Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 727 Airplanes, 58509-58512 [E8-23668]
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 195 / Tuesday, October 7, 2008 / Proposed Rules
quantity, adding a minimum fuel quantity
limitation for operation of the fuel booster
pump, inspecting the fuel booster pump
electrical harness of the left- and right-hand
fuel tanks for damage, replacing any fuel
booster pump having a damaged electrical
harness, installing clamps on the tank
structure, and installing tie down straps for
the fuel booster pump electrical harness.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following
actions.
(1) Within 30 days after the effective date
of this AD, insert in the Limitations section
of the AFM a copy of this AD or the
following statement:
‘‘The minimum fuel quantity inside each
tank must be 300 kg (662 pounds) or 370
liters (97.75 gallons).’’
(2) As of the effective date of this AD, any
fuel tank defueling or other maintenance
action which demands use of the fuel booster
pumps is limited to a minimum fuel quantity
of no less than 300 kilograms (662 pounds)
or 370 liters (97.75 gallons) inside the
respective tank.
(3) Within 4,000 flight hours, or 24 months,
or at the next scheduled or unscheduled fuel
tank opening after the effective date of this
AD, whichever occurs first, do the following
actions:
(i) Inspect the fuel booster pump electrical
harness of the left- and right-hand fuel tanks
for damage on its external protection, in
accordance with paragraph 3.F. (Part I) of the
Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER
Service Bulletin 120–28–0016, dated January
9, 2008. If any damaged fuel booster pump
electrical harness is found, before further
flight, replace the affected fuel booster pump
with another fuel booster pump bearing the
same part number, in accordance with
EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120–28–0016,
dated January 9, 2008.
(ii) Install clamps and tie down straps on
the tank structure and attach each fuel
booster pump electrical harness to the leftand right-hand fuel tanks to avoid eventual
chafing against the pump body, adjacent fuel
lines, structure or any other part, and to
prevent damage to the harness protective
layers, in accordance with paragraph 3.G.
(Part II) of the Accomplishment Instructions
of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120–28–0016,
dated January 9, 2008.
(4) After complying with the actions in
paragraphs (f)(3)(i) and (f)(3)(ii) of this AD,
the limitations imposed by paragraphs (f)(1)
and (f)(2) of this AD are no longer required,
and the AFM revision required by paragraph
(f)(1) of this AD may be removed from the
AFM.
FAA AD Differences
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Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/
or service information as follows: No
differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) The following provisions also apply to
this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, International
Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane
Directorate, FAA, has the authority to
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:26 Oct 06, 2008
Jkt 217001
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Send information to ATTN: Sanjay Ralhan,
Aerospace Engineer, International Branch,
ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate,
FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425)
227–1405; fax (425) 227–1149. 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 Brazilian Airworthiness
Directive 2008–05–01, effective June 13,
2008; and EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120–
28–0016, dated January 9, 2008; for related
information.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
September 29, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–23666 Filed 10–6–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2008–1065; Directorate
Identifier 2008–NM–126–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
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, among
other actions, installing new ground
fault interrupter (GFI) relays for the
main fuel tanks and the auxiliary fuel
tank pumps. This proposed AD also
would require revising the FAAapproved maintenance program to
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58509
incorporate new Airworthiness
Limitations (AWLs) for the GFI of the
boost pumps and for the uncommanded
on system for the auxiliary fuel tank
pumps. This proposed AD results from
fuel system reviews conducted by the
manufacturer. We are proposing this AD
to prevent an electrical fault in the fuel
pump system, which might cause a
connector or end cap to burn through
and a subsequent fire or explosion
inside the fuel pump or wing spar area.
We are also proposing this AD to
prevent uncommanded operation of the
auxiliary fuel tank pumps, which can
cause them to run dry. This condition
will increase pump temperature and
could supply an ignition source to
fumes in the fuel tank, which can result
in a consequent fire or explosion.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by November 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
W12–140, 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:
Binh Tran, Aerospace Engineer, Systems
and Equipment Branch, ANM–130S,
FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone
(425) 917–6485; fax (425) 917–6590.
