Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model 717-200 Airplanes, 65478-65480 [E7-22727]

Download as PDF 65478 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 224 / Wednesday, November 21, 2007 / Proposed Rules The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly de Havilland, Inc.): Docket No. FAA–2007–0213; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–233–AD. Comments Due Date (a) We must receive comments by December 21, 2007. FAA AD Differences Applicability (c) This AD applies to Bombardier Model DHC–8–102, DHC–8–103, DHC–8–106, DHC– 8–201, DHC–8–202, DHC–8–301, DHC–8– 311, and DHC–8–315 airplanes, serial numbers 003 through 639; and Model DHC– 8–400 series airplanes, serial numbers 4003, 4004, 4006, and 4008 through 4149; certificated in any category. Subject (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 33: Lights. Reason (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states: Several cases have been reported where the pilot, co-pilot or observer utility light system has failed, resulting in a burning smell within the cockpit. An investigation has revealed that, due to the orientation and location of the carbon molded potentiometers used to control the intensity of the light, the potentiometers can fail and overheat in such a way that burning of the ceiling panel and the associated insulation blanket could occur. This could lead to the presence of smoke in the cockpit, requiring that the pilots carry out the appropriate emergency procedure. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with PROPOSALS Corrective actions include replacing the affected carbon molded resistive element potentiometers with wire-wound type potentiometers, for the pilot, co-pilot, and, if applicable, observer utility lights. Actions and Compliance (f) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, unless already done, do the following actions. (1) For Model DHC–8–102, DHC–8–103, DHC–8–106, DHC–8–201, DHC–8–202, DHC– 8–301, DHC–8–311, and DHC–8–315 airplanes: Install Bombardier Modsum 8Q101603 to replace the affected carbon molded resistive element potentiometers 16:47 Nov 20, 2007 Jkt 214001 Other FAA AD Provisions (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Wing Chan, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Flight Test Branch, ANE–172, FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone (516) 228–7311; fax (516) 794–5531. 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. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120–0056. Related Information (h) Refer to MCAI Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF–2007–11, dated August 9, 2007; Bombardier Service Bulletin 8–33–53, Revision A, dated March 14, 2007; and Bombardier Service Bulletin 84–33–10, Revision A, dated March 14, 2007; for related information. PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 13, 2007. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7–22728 Filed 11–20–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–0214; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–224–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model 717–200 Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/ or service information as follows: No difference. Affected ADs (b) None. VerDate Aug<31>2005 with wire-wound type potentiometers, for both the pilot and co-pilot utility lights, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8–33–53, Revision A, dated March 14, 2007. (2) For Model DHC–8–400 series airplanes: Install Bombardier Modsum 4–126381 to replace the affected carbon molded resistive element potentiometers with wire-wound type potentiometers, for the pilot, co-pilot, and observer utility lights, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84–33–10, Revision A, dated March 14, 2007. (3) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 8–33–53 or 84–33–10, both dated December 1, 2006, as applicable, are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified in this AD. Sfmt 4702 SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain McDonnell Douglas Model 717– 200 airplanes. This proposed AD would require installing an additional support bracket for the gray water drain hose, replacing the screw of the support bracket with a new screw for the potable water supply hose, installing a spacer, doing a detailed inspection to detect interference or wear damage on hoses, lines and/or cables, and doing corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD results from reports of interference between the potable water supply hose and/or gray water drain hose at the aft lavatories with the fuel line and/or power feeder cables of the auxiliary power unit (APU) located below the aft cabin floor. We are proposing this AD to prevent interference and chafing between the potable water supply hose and/or gray water hose with the fuel line and/or power feeder cables of the APU, which may cause arcing and sparking, and/or fuel leaking, and consequent fire or explosion. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 7, 2008. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • 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. • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– E:\FR\FM\21NOP1.SGM 21NOP1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 224 / Wednesday, November 21, 2007 / Proposed Rules 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Long Beach Division, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Data and Service Management, Dept. C1–L5A (D800–0024). Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ken Sujishi, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety/Mechanical and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM–150L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712–4137; telephone (562) 627–5353; fax (562) 627–5210. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with PROPOSALS Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2007–0214; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–224–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD because of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD. Discussion We have received reports of interference between the potable water supply hose and/or gray water drain hose at the aft lavatories with the fuel line and/or power feeder cables of the auxiliary power unit (APU) located VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:47 Nov 20, 2007 Jkt 214001 65479 below the aft cabin floor, on McDonnell Douglas Model 717–200 airplanes. A production quality line check determined that, due to a manufacturing process error, airplanes were delivered with a potable water drain hose that does not conform to design specifications. As a result, the potable water supply hose and/or gray water hose causes chafing with the fuel line and/or power feeder cables of the APU. These conditions, if not corrected, may cause arcing and sparking, and/or fuel leaking, and consequent fire or explosion. Costs of Compliance Relevant Service Information Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. We have reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717–38A0004, Revision 1, dated August 15, 2007. The service bulletin describes the following procedures: • Installing an additional support bracket for the gray water drain hose. • Replacing the screw of the support bracket of the potable water supply hose with a new screw and installing a spacer. • Doing detailed inspections to detect interference or wear damage of the potable water supply hose, gray water drain hose, and fuel lines and power feeder cables of the auxiliary power unit. • Doing applicable corrective actions. The corrective actions include repairing power feeder cables and fuel lines of the APU, and contacting Boeing for repair, as applicable. 