[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 72 (Monday, April 15, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 22172-22175]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-08191]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2011-1094; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-070-AD;
Amendment 39-17412; AD 2013-07-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
The Boeing Company Model 757 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports
that inspections of the wing center section revealed defective,
misapplied, or missing secondary fuel vapor barriers on the center fuel
tank. This AD requires inspecting for discrepancies and insufficient
coverage of the secondary fuel barrier, determining the thickness of
the secondary fuel barrier, and corrective actions if necessary. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct defective surfaces and
insufficient thickness of the secondary fuel barrier, which could allow
fuel leaks or fumes into the pressurized cabin, and allow fuel or fuel
vapors to come in contact with an ignition source, which could result
in a fire or an explosion.
DATES: This AD is effective May 20, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of May 20, 2013.
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; 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: Kevin Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: (425) 917-
6501; fax: (425) 917-6590; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
That NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 26, 2011 (76 FR
66200). That NPRM proposed to require inspecting for discrepancies and
insufficient coverage of the secondary fuel barrier, determining the
thickness of the secondary fuel barrier, and corrective actions if
necessary.
Actions Since NPRM (76 FR 66200, October 26, 2011) Was Issued
The NPRM (76 FR 66200, October 26, 2011) referred to Boeing Service
Bulletin 757-57-0060, Revision 2, dated May 24, 2007; and Boeing
Service Bulletin 757-57-0061, Revision 1, dated May 24, 2007; as the
appropriate sources of service information for accomplishing the
proposed actions.
Since we issued the NPRM (76 FR 66200, October 26, 2011), we have
reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 757-57-0060, Revision 4, dated
December 7, 2012; and Boeing Service Bulletin 757-57-0061, Revision 3,
dated December 7, 2012. We also reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 757-
57-0060, Revision 3, dated May 9, 2012; and Boeing Service Bulletin
757-57-0061, Revision 2, dated May 4, 2012. Among other things, these
service bulletins eliminate a reference to the ``upper panel'' from
certain steps of the Accomplishment Instructions. Boeing Service
Bulletin 757-57-0061, Revision 2, dated May 4, 2012, also removed
references to Group 2 airplanes from certain parts of the
Accomplishment Instructions.
This final rule has been revised to reference the latest revisions
of this service information. In addition, the reference to ``upper
panel'' has been removed from paragraph (h) of this AD.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal
(76 FR 66200, October 26, 2011) and the FAA's response to each comment.
Boeing supported the NPRM. FedEx had no technical objections to the
NPRM.
Request To Extend the Compliance Time
American Airlines (AA) requested that we revise the NPRM (76 FR
66200, October 26, 2011) to extend the compliance time specified in
paragraph (g) of the NPRM from 60 months to 72 months to align with the
regular heavy check interval for Model 757 airplanes. AA added that,
based on current findings and the design of the vapor barrier, safety
of flight is not affected by extending the compliance time.
We agree with extending the compliance time to 72 months. The
purpose of the secondary fuel barrier on Model 757 airplanes is to
contain leaks due to fastener failures, primary tank sealant failures,
and/or structural cracking of the center fuel tank. Model 757 airplanes
have not had a history of those failures, thus extending the compliance
time from 60 months to 72 months is acceptable for operators to
accomplish the inspections during a regularly scheduled heavy
maintenance check. We revised paragraphs (g), (h), (i), and (j) of this
AD accordingly.
Request To Provide Credit for Previous Actions
British Airways PLc requested that we revise the NPRM (76 FR 66200,
October 26, 2011) to provide credit for Groups 1, 2, and 3 airplanes
for accomplishing the actions specified in Boeing Service
[[Page 22173]]
Bulletin 757-57-0060, dated January 9, 2003; or Boeing Service Bulletin
757-57-0060, Revision 1, dated April 10, 2003. European Air Transport
Leipzig GmbH/DHL Air Ltd. also requested that the NPRM be amended to
provide credit for previous actions performed using Boeing Service
Bulletin 757-57-0060, Revision 1, dated April 10, 2003. British Airways
PLc indicated that not providing credit for previous actions would
represent an unnecessary cost to the aviation industry that would
provide no safety benefit. Both commenters stated that unless credit is
provided, operators that choose to accomplish the actions proactively
using those earlier revisions of this service bulletin would be
penalized.
We partially agree. We agree to provide credit for the actions for
Model 757-200 airplanes identified as Group 3 airplanes. We have added
paragraph (k)(1) of this AD to provide credit for Group 3 airplanes if
those actions were performed using Boeing Service Bulletin 757-57-0060,
Revision 1, dated April 10, 2003; or Boeing Service Bulletin 757-57-
0060, dated January 9, 2003.
