Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 Series Airplanes, 51201-51203 [E7-17586]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 172 / Thursday, September 6, 2007 / Proposed Rules Allowance rate (percent) Geographic coverage State of Alaska: City of Anchorage and 80-kilometer (50-mile) radius by road ............................................................................................... City of Fairbanks and 80-kilometer (50-mile) radius by road ................................................................................................ City of Juneau and 80-kilometer (50-mile) radius by road .................................................................................................... Rest of the State .................................................................................................................................................................... State of Hawaii: City and County of Honolulu .................................................................................................................................................. Hawaii County, Hawaii ........................................................................................................................................................... County of Kauai ...................................................................................................................................................................... County of Maui and County of Kalawao ................................................................................................................................ Territory of Guam and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands ..................................................................................... Commonwealth of Puerto Rico ...................................................................................................................................................... U.S. Virgin Islands ......................................................................................................................................................................... BILLING CODE 6325–39–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–29116; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–064–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737–600, –700, –700C, –800, and –900 Series Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with PROPOSALS AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 737–600, –700, –700C, –800, and –900 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require a one-time inspection to determine the material of the forward and aft gray water drain masts. For airplanes having composite gray water drain masts, this proposed AD would also require installation of a copper bonding jumper between a ground and the clamp on the tube of the forward and aft gray water composite drain masts. This proposed AD results from a report of charred insulation blankets and burned wires around the forward gray water composite drain mast found during an inspection of the forward cargo compartment on a Model 767–300F airplane. We are proposing this AD to prevent a fire near a composite drain mast and possible disruption of the electrical power system caused by a lightning strike on a composite drain mast, which could result in the loss of several functions essential for safe flight. VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:24 Sep 05, 2007 Jkt 211001 We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 22, 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. • 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: Marcia Smith, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM–150S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 917–6484; fax (425) 917–6590. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DATES: [FR Doc. E7–17638 Filed 9–5–07; 8:45 am] 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–2007–29116; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–064–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 51201 Sfmt 4702 24 24 24 25 25 18 25 25 25 13 25 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 We have received a report indicating that, during an inspection of the forward cargo compartment on a Model 767– 300F airplane, an operator found charred insulation blankets and burned wires around the forward gray water composite drain mast. Additional charring on the insulation blankets was noticed several feet away along the routing of the drain mast’s ground wire and power wires. Analysis of the E:\FR\FM\06SEP1.SGM 06SEP1 51202 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 172 / Thursday, September 6, 2007 / Proposed Rules damaged parts revealed that a lightning strike on the composite drain mast caused the damage to the wires and insulation blankets. This condition, if not corrected, could cause disruption of electrical power and fire and heat damage to equipment in the event of a lightning strike on the composite drain mast, which could result in the potential loss of several functions essential for safe flight. A design review of the gray water composite drain mast installation on Model 737, 757, 767, and 777 airplanes revealed that the installation of a heavier bonding jumper is necessary to provide adequate lightning protection to the gray water composite drain mast installation. The subject area on Model 737–600, –700, –700C, –800, and –900 airplanes is almost identical to that on the affected Model 767–300F airplane. Therefore, Model 737–600, –700, –700C, –800, and –900 series airplanes might be subject to the unsafe condition revealed on the Model 767–300F airplane. We are currently considering additional rulemaking to address the identified unsafe condition on Model 757, 767, and 777 airplanes. Relevant Service Information We have reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–30– 1056, dated February 28, 2007. The service bulletin describes procedures for installing a 135-ampere copper bonding jumper between a ground and the clamp on the tube of the forward and aft gray water composite drain mast. 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 accomplishing the actions specified in the service information described previously. Costs of Compliance There are about 1,540 airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to comply with this proposed AD. ESTIMATED COSTS Action Work hours Inspection to determine gray water drain mast material. Installation of bonding jumper. Cost per airplane Number of U.S.registered airplanes $80 None ..................... $80 ........................ 420 ........................ $33,600. $80 1 ............................ Between 2 and 4 (depending on airplane configuration). 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. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with PROPOSALS Parts Between $7 and $15, depending on kit. Between $167 and $335. Up to 420 .............. Between $70,140 and $140,700. Average labor rate per hour 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 Regulatory Findings Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety. 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 The Proposed Amendment VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:24 Sep 05, 2007 Jkt 211001 Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Fleet cost 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–2007–29116; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–064–AD. Comments Due Date (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by October 22, 2007. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to all Boeing Model 737–600, –700, –700C, –800, and –900 series airplanes, certificated in any category. