Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and -300ER Series Airplanes, 36373-36378 [E7-12835]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 127 / Tuesday, July 3, 2007 / Proposed Rules Limitations (AWL) Document D6–7552– AWL, Original Release March 2006, as specified in 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 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 ‘‘D6–7552–AWL March 2006,’’ as used in this AD, means Boeing 707/720 Airworthiness Limitations Document D6– 7552–AWL, Original Release March 2006. jlentini on PROD1PC65 with PROPOSALS Revision of AWLs Section (g) Before December 16, 2008, revise the FAA-approved maintenance program by incorporating the information in the sections specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(3) of this AD, except that the initial inspection specified in paragraph (h) of this AD must be done at the time specified in paragraph (h). Accomplishing the revision in accordance with a later revision of Boeing 707/720 Airworthiness Limitations Document D6– 7552–AWL is an acceptable method of compliance if the revision is approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. (1) Section B., ‘‘FUEL SYSTEMS AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS,’’ of D6– 7552–AWL March 2006. (2) Section C., ‘‘SYSTEM AWL PAGE FORMAT,’’ of D6–7552–AWL March 2006. (3) Section D., ‘‘AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS—FUEL SYSTEMS,’’ of D6– 7552–AWL March 2006. Initial Inspection and Repair if Necessary (h) At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD: Do a detailed inspection of external wires over the center fuel tank for damaged or loose clamps, wire chafing, and wire bundles in contact with the surface of the center fuel tank, in accordance with Section D, ‘‘AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS—FUEL SYSTEMS,’’ AWL number 28–AWL–01, of D6–7552–AWL March 2006. If any discrepancy is found during this inspection, repair the discrepancy before further flight in accordance with D6–7552–AWL March 2006. Accomplishing the actions required by this paragraph in accordance with a later revision of D6–7552–AWL March 2006 is an acceptable method of compliance if the revision is approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO. (1) 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 VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:13 Jul 02, 2007 Jkt 211001 36373 issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness, whichever occurs first. (2) Within 72 months after the effective date of this AD. 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.’’ initial performance 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. 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. 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 Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 917–6505; fax (425) 917–6590. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 22, 2007. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7–12818 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–2007–28389; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–171–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777–200, –200LR, –300, and –300ER Series Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 777–200, –200LR, –300, and –300ER series 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. This proposed AD also would require the SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 DATES: 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–2007–28389; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–171–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 E:\FR\FM\03JYP1.SGM 03JYP1 36374 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 127 / Tuesday, July 3, 2007 / Proposed Rules 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. 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 VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:13 Jul 02, 2007 Jkt 211001 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 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 777 Maintenance Planning Data (MPD) Document D622W001–9, Section 9, Revision March 2006 (hereafter referred to as ‘‘Revision March 2006 of the MPD’’): • Section D., ‘‘AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS—SYSTEMS, FUEL SYSTEMS AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS’’; and • Section E., ‘‘PAGE FORMAT: SYSTEMS AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS.’’ 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 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 instruction to retain the critical ignition source prevention feature during configuration changes 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 AWL 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 performance of certain repetitive inspections specified in the AWLs 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 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 AWL 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 AWL revision, operators would need to do any maintenance on the fuel tank system as specified in the CDCCLs. Maintenance done before the AWL 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 E:\FR\FM\03JYP1.SGM 03JYP1 36375 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 127 / Tuesday, July 3, 2007 / Proposed Rules 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 require only the AWL 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 AWL section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness by incorporating certain information specified in Revision March 2006 of the MPD into the MPD. Paragraph (g) 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 the AWL 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 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 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 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 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. Changes to CMMs Cited in Fuel Tank System AWLs Some of the AWLs in Section E 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 referring to 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 needs 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 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 E 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 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. In other AWLs