[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 112 (Friday, June 10, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33991-33993]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-13652]
[[Page 33991]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-1272; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-226-AD;
Amendment 39-16712; AD 2011-12-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 727, 727C,
727-100, 727-100C, 727-200, and 727-200F Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This AD requires replacing the existing
unshielded fuel quantity indication system (FQIS) wire bundles with
double shielded FQIS wire bundles, installing a new wire feed-through
fitting, and grounding the wire shields, as applicable; and doing
repetitive low frequency eddy current (LFEC) inspections for cracking
of the fuselage skin, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also
requires revising the maintenance program to incorporate certain
airworthiness limitations. This AD was prompted by fuel system reviews
conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to increase the
level of protection from lightning strikes and prevent 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.
DATES: This AD is effective July 15, 2011.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of July 15, 2011.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone 206-
544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; e-mail [email protected];
Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the
referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://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 AD, the regulatory evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The address for the
Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is Document Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Louis Natsiopoulos, Aerospace
Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-
3356; phone: 425-917-6478; fax: 425-917-6590; e-mail:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to
the specified products. That NPRM published in the Federal Register on
January 3, 2011 (76 FR 31). That NPRM proposed to require replacing the
existing unshielded fuel quantity indication system (FQIS) wire bundles
with double shielded FQIS wire bundles, installing a new wire feed-
through fitting, and grounding the wire shields, as applicable; and
doing repetitive low frequency eddy current (LFEC) inspections for
cracking of the fuselage skin, and corrective actions if necessary.
That NPRM also proposed to require revising the maintenance program to
incorporate certain airworthiness limitations.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comment received on the proposal
and the FAA's response to the comment.
Request for Explanation of Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC)
Authority for Structures Portions of the NPRM
Boeing requested that we explain that some designees with AMOC
authority may be necessary for the structural portions of the AD.
Boeing stated that repairs to airplane structure, if needed, would also
be an AMOC to the AD and would need to be noted as such and approved by
the FAA or a Boeing Authorized Representative designated with AMOC
authority for the structural aspects of this installation. Boeing added
that any repair would need to address damage tolerance issues
associated with 14 CFR 25.571 and 14 CFR part 26, subpart E. of the
Federal Aviation Regulations. Boeing stated that these requirements are
the basis for the inspections provided in Boeing Service Bulletin 727-
28-0131, dated August 18, 2010, and changes to the installation with
repairs may revise the inspection requirements.
We agree with the request to add explanatory information to
paragraph (i) of this AD. Any structural repairs that cannot be done in
accordance with the accomplishment instructions of Boeing Service
Bulletin 727-28-0131, dated August 18, 2010, will require a request for
an AMOC. The requested AMOC, if it provides an acceptable level of
safety, may be approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the
Manager, Seattle ACO to make those findings. Paragraph (i) of this AD
has been changed to explain that some designees with AMOC authority for
the structures portions of the AD might be necessary.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
the AD with the change described previously and minor editorial
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
[Agr]re consistent with the intent that was proposed in
the NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
We also determined that these changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 566 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 33992]]
Estimated Costs
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Installation................... Between 86 and 247 Between $16,191 Between $23,501 Up to
work-hours x $85 per and $34,712.\1\ and $55,707.\1\ $27,195,925.\2\
hour = Between $7,310-
$20,995.\1\
Inspection..................... 2 work-hours x $85 per $0............... $170............. $96,220 per
hour = $170 per inspection
inspection cycle. cycle.
Maintenance Program Revision... 1 work-hour x $85 per $0............... $85.............. $48,110.
hour = $85.
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\1\ Depending on configuration.
\2\ The cost to U.S. operators is based on configuration and number of airplanes in that configuration.
We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
a cost estimate for the on-condition action specified in this AD.
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
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(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),
(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.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 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):
2011-12-05 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-16712; Docket No. FAA-
2010-1272; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-226-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD is effective July 15, 2011.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 727, 727C, 727-
100, 727-100C, 727-200, and 727-200F series airplanes, all variable
numbers, certificated in any category.
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 according
to paragraph (l) 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.
Subject
(d) Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport
Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.
Unsafe Condition
(e) This AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the
manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to increase the level of
protection from lightning strikes and prevent 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.
Compliance
(f) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
Installation
(g) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD,
install double shielded fuel quantity indicating system (FQIS) wire
bundles, install a new wire feed-through fitting, and ground the
wire shields, as applicable, in accordance with Part 1 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 727-28-0131,
dated August 18, 2010.
Repetitive Inspections
(h) At the applicable times specified in paragraphs (h)(1) or
(h)(2) of this AD, do low frequency eddy current (LFEC) inspections
for cracking of the fuselage skin, in accordance with Part 2 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 727-28-0131,
dated August 18, 2010.
(1) For Model 727, 727-100, 727-100C, and 727C series airplanes:
Before the accumulation of 45,000 total flight cycles, or within
8,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs later. Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 8,000 flight cycles.
(2) For Model 727-200 and 727-200F series airplanes: Before the
accumulation of 45,000 total flight cycles, or within 16,000 flight
cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 16,000
flight cycles.
(i) If any cracking is found during any inspection required by
paragraph (h) of this AD: Before further flight, repair the crack in
accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA.
For a repair method to be approved, the repair must meet
[[Page 33993]]
the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must
specifically refer to this AD. An alternative method of compliance
that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any
repair 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.
Maintenance Program Revision
(j) Before or concurrently with doing the actions required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, or within 30 days after the effective date
of this AD, whichever occurs later: Revise the maintenance program
by incorporating airworthiness limitations (AWL) No. 28-AWL-18 and
28-AWL-19 in Section D of Section 9 (``AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS-
FUEL SYSTEMS'') of the Boeing 727-100/200 Airworthiness Limitations
(AWLs) Document, D6-8766-AWL, Revision August 2010. The initial
compliance time for AWL No. 28-AWL-18 is within 10 years after the
accomplishment of paragraph (g) of this AD, or within 10 years after
the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
No Alternative Inspections, Inspection Intervals, or Critical Design
Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs)
(k) After accomplishing the action specified in paragraph (j) of
this AD, no alternative inspections, inspection intervals, or CDCCLs
may be used unless the inspections, intervals, or CDCCLs are
approved as an alternative method of compliance in accordance with
the procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(l)(1) The Manager, Seattle 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 the Related Information section of this AD.
Information may be e-mailed to: [email protected].
(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 required by this AD if it is approved by the
Boeing Commercial Airplanes ODA that has been authorized by the
Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. For a repair method to
be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the
airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD.
Related Information
(m) For more information about this AD, contact Louis
Natsiopoulos, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-
130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue,
SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6478; fax: 425-
917-6590; e-mail: [email protected].
Material Incorporated by Reference
(n) You must use Boeing Service Bulletin 727-28-0131, dated
August 18, 2010; and Section 9 of the Boeing 727-100/200
Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) Section 9, Document D6-8766-AWL,
Revision August 2010; to do the actions required by this AD, unless
the AD specifies otherwise. ``Section 9'' is referenced only in the
List of Effective Pages section of the Boeing 727-100/200 AWLs
Document.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the service information under 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207; telephone
206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; e-mail
[email protected]; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
(3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at
the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
(4) You may also review copies of the service information that
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this
material at an NARA facility, call 202-741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 11, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-13652 Filed 6-9-11; 8:45 am]
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