However, we disagree to provide credit for any Model 757-200
airplane group other than Group 3. As discussed in the NPRM (76 FR
66200, October 26, 2011), Boeing Service Bulletin 757-57-0060, Revision
2, dated May 24, 2007, contains further detailed inspection
requirements for the secondary fuel barrier for Model 757-200 airplanes
identified as Group 1 and Group 4, Configuration 1; and for Model 757-
200CB and 757-200PF airplanes identified as Group 2. Boeing Service
Bulletin 757-57-0060, Revision 2, dated May 24, 2007, had additional
requirements that were not included in earlier revisions. These
additional requirements are inspection for air bubbles or blister-like
areas, solid metallic particles, and defective surfaces that are found
in the secondary fuel barrier, not just found between the secondary
fuel barrier and the structure. Also, Boeing Service Bulletin 757-57-
0060, Revision 2, dated May 24, 2007, provides procedures for thickness
measurements for Model 757-200 airplanes identified as Group 4,
Configuration 1; and Group 4, Configuration 2 airplanes.
In addition, we have determined that it is also appropriate to
provide credit for actions done for Model 757-300 airplanes identified
as Group 2 airplanes. We have added paragraph (k)(4) of this AD to
provide credit for Model 757-300 airplanes identified as Group 2
airplanes if those actions were performed using Boeing Service Bulletin
757-57-0061, dated February 6, 2003, before the effective date of this
AD.
Additional Changes Made to This AD
As previously explained, since the NPRM (76 FR 66200, October 26,
2011) was issued, Boeing released Boeing Service Bulletin 757-57-0060,
Revision 4, dated December 7, 2012; and Boeing Service Bulletin 757-57-
0061, Revision 3, dated December 7, 2012. Therefore, we find it
appropriate to provide credit in paragraph (k) of this final rule for
Boeing Service Bulletin 757-57-0060, Revision 3, dated May 9, 2012;
Boeing Service Bulletin 757-57-0060, Revision 2, dated May 24, 2007;
Boeing Service Bulletin 757-57-0061, Revision 2, dated May 4, 2012; and
Boeing Service Bulletin 757-57-0061, Revision 1, dated May 24, 2007.
Note 1 to paragraph (g) of the NPRM (76 FR 66200, October 26, 2011)
defined a detailed inspection. We have removed that note in this final
rule, since the appropriate service information contains the inspection
definition.
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 changes 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 (76 FR 66200, October 26, 2011) for correcting the unsafe
condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (76 FR 66200, October 26, 2011).
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 619 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor Cost Parts cost product operators
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Access and inspect secondary fuel 42 work-hours x $85 per $0 $3,570 $2,209,830
barrier. hour = $3,570 per
inspection.
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repairs that
would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no
way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these
repairs:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Apply secondary fuel barrier......... 7 work-hours x $85 per $0 $595
hour = $595 per
secondary fuel barrier
application.
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According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost
estimate.
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.
[[Page 22174]]
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):
2013-07-08 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-17412; Docket No. FAA-
2011-1094; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-070-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective May 20, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 757-200, 757-200PF,
and 757-200CB series airplanes, certificated in any category, as
identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 757-57-0060, Revision 4, dated
December 7, 2012; and Model 757-300 series airplanes, certificated
in any category, as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 757-57-
0061, Revision 3, dated December 7, 2012.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 57: Wings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports that inspections of the wing
center section revealed defective, misapplied, or missing secondary
fuel vapor barriers on the center fuel tank. We are issuing this AD
to detect and correct defective surfaces and insufficient thickness
of the secondary fuel barrier, which could allow fuel leaks or fumes
into the pressurized cabin, and allow fuel or fuel vapors to come in
contact with an ignition source, which could result in a fire or an
explosion.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Detailed Inspection
For Group 1, Group 2, and Group 4, Configuration 1 airplanes, as
identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 757-57-0060, Revision 4, dated
December 7, 2012; and Group 1 and Group 3, Configuration 1
airplanes, as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 757-57-0061,
Revision 3, dated December 7, 2012: Within 72 months after the
effective date of this AD, do a detailed inspection to detect
discrepancies of the secondary fuel barrier at the front spar and
the upper panel of the wing center section, and if any discrepancy
exists, repair before further flight; in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 757-57-0060,
Revision 4, dated December 7, 2012; or Boeing Service Bulletin 757-
57-0061, Revision 3, dated December 7, 2012; as applicable.
