[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 148 (Thursday, August 1, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 46538-46540]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-18507]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0666; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-060-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 727 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted
by reports indicating that a standard fuel tank access door was located
where an impact-resistant access door was required, and stencils were
missing from some impact-resistant access doors. This proposed AD would
require 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. This proposed AD also would require an
inspection for stencils and index markers on impact-resistant access
doors, and application of new stencils or index markers if necessary.
This proposed AD would also require revising the maintenance program to
incorporate changes to the airworthiness limitations section. We are
proposing this AD to prevent foreign object penetration of the fuel
tank, which could cause a fuel leak near an ignition source (e.g., hot
brakes), consequently leading to a fuel-fed fire.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 16,
2013.
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 http://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 proposed AD, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management,
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 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, WA. 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 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: Suzanne Lucier, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6438; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].
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-2013-0666;
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-060-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 http://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
We received reports of a standard fuel tank access door located
where an impact-resistant access door is required, and stencils missing
from some spare impact-resistant access doors. This condition, if not
corrected, could result in foreign object penetration of the fuel tank,
which could cause a fuel leak near an ignition source (e.g., hot
brakes), consequently leading to a fuel-fed fire.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 727-28-0134, dated January 12,
2012; and Critical Design Configuration Control Limitation (CDCCL) Task
57-AWL-01, ``Impact-Resistant Fuel Tank Access Door,'' of Section 1,
Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) of Boeing 727-100/200 Airworthiness
Limitations (AWLs) Document D6-
[[Page 46539]]
8766-AWL, Revision September 2012. For information on the procedures
and compliance times, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. FAA-2013-0666.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition identified previously
is likely to exist or develop in other products of these same type
designs.
Proposed AD Requirements
The FAA issued section 121.316 of the Federal Aviation Regulations
(14 CFR 121.316) requiring that each turbine powered transport category
airplane meet the requirements of section 25.963(e) of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 25.963(e)). Section 25.963(e) outlines the
certification requirements for fuel tank access covers on turbine
powered transport category airplanes.
This proposed AD would require inspecting fuel tank access doors to
determine that impact-resistant access doors are installed in the
correct locations and replacing any door with an impact-resistant
access door if necessary; inspecting application of stencils and index
markers of impact-resistant access doors and application of new
stencils or index markers if necessary; and revising the maintenance
program.
This proposed AD requires revisions to certain operator maintenance
documents to include a new CDCCL. Compliance with CDCCLs is required by
section 91.403(c) of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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
might 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 (AMOC)
according to the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this proposed
AD. The request should include a description of changes to the required
actions that will ensure the continued damage tolerance of the affected
structure.
After accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (h) of this
AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, and/or
CDCCLs may be used unless the actions, intervals, and/or CDCCLs are
approved as an AMOC in accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (j) of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 139 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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Inspection...................................... Up to 3 work- $0 $255 $35,445
hours x $85
per hour =
$255
Maintenance Program Revision.................... 1 work-hour x 0 85 11,815
$85 per hour =
$85
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection.
We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need
these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement per door.......................... 3 work-hours x $85 per hour = $8,000 $8,255
$255.
Stencil and index marker...................... Up to 2 work-hours x $85 per 0 170
hour = $170.
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According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed
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.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and
[[Page 46540]]
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-2013-0666; Directorate Identifier
2013-NM-060-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by September 16, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 727, 727C, 727-
100, 727 -100C, 727-200, and 727-200F series airplanes; certificated
in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports indicating that a standard fuel
tank access door was located where an impact-resistant access door
was required, and stencils were missing from some impact-resistant
access doors. We are issuing this AD to prevent foreign object
penetration of the fuel tank, which could cause a fuel leak near an
ignition source (e.g., hot brakes), consequently leading to a fuel-
fed fire.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspections
Within 72 months after the effective date of this AD, do the
actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service
Bulletin 727-28-0134, dated January 12, 2012.
(1) Do either a general visual inspection or ultrasonic non-
destructive test of the left- and right-hand wing fuel tank access
doors to determine whether impact-resistant access doors are
installed in the correct locations. If any standard access door is
found, before further flight, replace with an impact-resistant
access door, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 727-28-0134, dated January 12, 2012.
(2) Do a general visual inspection of the left- and right-hand
wing fuel tank impact-resistant access doors to verify stencils and
index markers are applied. If a stencil or index marker is missing,
before further flight, apply stencil or index marker, as applicable,
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service
Bulletin 727-28-0134, dated January 12, 2012.
(h) Maintenance Program Revision
Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the
maintenance program to incorporate Critical Design Configuration
Control Limitation (CDCCL) Task 57-AWL-01, ``Impact-Resistant Fuel
Tank Access Door,'' of Section 1, Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs)
of Boeing 727-100/200 Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) Document D6-
8766-AWL, Revision September 2012.
(i) No Alternative CDCCLs
After accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (h) of
this AD, no alternative CDCCLs may be used unless the CDCCLs are
approved as an alternative method of compliance in accordance with
the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.
(j) 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.
(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 Organization Designation Authorization
(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.
(k) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Suzanne Lucier,
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA
98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6438; 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, WA 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, WA. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 21, 2013.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-18507 Filed 7-31-13; 8:45 am]
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