Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 65579-65581 [2016-21397]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 185 / Friday, September 23, 2016 / Proposed Rules could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2016–9072; Directorate Identifier 2015–NM–110–AD] (g) Modification Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the FQIS to prevent development of an ignition source inside the center fuel tank due to electrical fault conditions, using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (h) of this AD. (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (i) Related Information rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS For more information about this AD, contact Jon Regimbal, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6506; fax: 425– 917–6590; email: Jon.Regimbal@faa.gov. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 30, 2016. Michael Kaszycki, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:12 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 238001 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 727 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. This proposed AD would require modifying the fuel quantity indicating system (FQIS) to prevent development of an ignition source inside the body-mounted auxiliary fuel tanks due to electrical fault conditions. As an alternative to the modification, this proposed AD would allow deactivating the body-mounted auxiliary fuel tanks. We are proposing this AD to prevent ignition sources inside the body-mounted auxiliary fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 7, 2016. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUMMARY: (1) The Manager, Seattle 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. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOCRequests@faa.gov. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. To be approved, the repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. [FR Doc. 2016–21396 Filed 9–22–16; 8:45 am] RIN 2120–AA64 Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– 9072; 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 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 65579 regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jon Regimbal, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6506; fax: 425–917–6590; email: Jon.Regimbal@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 2016–9072; Directorate Identifier 2015– NM–110–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 final rule 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, that rule included Amendment 21–78, which established Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88 (‘‘SFAR 88’’) at 14 CFR part 21. Subsequently, SFAR 88 was amended by: Amendment 21–82 (67 FR 57490, September 10, 2002; corrected at 67 FR 70809, November 26, 2002) and Amendment 21–83 (67 FR 72830, December 9, 2002; corrected at E:\FR\FM\23SEP1.SGM 23SEP1 65580 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 185 / Friday, September 23, 2016 / Proposed Rules 68 FR 37735, June 25, 2003, to change ‘‘21–82’’ to ‘‘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, combination of failures, and unacceptable (failure) experience. For all three failure 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 proposed 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. Model 727 FQIS Design The design of the in-tank FQIS components and wiring has the potential for a latent FQIS electrical fault condition inside the fuel tank combined with an electrical hot short condition connecting a high power source to the FQIS wiring to cause an ignition source in a fuel tank. Under the policy contained in FAA Policy Memo PS–ANM100–2003–112– 15, SFAR 88—Mandatory Action Decision Criteria, dated February 25, 2003 (https://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_ Guidance_Library/rgPolicy.nsf/0/ dc94c3a46396950386256d5e006aed11/ $FILE/Feb2503.pdf), the FAA determined that this ignition source risk combined with the fleet average flammability for the optional auxiliary fuel tanks on those Model 727 airplanes created an unsafe condition for those tanks. Applying that same policy, the FAA determined that due to a lower fleet average flammability, that same unsafe condition does not exist in the main tanks of Model 727 airplanes. Related Rulemaking On March 21, 2016, we issued AD 2016–07–07, Amendment 39–18452 (81 FR 19472, April 5, 2016), for certain Boeing Model 757–200, –200PF, –200CB, and –300 series airplanes. AD 2016–07–07 requires similar actions to those proposed in this NPRM. AD 2016– 07–07 addressed the numerous public comments that were submitted on the proposal. FAA’s Determination We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require modifying the fuel quantity indication system (FQIS) to prevent development of an ignition source inside the bodymounted auxiliary fuel tanks due to electrical fault conditions. As an alternative to the modification, this proposed AD would allow deactivating the body-mounted auxiliary fuel tanks. Explanation of Compliance Time The compliance time for Model 727 airplanes is shorter than other FQIS AD actions because it is expected that the operators of the relatively small number of affected airplanes will choose to deactivate the body-mounted auxiliary tanks, either permanently or during an interim period prior to reactivating the tanks with approved corrective actions. Costs of Compliance We cannot estimate the number of airplanes of U.S. registry that would be affected by this proposed AD. Boeing originally built about 272 airplanes of the affected design, but cannot provide information on whether any are still in service. Boeing expects that most of the affected airplanes are out of service or have already had their auxiliary fuel tanks removed. For any affected airplane, we estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: ESTIMATED COSTS: REQUIRED ACTIONS Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Modification ................................................................... 