[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 156 (Tuesday, August 13, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 49217-49221]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-19527]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-1069; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-044-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; the Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); reopening of
comment period.
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SUMMARY: We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive
(AD), for all The Boeing Company Model 727 airplanes, which proposed to
supersede an existing AD. That NPRM proposed to retain repetitive
inspections of the in-tank fuel boost pump wiring, installation of
sleeving over the in-tank fuel boost pump wires, repetitive inspections
of a certain electrical wire, sleeve, and conduit, and applicable
investigative and corrective actions; and repetitive engine fuel
suction feed operational tests. That NPRM proposed to also require
replacement of the wire bundles for the wing and center fuel boost
pumps, installation of convoluted liners, and related investigative and
corrective actions if necessary. That NPRM also proposed to require
replacement of the fuel quantity indicating system (FQIS) wires; a low-
frequency eddy current inspection for cracking; and repair if
necessary. That NPRM also proposed to require revising the maintenance
program to incorporate changes to the airworthiness limitations
section. That NPRM was prompted by a report of damage found to the
sleeve, jacket, and insulation on an electrical wire during a
repetitive inspection. This action revises that NPRM by revising
certain compliance times, specifying a terminating action, and adding a
proposed requirement to incorporate another change to the airworthiness
limitations section. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM to prevent
chafing of the fuel boost pump electrical wiring and leakage of fuel
into the conduit, and to prevent electrical arcing between the wiring
and the surrounding conduit, which could result in arc-through of the
conduit, and consequent fire or explosion of the fuel tank. Since these
actions impose an additional burden over that proposed in the NPRM, we
are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to
comment on these proposed changes.
DATES: We must receive comments on this supplemental NPRM by September
27, 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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
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
[[Page 49218]]
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: Rebel Nichols, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6509; 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 proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2012-1069;
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-044-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 issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that
would apply to to all Boeing Model 727, 727C, 727-100, 727-100C, 727-
200, and 727-200F series airplanes, certificated in any category. That
NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 11, 2012 (77 FR
61731). That NPRM proposed to retain repetitive inspections of the in-
tank fuel boost pump wiring to detect chafing of the wire insulation,
evidence of electrical arcing, or arc-through of the conduit wall, and
applicable corrective action; and installation of sleeving over the in-
tank fuel boost pump wires. That NPRM also proposed to retain
repetitive inspections for damage of a certain electrical wire and
sleeve, and arcing damage of the conduit and signs of fuel leakage into
the conduit; applicable investigative and corrective actions; and
repetitive engine fuel suction feed operational tests. That NPRM
proposed to require replacement of the wire bundles for the wing and
center fuel boost pumps with new, improved wire bundles, installation
of convoluted liners, and related investigative and corrective actions
if necessary. That NPRM also proposed to require replacement of the
FQIS wires with new, improved wires; a low-frequency eddy current
inspection for cracking; and repair if necessary. That NPRM also
proposed to require revising the maintenance program to incorporate
changes to the airworthiness limitations section.
Actions Since Previous NPRM (77 FR 61731, October 11, 2012) Was Issued
Since we issued the previous NPRM (77 FR 61731, October 11, 2012),
we have determined that additional limitations are necessary and that
the initial compliance time for one task must be reduced. The preamble
to AD 2007-11-08, Amendment 39-15065 (72 FR 28594, May 22, 2007)
explains that we consider the requirements ``interim action'' and were
considering further rulemaking. We now have determined that further
rulemaking is indeed necessary, and this proposed AD follows from that
determination.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to comment on the NPRM (77 FR
61731, October 11, 2012). The following presents the comments received
on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.
Request To Add Airworthiness Limitations
Boeing requested that we add ALI Task 28-AWL-18, ``Fuel Quantity
Indicating System (FQIS)--Out-Tank Wiring Lightning Shield to Ground
Termination,'' and Critical Design Configuration Control Limitation
(CDCCL) Task 28-AWL-19, ``Fuel Quantity Indicating System (FQIS)--Out-
Tank Wiring Lightning Shield to Ground Termination'' to the original
NPRM (77 FR 61731, October 11, 2012).
We agree with the request. We have added new paragraph (n)(1) in
this supplemental NPRM to require revising the maintenance program to
include both tasks. These AWL's are necessary after accomplishing the
actions specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-28A013, dated
August 18, 2010, which is proposed in paragraph (m) of this
supplemental NPRM.
Request for Correction
Boeing requested that we correct the Relevant Service Information
section and paragraph (n) of the NPRM (77 FR 61731, October 11, 2012)
to refer to Section B rather than Section 9 of Boeing 727-100/200
Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs), D6-8766-AWL, Revision August 2010.
Boeing stated that there is no section 9 in that document.
We agree with the request. Although the Relevant Service
Information is not repeated in this supplemental NPRM, we have made the
correction to new paragraph (n)(2) of this supplemental NPRM (which was
paragraph (n) of the previous NPRM (77 FR 61731, October 11, 2012)).
