Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes, 55057-55060 [2017-24813]
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55057
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
Vol. 82, No. 222
Monday, November 20, 2017
Federal Aviation Administration
Internet: https://
www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view
this service information at the FAA,
Transport Standards Branch, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
It is also available on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
1026.
14 CFR Part 39
Examining the AD Docket
[Docket No. FAA–2017–1026; Product
Identifier 2017–NM–097–AD]
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
1026; 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 NPRM, 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.
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains notices to the public of the proposed
issuance of rules and regulations. The
purpose of these notices is to give interested
persons an opportunity to participate in the
rule making prior to the adoption of the final
rules.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
RIN 2120–AA64
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 all The
Boeing Company Model 707 airplanes,
and Model 720 and 720B series
airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by fuel system reviews
conducted by the manufacturer. This
proposed AD would require revising the
maintenance or inspection program to
include new airworthiness limitations.
We are proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by January 4, 2018.
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.
For service information identified in
this NPRM, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster
Blvd., MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA
90740–5600; telephone: 562–797–1717;
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SUMMARY:
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Christopher Baker, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO
Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6498;
fax: 425–917–6590; email:
christopher.r.baker@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–
2017–1026; Product Identifier 2017–
NM–097–AD’’ at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this NPRM. We will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend this NPRM
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 NPRM.
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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 20, 2002;
corrected at 67 FR 70809, November 26,
2002) and Amendment 21–83 (67 FR
72830, December 9, 2002; corrected at
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 ADs
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 another latent
condition(s), and in-service failure
experience. For all four criteria, the
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 222 / Monday, November 20, 2017 / Proposed Rules
evaluations included consideration of
previous actions taken that may mitigate
the need for further action.
This proposed AD was prompted by
fuel system reviews conducted by the
manufacturer. We are proposing this AD
to detect and correct potential ignition
sources inside fuel tanks caused by
latent failures, alterations, repairs, or
maintenance actions, which, in
combination with flammable fuel
vapors, could result in fuel tank
explosions and consequent loss of the
airplane.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing 707/720
Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs), D6–
7552–AWL, dated October 2016, which
addresses fuel tank systems and impactresistant fuel tank access doors. This
service information is reasonably
available because the interested parties
have access to it through their normal
course of business or by the means
identified in the ADDRESSES section.
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 these same
type designs.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require
revising the maintenance or inspection
program to add airworthiness
limitations specified in Boeing 707/720
Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs), D6–
7552–AWL, dated October 2016. For
information on the procedures and
compliance times, see this service
information at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
1026.
This proposed AD would require
revisions to certain operator
maintenance documents to include new
actions (e.g., inspections). Compliance
with these actions is required by 14 CFR
91.403(c). For airplanes that have been
previously modified, altered, or repaired
in the areas addressed by this proposed
AD, the operator may not be able to
accomplish the actions 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 according to
paragraph (k) of this proposed AD. The
request should include a description of
changes to the required actions that will
ensure the continued operational safety
of the airplane.
airplanes, and Model 720 and 720B
series airplanes. AD 2008–04–11 R1
requires revisions to certain operator
maintenance documents to include new
inspections. Accomplishing the actions
specified in this proposed AD would
terminate all requirements of AD 2008–
04–11 R1.
AD 2013–24–07, Amendment 39–
17681 (78 FR 72550, December 3, 2013)
(‘‘AD 2013–24–07’’), applies to all The
Boeing Company Model 707 airplanes,
and Model 720 and 720B series
airplanes. AD 2013–24–07 requires an
inspection of the left- and right-hand
wing fuel tank access doors to
determine that impact-resistant access
doors are installed in the correct
locations, and to replace any door with
an impact-resistant access door if
necessary; an inspection for stencils and
index markers on impact-resistant
access doors, and application of new
stencils or index markers if necessary;
and revision of the maintenance
program to incorporate changes to the
airworthiness limitations section.
Accomplishing the actions specified in
this proposed AD would terminate the
requirements of paragraph (h) of AD
2013–24–07.
