401. AMM 28–26–02/401. CMM 28–20–21. VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:33 Dec 29, 2006 Jkt 211001 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Task # Densitometer Hot Short Protector Installation. E:\FR\FM\03JAP1.SGM 03JAP1 Varies with configuration 29–11–26–404–012. 28–22–07–404–005. 28–22–03–404–007. 28–21–02–764–047. 28–21–02–404–019. 28–21–12–404–015. 28–11–01–404–014. 28–11–02–404–019. 28–11–03–404–008. 28–11–03–404–008. 28–13–04–402–014. 28–11–03–404–008. 28–13–05–404–004. 28–22–00–725–507. 28–41–24–404–006. Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 1 / Wednesday, January 3, 2007 / Proposed Rules [FR Doc. E6–22469 Filed 12–29–06; 8:45 am] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Comments Invited The FAA invites interested persons to participate in this rulemaking by submitting written comments, data, or views. We also invite comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might result from adopting the proposals in this document. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. We ask that you send us two copies of written comments. We will file in the docket all comments we receive, as well as a report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed rulemaking. The docket is available for public inspection before and after the comment closing date. If you wish to review the docket in person, go to the address in the ADDRESSES section of this preamble between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. You may also review the docket using the Internet at the web address in the ADDRESSES section. Privacy Act: Using the search function of our docket Web site, anyone can find and read the comments received into any of our dockets, including the name of the individual sending the comment (or signing the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–78) or you may visit https://dms.dot.gov. Before acting on this proposal, we will consider all comments we receive on or before the closing date for comments. We will consider comments filed late if it is possible to do so without incurring expense or delay. We may change this proposal in light of the comments we receive. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Parts 61, 91, 135 [Docket No. FAA–2006–24981; Notice No. 06–14A] RIN 2120–AI82 Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. XX—Mitsubishi MU–2B Series Airplane Special Training, Experience, and Operating Experience Federal Aviation Administration, DOT. ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with PROPOSALS AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is revising its proposed Special Federal Aviation Regulation that would be applicable to the Mitsubishi MU–2B series airplane. As a result of comments received on the notice of proposed rulemaking, the FAA is amending the proposal to add certain definitions related to pilot experience into the Mitsubishi training program. This document seeks public comment on those changes. DATES: Send your comments on or before February 2, 2007. ADDRESSES: You may send comments to Docket No. FAA–2006–24981 using any of the following methods: • Department of Transportation (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– 0001. • Fax: 1–202–493–2251. • 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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Pete Devaris, Federal Aviation Administration, General Aviation and Commercial Division AFS–820, Room 835, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202) 493–4710; facsimile (202) 267–5094; or e-mail: Peter.Devaris@faa.gov. VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:33 Dec 29, 2006 Jkt 211001 Proprietary or Confidential Business Information Do not file in the docket information that you consider to be proprietary or confidential business information. Send or deliver this information directly to the person identified in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document. You must mark the information that you consider proprietary or confidential. If you send the information on a disk or CD ROM, mark the outside of the disk or CD ROM and also identify electronically within the disk or CD ROM the specific information that is proprietary or confidential. PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 55 Under 14 CFR 11.35(b), when we are aware of proprietary information filed with a comment, we do not place it in the docket. We hold it in a separate file to which the public does not have access, and place a note in the docket that we have received it. If we receive a request to examine or copy this information, we treat it as any other request under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). We process such a request under the DOT procedures found in 49 CFR part 7. Availability of Rulemaking Documents You can get an electronic copy using the Internet by: (1) Searching the Department of Transportation’s electronic Docket Management System (DMS) Web page (https://dms.dot.gov/search); (2) Visiting the FAA’s Regulations and Policies Web page at https:// www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/; or (3) Accessing the Government Printing Office’s Web page at https:// www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/. You can also get a copy by sending a request to the Federal Aviation Administration, Office of Rulemaking, ARM–1, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591, or by calling (202) 267–9680. Make sure to identify the docket number, notice number, or amendment number of this rulemaking. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority for This Rulemaking The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) authority to issue rules on aviation safety is found in Title 49 of the United States Code. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator to issue, rescind, and revise the rules. This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, Part A, Air Commerce and Safety, Subpart III, Safety, Section 44701, General Requirements. Under that section, the FAA is charged with prescribing regulations setting the minimum standards for practices, methods, and procedures necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it will set the minimum level of safety to operate the Mitsubishi MU–2B series airplane. The Reasons for a Revised Proposal The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking, Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. XX—Mitsubishi MU–2B Series Airplane Special Training, Experience, and Operating Experience, which was published in the Federal E:\FR\FM\03JAP1.SGM 03JAP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 1 (Wednesday, January 3, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 50-55]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-22469]