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 accomplishing the actions specified in the service information described previously, except as discussed under ‘‘Difference Between the Proposed AD and Service Bulletin.’’ Difference Between the Proposed AD and Service Bulletin Although the service bulletin specifies that operators may contact the manufacturer for disposition of certain repair conditions, this proposed AD would require operators to repair those conditions using a method approved by the FAA. PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 There are about 123 airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 95 airplanes of U.S. registry. The proposed actions would take about 70 work hours per airplane, at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. The manufacturer states that it will supply required parts to the operators at no cost. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators is $532,000, or $5,600 per airplane. Authority for This Rulemaking 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. E:\FR\FM\21NOP1.SGM 21NOP1 65480 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 224 / Wednesday, November 21, 2007 / Proposed Rules 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. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): Boeing: Docket No. FAA–2007–0214; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–224–AD. Comments Due Date (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by January 7, 2008. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to McDonnell Douglas Model 717–200 airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717–38A0004, Revision 1, dated August 15, 2007. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from reports of interference between the potable water supply hose and/or gray water drain hose at the aft lavatories with the fuel line and/or power feeder cables of the auxiliary power unit (APU) located below the aft cabin floor. We are issuing this AD to prevent interference and chafing between the potable water supply hose and/or gray water hose with the fuel line and/or power feeder cables of the APU, which may cause arcing and sparking, and/or fuel leaking, and consequent fire or explosion. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with PROPOSALS 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. Installations, Replacements, Inspections, and Corrective Actions (f) Within 27 months after the effective date of this AD, do the installations, replacement, inspections, and applicable corrective actions by accomplishing all the actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717–38A0004, Revision 1, dated August 15, 2007; except as provided by paragraph (g) of this AD. The applicable corrective actions must be done before further flight. (g) If any discrepancy is found during any inspection required by this AD, and Boeing VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:47 Nov 20, 2007 Jkt 214001 Alert Service Bulletin 717–38A0004, Revision 1, dated August 15, 2007, specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate Before further flight, repair the discrepancy in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. Credit for Actions Done Using the Previous Service Information (h) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 717–38A0004, dated December 6, 2006, is considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified in paragraph (f) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (i)(1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. Subsequent to accidents involving Fuel Tank System explosions in flight * * * and on ground, the FAA has published Special Federal Aviation Regulation 88 (SFAR88) in June 2001. In their Letters referenced 04/00/02/07/01– L296 dated March 4, 2002 and 04/00/02/07/ 03–L024, dated February 3, 2003, the JAA (Joint Aviation Authorities) recommended the application of a similar regulation to the National Aviation Authorities (NAA). Under this regulation, all holders of type certificates for passenger transport aircraft with either a passenger capacity of 30 or more, or a payload capacity of 7,500 pounds (3402 kg) or more, which have received their certification since January 1, 1958, are required to conduct a design review against explosion risks. The unsafe condition is the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane. The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 21, 2007. [Docket No. FAA–2007–0212; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–237–AD] You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. • 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. • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–40, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. RIN 2120–AA64 Examining the AD Docket Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 13, 2007. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7–22727 Filed 11–20–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 Airworthiness Directives; SAAB Model SF340A and Model 340B Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM– 116, Transport Airplane Directorate, E:\FR\FM\21NOP1.SGM 21NOP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 224 (Wednesday, November 21, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 65478-65480]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-22727]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-0214; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-224-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model 717-200 
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 McDonnell Douglas Model 717-200 airplanes. This proposed AD 
would require installing an additional support bracket for the gray 
water drain hose, replacing the screw of the support bracket with a new 
screw for the potable water supply hose, installing a spacer, doing a 
detailed inspection to detect interference or wear damage on hoses, 
lines and/or cables, and doing corrective actions if necessary. This 
proposed AD results from reports of interference between the potable 
water supply hose and/or gray water drain hose at the aft lavatories 
with the fuel line and/or power feeder cables of the auxiliary power 
unit (APU) located below the aft cabin floor. We are proposing this AD 
to prevent interference and chafing between the potable water supply 
hose and/or gray water hose with the fuel line and/or power feeder 
cables of the APU, which may cause arcing and sparking, and/or fuel 
leaking, and consequent fire or explosion.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 7, 2008.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     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.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-