Related Rulemaking
AD 2008–04–11 R1, Amendment 39–
16147 (74 FR 68505, December 28,
2009) (‘‘AD 2008–04–11 R1’’), applies to
all The Boeing Company Model 707
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
affects 9 airplanes of U.S. registry. We
estimate the following costs to comply
with this proposed AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Revise the Maintenance or Inspection Program.
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 .................
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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
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because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on
products identified in this rulemaking
action.
This proposed AD is issued in
accordance with authority delegated by
the Executive Director, Aircraft
Certification Service, as authorized by
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance
with that order, issuance of ADs is
normally a function of the Compliance
and Airworthiness Division, but during
this transition period, the Executive
Director has delegated the authority to
issue ADs applicable to transport
category airplanes to the Director of the
System Oversight Division.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD
would not have federalism implications
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Cost per
product
Parts cost
$0
$85
Cost on U.S.
operators
$765
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
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 222 / Monday, November 20, 2017 / Proposed Rules
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–
2017–1026; Product Identifier 2017–
NM–097–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by January 4,
2018.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects the ADs specified in
paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD.
(1) AD 2008–04–11 R1, Amendment 39–
16147 (74 FR 68505, December 28, 2009)
(‘‘AD 2008–04–11 R1’’).
(2) AD 2013–24–07, Amendment 39–17681
(78 FR 72550, December 3, 2013) (‘‘AD 2013–
24–07’’).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing
Company airplanes, certificated in any
category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and
(c)(2) of this AD.
(1) Model 707–100 long body, –200, –100B
long body, and –100B short body, –300,
–300B, –300C, and –400 series airplanes.
(2) Model 720 and 720B series airplanes.
(d) Subject
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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 detect and correct
potential ignition sources inside fuel tanks
caused by latent failures, alterations, repairs,
or maintenance actions, which, in
combination with flammable fuel vapors,
could result in fuel tank explosions and
consequent loss of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
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(g) Revision of Maintenance or Inspection
Program
Within 60 days after the effective date of
this AD, revise the maintenance or inspection
program, as applicable, to incorporate the
information in Section A, including
Subsections A.1, A.2, and Appendix 1, as
specified in Boeing 707/720 Airworthiness
Limitations (AWLs), D6–7552–AWL, dated
October 2016; except as provided in
paragraph (h) of this AD. The initial
compliance times for the AWL tasks are
within the applicable compliance times
specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(5)
of this AD.
(1) AWL No. 28–AWL–01, External Wires
Over Center Fuel Tank, as specified in
Boeing 707/720 Airworthiness Limitations
(AWLs), D6–7552–AWL, dated October 2016.
The initial compliance time for
accomplishment of the actions specified by
AWL No. 28–AWL–01 is specified in
paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD, as
applicable.
(i) For airplanes that have been previously
inspected as specified in 28–AWL–01 as of
the effective date of this AD: Conduct the
inspection within 120 months after the most
recent inspection.
(ii) For airplanes that have not been
inspected as specified in 28–AWL–01:
Conduct the inspection within 12 months
after the effective date of this AD.
(2) AWL No. 28–AWL–18, AC Fuel Boost
Pump Bonding Installation, as specified in
Boeing 707/720 Airworthiness Limitations
(AWLs), D6–7552–AWL, dated October 2016.
The initial compliance time for
accomplishment of the actions specified by
AWL No. 28–AWL–18 is specified in
paragraph (g)(2)(i) or (g)(2)(ii) of this AD, as
applicable.
(i) For airplanes that have been previously
inspected as specified in 28–AWL–18 as of
the effective date of this AD: Conduct the
inspection within 72 months after the most
recent inspection.
(ii) For airplanes that have not been
inspected as specified in 28–AWL–18 as of
the effective date of this AD: Conduct the
inspection within 12 months after the
effective date of this AD.
(3) AWL No. 28–AWL–19, Fuel Valve
Bonding Jumper Installation—Engine Fuel
Shutoff, Defuel, Reserve Tank Transfer, Fuel
Dump, and Fuel Manifold Valves, as
specified in Boeing 707/720 Airworthiness
Limitations (AWLs), D6–7552–AWL, dated
October 2016. The initial compliance time for
accomplishment of the actions specified by
AWL No. 28–AWL–19 is specified in
paragraph (g)(3)(i) or (g)(3)(ii) of this AD, as
applicable.