========================================================================
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================

Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 1 / Wednesday, January 3, 2007 /
Proposed Rules

[[Page 50]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-26710; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-147-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 757 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 757 airplanes. This proposed AD would require
revising the Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) section of the
Instructions for Continued Airworthiness by incorporating new
limitations for fuel tank systems to satisfy Special Federal Aviation
Regulation No. 88 requirements. The proposed AD also would require the
initial inspection of certain repetitive inspections specified in the
AWLs to phase-in those inspections, and repair if necessary. This
proposed AD results from a design review of the fuel tank systems. We
are proposing this AD to prevent the potential for ignition sources
inside fuel tanks caused by latent failures, alterations, repairs, or
maintenance actions, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors,
could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the
airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 20,
2007.

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.
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.
Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124-2207, for the service information identified in this
proposed AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathrine Rask, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone
(425) 917-6505; 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 in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ``FAA-2006-
26710; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-147-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 received 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 may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you
may visit https://dms.dot.gov.

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 DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System
receives them.

Discussion

The FAA has examined the underlying safety issues involved in 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''
(66 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

[[Page 51]]

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 a 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 for ignition sources inside fuel
tanks caused by latent failures, alterations, repairs, or maintenance
actions, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result
in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

We have reviewed the following sections of Boeing 757 Maintenance
Planning Data (MPD) Document D622N001-9, Section 9, Revision March 2006
(hereafter referred to as ``Revision March 2006 of the MPD''):
Section E., ``AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS--FUEL SYSTEMS;''
Section F., ``PAGE FORMAT: SYSTEMS AIRWORTHINESS
LIMITATIONS;'' and
Section G., ``AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS--FUEL SYSTEM
AWLs.''
Those sections of Revision March 2006 of the MPD describe new
airworthiness limitations (AWLs) for fuel tank systems. The new AWLs
include:
AWL inspections, which are periodic inspections of certain
features for latent failures that could contribute to an ignition
source; and
Critical design configuration control limitations (CDCCL),
which are limitation requirements to preserve a critical ignition
source prevention feature of the fuel tank system design that is
necessary to prevent the occurrence of an unsafe condition. The purpose
of a CDCCL is to provide instruction to retain the critical ignition
source prevention feature during configuration change that may be
caused by alterations, repairs, or maintenance actions. A CDCCL is not
a periodic inspection.
Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes
of this same type design. For this reason, we are proposing this AD,
which would require revising the AWLs section of the Instructions for
Continued Airworthiness by incorporating the information in the service
information described previously. The proposed AD also would require
the initial inspection of certain repetitive inspections specified in
the AWLs to phase-in those inspections, and repair if necessary.

Rework Required When Implementing AWLs Into an Existing Fleet

The AWLs revision for the fuel tank systems specified in paragraph
(g) of this proposed AD, which involves incorporating the information
specified in Revision March 2006 of the MPD, would affect how operators
maintain their airplanes. After doing that AWLs revision, operators
would need to do any maintenance on the fuel tank system as specified
in the CDCCLs. Maintenance done before doing the AWLs revision
specified in paragraph (g) would not need to be redone in order to
comply with paragraph (g). For example, the AWL that requires fuel
pumps to be repaired and overhauled per an FAA-approved component
maintenance manual (CMM) applies to fuel pumps repaired after the AWLs
are revised; spare or on-wing fuel pumps do not need to be reworked.
For AWLs that require repetitive inspections, the initial inspection
interval (threshold) starts from the date the AWL revision specified in
paragraph (g) is done, except as provided by paragraph (h) of this
proposed AD. This proposed AD would only require the AWLs revision
specified in paragraph (g), and initial inspections specified in
paragraph (h). No other fleet-wide inspections need to be done.

