[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 166 (Tuesday, August 27, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52838-52841]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-20730]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2008-0617; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-354-AD;
Amendment 39-17533; AD 2013-15-17]
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 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER
series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of an in-service
occurrence of total loss of boost pump pressure of the fuel feed
system, followed by loss of fuel system suction feed capability on one
engine, and in-flight shutdown of the engine. This AD requires
repetitive operational tests of the engine fuel suction feed of the
fuel system, and other related testing and corrective action if
necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct loss of the
engine fuel suction feed capability of the fuel system, which in the
event of total loss of the fuel boost pumps could result in dual engine
flameout, inability to restart the engines, and consequent forced
landing of the airplane.
DATES: This AD is effective October 1, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of October 1,
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, 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, 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: Sue Lucier, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-
917-6438; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to
amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that
would apply to the specified products. The SNPRM published in the
Federal Register on June 25, 2012 (77 FR 37831). We preceded the SNPRM
with a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which published in the
Federal Register on June 6, 2008 (73 FR 32255). The NPRM proposed to
require repetitive operational tests of the engine fuel suction feed of
the fuel system, and other related testing if necessary. The SNPRM
proposed to require repetitive operational tests of the engine fuel
suction feed of the fuel system, and other related testing and
corrective action if necessary.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal
(77 FR 37831, June 25, 2012) and the FAA's response to each comment.
Requests To Change Certain Methods of Compliance
Boeing asked that we change the next to last sentence in paragraph
(g) of the SNPRM (77 FR 37831, June 25, 2012), which specifies ``. . .
using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (h) of this AD'' to read ``If the test is not considered
successful, as specified in AWL No. 28-AWL-101, before further flight,
perform all related testing and corrective actions, and repeat the
operational test specified in AWL No. 28-AWL-101.'' Boeing noted that
paragraph (h) of the SNPRM (paragraph (i) of this final rule) does not
provide testing and corrective actions for a failed test, and FAA
approval of action taken
[[Page 52839]]
to address a failed test could result in an excessive burden to
operators and could cause unnecessary grounding of airplanes while
coordinating planned actions with the FAA.
Delta Airlines (DAL) requested that we include an existing fault
isolation manual (FIM) procedure as an approved method for resolving
unsuccessful testing.
American Airlines (AAL) stated that paragraph (g) of the SNPRM (77
FR 37831, June 25, 2012) specifies that the corrective action for
findings from the operational test is to perform all related testing
and corrective actions in accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (h) of the SNPRM (paragraph (i) of this final rule). AAL
added that paragraph (h) of the SNPRM provides information on obtaining
AMOCs, and asked for clarification on that approval.
We agree to revise the requirements and methods of compliance
specified in paragraph (g) of this AD. In paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this
final rule, we have retained the requirement for performing all related
testing and corrective actions using a method approved in accordance
with the procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this AD. As requested
by Boeing, we have added new paragraph (g)(1)(ii) to this final rule to
perform all related testing and corrective actions, and to repeat the
operational test specified in AWL No. 28-AWL-101. The actions specified
in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) do not require submitting requests to the FAA
for approval of a method of compliance. Therefore, including an
existing FIM procedure in the AD as an approved method becomes
unnecessary for resolving unsuccessful testing since operators may use
any method of compliance to resolve unsuccessful testing, provided the
operational test is repeated.
In addition, we have reviewed Boeing 737-600/700/700C/800/900/900ER
Maintenance Planning Data (MPD) Document, Section 9, Airworthiness
Limitations (AWLs) and Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMRs),
D626A001-CMR, Revision August 2012, which includes AWL No. 28-AWL-101.
As an option for the repetitive operational tests (specified in
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD), we have specified incorporating AWL No.
28-AWL-101 into the maintenance program (paragraph (g)(2) of this AD).
Compliance with these actions 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 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 AMOC according to the procedures specified in paragraph
(i) 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.
Requests To Allow Task Card Instructions as an AMOC; Clarify Airplane
Maintenance Manual (AMM) Task
DAL suggested that the SNPRM (77 FR 37831, June 25, 2012) include
compliance with the engine fuel suction feed test using Boeing 737-600/
700/800 Task Card 28-050-00-01 as an AMOC. DAL stated that this task
card complies with the requirements of AWL No. 28-AWL-101, which is
specified in paragraph (g) of the SNPRM. AAL asked for clarification
that Boeing AMM Task 28-22-00-710-802, Engine Fuel Suction Feed--
Operational Test, can be used as an AMOC.
Although we agree that the task card contains adequate instructions
to perform the test, we do not agree with identifying the task card
information within the instructions for the mandated action. For
clarification, general maintenance instructions are identified within
the AWL for guidance, which means that if the operator already has an
accepted alternative procedure, that procedure may be used. The
maintenance program with the task cards incorporated is an acceptable
alternative procedure. We have made no change to the AD in this regard.