(i) For airplanes that have been previously
inspected as specified in 28–AWL–19 as of
the effective date of this AD: Conduct the
inspection within 72 months after the most
recent inspection.
(ii) For airplanes that have not been
inspected as specified in 28–AWL–19 as of
the effective date of this AD: Conduct the
inspection within 12 months after the
effective date of this AD.
(4) AWL No. 28–AWL–21, Dry Bay Fuel
Manifold Assembly—Bonding Jumper
Installation, as specified in Boeing 707/720
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55059
Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs), D6–
7552–AWL, dated October 2016. The initial
compliance time for accomplishment of the
actions specified by AWL No. 28–AWL–21 is
specified in paragraph (g)(4)(i) or (g)(4)(ii) of
this AD, as applicable.
(i) For airplanes that have been previously
inspected as specified in 28–AWL–21 as of
the effective date of this AD: Conduct the
inspection within 72 months after the most
recent inspection.
(ii) For airplanes that have not been
inspected as specified in 28–AWL–21 as of
the effective date of this AD: Conduct the
inspection within 12 months after the
effective date of this AD.
(5) AWL No. 28–AWL–23, Reserve Tank
Transfer Piping Assembly—Bonding Jumper
Installation, as specified in Boeing 707/720
Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs), D6–
7552–AWL, dated October 2016. The initial
compliance time for accomplishment of the
actions specified by AWL No. 28–AWL–23 is
specified in paragraph (g)(5)(i) or (g)(5)(ii) of
this AD, as applicable.
(i) For airplanes that have been previously
inspected as specified in 28–AWL–23 as of
the effective date of this AD: Conduct the
inspection within 72 months after the most
recent inspection.
(ii) For airplanes that have not been
inspected as specified in 28–AWL–23 as of
the effective date of this AD: Conduct the
inspection within 12 months after the
effective date of this AD.
(h) Additional Acceptable Wire Types and
Sleeving
(1) Where AWL No. 28–AWL–03 identifies
wire types BMS 13–48, BMS 13–58, and BMS
13–60, the following wire types are also
acceptable: MIL–W–22759/16, MIL–W–
22759/32, MIL–W–22759/34, MIL–W–22759/
41, MIL–W–22759/86, MIL–W–22759/87,
and MIL–W–22759/92; and MIL–C–27500
cables, which are constructed from the MIL
Specification wire types identified in this
paragraph.
(2) Where AWL No. 28–AWL–03 identifies
TFE–2X Standard wall for wire sleeving, the
following sleeving materials are also
acceptable: Roundit 2000NX and Varglas
Type HO, HP, or HM.
(i) No Alternative Actions and Intervals
After the maintenance or inspection
program has been revised as required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative
actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be
used unless the actions or intervals are
approved as an alternative method of
compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (k) of this
AD.
(j) Terminating Action for Other ADs
(1) Accomplishment of the actions required
by paragraph (g) of this AD terminates all
requirements of AD 2008–04–11 R1 for that
airplane.
(2) Accomplishment of the actions required
by paragraph (g) of this AD terminates the
requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 2013–
24–07 for that airplane.
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 222 / Monday, November 20, 2017 / Proposed Rules
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch,
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
certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (l)(1) 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
Branch, 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.
Federal Aviation Administration
(l) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Christopher Baker, Aerospace
Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle
ACO Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
Renton, WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–
6498; fax: 425–917–6590; email:
christopher.r.baker@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd.,
MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600;
telephone: 562–797–1717; Internet: https://
www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this
service information at the FAA, Transport
Standards Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
Renton, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
425–227–1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
November 8, 2017.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
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[FR Doc. 2017–24813 Filed 11–17–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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14 CFR Part 71
Eastern Service Center, Federal Aviation
Administration, P.O. Box 20636,
Atlanta, Georgia 30320; telephone (404)
305–6364.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
[Docket No. FAA–2014–0839; Airspace
Docket No. 14–AEA–7]
Authority for This Rulemaking
Proposed Amendment of Class E
Airspace, Selinsgrove, PA
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
This action proposes to
amend Class E airspace extending
upward from 700 feet above the surface
in Selinsgrove, PA. A new area
navigation (RNAV) global positioning
system (GPS) standard instrument
approach procedure has been developed
at Penn Valley Airport, requiring
airspace reconfiguration. Controlled
airspace is necessary for the safety and
management of instrument flight rules
(IFR) operations at the airport. This
action also would update the geographic
coordinates of the airport.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before January 4, 2018.
