Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747SR, and 747SP Series Airplanes, 36380-36385 [E7-12815]

Download as PDF 36380 § 39.13 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 127 / Tuesday, July 3, 2007 / Proposed Rules Comments Due Date [Amended] 2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): Applicability (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by August 17, 2007. (c) This AD applies to the Boeing airplane models, certificated in any category, identified in the service bulletins specified Table 1 of this AD. Affected ADs (b) None. Boeing: Docket No. FAA–2007–28380; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–088–AD. TABLE 1.—APPLICABILITY OF THIS AD Boeing model— As identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin— 747–400, 747–400D, and 747–400F series airplanes ............................. 757–200 series airplanes ......................................................................... 767–200, –300, and –300F series airplanes ........................................... Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from a report indicating that failure of a time delay relay on a Boeing Model 777 ELMS (electrical load management system) panel led to testing of other time delay relays at Boeing and at the supplier. Similar relays are used in the cargo fire suppression system. We are issuing this AD to ensure there is sufficient fire suppressant to control a cargo fire if the airplane is more than the relay delay time from a suitable airport, which could result in uncontrollable fire in the cargo compartment. Compliance (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Service Bulletin Reference (f) The term ‘‘service bulletin,’’ as used in this AD, means the Accomplishment Instructions of the following service bulletins, as applicable: (1) For Model 747–400, 747–400D, and 747–400F series airplanes: Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747–26–2281, dated July 24, 2006; (2) For Model 757–200 series airplanes: Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757–26–0051, dated July 28, 2006; and (3) For Model 767–200, –300, and –300F series airplanes: Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767–26–0131, dated July 24, 2006. 747–26–2281, dated July 24, 2006. 757–26–0051, dated July 28, 2006. 767–26–0131, dated July 24, 2006. in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. ACTION: Parts Installation (i) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a time delay relay, P/N TDH6103–1204, –1804, or –6003, on any airplane if the relay has a date code between 0000 and 0343 and does not have an additional date code with the letter ‘‘T.’’ SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 747–100, 747–100B, 747– 100B SUD, 747–200B, 747–200C, 747– 200F, 747–300, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes. This proposed AD would require revising the FAA-approved maintenance program by incorporating new airworthiness limitations (AWLs) for fuel tank systems to satisfy Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88 requirements. This proposed AD would also require the initial inspection of certain repetitive AWL inspections 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 a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 17, 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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. • Hand Delivery: Room W12–140 on the ground floor of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (j)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 22, 2007. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7–12836 Filed 7–2–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P jlentini on PROD1PC65 with PROPOSALS Inspection (g) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a general visual inspection of the part number (P/N) TDH6103–1204, –1804, and –6003 time delay relay, as applicable, in the Main Equipment Center to determine if the relay was manufactured during a certain date range, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Replacement (h) Within 30 days after finding a relay manufactured during the date range specified in the service bulletin, as required by paragraph (g) of this AD: Replace the relay with a relay that was not manufactured during the specified date range, or with a relay that has been tested by the supplier and found to be unaffected by thermal expansion, Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747–100, 747–100B, 747–100B SUD, 747–200B, 747–200C, 747–200F, 747–300, 747SR, and 747SP Series Airplanes VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:13 Jul 02, 2007 Jkt 211001 Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–28385; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–181–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). AGENCY: PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). E:\FR\FM\03JYP1.SGM 03JYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 127 / Tuesday, July 3, 2007 / Proposed Rules 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 Ave, 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–2007–28385; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–181–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. jlentini on PROD1PC65 with PROPOSALS Examining the Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is located on the ground floor of the West 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. VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:13 Jul 02, 2007 Jkt 211001 36381 Discussion Relevant Service Information 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’’ (67 FR 23086, May 7, 2001). In addition to new airworthiness standards for transport airplanes and new maintenance requirements, this rule included Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88 (‘‘SFAR 88,’’ Amendment 21–78, and subsequent Amendments 21–82 and 21–83). Among other actions, SFAR 88 requires certain type design (i.e., type certificate (TC) and supplemental type certificate (STC)) holders to substantiate that their fuel tank systems can prevent ignition sources in the fuel tanks. This requirement applies to type design holders for large turbine-powered transport airplanes and for subsequent modifications to those airplanes. It requires them to perform design reviews and to develop design changes and maintenance procedures if their designs do not meet the new fuel tank safety standards. As explained in the preamble to the rule, we intended to adopt airworthiness directives to mandate any changes found necessary to address unsafe conditions identified as a result of these reviews. In evaluating these design reviews, we have established four criteria intended to define the unsafe conditions associated with fuel tank systems that require corrective actions. The percentage of operating time during which fuel tanks are exposed to flammable conditions is one of these criteria. The other three criteria address the failure types under evaluation: single failures, single failures in combination with another latent condition(s), and in-service failure experience. For all four criteria, the evaluations included consideration of previous actions taken that may mitigate the need for further action. We have determined that the actions identified in this proposed AD are necessary to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. We have reviewed Boeing 747–100/ 200/300/SP Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) and Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMRs), D6–13747-CMR, Revision March 2006 (hereafter referred to as ‘‘Revision March 2006 of Document D6–13747-CMR’’). (For the purposes of Revision March 2006 of Document D6–13747-CMR, the Model 747SR series airplane is basically a Model 747–100 series airplane with certain modifications to improve fatigue life.) Section D of Revision March 2006 of Document D6–13747-CMR describes new 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 (CDCCLs), 