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from a report of charred insulation blankets and burned wires around the forward gray water composite drain mast found during an inspection of the forward cargo compartment on a Model 767–300F airplane. We are issuing this AD to prevent a fire near a composite drain mast and possible disruption of the electrical power E:\FR\FM\06SEP1.SGM 06SEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 172 / Thursday, September 6, 2007 / Proposed Rules system caused by a lightning strike on a composite drain mast, which could result in the loss of several functions essential for safe flight. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Compliance 14 CFR Part 71 (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. [Docket No. FAA–2007–28601; Airspace Docket 07–AEA–02] Inspection To Determine Material of Gray Water Drain Masts (f) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect the forward and aft gray water drain masts to determine whether the drain masts are made of aluminum or composite. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the material of the forward and aft gray water drain masts can be conclusively determined from that review. (1) For any aluminum gray water drain mast identified during the inspection or records check required by paragraph (f) of this AD, no further action is required by this paragraph for that drain mast only. (2) For any composite gray water drain mast identified during the inspection or records check required by paragraph (f) of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD. Installation of Bonding Jumper (g) For any composite gray water drain mast identified during the inspection or records check required by paragraph (f) of this AD: Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, install a 135-ampere copper bonding jumper between a ground and the clamp on the tube of the gray water composite drain mast, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–30– 1056, dated February 28, 2007. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with PROPOSALS (h)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (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 August 28, 2007. Stephen P. Boyd, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7–17586 Filed 9–5–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:24 Sep 05, 2007 Jkt 211001 Federal Aviation Administration Proposed Establishment of Class D and E Airspace, Proposed Revision of Class E Airspace; Easton, MD Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. AGENCY: SUMMARY: This action proposes to establish Class D, E2 and E4 airspace and revise E5 airspace at Easton, MD. A federal contract tower with a weather reporting system is being constructed at Easton Airport/Newnam Field. Therefore, the airport will meet criteria for Class D, E2, and E4 surface area airspace. Class D surface area airspace and Class E4 airspace designed as an extension to Class D airspace is required when the control tower is open to contain Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and other Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport. Class E2 surface area airspace is required when the control tower is closed to contain SIAPs and other IFR operations at the airport. This action would establish Class D and E2 airspace extending upward from the surface to and including 2,600 feet MSL within a 4-mile radius of the airport and Class E4 airspace extension that is 5.4 miles wide and extends 7.4 miles northeast of the Easton Non Directional Beacon (NDB). Additionally, a technical revision to Class E5 airspace is required as a result of a name change from the Easton Municipal Airport to Easton Airport/Newnam Field, which was effective May 25, 1993. DATES: Comments must be received on or before October 22, 2007. ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal to the Docket Management System, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building, Ground Floor, Room W12– 140, Washington, DC 20590; Telephone: 1–800–647–5527. You must identify the docket number FAA–2007–28601; Airspace Docket No. 07–AEA–02, at the beginning of your comments. You may also submit comments on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov. You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any comments received, and any final disposition in person in the Dockets Office (see ADDRESSES section for address and phone number) between 9 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 51203 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. An informal docket may also be examined during normal business hours at the office of the Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration, Room C210, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark D. Ward, Manager, System Support Group, Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation Administration. P.O. Box 20636, Atlanta, Georgia 30320; telephone (404) 305–5581. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited Interested parties are invited to participate in this proposed rulemaking by submitting such written data, views or arguments as they may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic, environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal. Communications should identify both docket numbers and be submitted in triplicate to the address listed above. Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments on this notice must submit with those comments a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ‘‘Comments to Docket No. FAA–2007–28601; Airspace Docket No. 07–AEA–02.’’ The postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter. All communications received before the specified closing date for comments will be considered before taking action on the proposed rule. The proposal contained in this notice may be changed in light of the comments received. A report summarizing each substantive public contact with FAA personnel concerned with this rulemaking will be filed in the docket. Availability of NPRMs An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov. Recently published rulemaking documents can also be accessed through the FAA’s Web page at https://www.faa.gov or the Federal Register Web page at https:// www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/. Persons interested in being placed on mailing list for future NPRM’s should contact the FAA’s Office of Rulemaking, (202) 267–9677, to request a copy of E:\FR\FM\06SEP1.SGM 06SEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 172 (Thursday, September 6, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 51201-51203]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-17586]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-29116; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-064-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -
800, and -900 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 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series 
airplanes. This proposed AD would require a one-time inspection to 
determine the material of the forward and aft gray water drain masts. 
For airplanes having composite gray water drain masts, this proposed AD 
would also require installation of a copper bonding jumper between a 
ground and the clamp on the tube of the forward and aft gray water 
composite drain masts. This proposed AD results from a report of 
charred insulation blankets and burned wires around the forward gray 
water composite drain mast found during an inspection of the forward 
cargo compartment on a Model 767-300F airplane. We are proposing this 
AD to prevent a fire near a composite drain mast and possible 
disruption of the electrical power system caused by a lightning strike 
on a composite drain mast, which could result in the loss of several 
functions essential for safe flight.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 22, 
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.
     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: Marcia Smith, Aerospace Engineer, 
Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6484; 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-
29116; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-064-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