in Section E 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 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 the AWL such as the pass/fail criteria or special test equipment. Costs of Compliance There are about 564 airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 125 airplanes of U.S. registry. The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to comply with this proposed AD at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. ESTIMATED COSTS jlentini on PROD1PC65 with PROPOSALS Actions Work hours Maintenance program revision ................................................................................................................ Inspections ............................................................................................................................................... VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:13 Jul 02, 2007 Jkt 211001 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\03JYP1.SGM 8 8 03JYP1 Cost per airplane $640 640 Fleet cost $80,000 80,000 36376 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 127 / Tuesday, July 3, 2007 / Proposed Rules 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. jlentini on PROD1PC65 with PROPOSALS 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: VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:13 Jul 02, 2007 Jkt 211001 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–2007–28389; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–171–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 Boeing Model 777– 200, –200LR, –300, and –300ER series airplanes; certificated in any category; with an original standard airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued before June 1, 2006. Note 1: Airplanes with an original standard airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or after June 1, 2006, must be already in compliance with the airworthiness limitations specified in this AD because those limitations were applicable as part of the airworthiness certification of those airplanes. Note 2: 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 (AWLs) in the Boeing 777 Maintenance Planning Data (MPD) Document D622W001– 9 according to paragraph (g) or (i), as applicable, 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 777 MPD Document D622W001–9, Revision March 2006. Revision of AWLs Section (g) Before December 16, 2008, revise the AWLs section of the Instructions for PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Continued Airworthiness by incorporating the information in the sections specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD into the MPD, except that the initial inspections specified in paragraph (h) of this AD must be done at the compliance times specified in paragraph (h) of this AD. 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 D., ‘‘AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS—SYSTEMS, FUEL SYSTEMS AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS,’’ of Revision March 2006 of the MPD. (2) Section E., ‘‘PAGE FORMAT: SYSTEMS AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS,’’ of Revision March 2006 of the MPD. Initial Inspections and Repair (h) Do the inspections described in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD at the compliance times specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2); in accordance with the AWLs described in Section E., ‘‘PAGE FORMAT: SYSTEMS AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS,’’ of Revision March 2006 of the MPD. If any discrepancy is found during this inspection, repair the discrepancy before further flight in accordance with Revision March 2006 of the MPD. Accomplishing the actions in accordance with a later revision of the MPD is an acceptable method of compliance if the revision is approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO. (1) At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (h)(1)(i) and (h)(1)(ii) of this AD, do 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, and repair any discrepancy; in accordance with 28–AWL–01. (i) 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. (ii) Within 72 months after the effective date of this AD. Note 3: 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.’’ (2) At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (h)(2)(i) and (h)(2)(ii) of this AD, do a special detailed inspection (resistance test) of the lightning shield-to-ground termination of the out tank wiring of the fuel quantity indicating system (FQIS) and, as applicable, repair (restore) the bond to ensure the shield-to-ground termination meets specified resistance values; in accordance with 28–AWL–03. (i) Before the accumulation of 36,000 total flight cycles, or within 120 months since the date of issuance of the original standard E:\FR\FM\03JYP1.SGM 03JYP1 36377 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 127 / Tuesday, July 3, 2007 / Proposed Rules airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness, whichever occurs first. (ii) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD. Note 4: 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) 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.—FUEL TANK SYSTEM AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS—APPLICABLE MAINTENANCE MANUALS AWL No. ALI/CDCCL ATA Section or CMM document 1 Task title 28–AWL–01 ............................. ALI ............... AMM 28–11–00/601 ............... 28–11–00–210–801. 28–AWL–02 ............................. CDCCL ........ SWPM 20–10–11 ................... 28–AWL–03 ............................. ALI ............... AMM 05–55–54/601 ............... 28–AWL–04 ............................. CDCCL ........ SWPM 20–10–15 ................... 28–AWL–05 ............................. CDCCL ........ AMM 28–22–15/401 ............... 28–AWL–06 ............................. CDCCL ........ AMM 29–11–60/401 ............... External Wires Over the Center Tank—Inspection. Wiring Assembly and Installation Configuration. Fuel Quantity Indicator System (FQIS)—Inspection/ Check. Assemble Shield Ground Wires. Install Fuel Line, Fitting and Coupling. Install Heat Exchanger ........... Bonding Resistances of the Hydraulic Tubes for the Heat Exchanger. 28–AWL–07 ............................. CDCCL ........ 28–AWL–08 ............................. 28–AWL–09 ............................. 28–AWL–10 ............................. CDCCL ........ CDCCL. CDCCL ........ CMM 28–20–42, revision 7; CMM 28–20–45, revision 3; CMM 28–20–47, revision 2; or subsequent revisions. AMM 28–11–06/401 ............... Install Sump Drain Valve ........ 28–11–06–400–801. Install Override/Jettison Pump Motor-Impeller. Install Override/Jettison Pump Housing. Install Boost Pump Motor-Impeller. Install Boost Pump Housing ... Wiring Assembly and Installation Configuration. Install Refuel Valve ................ 28–22–06–400–801. AMM 28–22–06/401 ............... AMM 28–22–05/401 ............... 28–AWL–11 ............................. CDCCL ........ 28–AWL–12 ............................. 28–AWL–13 ............................. CDCCL ........ CDCCL ........ 28–AWL–14 ............................. CDCCL ........ 28–AWL–15 ............................. CDCCL ........ 28–AWL–16 ............................. CDCCL ........ ................................................. SWPM 20–10–11 ................... AMM 28–21–02/401 ............... CMM 28–47–69, revision 1; CMM 28–47–65, revision 3; or subsequent revisions. CMM 28–47–58, revision 4; CMM 28–47–59, revision 1; CMM 28–47–60, revision 4; CMM 28–48–03, revision 2; or subsequent revisions. SWPM 20–14–12 ................... AMM 28–41–05/401 ............... AMM 28–11–01/401 ............... AMM 28–11–02/401 ............... AMM 28–11–07/401 ............... AMM 28–11–03/401 ............... jlentini on PROD1PC65 with PROPOSALS AMM 28–13–05/401 ............... 28–AWL–17 ............................. 28–AWL–18. 28–AWL–19 ............................. CDCCL ........ AMM 28–22–02/401 ............... AMM 28–22–01/401 ............... AMM 28–22–03/401 ............... VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:13 Jul 02, 2007 Repair FQIS Wire Harness. Install FQIS In-Tank Wire Harness. Install Main Tank Access Door. Install Center Tank Access Door. Replace Rubber Door Seal .... Install Surge Tank Access Door. Install Surge Tank Vent Flame Arrestor. 05–55–54–200–801. 28–22–15–400–802–002. 29–11–60–000–801. 29–11–60–765–801. 28–22–06–400–802. 28–22–05–400–801. 28–22–05–400–802. 28–21–02–400–801. 28–41–05–404–801. 28–11–01–400–801. 28–11–02–400–801. 28–11–07–900–801. 28–11–03–400–801. 28–13–05–420–801. FIM 28–22–00/201. CDCCL ........ Task Jkt 211001 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Install Engine Fuel Spar Valve Actuator. Install Engine Fuel Spar Valve Adapter/Shaft. Install Engine Fuel Crossfeed Valve Adapter/Shaft. E:\FR\FM\03JYP1.SGM 03JYP1 28–22–02–400–802. 28–22–01–400–803. 28–22–03–400–803. 36378 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 127 / Tuesday, July 3, 2007 / Proposed Rules APPENDIX 1.—FUEL TANK SYSTEM AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS—APPLICABLE MAINTENANCE MANUALS—Continued ATA Section or CMM document 1 Task title AMM 28–22–04/401 ............... AWL No. Install FWD/AFT Fuel Crossfeed Valve Actuator. Install Defuel Valve Adapter/ Shaft. Install Defuel Valve Actuator .. Install Fuel Jettison Nozzle Valve Adapter/Shaft. Install Fuel Nozzle Valve Actuator. Install Fuel Jettison Isolation Valve Adapter/Shaft. Install Fuel Jettison Isolation Valve Actuator. ALI/CDCCL AMM 28–26–01/401 ............... AMM 28–26–02/401 ............... AMM 28–31–02/401 ............... AMM 28–31–03/401 ............... AMM 28–31–04/401 ............... AMM 28–31–05/401 ............... 28–AWL–20 ............................. 1 CMMs CDCCL ........ 28–22–04–400–802. 28–26–01–400–803. 28–26–02–400–802. 28–31–02–400–801. 28–31–03–400–801. 28–31–04–400–803. 28–31–05–400–802. CMM 28–20–21. per applicable manufacturer. Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 22, 2007. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7–12835 Filed 7–2–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration [Docket No. FAA–2007–28380; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–088–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747–400, 747–400D, and 747– 400F Series Airplanes; Model 757–200 Series Airplanes; and Model 767–200, 767–300, and 767–300F Series Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747–400, 747– 400D, 747–400F, 757–200, 767–200, 767–300, and 767–300F series airplanes. This proposed AD would require inspecting to determine the date code of the time delay relay for the cargo fire suppression system, and replacing the relay if necessary. This proposed AD results from a report indicating that failure of a time delay relay on an 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. The time delay VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:13 Jul 02, 2007 Jkt 211001 relay controls when the fire bottles discharge. We are proposing 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 an uncontrollable fire in the cargo compartment. We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 17, 2007. DATES: 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 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 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. ADDRESSES: 14 CFR Part 39 jlentini on PROD1PC65 with PROPOSALS Task FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Binh V. Tran, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM– 130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 917–6485; fax (425) 917–6590. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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–2007–28380; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–088–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 E:\FR\FM\03JYP1.SGM 03JYP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 127 (Tuesday, July 3, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 36373-36378]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-12835]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-28389; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-171-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and 
-300ER 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 certain Boeing Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and -300ER series 
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. This 
proposed AD also would require the initial performance 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 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 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-2007-
28389; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-171-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