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. PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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 FAA-approved maintenance program by incorporating the information in Section D of Revision March 2006 of Document D6–13747– CMR. This proposed AD would also require the initial inspection of certain repetitive AWL inspections to phase in those inspections, and repair if necessary. Explanation of Compliance Time In most ADs, we adopt a compliance time allowing a specified amount of time after the AD’s effective date. In this case, however, the FAA has already issued regulations that require operators to revise their maintenance/inspection programs to address fuel tank safety issues. The compliance date for these regulations is December 16, 2008. To E:\FR\FM\03JYP1.SGM 03JYP1 36382 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 127 / Tuesday, July 3, 2007 / Proposed Rules provide for efficient and coordinated implementation of these regulations and this proposed AD, we are using this same compliance date in this proposed AD, instead of the 18-month compliance time recommended by Boeing. jlentini on PROD1PC65 with PROPOSALS Rework Required When Implementing AWLs Into an Existing Fleet The maintenance program 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 Document D6–13747-CMR, would affect how operators maintain their airplanes. After doing that maintenance program revision, operators would need to do any maintenance on the fuel tank system as specified in the CDCCLs. Maintenance done before the maintenance program 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 maintenance programs 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 maintenance program revision specified in paragraph (g) is done, except as provided by paragraph (h) of this proposed AD. This proposed AD would require only the maintenance program 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 FAAapproved maintenance program by incorporating certain information specified in Section D of Revision March 2006 of Document D6–13747– CMR. Paragraph (g) allows accomplishing the maintenance program revision in accordance with later revisions of Document D6–13747– CMR as an acceptable method of compliance if they are approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. Paragraph (h) allows accomplishing the initial inspections and repair in accordance with later revisions of Document D6–13747–CMR as an acceptable method of compliance if they are approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO. In addition, Section D specifies that any deviations from the published AWL instructions, including AWL intervals, must be approved by the VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:13 Jul 02, 2007 Jkt 211001 Manager, Seattle ACO. Therefore, after the maintenance program revision, any further 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 D of Revision March 2006 of Document D6–13747–CMR 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 D 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 Document D6–13747–CMR, 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. 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 D of Revision March 2006 of Document D6–13747– CMR are inspections for which the applicable sections of the operating rules apply. Other AWLs are CDCCLs, which are tied to conditional 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 D of Revision March 2006 of Document D6– 13747–CMR refer to specific revision levels of the CMMs as additional sources of service information for doing the AWLs. Boeing is referring to the CMMs by revision level in the applicable AWL for certain components rather than including information directly in Document D6–13747–CMR 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, pump repair/overhaul manuals must be approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO. Ensuring Compliance With Fuel Tank System AWLs Changes to AMMs Referenced in Fuel Tank System AWLs Boeing has revised applicable maintenance manuals and task cards to address AWLs and to include notes about CDCCLs. Operators that do not use Boeing’s revision service should revise their maintenance manuals and task cards to highlight actions 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 might wish to use the appendix as an aid to implement the AWLs. In other AWLs in Section D of Revision March 2006 of Document D6– 13747–CMR, 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 may 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 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\03JYP1.SGM 03JYP1 36383 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 127 / Tuesday, July 3, 2007 / Proposed Rules the AWL such as the pass/fail criteria or special test equipment. Costs of Compliance There are about 308 airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The following table provides the estimated costs, at an average labor rate of $80 per hour, for U.S. operators to comply with this proposed AD. ESTIMATED COSTS Work hours Action Maintenance program revision ....................................................... Inspections ..................................................................................... 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. jlentini on PROD1PC65 with PROPOSALS 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 VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:13 Jul 02, 2007 Jkt 211001 8 8 Cost per airplane Parts None ................................ None ................................ $640 640 Number of U.S.registered airplanes 93 93 Fleet cost $59,520 59,520 for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation. (CMRs), D6–13747–CMR, according to paragraph (g) or (i) of this AD, as applicable. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety. 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 a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. 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. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): Boeing: Docket No. FAA–2007–28385; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–181–AD. Comments Due Date (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by August 17, 2007. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to all Boeing Model 747–100, 747–100B, 747–100B SUD, 747– 200B, 747–200C, 747–200F, 747–300, 747SR, and 747SP 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 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 in the Boeing 747–100/200/300/SP Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) and Certification Maintenance Requirements PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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 Reference (f) The term ‘‘Revision March 2006 of Document D6–13747–CMR’’ as used in this AD, means Boeing 747–100/200/300/SP AWLs and CMRs, D6–13747–CMR, Revision March 2006. (For the purposes of Revision March 2006 of Document D6–13747–CMR, the Model 747SR series airplane is basically a Model 747–100 series airplane with certain modifications to improve fatigue life.) Maintenance Program Revision (g) Before December 16, 2008, revise the FAA-approved maintenance program to incorporate the information in Section D of Revision March 2006 of Document D6– 13747–CMR; except that the initial inspections required by paragraph (h) of this AD must be done at the applicable compliance time specified in that paragraph. Accomplishing the revision in accordance with a later revision of Document D6–13747– CMR is an acceptable method of compliance if the revision is approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. Initial Inspections and Repair if Necessary (h) Do the inspections specified in Table 1 of this AD and repair any discrepancy, in accordance with Section D, ‘‘AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS— SYSTEMS,’’ of Revision March 2006 of Document D6–13747–CMR. The repair must be done before further flight. Accomplishing the actions required by this paragraph in accordance with a later revision of Document D6–13747–CMR is an acceptable method of compliance if the revision is approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO. E:\FR\FM\03JYP1.SGM 03JYP1 36384 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 127 / Tuesday, July 3, 2007 / Proposed Rules 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.’’ TABLE 1.—INITIAL INSPECTIONS AWL No. Compliance time (whichever occurs later) Description Threshold 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. 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. 28–AWL–13 ....... A special detailed inspection of the fault current bond of the fueling shutoff valve actuator of the center wing tank to verify electrical bond. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (i)(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if Grace period Before the accumulation of 36,000 total flight cycles, or within 144 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 144 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 144 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. requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD. Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD. any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. APPENDIX 1.—IMPLEMENTING FUEL TANK SYSTEM AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS ON MODEL 747–100, 747–100B, 747– 100B SUD, 747–200B, 747–200C, 747–200F, 747–300, 747SR, AND 747SP SERIES AIRPLANES AWL No. ALI/CDCCL ATA section or CMM document ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ALI .................... CDCCL ............. ALI .................... CDCCL ............. CDCCL ............. AMM 28–11–00/601 .................................................. SWPM 20–10–11 ...................................................... AMM 05–55–54/601. SWPM 20–10–15 ...................................................... AMM 28–22–07/401 .................................................. 28–AWL–06 ...... 28–AWL–07 ...... CDCCL ............. CDCCL ............. 28–AWL–08 ...... CDCCL ............. 28–AWL–09 28–AWL–10 28–AWL–11 28–AWL–12 ...... ...... ...... ...... ALI .................... CDCCL. CDCCL ............. CDCCL ............. AMM 29–11–22/401 .................................................. CMM 28–22–07, Revision 1; CMM 28–31–03, Revision 3; CMM 28–22–06, Revision 6; CMM 28– 31–05, Revision 1; CMM 28–20–02, Revision 4 or Revision 9; or subsequent revisions. AMM 28–22–03/401 .................................................. AMM 28–31–01/401 .................................................. AMM 28–31–00/501 .................................................. 28–AWL–13 ...... ALI .................... 28–AWL–14 ...... CDCCL ............. jlentini on PROD1PC65 with PROPOSALS 28–AWL–01 28–AWL–02 28–AWL–03 28–AWL–04 28–AWL–05 VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:13 Jul 02, 2007 Task title SWPM 20–10–11 ...................................................... AMM 28–21–02/401 .................................................. AMM 28–21–13/401 .................................................. AMM 28–21–13/601 .................................................. AMM 28–11–02/401 .................................................. AMM 28–11–03/401 .................................................. Jkt 211001 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 External Wires Over the Center Tank Inspection. Wiring Assembly and Installation Configuration. Assembly of Shield Ground Wires. Install the Bulkhead Fitting for the Engine Fuel Feed Tube. Install the Heat Exchanger. Install Boost Pump Housing. Jettison Pump Motor/Impeller Unit Installation. Operational Test—Fault Current Detector. Wiring Assembly and Installation Configuration. Install the Refuel Valve Control Unit. Install Center Wing Tank Refuel Valve Unit. Center Wing Tank Refuel Valve—Fault Current Bond Inspection. Install the Reserve and Main Tank Access Door. Install the Surge Tank Access Door. E:\FR\FM\03JYP1.SGM 03JYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 127 / Tuesday, July 3, 2007 / Proposed Rules 36385 APPENDIX 1.—IMPLEMENTING FUEL TANK SYSTEM AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS ON MODEL 747–100, 747–100B, 747– 100B SUD, 747–200B, 747–200C, 747–200F, 747–300, 747SR, AND 747SP SERIES AIRPLANES—Continued AWL No. ALI/CDCCL ATA section or CMM document 28–AWL–15 ...... CDCCL ............. 28–AWL–16 ...... CDCCL ............. CMM 28–40–10, Revision 13; CMM 28–40–12, Revision 9; CMM 28–40–16, Revision 1; CMM 28– 40–14, Revision 8; CMM 28–40–15, Revision 0; or subsequent revisions. SWPM 20–14–12 ...................................................... 28–AWL–17 ...... CDCCL ............. 28–AWL–18 ...... 28–AWL–19 ...... CDCCL ............. CDCCL. AMM 28–41–09/401 .................................................. CMM 28–31–22, Revision 4; or subsequent revisions. AMM 28–22–00/101 .................................................. Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 22, 2007. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7–12815 Filed 7–2–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–28386; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–162–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747–400, –400D, and –400F Series Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). jlentini on PROD1PC65 with PROPOSALS AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747–400, –400D, and –400F series airplanes. This proposed AD would require revising the FAA-approved maintenance program by incorporating new airworthiness limitations (AWLs) for fuel tank systems to satisfy Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88 requirements. This proposed AD would also require the initial inspection of certain repetitive AWL inspections 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 a VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:13 Jul 02, 2007 Task title Jkt 211001 Repair of Fuel Quantity Indicator System (FQIS) Wire Harness. Replace the Fuel Tank Wire Bundle. Engine Fuel Feed System—Trouble Shooting. fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 17, 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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. • Hand Delivery: Room W12–140 on the ground floor of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., 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 Ave, 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–2007–28386; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–162–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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 Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is located on the ground floor of the West 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 E:\FR\FM\03JYP1.SGM 03JYP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 127 (Tuesday, July 3, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 36380-36385]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-12815]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-28385; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-181-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-
100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747SR, and 747SP
Series 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 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-
200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes. This
proposed AD would require revising the FAA-approved maintenance program
by incorporating new airworthiness limitations (AWLs) for fuel tank
systems to satisfy Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88
requirements. This proposed AD would also require the initial
inspection of certain repetitive AWL inspections 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 a fuel tank
explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 17, 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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the
West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5

