Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 727, 727C, 727-100, 727-100C, 727-200, and 727-200F Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 112 (Friday, June 10, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33991-33993]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-13652]



[[Page 33991]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-1272; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-226-AD; 
Amendment 39-16712; AD 2011-12-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 727, 727C, 
727-100, 727-100C, 727-200, and 727-200F Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This AD requires replacing the existing 
unshielded fuel quantity indication system (FQIS) wire bundles with 
double shielded FQIS wire bundles, installing a new wire feed-through 
fitting, and grounding the wire shields, as applicable; and doing 
repetitive low frequency eddy current (LFEC) inspections for cracking 
of the fuselage skin, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also 
requires revising the maintenance program to incorporate certain 
airworthiness limitations. This AD was prompted by fuel system reviews 
conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to increase the 
level of protection from lightning strikes and prevent the potential of 
ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with 
flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and 
consequent loss of the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective July 15, 2011.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of July 15, 2011.

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; e-mail [email protected]; 
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: Louis Natsiopoulos, Aerospace 
Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-
3356; phone: 425-917-6478; fax: 425-917-6590; e-mail: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to 
the specified products. That NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
January 3, 2011 (76 FR 31). That NPRM proposed to require replacing the 
existing unshielded fuel quantity indication system (FQIS) wire bundles 
with double shielded FQIS wire bundles, installing a new wire feed-
through fitting, and grounding the wire shields, as applicable; and 
doing repetitive low frequency eddy current (LFEC) inspections for 
cracking of the fuselage skin, and corrective actions if necessary. 
That NPRM also proposed to require revising the maintenance program to 
incorporate certain airworthiness limitations.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comment received on the proposal 
and the FAA's response to the comment.

Request for Explanation of Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC) 
Authority for Structures Portions of the NPRM

    Boeing requested that we explain that some designees with AMOC 
authority may be necessary for the structural portions of the AD. 
Boeing stated that repairs to airplane structure, if needed, would also 
be an AMOC to the AD and would need to be noted as such and approved by 
the FAA or a Boeing Authorized Representative designated with AMOC 
authority for the structural aspects of this installation. Boeing added 
that any repair would need to address damage tolerance issues 
associated with 14 CFR 25.571 and 14 CFR part 26, subpart E. of the 
Federal Aviation Regulations. Boeing stated that these requirements are 
the basis for the inspections provided in Boeing Service Bulletin 727-
28-0131, dated August 18, 2010, and changes to the installation with 
repairs may revise the inspection requirements.
    We agree with the request to add explanatory information to 
paragraph (i) of this AD. Any structural repairs that cannot be done in 
accordance with the accomplishment instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin 727-28-0131, dated August 18, 2010, will require a request for 
an AMOC. The requested AMOC, if it provides an acceptable level of 
safety, may be approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization 
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the 
Manager, Seattle ACO to make those findings. Paragraph (i) of this AD 
has been changed to explain that some designees with AMOC authority for 
the structures portions of the AD might be necessary.

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 change described previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> [Agr]re consistent with the intent that was proposed in 
the NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    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 566 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 33992]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                  Cost on U.S.
             Action                    Labor cost            Parts cost      Cost per product      operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Installation...................  Between 86 and 247      Between $16,191    Between $23,501    Up to
                                  work-hours x $85 per    and $34,712.\1\    and $55,707.\1\    $27,195,925.\2\
                                  hour = Between $7,310-
                                  $20,995.\1\
Inspection.....................  2 work-hours x $85 per  $0...............  $170.............  $96,220 per
                                  hour = $170 per                                               inspection
                                  inspection cycle.                                             cycle.
Maintenance Program Revision...  1 work-hour x $85 per   $0...............  $85..............  $48,110.
                                  hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Depending on configuration.
\2\ The cost to U.S. operators is based on configuration and number of airplanes in that configuration.

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
a cost estimate for the on-condition action specified in this 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

    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):

2011-12-05 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-16712; Docket No. FAA-
2010-1272; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-226-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD is effective July 15, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 727, 727C, 727-
100, 727-100C, 727-200, and 727-200F series airplanes, all variable 
numbers, certificated in any category.

    Note 1:  This AD requires revisions to certain operator 
maintenance documents to include new inspections. Compliance with 
these inspections is required by 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 alternative method of compliance according 
to paragraph (l) of this AD. The request should include a 
description of changes to the required inspections that will ensure 
the continued operational safety of the airplane.

Subject

    (d) Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport 
Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.

Unsafe Condition

    (e) This AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the 
manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to increase the level of 
protection from lightning strikes and prevent the potential of 
ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with 
flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and 
consequent loss of the airplane.

Compliance

    (f) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

Installation

    (g) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, 
install double shielded fuel quantity indicating system (FQIS) wire 
bundles, install a new wire feed-through fitting, and ground the 
wire shields, as applicable, in accordance with Part 1 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 727-28-0131, 
dated August 18, 2010.

Repetitive Inspections

    (h) At the applicable times specified in paragraphs (h)(1) or 
(h)(2) of this AD, do low frequency eddy current (LFEC) inspections 
for cracking of the fuselage skin, in accordance with Part 2 of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 727-28-0131, 
dated August 18, 2010.
    (1) For Model 727, 727-100, 727-100C, and 727C series airplanes: 
Before the accumulation of 45,000 total flight cycles, or within 
8,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs later. Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 8,000 flight cycles.
    (2) For Model 727-200 and 727-200F series airplanes: Before the 
accumulation of 45,000 total flight cycles, or within 16,000 flight 
cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. 
Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 16,000 
flight cycles.
    (i) If any cracking is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD: Before further flight, repair the crack in 
accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA. 
For a repair method to be approved, the repair must meet

[[Page 33993]]

the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must 
specifically refer to this AD. An alternative method of compliance 
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.

Maintenance Program Revision

    (j) Before or concurrently with doing the actions required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, or within 30 days after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs later: Revise the maintenance program 
by incorporating airworthiness limitations (AWL) No. 28-AWL-18 and 
28-AWL-19 in Section D of Section 9 (``AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS-
FUEL SYSTEMS'') of the Boeing 727-100/200 Airworthiness Limitations 
(AWLs) Document, D6-8766-AWL, Revision August 2010. The initial 
compliance time for AWL No. 28-AWL-18 is within 10 years after the 
accomplishment of paragraph (g) of this AD, or within 10 years after 
the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.

No Alternative Inspections, Inspection Intervals, or Critical Design 
Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs)

    (k) After accomplishing the action specified in paragraph (j) of 
this AD, no alternative inspections, inspection intervals, or CDCCLs 
may be used unless the inspections, intervals, or CDCCLs are 
approved as an alternative method of compliance in accordance with 
the procedures specified in paragraph (l) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (l)(1) The Manager, Seattle 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 e-mailed 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 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.

Related Information

    (m) For more information about this AD, contact Louis 
Natsiopoulos, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-
130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, 
SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6478; fax: 425-
917-6590; e-mail: [email protected].

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (n) You must use Boeing Service Bulletin 727-28-0131, dated 
August 18, 2010; and Section 9 of the Boeing 727-100/200 
Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) Section 9, Document D6-8766-AWL, 
Revision August 2010; to do the actions required by this AD, unless 
the AD specifies otherwise. ``Section 9'' is referenced only in the 
List of Effective Pages section of the Boeing 727-100/200 AWLs 
Document.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the service information under 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (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; e-mail 
[email protected]; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (3) You may review copies of the 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.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at an NARA facility, call 202-741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 11, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-13652 Filed 6-9-11; 8:45 am]
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