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58510
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 195 / Tuesday, October 7, 2008 / Proposed Rules
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–2008–1065; Directorate Identifier
2008–NM–126–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.
pwalker on PROD1PC71 with PROPOSALS
Discussion
The FAA has examined the
underlying safety issues involved in fuel
tank explosions on several large
transport airplanes, including the
adequacy of existing regulations, the
service history of airplanes subject to
those regulations, and existing
maintenance practices for fuel tank
systems. As a result of those findings,
we issued a regulation titled ‘‘Transport
Airplane Fuel Tank System Design
Review, Flammability Reduction and
Maintenance and Inspection
Requirements’’ (66 FR 23086, May 7,
2001). In addition to new airworthiness
standards for transport airplanes and
new maintenance requirements, this
rule included Special Federal Aviation
Regulation No. 88 (‘‘SFAR 88,’’
Amendment 21–78, and subsequent
Amendments 21–82 and 21–83).
Among other actions, SFAR 88
requires certain type design (i.e., type
certificate (TC) and supplemental type
certificate (STC)) holders to substantiate
that their fuel tank systems can prevent
ignition sources in the fuel tanks. This
requirement applies to type design
holders for large turbine-powered
transport airplanes and for subsequent
modifications to those airplanes. It
requires them to perform design reviews
and to develop design changes and
maintenance procedures if their designs
do not meet the new fuel tank safety
standards. As explained in the preamble
to the rule, we intended to adopt
airworthiness directives to mandate any
changes found necessary to address
unsafe conditions identified as a result
of these reviews.
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16:26 Oct 06, 2008
Jkt 217001
In evaluating these design reviews, we
have established four criteria intended
to define the unsafe conditions
associated with fuel tank systems that
require corrective actions. The
percentage of operating time during
which fuel tanks are exposed to
flammable conditions is one of these
criteria. The other three criteria address
the failure types under evaluation:
Single failures, single failures in
combination with a latent condition(s),
and in-service failure experience. For all
four criteria, the evaluations included
consideration of previous actions taken
that may mitigate the need for further
action.
We have determined that the actions
identified in this AD are necessary to
reduce the potential 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.
We have determined that the fuel
pump control system on certain Model
727 airplanes must be changed by
installing ground fault interrupter (GFI)
relays that will interrupt the electrical
power to the fuel pumps when a ground
fault is detected. The GFI relays will
remove the 115VAC power from the fuel
pumps before electrical arcing can
occur. An electrical fault in the fuel
pump system, if not corrected, might
cause a connector or end cap to burn
through and a subsequent fire or
explosion inside the fuel pump or wing
spar area.
In addition, we have determined that
electrical faults within the fuel tank
pump system on certain Model 727–100
and –200 series airplanes can cause a
pump to operate when the pump switch
is in the ‘‘OFF’’ position (referred to as
‘‘uncommanded on’’ (UCO) pump
operation). Uncommanded operation of
the auxiliary fuel tank pumps can cause
them to run dry, which will increase
pump temperature and could supply an
ignition source to fumes in the fuel tank,
and result in a consequent fire or
explosion.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 727–28A0128, dated
April 4, 2008. The service bulletin
describes procedures for installing new
GFI relays for the main fuel tanks and
the auxiliary fuel tank pumps and doing
other specified actions. The other
specified actions include installing new
wires and modifying some existing
wires to support the installation of the
new GFI relays.
We also have reviewed Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 727–28A0130, dated
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April 30, 2008. The service bulletin
describes procedures for:
• Installing new ground blocks, track,
switch mounting bracket, relay
mounting bracket, toggle switches, and
relays, and making changes to the wire
bundles in the GFI relay panel in the
electronic equipment bay; and
• Installing new circuit breakers and
lights and making changes to wire
bundles on the third crewman’s P6 and
P4 panels in the flight compartment.
For certain airplanes identified in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727–
28A0128, the procedures specified in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727–
28A0130 must be done concurrently
with the procedures specified in Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 727–28A0128.
In addition, we have reviewed
‘‘Boeing 727–100/200 Airworthiness
Limitations (AWLs),’’ D6–8766–AWL,
Revision August 2007 (hereafter referred
to as ‘‘Document D6–8766–AWL’’).
Document D6–8766–AWL describes,
among other actions, new AWLs for the
GFI of the boost pumps (i.e., 28–AWL–
16) and for the Auxiliary Tanks Boost
Pump Uncommanded On System (i.e.,
28–AWL–17).
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of This Proposed AD
We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all relevant information and
determined the unsafe condition
described previously is likely to exist or
develop in other products of the(se)
same type design(s). This proposed AD
would require the following actions:
• Installing new GFI relays for the
main fuel tanks and the auxiliary fuel
tank pumps.