[[Page 36381]]

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 Ave, 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-2007-
28385; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-181-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 Operations office between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The
Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is located on the
ground floor of the West 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''
(67 FR 23086, May 7, 2001). In addition to new airworthiness standards
for transport airplanes and new maintenance requirements, this rule
included Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88 (``SFAR 88,''
Amendment 21-78, and subsequent Amendments 21-82 and 21-83).
Among other actions, SFAR 88 requires certain type design (i.e.,
type certificate (TC) and supplemental type certificate (STC)) holders
to substantiate that their fuel tank systems can prevent ignition
sources in the fuel tanks. This requirement applies to type design
holders for large turbine-powered transport airplanes and for
subsequent modifications to those airplanes. It requires them to
perform design reviews and to develop design changes and maintenance
procedures if their designs do not meet the new fuel tank safety
standards. As explained in the preamble to the rule, we intended to
adopt airworthiness directives to mandate any changes found necessary
to address unsafe conditions identified as a result of these reviews.
In evaluating these design reviews, we have established four
criteria intended to define the unsafe conditions associated with fuel
tank systems that require corrective actions. The percentage of
operating time during which fuel tanks are exposed to flammable
conditions is one of these criteria. The other three criteria address
the failure types under evaluation: single failures, single failures in
combination with another latent condition(s), and in-service failure
experience. For all four criteria, the evaluations included
consideration of previous actions taken that may mitigate the need for
further action.
We have determined that the actions identified in this proposed AD
are necessary to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel
tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result
in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