    We have received a report indicating that, during an inspection of 
the forward cargo compartment on a Model 767-300F airplane, an operator 
found charred insulation blankets and burned wires around the forward 
gray water composite drain mast. Additional charring on the insulation 
blankets was noticed several feet away along the routing of the drain 
mast's ground wire and power wires. Analysis of the

[[Page 51202]]

damaged parts revealed that a lightning strike on the composite drain 
mast caused the damage to the wires and insulation blankets. This 
condition, if not corrected, could cause disruption of electrical power 
and fire and heat damage to equipment in the event of a lightning 
strike on the composite drain mast, which could result in the potential 
loss of several functions essential for safe flight.
    A design review of the gray water composite drain mast installation 
on Model 737, 757, 767, and 777 airplanes revealed that the 
installation of a heavier bonding jumper is necessary to provide 
adequate lightning protection to the gray water composite drain mast 
installation. The subject area on Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and 
-900 airplanes is almost identical to that on the affected Model 767-
300F airplane. Therefore, Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 
series airplanes might be subject to the unsafe condition revealed on 
the Model 767-300F airplane. We are currently considering additional 
rulemaking to address the identified unsafe condition on Model 757, 
767, and 777 airplanes.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-30-
1056, dated February 28, 2007. The service bulletin describes 
procedures for installing a 135-ampere copper bonding jumper between a 
ground and the clamp on the tube of the forward and aft gray water 
composite drain mast.

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 accomplishing the actions specified in the service 
information described previously.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 1,540 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The following table provides the estimated costs for 
U.S. operators to comply with this proposed AD.

                                                                     Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                   Number of U.S.-
             Action                    Work hours       Average labor         Parts          Cost per airplane        registered          Fleet cost
                                                        rate per hour                                                 airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection to determine gray      1..................             $80  None...............  $80................  420................  $33,600.
 water drain mast material.
Installation of bonding jumper..  Between 2 and 4                 $80  Between $7 and $15,  Between $167 and     Up to 420..........  Between $70,140
                                   (depending on                        depending on kit.    $335.                                     and $140,700.
                                   airplane
                                   configuration).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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-2007-29116; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-
064-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by October 
22, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -
800, and -900 series airplanes, certificated in any category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from a report of charred insulation blankets 
and burned wires around the forward gray water composite drain mast 
found during an inspection of the forward cargo compartment on a 
Model 767-300F airplane. We are issuing this AD to prevent a fire 
near a composite drain mast and possible disruption of the 
electrical power

[[Page 51203]]

system caused by a lightning strike on a composite drain mast, which 
could result in the loss of several functions essential for safe 
flight.

Compliance

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

Inspection To Determine Material of Gray Water Drain Masts

    (f) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, 
inspect the forward and aft gray water drain masts to determine 
whether the drain masts are made of aluminum or composite. A review 
of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this 
inspection if the material of the forward and aft gray water drain 
masts can be conclusively determined from that review.
    (1) For any aluminum gray water drain mast identified during the 
inspection or records check required by paragraph (f) of this AD, no 
further action is required by this paragraph for that drain mast 
only.
    (2) For any composite gray water drain mast identified during 
the inspection or records check required by paragraph (f) of this 
AD, do the actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD.

Installation of Bonding Jumper

    (g) For any composite gray water drain mast identified during 
the inspection or records check required by paragraph (f) of this 
AD: Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, install a 
135-ampere copper bonding jumper between a ground and the clamp on 
the tube of the gray water composite drain mast, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-30-1056, dated February 28, 2007.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (h)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in 
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
    (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 August 28, 2007.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E7-17586 Filed 9-5-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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