• For certain airplanes, installing new
ground blocks, track, switch mounting
bracket, relay mounting bracket, toggle
switches, and relays, and changing the
wire bundles in the GFI relay panel in
the electronic equipment bay.
• For certain airplanes, installing new
circuit breakers and lights and changing
wire bundles on the third crewman’s P6
and P4 panels in the flight
compartment.
• Revising the FAA-approved
maintenance program to incorporate
AWL numbers 28–AWL–16 and 28–
AWL–17, which would require
repetitive inspections of the GFI of the
boost pumps and of the uncommanded
on system for the auxiliary fuel tank
pumps, respectively.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
would affect 199 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The following table provides
the estimated costs for U.S. operators to
comply with this proposed AD.
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 195 / Tuesday, October 7, 2008 / Proposed Rules
58511
TABLE—ESTIMATED COSTS
Average
labor rate
per hour
(dollars)
Action
Work hours
Installation of new
GFI relays.
Concurrent Requirements.
Revision of FAA-approved maintenance program.
Between 202 and
416 1.
Between 68 and
209 1.
1 ..............................
1 Depending
$80
80
80
Cost per
product
Between $30,619
and $59,785 1.
Between $1,292 and
$10,470 1.
None ........................
Between $46,779
and $93,065 1.
Between $6,732 and
$27,190 1.
$80 ..........................
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
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.
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Safety.
Regulatory Findings
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199
35
199
Fleet cost
Between $9,309,021
and $18,519,935 1.
Between $235,620
and $951,650 1.
$15,920.
on the airplane configuration.
Authority for This Rulemaking
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:
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.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
Number
of U.S.registered
airplanes
Parts
17:52 Oct 06, 2008
Jkt 217001
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–2008–1065;
Directorate Identifier 2008–NM–126–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by
November 21, 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; as identified in Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 727–28A0128, dated April 4,
2008.
Note 1: This AD requires revisions to
certain operator maintenance documents to
include new inspections. Compliance with
these inspections is required by 14 CFR
91.403(c). For airplanes that have been
previously modified, altered, or repaired in
the areas addressed by these inspections, the
operator may not be able to accomplish the
inspections described in the revisions. In this
situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c),
the operator must request approval for an
alternative method of compliance (AMOC)
according to paragraph (j) of this AD. The
request should include a description of
changes to the required inspections that will
ensure the continued operational safety of
the airplane.
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Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from fuel system
reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We
are issuing this AD to prevent an electrical
fault in the fuel pump system, which might
cause a connector or end cap to burn through
and a subsequent fire or explosion inside the
fuel pump or wing spar area. We are also
issuing this AD to prevent uncommanded
operation of the auxiliary fuel tank pumps,
which can cause them to run dry. This
condition will increase pump temperature
and could supply an ignition source to fumes
in the fuel tank, which can result in a
consequent fire or explosion.
Compliance
(e) Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
Installation
(f) Within 60 months after the effective
date of this AD, install new ground fault
interrupter (GFI) relays for the main fuel
tanks and the auxiliary fuel tank pumps and
do all the other specified actions by
accomplishing all the applicable actions
specified in the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
727–28A0128, dated April 4, 2008.
Concurrent Requirements
(g) For airplanes identified as Groups 5
through 18 inclusive, in Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 727–28A0128, dated April 4, 2008:
Concurrently with the installation required
by paragraph (f) of this AD, do the actions
specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of
this AD in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 727–28A0130, dated April
30, 2008.
(1) Install new ground blocks, track, switch
mounting bracket, relay mounting bracket,
toggle switches, and relays, and make
changes to the wire bundles in the GFI relay
panel in the electronic equipment bay.
(2) Install new circuit breakers and lights
and make changes to wire bundles on the
third crewman’s P6 and P4 panels in the
flight compartment.
Maintenance Program Revision
(h) Concurrently with accomplishing the
installation required by paragraph (f) of this
AD, revise the FAA-approved maintenance
program by incorporating AWLs numbers
28–AWL–16 and 28–AWL–17 of Section D of
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 195 / Tuesday, October 7, 2008 / Proposed Rules
the ‘‘Boeing 727–100/200 Airworthiness
Limitations (AWLs),’’ D6–8766–AWL,
Revision August 2007 (hereafter referred to as
‘‘Document D6–8766–AWL.’’)