[[Page 65479]]

30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, 
SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing 
Commercial Airplanes, Long Beach Division, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, 
Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Data and Service Management, 
Dept. C1-L5A (D800-0024).

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ken Sujishi, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin 
Safety/Mechanical and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150L, FAA, Los 
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, 
Lakewood, California 90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5353; fax (562) 
627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-0214; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-224-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    We have received reports of interference between the potable water 
supply hose and/or gray water drain hose at the aft lavatories with the 
fuel line and/or power feeder cables of the auxiliary power unit (APU) 
located below the aft cabin floor, on McDonnell Douglas Model 717-200 
airplanes. A production quality line check determined that, due to a 
manufacturing process error, airplanes were delivered with a potable 
water drain hose that does not conform to design specifications. As a 
result, the potable water supply hose and/or gray water hose causes 
chafing with the fuel line and/or power feeder cables of the APU. These 
conditions, if not corrected, may cause arcing and sparking, and/or 
fuel leaking, and consequent fire or explosion.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717-38A0004, 
Revision 1, dated August 15, 2007. The service bulletin describes the 
following procedures:
     Installing an additional support bracket for the gray 
water drain hose.
     Replacing the screw of the support bracket of the potable 
water supply hose with a new screw and installing a spacer.
     Doing detailed inspections to detect interference or wear 
damage of the potable water supply hose, gray water drain hose, and 
fuel lines and power feeder cables of the auxiliary power unit.
     Doing applicable corrective actions. The corrective 
actions include repairing power feeder cables and fuel lines of the 
APU, and contacting Boeing for repair, as applicable.
    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 accomplishing the actions specified in the service 
information described previously, except as discussed under 
``Difference Between the Proposed AD and Service Bulletin.''

Difference Between the Proposed AD and Service Bulletin

    Although the service bulletin specifies that operators may contact 
the manufacturer for disposition of certain repair conditions, this 
proposed AD would require operators to repair those conditions using a 
method approved by the FAA.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 123 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 95 airplanes of 
U.S. registry. The proposed actions would take about 70 work hours per 
airplane, at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. The 
manufacturer states that it will supply required parts to the operators 
at no cost. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the proposed 
AD for U.S. operators is $532,000, or $5,600 per airplane.

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.

[[Page 65480]]

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-2007-0214; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-
224-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by January 
7, 2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to McDonnell Douglas Model 717-200 
airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 717-38A0004, Revision 1, dated August 15, 
2007.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from reports of interference between the 
potable water supply hose and/or gray water drain hose at the aft 
lavatories with the fuel line and/or power feeder cables of the 
auxiliary power unit (APU) located below the aft cabin floor. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent interference and chafing between the 
potable water supply hose and/or gray water hose with the fuel line 
and/or power feeder cables of the APU, which may cause arcing and 
sparking, and/or fuel leaking, and consequent fire or explosion.

Compliance

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

Installations, Replacements, Inspections, and Corrective Actions

    (f) Within 27 months after the effective date of this AD, do the 
installations, replacement, inspections, and applicable corrective 
actions by accomplishing all the actions specified in the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717-
38A0004, Revision 1, dated August 15, 2007; except as provided by 
paragraph (g) of this AD. The applicable corrective actions must be 
done before further flight.
    (g) If any discrepancy is found during any inspection required 
by this AD, and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717-38A0004, Revision 
1, dated August 15, 2007, specifies to contact Boeing for 
appropriate
    Before further flight, repair the discrepancy in accordance with 
a method approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA. For a repair method to be approved, the repair 
must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval 
must specifically refer to this AD.

Credit for Actions Done Using the Previous Service Information

    (h) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 717-38A0004, dated December 
6, 2006, is considered acceptable for compliance with the 
corresponding actions specified in paragraph (f) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (i)(1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO, FAA, has the authority to 
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
    (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different 
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. 
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC 
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA 
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local 
FSDO.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 13, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-22727 Filed 11-20-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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