ADDRESSES: Send comments on this
proposal to: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., West Bldg
Ground Floor Rm W12–140,
Washington, DC 20590; Telephone: 1
(800) 647–5527, or (202) 366–9826. You
must identify the Docket No. FAA–
2014–0839; Airspace Docket No. 14–
AEA–7, at the beginning of your
comments. You may also submit and
review received comments through the
Internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
FAA Order 7400.11B, Airspace
Designations and Reporting Points, and
subsequent amendments can be viewed
on line at https://www.faa.gov/air_
traffic/publications/. For further
information, you can contact the
Airspace Policy Group, Federal Aviation
Administration, 800 Independence
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591;
telephone: (202) 267–8783. The Order is
also available for inspection at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of FAA
Order 7400.11B at NARA, call (202)
741–6030, or go to https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
FAA Order 7400.11, Airspace
Designations and Reporting Points, is
published yearly and effective on
September 15.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John
Fornito, Operations Support Group,
SUMMARY:
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The FAA’s authority to issue rules
regarding aviation safety is found in
Title 49 of the United States Code.
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. This rulemaking is
promulgated under the authority
described in Subtitle VII, Part A,
Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that
section, the FAA is charged with
prescribing regulations to assign the use
of airspace necessary to ensure the
safety of aircraft and the efficient use of
airspace. This regulation is within the
scope of that authority as it would
amend Class E airspace at Penn Valley
Airport, Selinsgrove, PA to support
standard instrument approach
procedures for IFR operations at the
airport
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to
comment on this rule 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.
You may also submit comments through
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov.
Persons wishing the FAA to
acknowledge receipt of their comments
on this action must submit with those
comments a self-addressed stamped
postcard on which the following
statement is made: ‘‘Comments to
Docket No. FAA–2014–0839; Airspace
Docket No. 14–AEA–7.’’ The postcard
will be date/time stamped and returned
to the commenter.
All communications received before
the specified closing date for comments
will be considered before taking action
on the proposed rule. The proposal
contained in this notice may be changed
in light of the comments received. A
report summarizing each substantive
public contact with FAA personnel
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 222 (Monday, November 20, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 55057-55060]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-24813]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 222 / Monday, November 20, 2017 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 55057]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2017-1026; Product Identifier 2017-NM-097-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company 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 all
The Boeing Company Model 707 airplanes, and Model 720 and 720B series
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by fuel system reviews
conducted by the manufacturer. This proposed AD would require revising
the maintenance or inspection program to include new airworthiness
limitations. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition
on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 4, 2018.
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.
For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS),
2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-5600;
telephone: 562-797-1717; Internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You
may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Standards
Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also
available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-1026.
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-2017-
1026; 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 NPRM, 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: Christopher Baker, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6498; fax: 425-917-6590; email:
christopher.r.baker@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-2017-1026;
Product Identifier 2017-NM-097-AD'' at the beginning of your comments.
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM 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 NPRM.
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 20, 2002;
corrected at 67 FR 70809, November 26, 2002) and Amendment 21-83 (67 FR
72830, December 9, 2002; corrected at 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 ADs 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 another latent condition(s), and in-service failure
experience. For all four criteria, the
[[Page 55058]]
evaluations included consideration of previous actions taken that may
mitigate the need for further action.
This proposed AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by
the manufacturer. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct
potential ignition sources inside fuel tanks caused by latent failures,
alterations, repairs, or maintenance actions, which, in combination
with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and
consequent loss of the airplane.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Boeing 707/720 Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs), D6-
7552-AWL, dated October 2016, which addresses fuel tank systems and
impact-resistant fuel tank access doors. This service information is
reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it
through their normal course of business or by the means identified in
the ADDRESSES section.