No Alternative Inspection or Inspection
Intervals
(i) After accomplishing the action required
by paragraph (h) of this AD, no alternative
inspections or inspection intervals may be
used, unless the inspections or intervals are
approved as an AMOC in accordance with
the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of
this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(j)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, ATTN: Binh
Tran, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and
Equipment Branch, ANM–130S, FAA, Seattle
ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425)
917–6485; 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
September 18, 2008.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–23668 Filed 10–6–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2008–0960; Airspace
Docket No. 08–ASW–17]
Proposed Establishment of Class D
and Class E Airspace; Conroe, TX
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
pwalker on PROD1PC71 with PROPOSALS
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This action proposes to
establish Class D airspace and Class E
Surface Area airspace at Lone Star
Executive Airport, Conroe, TX. The
establishment of an air traffic control
tower has made these actions necessary
for the safety of Instrument Flight Rule
(IFR) operations at Lone Star Executive
Airport. Class D airspace will revert to
a Class E2 Surface Area during periods
when the control tower is not operating.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before November 21, 2008.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:26 Oct 06, 2008
Jkt 217001
Send comments on this
proposal to the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200
New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
Washington, DC 20590–0001. You must
identify the docket number FAA–2008–
0960/Airspace Docket No. 08–ASW–17,
at the beginning of your comments. You
may also submit comments through the
Internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
You may review the public docket
containing the proposal, any comments
received, and any final disposition in
person in the Dockets Office between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. The
Docket Office (telephone 1–800–647–
5527) is on the ground floor of the
building at the above address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Scott Enander, Central Service Area,
System Support Group, Federal
Aviation Administration, Southwest
Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort
Worth, TX 76193–0530; telephone: (817)
222–5582.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
ADDRESSES:
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–2008–0960/Airspace
Docket No. 08–ASW–17.’’ The postcard
will be date/time stamped and returned
to the commenter.
Availability of NPRMs
An electronic copy of this document
may be downloaded through the
Internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
Recently published rulemaking
documents can also be accessed through
the FAA’s Web page at https://
www.faa.gov or the Superintendent of
Document’s Web page at https://
www.access.gpo.gov/nara.
Additionally, any person may obtain
a copy of this notice by submitting a
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Sfmt 4702
request to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Office of Air
Traffic Airspace Management, ATA–
400, 800 Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20591, or by calling
(202) 267–8783. Communications must
identify both docket numbers for this
notice. Persons interested in being
placed on a mailing list for future
NPRM’s should contact the FAA’s
Office of Rulemaking (202) 267–9677, to
request a copy of Advisory Circular No.
11–2A, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
Distribution System, which describes
the application procedure.
The Proposal
This action proposes to amend Title
14, Code of Federal Regulations (14
CFR), Part 71 by establishing a Class D
airspace area and Class E Surface Area
for IFR operations at Lone Star
Executive Airport, Conroe, TX. The
Class D airspace will revert to a Class E
Surface Area during those periods when
the control tower is not operating. These
areas would be depicted on appropriate
aeronautical charts.
Class D airspace areas are published
in Paragraph 5000 of FAA Order
7400.9R, dated August 15, 2007, and
effective September 15, 2007, which is
incorporated by reference in 14 CFR
71.1. The Class D airspace designation
listed in this document would be
published subsequently in the Order.
Class E Surface Areas are published in
Paragraph 6002 of FAA Order 7400.9R,
dated August 15, 2007, and effective
September 15, 2007, which is
incorporated by reference in 14 CFR
71.1. The Class E Surface Area
designation listed in this document
would be published subsequently in the
Order.
The FAA has determined that this
proposed regulation only involves an
established body of technical
regulations for which frequent and
routine amendments are necessary to
keep them operationally current. It,
therefore, (1) is not a ‘‘significant
regulatory action’’ under Executive
Order 12866; (2) is not a ‘‘significant
rule’’ under DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034; February
26, 1979); and (3) does not warrant
preparation of a Regulatory Evaluation
as the anticipated impact is so minimal.
Since this is a routine matter that will
only affect air traffic procedures and air
navigation, it is certified that this rule,
when promulgated, will not have a
significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act. The FAA’s authority to
issue rules regarding aviation safety is
found in Title 49 of the U.S. Code.
