[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 239 (Thursday, December 12, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 75512-75515]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-29593]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-1027; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-121-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, 700C, -800, -900, and -
900ER series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of
installation of incorrect wire support clamps within the left and right
Environmental Control Systems (ECS) bay area during production, which
is a flammable leakage zone. Use of incorrect wire support clamps that
are not fully cushioned could allow electrical power wiring to come in
contact with the exposed metal of the improper clamp, causing a short
circuit and subsequent electrical arcing. This proposed AD would
require inspecting to identify the part number of the wire support
clamp, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary.
We are proposing this AD to prevent electrical arcing and a potential
ignition source, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors,
could result in a fuel tank explosion, and consequent loss of the
airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 27,
2014.
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, Washington 98124-
[[Page 75513]]
2207; telephone 206-544-5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet
https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this 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 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: Georgios Roussos, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356;
phone: 425-917-6482; 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-2013-1027;
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-121-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 a report of the installation of incorrect wire support
clamps within the left and right Environmental Control Systems (ECS)
bay area during production, which is a flammable leakage zone. Use of
incorrect wire support clamps that are not fully cushioned could allow
electrical power wiring to come in contact with the exposed metal of
the improper clamp, causing a short circuit and subsequent electrical
arcing. We are proposing this AD to prevent electrical arcing and a
potential ignition source, which, in combination with flammable fuel
vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion, and consequent loss of
the airplane.
Related Rulemaking
On November 18, 2010, we issued AD 2010-24-11, Amendment 39-16530
(75 FR 74616, December 1, 2010) for certain The Boeing Company Model
737-600, -700, -800, and -900 series airplanes. That AD required
sealing the fasteners on the front end rear spars inside the main fuel
tank and on the lower panel of the center fuel tank, inspecting the
wire bundle support installation in the equipment cooling system bays
to identify the type of clamp installed, and determine whether the
Teflon sleeve was installed, and doing related corrective actions if
necessary.
On February 20, 2013, we issued AD 2013-04-11, Amendment 39-17369
(78 FR 14644, March 7, 2013) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-
600, -700, -800, and -900ER series airplanes. That AD required
inspections to identify the part number of the wire support clamp,
related investigative actions, and corrective actions if necessary.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-28-1312,
dated April 19, 2013. For information on the procedures and compliance
times, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by
searching for Docket No. FAA-2013-1027. The related investigative
actions include an eddy current inspection of the wing front spar for
cracking and a detailed inspection of the bolt forward of the wing
front spar upper chord for cracking or missing bolts. The corrective
actions include repairing cracking and replacing bolts with new bolts.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this AD 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.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in the service information described previously. The phrase ``related
investigative actions'' is used in this proposed AD. ``Related
investigative actions'' are those actions that are identified as
follow-on actions that are: (1) Related to the primary action, and (2)
are on-condition actions that further investigate the nature of any
condition found. Related investigative actions could include, for
example, inspections.
In addition, the phrase ``corrective actions'' is used in this
proposed AD. ``Corrective actions'' are those actions that are on-
condition actions that correct or address any condition found.
Corrective actions could include, for example, repairs, removal and
replacement, and modifications.
Clarification of Applicability in Paragraph (c) of This Proposed AD
The NOTE specified in Paragraph 1.A., ``Effectivity,'' of Boeing
Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-28-1312, dated April 19, 2013,
is in error. It does not impact the Variable Number list in paragraph
1.A.1. of that section. Therefore, for the applicability of this
proposed AD, we have referred to the Variable Number list in paragraph
1.A.1., ``Effectivity,'' in paragraph (c) of this proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 519 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection.............................. 6 work-hours x $85 per hour = $0 $510 $264,690
$510.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 75514]]
We estimate the following costs to do any necessary related
investigative and corrective actions 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 actions.
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parts Cost per
Action Labor cost cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Related investigative and corrective 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85. $3 $88
actions.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for the on-condition repair of chafed or damaged wiring
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 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-2013-1027; Directorate Identifier
2013-NM-121-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by January 27, 2014.
(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; having a Variable Number identified in paragraph 1.A.1.,
Effectivity, of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-28-
1312, dated April 19, 2013.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of installation of incorrect
wire support clamps within the left and right Environmental Control
Systems (ECS) bay area during production, which is a flammable
leakage zone. Use of incorrect wire support clamps that are not
fully cushioned could allow electrical power wiring to come in
contact with the exposed metal of the improper clamp, causing a
short circuit and subsequent electrical arcing. We are issuing this
AD to prevent electrical arcing and a potential ignition source,
which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a
fuel tank explosion, and consequent loss of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspection and Related Investigative and Corrective Actions
Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a
detailed inspection to determine if a wire support clamp having part
number (P/N) TA0930034-10, TA0930034-10P, TA0930034-11, or
TA0930034-12P is installed, and do all applicable related
investigative and corrective actions before further flight, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special
Attention Service Bulletin 737-28-1312, dated April 19, 2013.
(h) Parts Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a
wire support clamp on any airplane within the ECS area defined in
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service
Bulletin 737-28-1312, dated April 19, 2013, unless the clamp has P/N
TA0930034-10, TA0930034-10P, TA0930034-11, or TA0930034-12P.
(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 paragraph (j)(1) 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
[[Page 75515]]
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Georgios
Roussos, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S,
FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6482; 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 view this 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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 4, 2013.
John P. Piccola,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-29593 Filed 12-11-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P