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 these same type
designs.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require revising the maintenance or
inspection program to add airworthiness limitations specified in Boeing
707/720 Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs), D6-7552-AWL, dated October
2016. For information on the procedures and compliance times, see this
service information at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2017-1026.
This proposed AD would require revisions to certain operator
maintenance documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections).
Compliance with these actions is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For
airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in
the areas addressed by this proposed AD, the operator may not be able
to accomplish the actions 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 according to paragraph
(k) of this proposed AD. The request should include a description of
changes to the required actions that will ensure the continued
operational safety of the airplane.
Related Rulemaking
AD 2008-04-11 R1, Amendment 39-16147 (74 FR 68505, December 28,
2009) (``AD 2008-04-11 R1''), applies to all The Boeing Company Model
707 airplanes, and Model 720 and 720B series airplanes. AD 2008-04-11
R1 requires revisions to certain operator maintenance documents to
include new inspections. Accomplishing the actions specified in this
proposed AD would terminate all requirements of AD 2008-04-11 R1.
AD 2013-24-07, Amendment 39-17681 (78 FR 72550, December 3, 2013)
(``AD 2013-24-07''), applies to all The Boeing Company Model 707
airplanes, and Model 720 and 720B series airplanes. AD 2013-24-07
requires an inspection of the left- and right-hand wing fuel tank
access doors to determine that impact-resistant access doors are
installed in the correct locations, and to replace any door with an
impact-resistant access door if necessary; an inspection for stencils
and index markers on impact-resistant access doors, and application of
new stencils or index markers if necessary; and revision of the
maintenance program to incorporate changes to the airworthiness
limitations section. Accomplishing the actions specified in this
proposed AD would terminate the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD
2013-24-07.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 9 airplanes of U.S.
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Revise the Maintenance or Inspection 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $765
Program. hour = $85.
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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.
This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated
by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as
authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order,
issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and
Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the
Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable
to transport category airplanes to the Director of the System Oversight
Division.
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
[[Page 55059]]
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-2017-1026; Product Identifier
2017-NM-097-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by January 4, 2018.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects the ADs specified in paragraphs (b)(1) and
(b)(2) of this AD.
(1) AD 2008-04-11 R1, Amendment 39-16147 (74 FR 68505, December
28, 2009) (``AD 2008-04-11 R1'').
(2) AD 2013-24-07, Amendment 39-17681 (78 FR 72550, December 3,
2013) (``AD 2013-24-07'').
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company airplanes,
certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and
(c)(2) of this AD.
(1) Model 707-100 long body, -200, -100B long body, and -100B
short body, -300, -300B, -300C, and -400 series airplanes.
(2) Model 720 and 720B series airplanes.
(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 detect and correct potential
ignition sources inside fuel tanks caused by latent failures,
alterations, repairs, or maintenance actions, which, in combination
with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and
consequent loss of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Revision of Maintenance or Inspection Program
Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the
information in Section A, including Subsections A.1, A.2, and
Appendix 1, as specified in Boeing 707/720 Airworthiness Limitations
(AWLs), D6-7552-AWL, dated October 2016; except as provided in
paragraph (h) of this AD. The initial compliance times for the AWL
tasks are within the applicable compliance times specified in
paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(5) of this AD.
(1) AWL No. 28-AWL-01, External Wires Over Center Fuel Tank, as
specified in Boeing 707/720 Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs), D6-
7552-AWL, dated October 2016. The initial compliance time for
accomplishment of the actions specified by AWL No. 28-AWL-01 is
specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD, as
applicable.
(i) For airplanes that have been previously inspected as
specified in 28-AWL-01 as of the effective date of this AD: Conduct
the inspection within 120 months after the most recent inspection.
(ii) For airplanes that have not been inspected as specified in
28-AWL-01: Conduct the inspection within 12 months after the
effective date of this AD.
(2) AWL No. 28-AWL-18, AC Fuel Boost Pump Bonding Installation,
as specified in Boeing 707/720 Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs), D6-
7552-AWL, dated October 2016. The initial compliance time for
accomplishment of the actions specified by AWL No. 28-AWL-18 is
specified in paragraph (g)(2)(i) or (g)(2)(ii) of this AD, as
applicable.