300 work-hours × $85 per hour = $25,500 .................. $100,000 $125,500 ESTIMATED COSTS: ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Tank deactivation ......................................................... rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Action 10 work-hours × $85 per hour = $850 ......................... $0 $850 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:12 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 238001 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 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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 E:\FR\FM\23SEP1.SGM 23SEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 185 / Friday, September 23, 2016 / Proposed Rules (d) Subject products identified in this rulemaking action. Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel. 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), (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (4) 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. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, 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 airworthiness directive (AD): ■ The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA– 2015–9072; Directorate Identifier 2015– NM–110–AD. rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by November 7, 2016. (b) Affected ADs None. 15:12 Sep 22, 2016 This AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent ignition sources inside the body-mounted auxiliary fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. Jkt 238001 Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 30, 2016. Michael Kaszycki, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2016–21397 Filed 9–22–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration (f) Compliance 14 CFR Part 39 Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. [Docket No. FAA–2016–9160; Directorate Identifier 2016–CE–022–AD] (g) Modification Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, do the actions specified in either paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (h) of this AD. (1) Modify the fuel quantity indicating system (FQIS) to prevent development of an ignition source inside the body-mounted auxiliary fuel tanks due to electrical fault conditions. (2) Deactivate the body-mounted auxiliary fuel tanks. (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Seattle 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. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (i) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOCRequests@faa.gov. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. To be approved, the repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must meet the certification basis of the airplane and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. (i) Related Information (c) Applicability This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 727, 727–100, 727C, 727–100C, 727– 200, and 727–200F series airplanes; certificated in any category; equipped with Boeing body-mounted auxiliary fuel tanks. VerDate Sep<11>2014 (e) Unsafe Condition 65581 For more information about this AD, contact Jon Regimbal, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6506; fax: 425– 917–6590; email: Jon.Regimbal@faa.gov. PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; B–N Group Ltd. Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for B–N Group Ltd. Models BN–2, BN–2A, BN– 2A–2, BN–2A–3, BN–2A–6, BN–2A–8, BN–2A–9, BN–2A–20, BN–2A–21, BN– 2A–26, BN–2A–27, BN–2B–20, BN–2B– 21, BN–2B–26, BN–2B–27, BN–2T–4R, BN–2T, BN2A MK. III, BN2A MK. III– 2, and BN2A MK. III–3 (all models on Type Certificate Data Sheets A17EU and A29EU) airplanes that would supersde AD 2016–06–01. 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 cracks in the inner shell of certain pitot/static pressure heads. We are issuing this proposed AD to change the model applicability due to errors found in AD 2016–06–01. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 7, 2016. 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, SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\23SEP1.SGM 23SEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 185 (Friday, September 23, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 65579-65581]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-21397]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9072; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-110-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company 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 was prompted by 
fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. This proposed AD 
would require modifying the fuel quantity indicating system (FQIS) to 
prevent development of an ignition source inside the body-mounted 
auxiliary fuel tanks due to electrical fault conditions. As an 
alternative to the modification, this proposed AD would allow 
deactivating the body-mounted auxiliary fuel tanks. We are proposing 
this AD to prevent ignition sources inside the body-mounted auxiliary 
fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could 
result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 7, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, 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: Deliver to Mail address above 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
9072; 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 (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will 
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jon Regimbal, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6506; fax: 425-917-6590; email: Jon.Regimbal@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2016-9072; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-110-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 final 
rule 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, that rule 
included Amendment 21-78, which established Special Federal Aviation 
Regulation No. 88 (``SFAR 88'') at 14 CFR part 21. Subsequently, SFAR 
88 was amended by: Amendment 21-82 (67 FR 57490, September 10, 2002; 
corrected at 67 FR 70809, November 26, 2002) and Amendment 21-83 (67 FR 
72830, December 9, 2002; corrected at

