Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 727 Airplanes, 35093-35095 [E8-13920]
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 120 / Friday, June 20, 2008 / Proposed Rules
flow parameters deteriorate during the
test. If any leakage is found in the
couplings, the o-rings should be
replaced; if any leakage is found in the
fuel line, the fuel line should be
replaced.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of This Proposed AD
We are proposing this AD because 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.
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.
You can find our regulatory
evaluation and the estimated costs of
compliance in the AD Docket.
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:
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.
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with PROPOSALS
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
would affect 21 airplanes of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it would
take 1 work-hour per product, per test,
to comply with this proposed AD. The
average labor rate is $80 per work-hour.
Based on these figures, we estimate the
cost of this proposed AD to the U.S.
operators to be $1,680, or $80 per
product, per test.
§ 39.13
Regulatory Findings
We 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 this proposed regulation:
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:17 Jun 19, 2008
Jkt 214001
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.
[Amended]
35093
as applicable, before further flight, in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
A3527, dated November 7, 2007. Repeat the
operational test thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 6,000 flight hours.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(g)(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA,
ATTN: Sue Lucier, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, FAA, Seattle
ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425)
917–6438; fax (425) 917–6590, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
requested using the procedures found in 14
CFR 39.19.
(2) To request a different method of
compliance or a different compliance time
for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR
39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on
any airplane to which the AMOC applies,
notify your appropriate principal inspector
(PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District
Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
Issued in Renton, Washington on June 9,
2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–13925 Filed 6–19–08; 8:45 am]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new AD:
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Boeing: Docket No. FAA–2008–0645;
Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–358–AD.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by August
4, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report of inservice occurrences of loss of fuel system
suction feed capability, followed by total loss
of pressure of the fuel feed system. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct failure
of the engine fuel suction feed of the fuel
system, which could result in multi-engine
flameout, inability to restart the engines, and
consequent forced landing of the airplane.
Compliance
(e) Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
Operational Test/Other Specified Actions
(f) Within 18 months after the effective
date of this AD, perform an operational test
of the engine fuel suction feed of the fuel
system, and perform all other related testing,
Frm 00005
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2008–0646; Directorate
Identifier 2007–NM–359–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Boeing Model
707–100 long body, –200, –100B long body,
and –100B short body series airplanes; and
Model 707–300, –300B, –300C, and –400
series airplanes; and Model 720 and 720B
series airplanes; certificated in any category.
PO 00000
Federal Aviation Administration
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 727 Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Boeing Model 727 airplanes. This
proposed AD would require performing
an operational test of the engine fuel
suction feed of the fuel system, and
other related testing if necessary. This
proposed AD results from a report of inservice occurrences of loss of fuel
system suction feed capability, followed
by total loss of pressure of the fuel feed
system. We are proposing this AD to
detect and correct failure of the engine
fuel suction feed of the fuel system,
which could result in multi-engine
flameout, inability to restart the engines,
and consequent forced landing of the
airplane.
E:\FR\FM\20JNP1.SGM
20JNP1
35094
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 120 / Friday, June 20, 2008 / Proposed Rules
We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by August 4, 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–
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, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124–2207.
DATES:
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: Sue
Lucier, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion
Branch, ANM–140S, FAA, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98057–3356; telephone (425) 917–6438;
fax (425) 917–6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
sroberts on PROD1PC70 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–2008–0646; Directorate Identifier
2007–NM–359–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
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:17 Jun 19, 2008
Jkt 214001
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 a report of inservice occurrences of loss of fuel
system suction feed capability, followed
by total loss of pressure of the fuel feed
system. This report prompted us to
review the service history of all Boeing
airplane models, and we found
instances of loose and leaking fuel line
fittings. This condition, if not corrected,
could result in multi-engine flameout,
inability to restart the engines, and
consequent forced landing of the
airplane.
Explanation of Relevant Service
Information
We have reviewed Boeing Service
Bulletin 727–28–80, dated June 21,
1985. The service bulletin describes
procedures for performing an
operational test of the engine fuel
suction feed of the fuel system, and
other related testing if necessary. The
other related testing includes doing a
vacuum test on the applicable engine for
leakage if an engine’s N1, N2, or fuelflow parameters deteriorate during the
test. If any leakage is found the
corrective actions include inspecting
and repairing or replacing any leaking
Gamah fittings with new fittings, and
inspecting and repairing any major
welded tube assemblies that are leaking.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of This Proposed AD
We are proposing this AD because 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 ‘‘Differences
Between the Proposed AD and Service
Information.’’