(i) For airplanes that have been previously inspected as
specified in 28-AWL-18 as of the effective date of this AD: Conduct
the inspection within 72 months after the most recent inspection.
(ii) For airplanes that have not been inspected as specified in
28-AWL-18 as of the effective date of this AD: Conduct the
inspection within 12 months after the effective date of this AD.
(3) AWL No. 28-AWL-19, Fuel Valve Bonding Jumper Installation--
Engine Fuel Shutoff, Defuel, Reserve Tank Transfer, Fuel Dump, and
Fuel Manifold Valves, as specified in Boeing 707/720 Airworthiness
Limitations (AWLs), D6-7552-AWL, dated October 2016. The initial
compliance time for accomplishment of the actions specified by AWL
No. 28-AWL-19 is specified in paragraph (g)(3)(i) or (g)(3)(ii) of
this AD, as applicable.
(i) For airplanes that have been previously inspected as
specified in 28-AWL-19 as of the effective date of this AD: Conduct
the inspection within 72 months after the most recent inspection.
(ii) For airplanes that have not been inspected as specified in
28-AWL-19 as of the effective date of this AD: Conduct the
inspection within 12 months after the effective date of this AD.
(4) AWL No. 28-AWL-21, Dry Bay Fuel Manifold Assembly--Bonding
Jumper Installation, as specified in Boeing 707/720 Airworthiness
Limitations (AWLs), D6-7552-AWL, dated October 2016. The initial
compliance time for accomplishment of the actions specified by AWL
No. 28-AWL-21 is specified in paragraph (g)(4)(i) or (g)(4)(ii) of
this AD, as applicable.
(i) For airplanes that have been previously inspected as
specified in 28-AWL-21 as of the effective date of this AD: Conduct
the inspection within 72 months after the most recent inspection.
(ii) For airplanes that have not been inspected as specified in
28-AWL-21 as of the effective date of this AD: Conduct the
inspection within 12 months after the effective date of this AD.
(5) AWL No. 28-AWL-23, Reserve Tank Transfer Piping Assembly--
Bonding Jumper Installation, as specified in Boeing 707/720
Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs), D6-7552-AWL, dated October 2016.
The initial compliance time for accomplishment of the actions
specified by AWL No. 28-AWL-23 is specified in paragraph (g)(5)(i)
or (g)(5)(ii) of this AD, as applicable.
(i) For airplanes that have been previously inspected as
specified in 28-AWL-23 as of the effective date of this AD: Conduct
the inspection within 72 months after the most recent inspection.
(ii) For airplanes that have not been inspected as specified in
28-AWL-23 as of the effective date of this AD: Conduct the
inspection within 12 months after the effective date of this AD.
(h) Additional Acceptable Wire Types and Sleeving
(1) Where AWL No. 28-AWL-03 identifies wire types BMS 13-48, BMS
13-58, and BMS 13-60, the following wire types are also acceptable:
MIL-W-22759/16, MIL-W-22759/32, MIL-W-22759/34, MIL-W-22759/41, MIL-
W-22759/86, MIL-W-22759/87, and MIL-W-22759/92; and MIL-C-27500
cables, which are constructed from the MIL Specification wire types
identified in this paragraph.
(2) Where AWL No. 28-AWL-03 identifies TFE-2X Standard wall for
wire sleeving, the following sleeving materials are also acceptable:
Roundit 2000NX and Varglas Type HO, HP, or HM.
(i) No Alternative Actions and Intervals
After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g.,
inspections) or intervals may be used unless the actions or
intervals are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC)
in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (k) of this
AD.
(j) Terminating Action for Other ADs
(1) Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (g) of
this AD terminates all requirements of AD 2008-04-11 R1 for that
airplane.
(2) Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (g) of
this AD terminates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 2013-24-
07 for that airplane.
[[Page 55060]]
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, 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 certification office, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (l)(1) 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 Branch, 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.
(l) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Christopher
Baker, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO
Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6498; fax: 425-917-6590; email: christopher.r.baker@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-
5600; telephone: 562-797-1717; Internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this service information at the
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA.
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA,
call 425-227-1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 8, 2017.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-24813 Filed 11-17-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