[[Page 65580]]

68 FR 37735, June 25, 2003, to change ``21-82'' to ``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, combination of 
failures, and unacceptable (failure) experience. For all three failure 
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 proposed 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.

Model 727 FQIS Design

    The design of the in-tank FQIS components and wiring has the 
potential for a latent FQIS electrical fault condition inside the fuel 
tank combined with an electrical hot short condition connecting a high 
power source to the FQIS wiring to cause an ignition source in a fuel 
tank.
    Under the policy contained in FAA Policy Memo PS-ANM100-2003-112-
15, SFAR 88--Mandatory Action Decision Criteria, dated February 25, 
2003 (https://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgPolicy.nsf/
0/dc94c3a46396950386256d5e006aed11/$FILE/Feb2503.pdf), the FAA 
determined that this ignition source risk combined with the fleet 
average flammability for the optional auxiliary fuel tanks on those 
Model 727 airplanes created an unsafe condition for those tanks. 
Applying that same policy, the FAA determined that due to a lower fleet 
average flammability, that same unsafe condition does not exist in the 
main tanks of Model 727 airplanes.

Related Rulemaking

    On March 21, 2016, we issued AD 2016-07-07, Amendment 39-18452 (81 
FR 19472, April 5, 2016), for certain Boeing Model 757-200, -200PF, -
200CB, and -300 series airplanes. AD 2016-07-07 requires similar 
actions to those proposed in this NPRM. AD 2016-07-07 addressed the 
numerous public comments that were submitted on the proposal.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require modifying the fuel quantity 
indication system (FQIS) to prevent development of an ignition source 
inside the body-mounted auxiliary fuel tanks due to electrical fault 
conditions. As an alternative to the modification, this proposed AD 
would allow deactivating the body-mounted auxiliary fuel tanks.

Explanation of Compliance Time

    The compliance time for Model 727 airplanes is shorter than other 
FQIS AD actions because it is expected that the operators of the 
relatively small number of affected airplanes will choose to deactivate 
the body-mounted auxiliary tanks, either permanently or during an 
interim period prior to reactivating the tanks with approved corrective 
actions.

Costs of Compliance

    We cannot estimate the number of airplanes of U.S. registry that 
would be affected by this proposed AD. Boeing originally built about 
272 airplanes of the affected design, but cannot provide information on 
whether any are still in service. Boeing expects that most of the 
affected airplanes are out of service or have already had their 
auxiliary fuel tanks removed.
    For any affected airplane, we estimate the following costs to 
comply with this proposed AD:

                                        Estimated Costs: Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modification.................................  300 work-hours x $85 per hour =        $100,000         $125,500
                                                $25,500.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                      Estimated Costs: Alternative Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tank deactivation............................  10 work-hours x $85 per hour =               $0             $850
                                                $850.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

[[Page 65581]]

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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, 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

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2015-9072; Directorate Identifier 
2015-NM-110-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by November 7, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 727, 727-100, 727C, 
727-100C, 727-200, and 727-200F series airplanes; certificated in 
any category; equipped with Boeing body-mounted auxiliary fuel 
tanks.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the 
manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent ignition sources 
inside the body-mounted auxiliary fuel tanks, which, in combination 
with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion 
and consequent loss of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Modification

    Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, do the 
actions specified in either paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, 
using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified 
in paragraph (h) of this AD.
    (1) Modify the fuel quantity indicating system (FQIS) to prevent 
development of an ignition source inside the body-mounted auxiliary 
fuel tanks due to electrical fault conditions.
    (2) Deactivate the body-mounted auxiliary fuel tanks.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle 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. In accordance with 14 
CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local 
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending 
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (i) of this AD. 
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.
    (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD 
if it is approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization 
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the 
Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. To be approved, the 
repair method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must 
meet the certification basis of the airplane and the approval must 
specifically refer to this AD.

(i) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Jon Regimbal, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle ACO, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6506; 
fax: 425-917-6590; email: Jon.Regimbal@faa.gov.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 30, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-21397 Filed 9-22-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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