Differences Between the Proposed AD
and Service Information
The service bulletin recommends
accomplishing the initial operational
test ‘‘at the next regularly scheduled Ccheck following accumulation of 20,000
total flight hours or seven years age,’’ we
have determined that this imprecise
compliance time would not address the
identified unsafe condition in a timely
manner. In developing an appropriate
compliance time for this AD, we
considered not only the manufacturer’s
recommendation, but the degree of
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
urgency associated with addressing the
subject unsafe condition, the average
utilization of the affected fleet, and the
time necessary to perform the
modifications. In light of all of these
factors, we find a compliance time of
7,000 flight hours for completing the
required actions to be warranted, in that
it represents an appropriate interval of
time for affected airplanes to continue to
operate without compromising safety.
This difference has been coordinated
with Boeing.
Part II of the Accomplishment
Instructions of the service bulletin
specifies that operators may accomplish
the other specified actions (a vacuum
test of the fuel feed system) using an
operator’s equivalent procedure (with
substitute test equipment). However,
this proposed AD would require
operators to accomplish the actions
using the procedures specified in Figure
4 of the service bulletin. An ‘‘operator’s
equivalent procedure’’ may be used only
if approved as an alternative method of
compliance according to paragraph (h)
of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
would affect 709 airplanes of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it would
take 1 work-hour per product, per test,
to comply with this proposed AD. The
average labor rate is $80 per work-hour.
Based on these figures, we estimate the
cost of this proposed AD to the U.S.
operators to be $56,720, or $80 per
product, per test.
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 determined that this proposed AD
would not have federalism implications
E:\FR\FM\20JNP1.SGM
20JNP1
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 120 / Friday, June 20, 2008 / Proposed Rules
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 this 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.
You can find our regulatory
evaluation and the estimated costs of
compliance in the AD Docket.
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 FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new AD:
Boeing: Docket No. FAA–2008–0646;
Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–359–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by August
4, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with PROPOSALS
Operational Test/Other Specified Actions
(f) Within 7,000 flight hours after the
effective date of this AD, perform an
operational test of the engine fuel suction
feed of the fuel system, and perform all other
related testing, as applicable, before further
flight, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Service Bulletin 727–28–80, dated June 21,
1985. Repeat the operational test thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 7,000 flight hours.
Operator’s Equivalent Procedure
(g) If any discrepancy is found, and Boeing
Service Bulletin 727–28–80, dated June 21,
1985, specifies that certain actions (i.e., a
vacuum test of the fuel feed system) may be
accomplished using an operator’s
‘‘equivalent procedure’’ (with substitute test
equipment): The actions must be
accomplished in accordance with Figure 4 of
the service bulletin.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(h)(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA,
ATTN: Sue Lucier, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, FAA, Seattle
ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425)
917–6438; fax (425) 917–6590, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
requested using the procedures found in 14
CFR 39.19.
(2) To request a different method of
compliance or a different compliance time
for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR
39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on
any airplane to which the AMOC applies,
notify your appropriate principal inspector
(PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District
Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 9,
2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–13920 Filed 6–19–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 727,
727C, 727–100, 727–100C, 727–200, and
727–200F series airplanes, certificated in any
category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report of inservice occurrences of loss of fuel system
suction feed capability, followed by total loss
of pressure of the fuel feed system. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct failure
of the engine fuel suction feed of the fuel
system, which could result in multi-engine
flameout, inability to restart the engines, and
consequent forced landing of the airplane.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
Compliance
(e) Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
16:17 Jun 19, 2008
Jkt 214001
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2008–0643; Directorate
Identifier 2008–NM–094–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier
Model CL–600–2B19 (Regional Jet
Series 100 and 440) Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
AGENCY:
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
35095
Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
ACTION:
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above that would
supersede an existing AD. 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:
Bombardier Aerospace has completed a
system safety review of the aircraft fuel
system against fuel tank safety standards
* * *.
[A]ssessment showed that supplemental
maintenance tasks [for certain bonding
jumpers, wiring harnesses, and hydraulic
systems, among other items] are required to
prevent potential ignition sources inside the
fuel system, which could result in a fuel tank
explosion. * * *
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 July 21, 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–
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.