(h) Inspection of Minimum Application Coverage Area
For Group 3 airplanes, as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin
757-57-0060, Revision 4, dated December 7, 2012; and Group 2
airplanes, as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 757-57-0061,
Revision 3, dated December 7, 2012: Within 72 months after the
effective date of this AD, do a detailed inspection of the front
spar to ensure the secondary fuel barrier application covers the
minimum area specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 757-57-0060,
Revision 4, dated December 7, 2012; or Boeing Service Bulletin 757-
57-0061, Revision 3, dated December 7, 2012; as applicable. If the
secondary fuel barrier does not cover the minimum specified area,
apply more secondary fuel barrier before further flight, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service
Bulletin 757-57-0060, Revision 4, dated December 7, 2012; or Boeing
Service Bulletin 757-57-0061, Revision 3, dated December 7, 2012; as
applicable.
(i) Measurement of Thickness of Secondary Fuel Barrier
For Group 1, Group 2, and Group 4, Configuration 1, airplanes,
as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 757-57-0060, Revision 4,
dated December 7, 2012; and for Group 1 and Group 3, Configuration
1, airplanes, as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 757-57-0061,
Revision 3, dated December 7, 2012: Within 72 months after the
effective date of this AD, measure the thickness of the secondary
fuel barrier. If the thickness is less than or more than the
acceptable limits defined in Boeing Service Bulletin 757-57-0060,
Revision 4, dated December 7, 2012; or Boeing Service Bulletin 757-
57-0061, Revision 3, dated December 7, 2012; as applicable; apply
more secondary fuel barrier or repair before further flight, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service
Bulletin 757-57-0060, Revision 4, dated December 7, 2012; or Boeing
Service Bulletin 757-57-0061, Revision 3, dated December 7, 2012; as
applicable.
(j) Records Review or Measurement of Thickness of Secondary Fuel
Barrier
For Group 4, Configuration 2, airplanes, as identified in Boeing
Service Bulletin 757-57-0060, Revision 4, dated December 7, 2012;
and Group 3, Configuration 2, airplanes, as identified in Boeing
Service Bulletin 757-57-0061, Revision 3, dated December 7, 2012:
Within 72 months, review the maintenance records to determine if
there was a minimum of 0.005 inch of new secondary fuel barrier
applied, or if the thickness of the secondary fuel barrier cannot be
determined from the maintenance records, measure the thickness of
the secondary fuel barrier. If the thickness is less than or more
than the acceptable limits specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 757-
57-0060, Revision 4, dated December 7, 2012; or Boeing Service
Bulletin 757-57-0061, Revision 3, dated December 7, 2012; as
applicable; apply more secondary fuel barrier or repair before
further flight, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions
of Boeing Service Bulletin 757-57-0060, Revision 4, dated December
7, 2012; or Boeing Service Bulletin 757-57-0061, Revision 3, dated
December 7, 2012; as applicable.
(k) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraphs (g), (h), (i), and (j) of this AD, if those actions were
performed before the effective date of this AD using the applicable
service information specified in paragraphs (k)(1) through (k)(4) of
this AD, which are not incorporated by reference in this AD.
(1) For Group 3 airplanes, as identified in Boeing Service
Bulletin 757-57-0060, Revision 4, dated December 7, 2012: Boeing
Service Bulletin 757-57-0060, Revision 1,
[[Page 22175]]
dated April 10, 2003; or Boeing Service Bulletin 757-57-0060, dated
January 9, 2003.
(2) For all airplanes, as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin
757-57-0060, Revision 4, dated December 7, 2012: Boeing Service
Bulletin 757-57-0060, Revision 2, dated May 24, 2007; or Boeing
Service Bulletin 757-57-0060, Revision 3, dated May 9, 2012.
(3) For all airplanes, as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin
757-57-0061, Revision 3, dated December 7, 2012: Boeing Service
Bulletin 757-57-0061, Revision 1, dated May 24, 2007; or Boeing
Service Bulletin 757-57-0061, Revision 2, dated May 4, 2012.
(4) For Group 2 airplanes, as identified in Boeing Service
Bulletin 757-57-0061, Revision 3, dated December 7, 2012: Boeing
Service Bulletin 757-57-0061, dated February 6, 2003.
(l) No Reporting Requirement
Although Boeing Service Bulletin 757-57-0060, Revision 4, dated
December 7, 2012; and Boeing Service Bulletin 757-57-0061, Revision
3, dated December 7, 2012; specify to submit certain information to
the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
(m) 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 the Related Information
section of this AD. Information may be emailed 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.
(n) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Kevin Nguyen,
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
WA 98057-3356; phone: (425) 917-6501; fax: (425) 917-6590; email:
[email protected].
(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; 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.
(o) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Service Bulletin 757-57-0060, Revision 4, dated
December 7, 2012.
(ii) Boeing Service Bulletin 757-57-0061, Revision 3, dated
December 7, 2012.
(3) 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; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
(4) You may view this 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.
(5) You may view copies of this service information that is
incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this
material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 29, 2013.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-08191 Filed 4-12-13; 8:45 am]
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