[[Page 36374]]

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'' 
(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 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 777 Maintenance 
Planning Data (MPD) Document D622W001-9, Section 9, Revision March 2006 
(hereafter referred to as ``Revision March 2006 of the MPD''):
     Section D., ``AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS--SYSTEMS, FUEL 
SYSTEMS AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS''; and
     Section E., ``PAGE FORMAT: SYSTEMS AIRWORTHINESS 
LIMITATIONS.''
    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 changes 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 AWL 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 performance of certain repetitive inspections specified in 
the AWLs 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 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 AWL 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 AWL revision, operators 
would need to do any maintenance on the fuel tank system as specified 
in the CDCCLs. Maintenance done before the AWL 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

[[Page 36375]]

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 require only 
the AWL 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 AWL 
section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness by 
incorporating certain information specified in Revision March 2006 of 
the MPD into the MPD. Paragraph (g) 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 the AWL 
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 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 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 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 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 E 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 
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 E 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 referring to 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 needs 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 E 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 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 the AWL such as the 
pass/fail criteria or special test equipment.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 564 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 125 airplanes of 
U.S. registry. The following table provides the estimated costs for 
U.S. operators to comply with this proposed AD at an average labor rate 
of $80 per work hour.

                             Estimated Costs
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Cost per
             Actions                Work hours    airplane    Fleet cost
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maintenance program revision.....            8         $640      $80,000
Inspections......................            8          640       80,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 36376]]

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-2007-28389; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-
171-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 Boeing Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, and -
300ER series airplanes; certificated in any category; with an 
original standard airworthiness certificate or original export 
certificate of airworthiness issued before June 1, 2006.

    Note 1: Airplanes with an original standard airworthiness 
certificate or original export certificate of airworthiness issued 
on or after June 1, 2006, must be already in compliance with the 
airworthiness limitations specified in this AD because those 
limitations were applicable as part of the airworthiness 
certification of those airplanes.


    Note 2: 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 (AWLs) in the Boeing 777 
Maintenance Planning Data (MPD) Document D622W001-9 according to 
paragraph (g) or (i), as applicable, 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 777 MPD Document D622W001-9, Revision 
March 2006.