Examining the AD Docket
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:
Rocco Viselli, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe and Propulsion Branch, ANE–
171, FAA, New York Aircraft
Certification Office, 1600 Stewart
E:\FR\FM\20JNP1.SGM
20JNP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 120 (Friday, June 20, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 35093-35095]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-13920]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2008-0646; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-359-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 727 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Boeing Model 727 airplanes. This proposed AD would require
performing an operational test of the engine fuel suction feed of the
fuel system, and other related testing if necessary. This proposed AD
results from a report of in-service occurrences of loss of fuel system
suction feed capability, followed by total loss of pressure of the fuel
feed system. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct failure of
the engine fuel suction feed of the fuel system, which could result in
multi-engine flameout, inability to restart the engines, and consequent
forced landing of the airplane.
[[Page 35094]]
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 4, 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-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, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207.
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: Sue Lucier, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone
(425) 917-6438; fax (425) 917-6590.
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-2008-0646;
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-359-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 a report of in-service occurrences of loss of fuel
system suction feed capability, followed by total loss of pressure of
the fuel feed system. This report prompted us to review the service
history of all Boeing airplane models, and we found instances of loose
and leaking fuel line fittings. This condition, if not corrected, could
result in multi-engine flameout, inability to restart the engines, and
consequent forced landing of the airplane.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 727-28-80, dated June 21,
1985. The service bulletin describes procedures for performing an
operational test of the engine fuel suction feed of the fuel system,
and other related testing if necessary. The other related testing
includes doing a vacuum test on the applicable engine for leakage if an
engine's N1, N2, or fuel-flow parameters deteriorate during the test.
If any leakage is found the corrective actions include inspecting and
repairing or replacing any leaking Gamah fittings with new fittings,
and inspecting and repairing any major welded tube assemblies that are
leaking.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
We are proposing this AD because 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 ``Differences Between the Proposed AD and
Service Information.''
Differences Between the Proposed AD and Service Information
The service bulletin recommends accomplishing the initial
operational test ``at the next regularly scheduled C-check following
accumulation of 20,000 total flight hours or seven years age,'' we have
determined that this imprecise compliance time would not address the
identified unsafe condition in a timely manner. In developing an
appropriate compliance time for this AD, we considered not only the
manufacturer's recommendation, but the degree of urgency associated
with addressing the subject unsafe condition, the average utilization
of the affected fleet, and the time necessary to perform the
modifications. In light of all of these factors, we find a compliance
time of 7,000 flight hours for completing the required actions to be
warranted, in that it represents an appropriate interval of time for
affected airplanes to continue to operate without compromising safety.
This difference has been coordinated with Boeing.
Part II of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin
specifies that operators may accomplish the other specified actions (a
vacuum test of the fuel feed system) using an operator's equivalent
procedure (with substitute test equipment). However, this proposed AD
would require operators to accomplish the actions using the procedures
specified in Figure 4 of the service bulletin. An ``operator's
equivalent procedure'' may be used only if approved as an alternative
method of compliance according to paragraph (h) of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 709 airplanes of
U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take 1 work-hour per
product, per test, to comply with this proposed AD. The average labor
rate is $80 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost
of this proposed AD to the U.S. operators to be $56,720, or $80 per
product, per test.
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 determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications
[[Page 35095]]
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 this 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.
You can find our regulatory evaluation and the estimated costs of
compliance in the AD Docket.
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 FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
Boeing: Docket No. FAA-2008-0646; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-
359-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by August 4, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 727, 727C, 727-100, 727-
100C, 727-200, and 727-200F series airplanes, certificated in any
category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report of in-service occurrences of
loss of fuel system suction feed capability, followed by total loss
of pressure of the fuel feed system. We are issuing this AD to
detect and correct failure of the engine fuel suction feed of the
fuel system, which could result in multi-engine flameout, inability
to restart the engines, and consequent forced landing of the
airplane.
Compliance
(e) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
Operational Test/Other Specified Actions
(f) Within 7,000 flight hours after the effective date of this
AD, perform an operational test of the engine fuel suction feed of
the fuel system, and perform all other related testing, as
applicable, before further flight, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 727-28-80,
dated June 21, 1985. Repeat the operational test thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 7,000 flight hours.
Operator's Equivalent Procedure
(g) If any discrepancy is found, and Boeing Service Bulletin
727-28-80, dated June 21, 1985, specifies that certain actions
(i.e., a vacuum test of the fuel feed system) may be accomplished
using an operator's ``equivalent procedure'' (with substitute test
equipment): The actions must be accomplished in accordance with
Figure 4 of the service bulletin.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(h)(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA, ATTN: Sue Lucier,
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle ACO,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone
(425) 917-6438; fax (425) 917-6590, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR
39.19.
(2) To request a different method of compliance or a different
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19.
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 9, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-13920 Filed 6-19-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