Changes to Fuel Tank System AWLs

Paragraph (g) of this proposed AD would require revising the AWLs
section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness by
incorporating certain information specified in Revision March 2006 of
the MPD into the MPD. Paragraph (g) also allows accomplishing the AWL
revision in accordance with later revisions of the MPD as an acceptable
method of compliance if they are approved by the Manager, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. In addition, Section E. of
Revision March 2006 of the MPD specifies that any deviations from the
published AWL instructions, including AWL intervals, in that MPD must
be approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO. Therefore, after doing the
AWLs revision, any revision to an AWL or AWL interval should be done as
an AWL change, not as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC). For
U.S.-registered airplanes, operators must make requests through an
appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector (PMI) or Principal
Avionics Inspector (PAI) for approval by the Manager, Seattle ACO. A
non-U.S. operator should coordinate changes with its governing
regulatory agency.

Exceptional Short-Term Extensions

Section E. of Revision March 2006 of the MPD has provisions for an
exceptional short-term extension of 30 days. An exceptional short-term
extension is an increase in an AWL interval that may be needed to cover
an uncontrollable or unexpected situation. For U.S.-registered
airplanes, the FAA PMI or PAI must concur with any exceptional short-
term extension before it is used, unless the operator has identified
another appropriate procedure with the local regulatory authority. The
FAA PMI or PAI may grant the exceptional short-term extensions
described in Section E. without consultation with the Manager, Seattle
ACO. A non-U.S. operator should coordinate changes with its governing
regulatory agency. As explained in Revision March 2006 of the MPD,
exceptional short-term extensions must not be used for fleet AWL
extensions. An exceptional short-term extension should not be confused
with an operator's short-term escalation authorization approved in
accordance with the Operations Specifications or the operator's
reliability program.

Ensuring Compliance With Fuel Tank System AWLs

Boeing has revised their applicable maintenance manuals and task
cards to address AWLs and to include notes about CDCCLs. Operators that
may not use Boeing's revision service should revise their maintenance
manuals and task cards to highlight actions that are tied to CDCCLs to
ensure that maintenance personnel are complying with the CDCCLs.
Appendix 1 of this proposed AD contains a list of Air Transport
Association (ATA) sections for the revised maintenance manuals.
Operators may wish to use the appendix as an aid to implement the AWLs.

[[Page 52]]

Recording Compliance With Fuel Tank System AWLs

The applicable operating rules of the Federal Aviation Regulations
(14 CFR parts 91, 121, 125, and 129) require operators to maintain
records with the identification of the current inspection status of an
airplane. Some of the AWLs contained in Section G. of Revision March
2006 of the MPD are inspections for which the applicable sections of
the operating rules apply. Other AWLs are CDCCLs, which are tied to on-
condition maintenance actions. An entry into an operator's existing
maintenance record system for corrective action is sufficient for
recording compliance with CDCCLs, as long as the applicable maintenance
manual and task cards identify actions that are CDCCLs.

Changes to CMMs Cited in Fuel Tank System AWLs

Some of the AWLs in Section G. of Revision March 2006 of the MPD
refer to specific revision levels of the CMMs as additional sources of
service information for doing the AWLs. Boeing is referencing the CMMs
by revision level in the applicable AWL for certain components rather
than including information directly in the MPD because of the volume of
that information. As a result, the Manager, Seattle ACO must approve
the CMMs. Any later revision of those CMMs will be handled like a
change to the AWL itself. Any use of parts (including the use of parts
manufacturer approval (PMA) approved parts), methods, techniques, and
practices not contained in the CMMs need to be approved by the Manager,
Seattle ACO, or governing regulatory authority. For example, operators
that have developed pump repair/overhaul manuals must get them approved
by the Manager, Seattle ACO.

Changes to AMMs Referenced in Fuel Tank System AWLs

In other AWLs in Subsection G. of Revision March 2006 of the MPD,
the AWLs contain all the necessary data. The applicable section of the
maintenance manual is usually included in the AWLs. Boeing intended
this information to assist operators in maintaining the maintenance
manuals. A maintenance manual change to these tasks can be made without
approval by the Manager, Seattle ACO, through an appropriate FAA PMI or
PAI, by the governing regulatory authority, or by using the operator's
standard process for revising maintenance manuals. An acceptable change
would have to maintain the information specified in the AWL such as the
pass/fail criteria or special test equipment.

Costs of Compliance

There are about 990 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. The following table provides the estimated costs for
U.S. operators to comply with this proposed AD.

Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of
Work Average Cost per U.S.-
Action hours labor rate airplane registered Fleet cost
per hour airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revision of AWL of the Instructions for 8 $80 $640 639 $408,960
Continued Airworthiness......................
Detailed and special detailed inspections..... 8 $80 $640 639 $408,960
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 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, 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

Boeing: Docket No. FAA-2006-26710; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-
147-AD.

Comments Due Date

(a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by February
20, 2007.

Affected ADs

(b) None.

Applicability

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

Note 1: This AD requires revisions to certain operator
maintenance documents to include new inspections and maintenance
actions. Compliance with these limitations is

[[Page 53]]

required by 14 CFR 43.16 and 91.403(c). For airplanes that have been
previously modified, altered, or repaired in the areas addressed by
these limitations, the operator may not be able to accomplish the
actions described in the revisions. In this situation, to comply
with 14 CFR 43.16 and 91.403(c), the operator must request approval
for revision to the airworthiness limitations (AWLs) in the Boeing
757 Maintenance Planning Data (MPD) Document D622N001-9 according to
paragraph (g) of this AD.

Unsafe Condition

(d) This AD results from a design review of the fuel tank
systems. We are issuing this AD to prevent the potential for
ignition sources inside fuel tanks caused by latent failures,
alterations, repairs, or maintenance actions, which, in combination
with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and
consequent loss of the airplane.

Compliance

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

Service Information

(f) The term ``Revision March 2006 of the MPD'' as used in this
AD, means Section 9 of Boeing 757 MPD Document D622N001-9, Revision
March 2006.

Revision of AWLs Section

(g) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, revise
the AWLs section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness by
incorporating the information in the sections specified in
paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(3) of this AD into the MPD, except
that the inspections specified in Table 1 of this AD may be done at
the compliance times specified in Table 1. Accomplishing the
revision in accordance with a later revision of the MPD is an
acceptable method of compliance if the revision is approved by the
Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA.
(1) Section E., ``AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS--FUEL SYSTEMS,'' of
Revision March 2006 of the MPD.
(2) Section F., ``PAGE FORMAT: SYSTEMS AIRWORTHINESS
LIMITATIONS,'' of Revision March 2006 of the MPD.
(3) Section G., ``AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS--FUEL SYSTEM AWLs''
of Revision March 2006 of the MPD.

Initial Inspections and Repair

(h) Do the inspections specified in Table 1 of this AD and
repair any discrepancy, in accordance with Section G.,
``AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS--FUEL SYSTEM AWLs,'' of Revision March
2006 of the MPD. The repair must be done before further flight.

Table 1.--Initial Inspections
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compliance Time (whichever occurs later)
Airworthiness Limitations Number Description -------------------------------------------------
Threshold Grace Period
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) 28-AWL-01........................ A detailed inspection Before the accumulation Within 72 months after
of external wires over of 36,000 total flight the effective date of
the center fuel tank cycles, or within 120 this AD.
for damaged clamps, months since the date
wire chafing, and wire of issuance of the
bundles in contact original standard
with the surface of airworthiness
the center fuel tank. certificate or the
date of issuance of
the original export
certificate of
airworthiness,
whichever occurs first.
(2) 28-AWL-03........................ A special detailed Before the accumulation Within 24 months after
inspection of the of 36,000 total flight the effective date of
lightning shield to cycles, or within 120 this AD
ground termination on months since the date
the out-of-tank fuel of issuance of the
quantity indicating original standard
system to verify airworthiness
functional integrity. certificate or the
date of issuance of
the original export
certificate of
airworthiness,
whichever occurs first.
(3) 28-AWL-14........................ A special detailed Before the accumulation Within 60 months after
inspection of the of 36,000 total flight the effective date of
fault current bond of cycles, or within 120 this AD
the fueling shutoff months since the date
valve actuator of the of issuance of the
center wing tank to original standard
verify electrical bond. airworthiness
certificate or the
date of issuance of
the original export
certificate of
airworthiness,
whichever occurs first.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note 2: 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.''

Note 3: For the purposes of this AD, a special detailed
inspection is: ``An intensive examination of a specific item,
installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or
irregularity. The examination is likely to make extensive use of
specialized inspection techniques and/or equipment. Intricate
cleaning and substantial access or disassembly procedure may be
required.''

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

(i)(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards
Certificate Holding District Office.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 21, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.