Revision of AWLs Section

    (g) Before December 16, 2008, revise the AWLs section of the 
Instructions for Continued Airworthiness by incorporating the 
information in the sections specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and 
(g)(2) of this AD into the MPD, except that the initial inspections 
specified in paragraph (h) of this AD must be done at the compliance 
times specified in paragraph (h) of this AD. 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 D., ``AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS--SYSTEMS, FUEL 
SYSTEMS AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS,'' of Revision March 2006 of the 
MPD.
    (2) Section E., ``PAGE FORMAT: SYSTEMS AIRWORTHINESS 
LIMITATIONS,'' of Revision March 2006 of the MPD.

Initial Inspections and Repair

    (h) Do the inspections described in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) 
of this AD at the compliance times specified in paragraphs (h)(1) 
and (h)(2); in accordance with the AWLs described in Section E., 
``PAGE FORMAT: SYSTEMS AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS,'' of Revision 
March 2006 of the MPD. If any discrepancy is found during this 
inspection, repair the discrepancy before further flight in 
accordance with Revision March 2006 of the MPD. Accomplishing the 
actions in accordance with a later revision of the MPD is an 
acceptable method of compliance if the revision is approved by the 
Manager, Seattle ACO.
    (1) At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (h)(1)(i) 
and (h)(1)(ii) of this AD, do 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, and repair any discrepancy; in accordance with 28-AWL-01.
    (i) 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.
    (ii) Within 72 months after the effective date of this AD.

    Note 3: 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.''

    (2) At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (h)(2)(i) 
and (h)(2)(ii) of this AD, do a special detailed inspection 
(resistance test) of the lightning shield-to-ground termination of 
the out tank wiring of the fuel quantity indicating system (FQIS) 
and, as applicable, repair (restore) the bond to ensure the shield-
to-ground termination meets specified resistance values; in 
accordance with 28-AWL-03.
    (i) Before the accumulation of 36,000 total flight cycles, or 
within 120 months since the date of issuance of the original 
standard

[[Page 36377]]

airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the original 
export certificate of airworthiness, whichever occurs first.
    (ii) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD.