We have reviewed Boeing 747-100/200/300/SP Airworthiness
Limitations (AWLs) and Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMRs),
D6-13747-CMR, Revision March 2006 (hereafter referred to as ``Revision
March 2006 of Document D6-13747-CMR''). (For the purposes of Revision
March 2006 of Document D6-13747-CMR, the Model 747SR series airplane is
basically a Model 747-100 series airplane with certain modifications to
improve fatigue life.) Section D of Revision March 2006 of Document D6-
13747-CMR describes new 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
(CDCCLs), 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 FAA-approved maintenance program by
incorporating the information in Section D of Revision March 2006 of
Document D6-13747-CMR. This proposed AD would also require the initial
inspection of certain repetitive AWL inspections to phase in those
inspections, and repair if necessary.

Explanation of Compliance Time

In most ADs, we adopt a compliance time allowing a specified amount
of time after the AD's effective date. In this case, however, the FAA
has already issued regulations that require operators to revise their
maintenance/inspection programs to address fuel tank safety issues. The
compliance date for these regulations is December 16, 2008. To

[[Page 36382]]

provide for efficient and coordinated implementation of these
regulations and this proposed AD, we are using this same compliance
date in this proposed AD, instead of the 18-month compliance time
recommended by Boeing.

Rework Required When Implementing AWLs Into an Existing Fleet

The maintenance program 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
Document D6-13747-CMR, would affect how operators maintain their
airplanes. After doing that maintenance program revision, operators
would need to do any maintenance on the fuel tank system as specified
in the CDCCLs. Maintenance done before the maintenance program 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
maintenance programs 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
maintenance program revision specified in paragraph (g) is done, except
as provided by paragraph (h) of this proposed AD. This proposed AD
would require only the maintenance program 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 FAA-
approved maintenance program by incorporating certain information
specified in Section D of Revision March 2006 of Document D6-13747-CMR.
Paragraph (g) allows accomplishing the maintenance program revision in
accordance with later revisions of Document D6-13747-CMR as an
acceptable method of compliance if they are approved by the Manager,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. Paragraph (h) allows
accomplishing the initial inspections and repair in accordance with
later revisions of Document D6-13747-CMR as an acceptable method of
compliance if they are approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO. In
addition, Section D specifies that any deviations from the published
AWL instructions, including AWL intervals, must be approved by the
Manager, Seattle ACO. Therefore, after the maintenance program
revision, any further 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 D of Revision March 2006 of Document D6-13747-CMR 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 D 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 Document D6-13747-CMR, 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 applicable maintenance manuals and task cards to
address AWLs and to include notes about CDCCLs. Operators that do not
use Boeing's revision service should revise their maintenance manuals
and task cards to highlight actions 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 might wish to use the
appendix as an aid to implement the AWLs.