Request To Increase Repetitive Interval for Operational Tests
AAL asked that we increase the repetitive operational test interval
in the SNPRM (77 FR 37831, June 25, 2012) from 7,500 to 10,000 flight
hours. AAL provided a risk-based assessment for extending the intervals
based on its experience. AAL stated within its assessment that the loss
of suction feed capability would remain remote with the extended
testing interval.
We do not agree with the request to increase the repetitive
operational test interval. The service data of transport category
airplanes indicates that multi-engine flameouts generally result from a
common cause such as fuel mismanagement, crew action that inadvertently
shuts off the fuel supply to the engines, exposure to common
environmental conditions, or engine deterioration occurring on all
engines of the same type--not solely the failure of multiple fuel boost
pumps. This risk assessment is based on the results of maintenance
findings of one operator's fleet, and does not support increasing the
repetitive interval. The current interval is based on an overall fleet
assessment by the original equipment manufacturer. However, affected
operators may request approval of an AMOC for an increase of the
repetitive operational test interval under the provisions of paragraph
(i) of this AD by submitting data substantiating that the change would
provide an acceptable level of safety. We have made no change to the AD
in this regard.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this AD with the changes described previously. We also determined that
these changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or
increase the scope of this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 1,080 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost product operators
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Operational Test/Revision..................... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 $85 $91,800
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We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
a cost estimate for the on-condition actions or the optional
terminating action specified in this AD.
[[Page 52840]]
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):
2013-15-17 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-17533; Docket No. FAA-
2008-0617; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-354-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective October 1, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes, certificated in any
category, with a date of issuance of the original airworthiness
certificate or the date of issuance of the original export
certificate of airworthiness before March 22, 2011.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association
(ATA) of America Code 2800, Aircraft Fuel System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of an in-service occurrence of
total loss of boost pump pressure of the fuel feed system, followed
by loss of fuel system suction feed capability on one engine, and
in-flight shutdown of the engine. We are issuing this AD to detect
and correct loss of the engine fuel suction feed capability of the
fuel system, which in the event of total loss of the fuel boost
pumps could result in dual engine flameout, inability to restart the
engines, and consequent forced landing of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Repetitive Operational Tests or Maintenance Program Revision
Do the requirements of paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD.
(1) Within 7,500 flight hours or 36 months after the effective
date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Do the initial operational
test identified in Airworthiness Limitation (AWL) No. 28-AWL-101,
Engine Fuel Suction Feed Operational Test, of Section E., AWL--Fuel
Systems of Section 9, Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) and
Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMRs), D626A001-CMR,
Revision August 2011 or August 2012, of the Boeing 737-600/700/700C/
800/900/900ER Maintenance Planning Data (MPD) Document. Repeat the
test thereafter at intervals not to exceed 7,500 flight hours or 36
months, whichever is earlier. Thereafter, except as provided in
paragraph (i) of this AD, no alternative procedure or repetitive
test intervals will be allowed. If any test is not considered
successful, as specified in AWL No. 28-AWL-101, before further
flight, do either paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD.
(i) Perform all related testing and corrective actions, using a
method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (i) of this AD.
(ii) Perform all related testing and corrective actions; and
repeat the operational test specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this
AD.
(2) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise
the maintenance program to incorporate the limitations specified in
AWL No. 28-AWL-101, Engine Fuel Suction Feed Operational Test, of
Section E., AWL--Fuel Systems of Section 9, Airworthiness
Limitations (AWLs) and Certification Maintenance Requirements
(CMRs), D626A001-CMR, Revision August 2012, of the Boeing 737-600/
700/700C/800/900/900ER MPD Document. The initial compliance time for
the task is within 7,500 flight hours or 36 months after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
(h) No Alternative Actions or Intervals
After accomplishing the revision provided by paragraph (g)(2) of
this AD, no alternative actions or repetitive test 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 (i) of this AD.
(i) 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.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Sue Lucier,
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington
98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6438; fax: 425-917-6590; email:
[email protected].
(k) 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) Section 9, Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) and
Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMRs), D626A001-CMR,
Revision August 2011, of the Boeing 737-600/700/700C/800/900/900ER
Maintenance Planning Data (MPD) Document.
(ii) Section 9, Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) and
Certification Maintenance
[[Page 52841]]
Requirements (CMRs), D626A001-CMR, Revision August 2012, of the
Boeing 737-600/700/700C/800/900/900ER MPD Document.
(3) 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.
(4) 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.
(5) You may view 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 July 21, 2013.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-20730 Filed 8-26-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P