E:\FR\FM\07OCP1.SGM
07OCP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 195 (Tuesday, October 7, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 58509-58512]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-23668]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2008-1065; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-126-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 727 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Boeing Model 727 airplanes. This proposed AD would require,
among other actions, installing new ground fault interrupter (GFI)
relays for the main fuel tanks and the auxiliary fuel tank pumps. This
proposed AD also would require revising the FAA-approved maintenance
program to incorporate new Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) for the GFI
of the boost pumps and for the uncommanded on system for the auxiliary
fuel tank pumps. This proposed AD results from fuel system reviews
conducted by the manufacturer. We are proposing this AD to prevent an
electrical fault in the fuel pump system, which might cause a connector
or end cap to burn through and a subsequent fire or explosion inside
the fuel pump or wing spar area. We are also proposing this AD to
prevent uncommanded operation of the auxiliary fuel tank pumps, which
can cause them to run dry. This condition will increase pump
temperature and could supply an ignition source to fumes in the fuel
tank, which can result in a consequent fire or explosion.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 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 W12-140, 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: Binh Tran, Aerospace Engineer, Systems
and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone
(425) 917-6485; fax (425) 917-6590.
[[Page 58510]]
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-2008-1065;
Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-126-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
The FAA has examined the underlying safety issues involved in fuel
tank explosions on several large transport airplanes, including the
adequacy of existing regulations, the service history of airplanes
subject to those regulations, and existing maintenance practices for
fuel tank systems. As a result of those findings, we issued a
regulation titled ``Transport Airplane Fuel Tank System Design Review,
Flammability Reduction and Maintenance and Inspection Requirements''
(66 FR 23086, May 7, 2001). In addition to new airworthiness standards
for transport airplanes and new maintenance requirements, this rule
included Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88 (``SFAR 88,''
Amendment 21-78, and subsequent Amendments 21-82 and 21-83).
Among other actions, SFAR 88 requires certain type design (i.e.,
type certificate (TC) and supplemental type certificate (STC)) holders
to substantiate that their fuel tank systems can prevent ignition
sources in the fuel tanks. This requirement applies to type design
holders for large turbine-powered transport airplanes and for
subsequent modifications to those airplanes. It requires them to
perform design reviews and to develop design changes and maintenance
procedures if their designs do not meet the new fuel tank safety
standards. As explained in the preamble to the rule, we intended to
adopt airworthiness directives to mandate any changes found necessary
to address unsafe conditions identified as a result of these reviews.
In evaluating these design reviews, we have established four
criteria intended to define the unsafe conditions associated with fuel
tank systems that require corrective actions. The percentage of
operating time during which fuel tanks are exposed to flammable
conditions is one of these criteria. The other three criteria address
the failure types under evaluation: Single failures, single failures in
combination with a latent condition(s), and in-service failure
experience. For all four criteria, the evaluations included
consideration of previous actions taken that may mitigate the need for
further action.
We have determined that the actions identified in this AD are
necessary to reduce the potential 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.
We have determined that the fuel pump control system on certain
Model 727 airplanes must be changed by installing ground fault
interrupter (GFI) relays that will interrupt the electrical power to
the fuel pumps when a ground fault is detected. The GFI relays will
remove the 115VAC power from the fuel pumps before electrical arcing
can occur. An electrical fault in the fuel pump system, if not
corrected, might cause a connector or end cap to burn through and a
subsequent fire or explosion inside the fuel pump or wing spar area.
In addition, we have determined that electrical faults within the
fuel tank pump system on certain Model 727-100 and -200 series
airplanes can cause a pump to operate when the pump switch is in the
``OFF'' position (referred to as ``uncommanded on'' (UCO) pump
operation). Uncommanded operation of the auxiliary fuel tank pumps can
cause them to run dry, which will increase pump temperature and could
supply an ignition source to fumes in the fuel tank, and result in a
consequent fire or explosion.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-28A0128, dated
April 4, 2008. The service bulletin describes procedures for installing
new GFI relays for the main fuel tanks and the auxiliary fuel tank
pumps and doing other specified actions. The other specified actions
include installing new wires and modifying some existing wires to
support the installation of the new GFI relays.
We also have reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-28A0130,
dated April 30, 2008. The service bulletin describes procedures for:
Installing new ground blocks, track, switch mounting
bracket, relay mounting bracket, toggle switches, and relays, and
making changes to the wire bundles in the GFI relay panel in the
electronic equipment bay; and
Installing new circuit breakers and lights and making
changes to wire bundles on the third crewman's P6 and P4 panels in the
flight compartment.
For certain airplanes identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
727-28A0128, the procedures specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
727-28A0130 must be done concurrently with the procedures specified in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-28A0128.