Change to Compliance Time
Paragraph (n) of the previous NPRM (77 FR 61731, October 11, 2012)
specified a compliance time of 60 months after the effective date of
the AD for accomplishing the initial task for Airworthiness Limitation
Instruction (ALI) Task 28-AWL-20, ``Fuel Boost Pump Wires in Conduit
Installation--In Fuel Tank;'' and CDCCL Task 28-AWL-21, ``Fuel Boost
Pump Wires in Conduit Installation--In Fuel Tank,'' of Section B of
Boeing 727-100/200 Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs), D6-8766-AWL,
Revision August 2010. We have added paragraph (n)(2) to this
supplemental NPRM to change the compliance time for accomplishing the
initial task to within 72 months after accomplishing the actions
specified in Boeing Service Bulletin 727-28A0133, dated October 5,
2011.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this supplemental NPRM because we evaluated all
the relevant information and determined the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same
type design. Certain changes described above expand the scope of the
previous NPRM (77 FR 61731, October 11, 2012). As a result, we have
determined that it is necessary to reopen the comment period to provide
additional opportunity for the public to comment on this supplemental
NPRM.
Proposed Requirements of the Supplemental NPRM
This supplemental NPRM would require accomplishing the actions
[[Page 49219]]
specified in the service information described previously, except as
discussed under ``Differences Between the Supplemental NPRM and the
Service Information.''
Differences Between the Supplemental NPRM and the Service Information
Although Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-28A0133, dated October
5, 2011, specifies that operators may contact the manufacturer for
disposition of certain repair conditions, this proposed AD would
require operators to repair those conditions using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (p) of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 569 airplanes of U.S.
registry.We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
Estimated Costs
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Number of U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product airplanes Cost on U.S. operators
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Inspection, test, and corrective 10 work-hours x $0........................ $850...................... 260 $221,000.
actions [retained actions from $85 per hour =
existing AD 2007-11-08, $850.
Amendment 39-15065 (72 FR
28594, May 22, 2007)].
Replacement [proposed action]... 185 work-hours x $28,771................... $44,496................... 569 $25,318,224.
$85 per hour =
$15,725.
Revise Maintenance Program 1 work-hour x $85 $0........................ $85....................... 569 $48,365.
[proposed action]. per hour = $85.
Concurrent FQIS wire replacement Up to 248 work- Up to $34,865............. Up to $55,945............. 569 Up to $31,832,705.
[proposed action]. hours x $85 per
hour = $21,080.
Concurrent low frequency eddy 2 work-hours x $85 $0........................ $170...................... 569 $96,730.
current (LFEC) inspection per hour = $170.
[proposed action].
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We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
a cost estimate for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed
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 proposed 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 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-2012-1069; Directorate Identifier
2012-NM-044-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by September 27, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD supersedes AD 2007-11-08, Amendment 39-15065 (72 FR
28594, May 22, 2007).
(c) Applicability
(1) 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.
(2) This AD requires revisions to certain operator maintenance
documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections) and/or Critical
Design Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs). Compliance with
these actions and/or CDCCLs is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For
airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired
in the areas addressed by this 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 (p) of this AD. The request should include a
description of changes to the required actions that will ensure the
continued operational safety of the airplane.
[[Page 49220]]
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of damage found to the sleeve,
jacket, and insulation on an electrical wire during a repetitive
inspection. We are issuing this AD to prevent chafing of the fuel
boost pump electrical wiring and leakage of fuel into the conduit,
and to prevent electrical arcing between the wiring and the
surrounding conduit, which could result in arc-through of the
conduit, and consequent fire or explosion of the fuel tank.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Retained Compliance Times
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraphs (f), (g),
and (h) of AD 2007-11-08, Amendment 39-15065 (72 FR 28594, May 22,
2007).
(1) For airplanes with 50,000 or more total flight hours as of
June 28, 1999 (the effective date of AD 99-12-52, Amendment 39-11199
(64 FR 33394, June 23, 1999)): Within 20 days after June 28, 1999,
accomplish the requirements of paragraph (h) of this AD.
(2) For airplanes with less than 50,000 total flight hours, but
more than 30,000 total flight hours, as of June 28, 1999 (the
effective date of AD 99-12-52, Amendment 39-11199 (64 FR 33394, June
23, 1999)): Within 30 days after June 28, 1999, accomplish the
requirements of paragraph (h) of this AD.
(3) For airplanes with 30,000 total flight hours or less as of
June 28, 1999 (the effective date of AD 99-12-52, Amendment 39-11199
(64 FR 33394, June 23, 1999)): Within 90 days after June 28, 1999,
accomplish the requirements of paragraph (h) of this AD.
(h) Retained Detailed Inspection, Corrective Action, and Installation
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD
2007-11-08, Amendment 39-15065 (72 FR 28594, May 22, 2007).
(1) Perform a detailed inspection of the in-tank fuel boost pump
wire bundles, and applicable corrective actions; and, except as
provided by paragraph (i) of this AD, install sleeving over the wire
bundles; in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-
28A0126, dated May 24, 1999; Boeing Service Bulletin 727-28A0126,
Revision 1, dated May 18, 2000; or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
727-28A0132, dated February 22, 2007.