    Note 4: 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) 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.--Fuel Tank System Airworthiness Limitations--Applicable Maintenance Manuals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      ATA Section or CMM
            AWL No.                   ALI/CDCCL           document \1\        Task title             Task
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28-AWL-01......................  ALI................  AMM 28-11-00/601..  External Wires      28-11-00-210-801.
                                                                           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..  Fuel Quantity       05-55-54-200-801.
                                                                           Indicator System
                                                                           (FQIS)--Inspectio
                                                                           n/Check.
28-AWL-04......................  CDCCL..............  SWPM 20-10-15.....  Assemble Shield
                                                                           Ground Wires.
28-AWL-05......................  CDCCL..............  AMM 28-22-15/401..  Install Fuel Line,  28-22-15-400-802-0
                                                                           Fitting and         02.
                                                                           Coupling.
28-AWL-06......................  CDCCL..............  AMM 29-11-60/401..  Install Heat        29-11-60-000-801.
                                                                           Exchanger.
                                                                          Bonding             29-11-60-765-801.
                                                                           Resistances of
                                                                           the Hydraulic
                                                                           Tubes for the
                                                                           Heat Exchanger.
28-AWL-07......................  CDCCL..............  CMM 28-20-42,
                                                       revision 7; CMM
                                                       28-20-45,
                                                       revision 3; CMM
                                                       28-20-47,
                                                       revision 2; or
                                                       subsequent
                                                       revisions.
28-AWL-08......................  CDCCL..............  AMM 28-11-06/401..  Install Sump Drain  28-11-06-400-801.
                                                                           Valve.
28-AWL-09......................  CDCCL.
28-AWL-10......................  CDCCL..............  AMM 28-22-06/401..  Install Override/   28-22-06-400-801.
                                                                           Jettison Pump
                                                                           Motor-Impeller.
                                                                          Install Override/   28-22-06-400-802.
                                                                           Jettison Pump
                                                                           Housing.
                                                      AMM 28-22-05/401..  Install Boost Pump  28-22-05-400-801.
                                                                           Motor-Impeller.
                                                      ..................  Install Boost Pump  28-22-05-400-802.
                                                                           Housing.
28-AWL-11......................  CDCCL..............  SWPM 20-10-11.....  Wiring Assembly
                                                                           and Installation
                                                                           Configuration.
28-AWL-12......................  CDCCL..............  AMM 28-21-02/401..  Install Refuel      28-21-02-400-801.
                                                                           Valve.
28-AWL-13......................  CDCCL..............  CMM 28-47-69,
                                                       revision 1; CMM
                                                       28-47-65,
                                                       revision 3; or
                                                       subsequent
                                                       revisions.
28-AWL-14......................  CDCCL..............  CMM 28-47-58,
                                                       revision 4; CMM
                                                       28-47-59,
                                                       revision 1; CMM
                                                       28-47-60,
                                                       revision 4; CMM
                                                       28-48-03,
                                                       revision 2; or
                                                       subsequent
                                                       revisions.
28-AWL-15......................  CDCCL..............  SWPM 20-14-12.....  Repair FQIS Wire
                                                                           Harness.
                                                      AMM 28-41-05/401..  Install FQIS In-    28-41-05-404-801.
                                                                           Tank Wire Harness.
28-AWL-16......................  CDCCL..............  AMM 28-11-01/401..  Install Main Tank   28-11-01-400-801.
                                                                           Access Door.
                                                      AMM 28-11-02/401..  Install Center      28-11-02-400-801.
                                                                           Tank Access Door.
                                                      AMM 28-11-07/401..  Replace Rubber      28-11-07-900-801.
                                                                           Door Seal.
                                                      AMM 28-11-03/401..  Install Surge Tank  28-11-03-400-801.
                                                                           Access Door.
                                                      AMM 28-13-05/401..  Install Surge Tank  28-13-05-420-801.
                                                                           Vent Flame
                                                                           Arrestor.
28-AWL-17......................  CDCCL..............  FIM 28-22-00/201.
28-AWL-18......................
28-AWL-19......................  CDCCL..............  AMM 28-22-02/401..  Install Engine      28-22-02-400-802.
                                                                           Fuel Spar Valve
                                                                           Actuator.
                                                      AMM 28-22-01/401..  Install Engine      28-22-01-400-803.
                                                                           Fuel Spar Valve
                                                                           Adapter/Shaft.
                                                      AMM 28-22-03/401..  Install Engine      28-22-03-400-803.
                                                                           Fuel Crossfeed
                                                                           Valve Adapter/
                                                                           Shaft.

[[Page 36378]]

 
                                                      AMM 28-22-04/401..  Install FWD/AFT     28-22-04-400-802.
                                                                           Fuel Crossfeed
                                                                           Valve Actuator.
                                                      AMM 28-26-01/401..  Install Defuel      28-26-01-400-803.
                                                                           Valve Adapter/
                                                                           Shaft.
                                                      AMM 28-26-02/401..  Install Defuel      28-26-02-400-802.
                                                                           Valve Actuator.
                                                      AMM 28-31-02/401..  Install Fuel        28-31-02-400-801.
                                                                           Jettison Nozzle
                                                                           Valve Adapter/
                                                                           Shaft.
                                                      AMM 28-31-03/401..  Install Fuel        28-31-03-400-801.
                                                                           Nozzle Valve
                                                                           Actuator.
                                                      AMM 28-31-04/401..  Install Fuel        28-31-04-400-803.
                                                                           Jettison
                                                                           Isolation Valve
                                                                           Adapter/Shaft.
                                                      AMM 28-31-05/401..  Install Fuel        28-31-05-400-802.
                                                                           Jettison
                                                                           Isolation Valve
                                                                           Actuator.
28-AWL-20......................  CDCCL..............  CMM 28-20-21.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ CMMs per applicable manufacturer.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 22, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E7-12835 Filed 7-2-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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