In addition, we have reviewed ``Boeing 727-100/200 Airworthiness
Limitations (AWLs),'' D6-8766-AWL, Revision August 2007 (hereafter
referred to as ``Document D6-8766-AWL''). Document D6-8766-AWL
describes, among other actions, new AWLs for the GFI of the boost pumps
(i.e., 28-AWL-16) and for the Auxiliary Tanks Boost Pump Uncommanded On
System (i.e., 28-AWL-17).
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of the(se) same type
design(s). This proposed AD would require the following actions:
Installing new GFI relays for the main fuel tanks and the
auxiliary fuel tank pumps.
For certain airplanes, installing new ground blocks,
track, switch mounting bracket, relay mounting bracket, toggle
switches, and relays, and changing the wire bundles in the GFI relay
panel in the electronic equipment bay.
For certain airplanes, installing new circuit breakers and
lights and changing wire bundles on the third crewman's P6 and P4
panels in the flight compartment.
Revising the FAA-approved maintenance program to
incorporate AWL numbers 28-AWL-16 and 28-AWL-17, which would require
repetitive inspections of the GFI of the boost pumps and of the
uncommanded on system for the auxiliary fuel tank pumps, respectively.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 199 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The following table provides the estimated costs for
U.S. operators to comply with this proposed AD.
[[Page 58511]]
Table--Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Number of
labor rate U.S.-
Action Work hours per hour Parts Cost per product registered Fleet cost
(dollars) airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Installation of new GFI relays.... Between 202 and 416 $80 Between $30,619 and Between $46,779 and 199 Between $9,309,021
\1\. $59,785 \1\. $93,065 \1\. and $18,519,935 \1\.
Concurrent Requirements........... Between 68 and 209 80 Between $1,292 and Between $6,732 and 35 Between $235,620 and
\1\. $10,470 \1\. $27,190 \1\. $951,650 \1\.
Revision of FAA-approved 1.................... 80 None................. $80.................. 199 $15,920.
maintenance program.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Depending on the 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 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:
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-2008-1065; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-
126-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by November 21, 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; as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-
28A0128, dated April 4, 2008.
Note 1: This AD requires revisions to certain operator
maintenance documents to include new inspections. Compliance with
these inspections is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes
that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the
areas addressed by these inspections, the operator may not be able
to accomplish the inspections described in the revisions. In this
situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must
request approval for an alternative method of compliance (AMOC)
according to paragraph (j) of this AD. The request should include a
description of changes to the required inspections that will ensure
the continued operational safety of the airplane.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the
manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent an electrical fault
in the fuel pump system, which might cause a connector or end cap to
burn through and a subsequent fire or explosion inside the fuel pump
or wing spar area. We are also issuing this AD to prevent
uncommanded operation of the auxiliary fuel tank pumps, which can
cause them to run dry. This condition will increase pump temperature
and could supply an ignition source to fumes in the fuel tank, which
can result in a consequent fire or explosion.
Compliance
(e) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
Installation
(f) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD,
install new ground fault interrupter (GFI) relays for the main fuel
tanks and the auxiliary fuel tank pumps and do all the other
specified actions by accomplishing all the applicable actions
specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 727-28A0128, dated April 4, 2008.
Concurrent Requirements
(g) For airplanes identified as Groups 5 through 18 inclusive,
in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-28A0128, dated April 4, 2008:
Concurrently with the installation required by paragraph (f) of this
AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this
AD in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 727-28A0130, dated April 30, 2008.
(1) Install new ground blocks, track, switch mounting bracket,
relay mounting bracket, toggle switches, and relays, and make
changes to the wire bundles in the GFI relay panel in the electronic
equipment bay.
(2) Install new circuit breakers and lights and make changes to
wire bundles on the third crewman's P6 and P4 panels in the flight
compartment.
Maintenance Program Revision
(h) Concurrently with accomplishing the installation required by
paragraph (f) of this AD, revise the FAA-approved maintenance
program by incorporating AWLs numbers 28-AWL-16 and 28-AWL-17 of
Section D of
[[Page 58512]]
the ``Boeing 727-100/200 Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs),'' D6-
8766-AWL, Revision August 2007 (hereafter referred to as ``Document
D6-8766-AWL.'')
No Alternative Inspection or Inspection Intervals
(i) After accomplishing the action required by paragraph (h) of
this AD, no alternative inspections or inspection intervals may be
used, unless the inspections or intervals are approved as an AMOC in
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this
AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(j)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
FAA, ATTN: Binh Tran, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment
Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6485; 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 September 18, 2008.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-23668 Filed 10-6-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