(2) For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: An
intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly
to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is
normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an
intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror,
magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and
elaborate procedures may be required.
(i) Retained Installation: Possible Deferral
This paragraph restates the optional actions of paragraph (j) of
AD 2007-11-08, Amendment 39-15065 (72 FR 28594, May 22, 2007).
Installation of sleeving over the wire bundles, as required by
paragraph (h) of this AD, may be deferred if, within 18 months or
6,000 flight hours, whichever occurs first, after accomplishment of
the inspection and applicable corrective actions required by
paragraph (h) of this AD, the following actions are accomplished:
Perform a detailed inspection of the in-tank fuel boost pump wire
bundles, and applicable corrective actions; and install sleeving
over the wire bundles; in accordance with Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 727-28A0126, dated May 24, 1999; Boeing Service Bulletin
727-28A0126, Revision 1, dated May 18, 2000; or Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 727-28A0132, dated February 22, 2007.
(j) Retained Repetitive Inspections and Corrective Actions
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (k) of AD
2007-11-08, Amendment 39-15065 (72 FR 28594, May 22, 2007). Repeat
the detailed inspection and applicable corrective actions required
by paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD, as applicable, at intervals
not to exceed 30,000 flight hours, until the initial inspection,
applicable corrective actions, and engine fuel suction feed
operational test required by paragraph (k) of this AD have been
done.
(k) Retained Inspection, Test, and Related Investigative and Corrective
Actions
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (l) of AD
2007-11-08, Amendment 39-15065 (72 FR 28594, May 22, 2007). For all
airplanes: Within 120 days after June 6, 2007 (the effective date of
AD 2007-11-08), or 5,000 flight hours after the last inspection or
corrective action done before June 6, 2007, as required by paragraph
(h), (i), or (j), as applicable, of this AD, whichever occurs later,
do a detailed inspection for damage of the sleeve and electrical
wire of the fuel boost pump, and do an engine fuel suction feed
operational test; and, before further flight, do related
investigative and corrective actions, as applicable; by doing all
applicable actions in and in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-28A0132, dated
February 22, 2007. Repeat the detailed inspection and engine fuel
suction feed operational test thereafter at intervals not to exceed
15,000 flight cycles. Accomplishment of the initial inspection,
applicable corrective actions, and engine fuel suction feed
operational test of this paragraph terminates the requirements of
paragraphs (h), (i), and (j) of this AD.
(l) New Installation
Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD: Install
new shielded wire bundles in convoluted liners in the wing and
center fuel tank conduits and do all applicable related
investigative and corrective actions, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 727-
28A0133, dated October 5, 2011. Related investigative and corrective
actions must be done before further flight. Doing the actions
specified in paragraphs (l) and (m) of this AD terminates the
requirements of paragraphs (g), (h), (i), (j), and (k) of this AD.
(m) New Concurrent Requirement
Before or concurrently with accomplishing the requirements of
paragraph (l) of this AD, replace the fuel quantity indicating
system (FQIS) wire bundles and do a low frequency eddy current
inspection for cracking, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 727-28-0131, dated August
18, 2010. If any cracking is found during the inspection, before
further flight, repair using a method approved in accordance with
the procedures specified in paragraph (p) of this AD.
(n) New Maintenance Program Revision
(1) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise
the maintenance program to incorporate Airworthiness Limitation
Instruction (ALI) Task 28-AWL-18, ``Fuel Quantity Indicating System
(FQIS)--Out-Tank Wiring Lightning Shield to Ground Termination'';
and CDCCL Task 28-AWL-19, ``Fuel Quantity Indicating System (FQIS)--
Out-Tank Wiring Lightning Shield to Ground Termination,'' of Section
B of Boeing 727-100/200 Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs), D6-8766-
AWL, Revision August 2010. The initial compliance time for the
inspections is within 120 months after accomplishing the actions
required by paragraph (m) of this AD.
(2) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise
the maintenance program to incorporate Airworthiness Limitation
Instruction (ALI) Task 28-AWL-20, ``Fuel Boost Pump Wires in Conduit
Installation--In Fuel Tank''; and CDCCL Task 28-AWL-21, ``Fuel Boost
Pump Wires in Conduit Installation--In Fuel Tank,'' of Section B of
Boeing 727-100/200 Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs), D6-8766-AWL,
Revision August 2010. The initial compliance time for the
inspections is within 72 months after accomplishing the actions
required by paragraph (l) of this AD.
(o) No Alternative Actions, Intervals, and/or CDCCLs
After accomplishing the revisions required by paragraphs (n)(1)
and (n)(2) 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 alternative method of compliance
(AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (p)
of this AD.
(p) 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].
[[Page 49221]]
(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.
(4) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2007-11-08,
Amendment 39-15065 (72 FR 28594, May 22, 2007), are approved as
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD.
(q) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Rebel Nichols,
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA
98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6509; 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 August 2, 2013.
Ross Landes,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-19527 Filed 8-12-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P