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 D of Revision March
2006 of Document D6-13747-CMR are inspections for which the applicable
sections of the operating rules apply. Other AWLs are CDCCLs, which are
tied to conditional 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 D of Revision March 2006 of Document
D6-13747-CMR refer to specific revision levels of the CMMs as
additional sources of service information for doing the AWLs. Boeing is
referring to the CMMs by revision level in the applicable AWL for
certain components rather than including information directly in
Document D6-13747-CMR 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, pump repair/overhaul
manuals must be approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO.

Changes to AMMs Referenced in Fuel Tank System AWLs

In other AWLs in Section D of Revision March 2006 of Document D6-
13747-CMR, 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 may 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

[[Page 36383]]

the AWL such as the pass/fail criteria or special test equipment.

Costs of Compliance

There are about 308 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. The following table provides the estimated costs, at
an average labor rate of $80 per hour, for U.S. operators to comply
with this proposed AD.

Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of
Work Cost per U.S.-
Action hours Parts airplane registered Fleet cost
airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maintenance program revision........... 8 None..................... $640 93 $59,520
Inspections............................ 8 None..................... 640 93 59,520
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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-2007-28385; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-
181-AD.

Comments Due Date

(a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by August
17, 2007.

Affected ADs

(b) None.

Applicability

(c) This AD applies to all Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-
100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747SR, and 747SP
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 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 in the Boeing 747-100/200/300/SP
Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) and Certification Maintenance
Requirements (CMRs), D6-13747-CMR, according to paragraph (g) or (i)
of this AD, as applicable.

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 a fuel tank explosion
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 Reference

(f) The term ``Revision March 2006 of Document D6-13747-CMR'' as
used in this AD, means Boeing 747-100/200/300/SP AWLs and CMRs, D6-
13747-CMR, Revision March 2006. (For the purposes of Revision March
2006 of Document D6-13747-CMR, the Model 747SR series airplane is
basically a Model 747-100 series airplane with certain modifications
to improve fatigue life.)

Maintenance Program Revision

(g) Before December 16, 2008, revise the FAA-approved
maintenance program to incorporate the information in Section D of
Revision March 2006 of Document D6-13747-CMR; except that the
initial inspections required by paragraph (h) of this AD must be
done at the applicable compliance time specified in that paragraph.
Accomplishing the revision in accordance with a later revision of
Document D6-13747-CMR is an acceptable method of compliance if the
revision is approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office (ACO), FAA.

Initial Inspections and Repair if Necessary

(h) Do the inspections specified in Table 1 of this AD and
repair any discrepancy, in accordance with Section D,
``AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS--SYSTEMS,'' of Revision March 2006 of
Document D6-13747-CMR. The repair must be done before further
flight. Accomplishing the actions required by this paragraph in
accordance with a later revision of Document D6-13747-CMR is an
acceptable method of compliance if the revision is approved by the
Manager, Seattle ACO.

[[Page 36384]]

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.''