Appendix 1. Fuel Tank System Airworthiness Limitations--Applicable
Maintenance Manuals

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATA section or CMM
AWL ALI/CDCCL document Task title Task
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28-AWL-01....................... ALI............... AMM 28-11-00/601.. External Wires 28-11-00-206-221.
Over the Center
Tank Inspection.

[[Page 54]]

28-AWL-02....................... CDCCL............. SWPM 20-10-11..... Wiring Assembly
and Installation
Configuration.
28-AWL-03....................... ALI............... AMM 20-55-54/601.. FQIS Connectors-- 20-55-54-286-001.
Inspection/ Check.
28-AWL-04....................... CDCCL............. SWPM 20-10-15..... Assembly of Shield
Ground Wires.
28-AWL-05....................... CDCCL............. SWPM 20-10-11..... Wiring Assembly
and Installation
Configuration.
28-AWL-06....................... CDCCL............. CMM 28-41-68
Revision 4 or
subsequent
revisions.
28-AWL-07....................... CDCCL............. CMM 28-40-56,
Revision 4; CMM
28-40-62,
revision 3; CMM
28-40-59,
revision 5; or
subsequent
revisions.
28-AWL-08....................... CDCCL............. SWPM 20-14-12..... Repair of Fuel
Quantity
Indicator System
(FQIS) Wire
Harness.
AMM 28-41-09/401.. Install the Tank Varies with
Wiring Harness. configuration
28-AWL-09....................... CDCCL............. AMM 29-11-26/401.. Install the Heat 29-11-26-404-012.
Exchanger.
28-AWL-10....................... CDCCL............. AMM 28-22-07/401.. Install the Fuel 28-22-07-404-005.
Line and Fittings.
28-AWL-11....................... CDCCL.............
28-AWL-12....................... CDCCL............. CMM 28-22-08,
revision 3; CMM
28-20-02,
revision 9; or
subsequent
revisions.
28-AWL-13....................... CDCCL............. AMM 28-22-03/401.. Install the Fuel 28-22-03-404-007.
Boost Pump
Assembly or the
Fuel Override
Pump Assembly.
28-AWL-14....................... ALI............... AMM 28-21-02/401.. Fueling Shutoff 28-21-02-764-047.
Valve Resistance
Check.
28-AWL-15....................... CDCCL............. AMM 28-21-02/401.. Install the 28-21-02-404-019.
Fueling Shutoff
Valve.
AMM 28-21-12/401.. Install the 28-21-12-404-015.
Actuator of the
Fueling Shutoff
Valve.
28-AWL-16....................... CDCCL............. AMM 28-11-01/401.. Install the Main 28-11-01-404-014.
Tank Access Door.
AMM 28-11-02/401.. Install the Center 28-11-02-404-019.
Tank Access Door.
AMM 28-11-03/401.. Install the Surge 28-11-03-404-008.
Tank Access Door.
28-AWL-17....................... CDCCL............. AMM 28-11-03/401.. Install the Surge 28-11-03-404-008.
Tank Access Door.
AMM 28-13-04/201.. Install the 28-13-04-402-014.
Pressure Relief
Valve.
28-AWL-18....................... CDCCL............. AMM 28-11-03/401.. Install the Surge 28-11-03-404-008.
Tank Access Door.
AMM 28-13-05/401.. Install the 28-13-05-404-004.
Housing of the
Vent Flame
Arrestor.
28-AWL-19....................... CDCCL............. FIM 28-22-00/101.. Engine Fuel Feed
System--Fault
Isolation.
28-AWL-20....................... ALI............... AMM 28-22-00/501.. Center Tank Fuel 28-22-00-725-507.
Override Pump
Auto Shutoff
Functional Test.
28-AWL-21....................... ALI............... AMM 28-22-00/501..
28-AWL-22....................... CDCCL............. AMM 28-41-24/401.. Densitometer Hot 28-41-24-404-006.
Short Protector
Installation.
28-AWL-23....................... CDCCL............. AMM 28-22-01/401..
AMM 28-22-02/401..
AMM 28-22-11/401..
AMM 28-22-12/401..
AMM 28-26-01/401..
AMM 28-26-02/401..
28-AWL-24....................... CDCCL............. CMM 28-20-21......
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 55]]

[FR Doc. E6-22469 Filed 12-29-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.