Table 1.--Initial Inspections
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compliance time (whichever
occurs later)
AWL No. Description ---------------------------------
Threshold Grace period
------------------------------------------------------------------------
28-AWL-01............ A detailed Before the Within 72
inspection of accumulation months after
external wires of 36,000 the effective
over the total flight date of this
center fuel cycles, or AD.
tank for within 144
damaged months since
clamps, wire the date of
chafing, and issuance of
wire bundles the original
in contact standard
with the airworthiness
surface of the certificate or
center fuel the date of
tank. issuance of
the original
export
certificate of
airworthiness,
whichever
occurs first.
28-AWL-03............ A special Before the Within 24
detailed accumulation months after
inspection of of 36,000 the effective
the lightning total flight date of this
shield to cycles, or AD.
ground within 144
termination on months since
the out-of- the date of
tank fuel issuance of
quantity the original
indicating standard
system to airworthiness
verify certificate or
functional the date of
integrity. issuance of
the original
export
certificate of
airworthiness,
whichever
occurs first.
28-AWL-13............ A special Before the Within 60
detailed accumulation months after
inspection of of 36,000 the effective
the fault total flight date of this
current bond cycles, or AD.
of the fueling within 144
shutoff valve months since
actuator of the date of
the center issuance of
wing tank to the original
verify standard
electrical airworthiness
bond. certificate or
the date of
issuance of
the original
export
certificate of
airworthiness,
whichever
occurs first.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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) To request a different method of compliance or a different
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19.
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.

Appendix 1.--Implementing Fuel Tank System Airworthiness Limitations on Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD,
747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747SR, and 747SP Series Airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATA section or CMM
AWL No. ALI/CDCCL document Task title
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28-AWL-01.................... ALI.......................... AMM 28-11-00/601........ External Wires Over the
Center Tank Inspection.
28-AWL-02.................... CDCCL........................ SWPM 20-10-11........... Wiring Assembly and
Installation
Configuration.
28-AWL-03.................... ALI.......................... AMM 05-55-54/601.
28-AWL-04.................... CDCCL........................ SWPM 20-10-15........... Assembly of Shield
Ground Wires.
28-AWL-05.................... CDCCL........................ AMM 28-22-07/401........ Install the Bulkhead
Fitting for the Engine
Fuel Feed Tube.
28-AWL-06.................... CDCCL........................ AMM 29-11-22/401........ Install the Heat
Exchanger.
28-AWL-07.................... CDCCL........................ CMM 28-22-07, Revision ........................
1; CMM 28-31-03,
Revision 3; CMM 28-22-
06, Revision 6; CMM 28-
31-05, Revision 1; CMM
28-20-02, Revision 4 or
Revision 9; or
subsequent revisions.
28-AWL-08.................... CDCCL........................ AMM 28-22-03/401........ Install Boost Pump
Housing.
AMM 28-31-01/401........ Jettison Pump Motor/
Impeller Unit
Installation.
28-AWL-09.................... ALI.......................... AMM 28-31-00/501........ Operational Test--Fault
Current Detector.
28-AWL-10.................... CDCCL. ........................
28-AWL-11.................... CDCCL........................ SWPM 20-10-11........... Wiring Assembly and
Installation
Configuration.
28-AWL-12.................... CDCCL........................ AMM 28-21-02/401........ Install the Refuel Valve
Control Unit.
AMM 28-21-13/401........ Install Center Wing Tank
Refuel Valve Unit.
28-AWL-13.................... ALI.......................... AMM 28-21-13/601........ Center Wing Tank Refuel
Valve--Fault Current
Bond Inspection.
28-AWL-14.................... CDCCL........................ AMM 28-11-02/401........ Install the Reserve and
Main Tank Access Door.
AMM 28-11-03/401........ Install the Surge Tank
Access Door.

[[Page 36385]]

28-AWL-15.................... CDCCL........................ CMM 28-40-10, Revision ........................
13; CMM 28-40-12,
Revision 9; CMM 28-40-
16, Revision 1; CMM 28-
40-14, Revision 8; CMM
28-40-15, Revision 0;
or subsequent revisions.
28-AWL-16.................... CDCCL........................ SWPM 20-14-12........... Repair of Fuel Quantity
Indicator System (FQIS)
Wire Harness.
AMM 28-41-09/401........ Replace the Fuel Tank
Wire Bundle.
28-AWL-17.................... CDCCL........................ CMM 28-31-22, Revision ........................
4; or subsequent
revisions.
28-AWL-18.................... CDCCL........................ AMM 28-22-00/101........ Engine Fuel Feed System--
Trouble Shooting.
28-AWL-19.................... CDCCL. ........................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 22, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-12815 Filed 7-2-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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