Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 31 (Thursday, February 14, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10499-10501]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-03267]



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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 31 / Thursday, February 14, 2013 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 10499]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-1110; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-013-AD; 
Amendment 39-17353; AD 2013-03-19]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain The Boeing Company Model 707 airplanes, and Model 720 and 
720B series airplanes. That AD currently requires replacing wiring for 
the fuel boost pumps and override pumps with new wiring, installing 
Teflon sleeving on the wiring, and doing associated actions; and doing 
repetitive inspections to detect damage of the wiring or evidence of a 
fuel leak. This new AD reduces the repetitive inspection interval. This 
AD was prompted by a determination that an inspection interval must be 
reduced. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct damaged wiring 
for the fuel boost pumps and override pumps, which could cause 
electrical arcing that could puncture the conduit containing the wire, 
and result in a fuel tank explosion or a fire adjacent to the fuel 
tank.

DATES: This AD is effective March 21, 2013.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 1, 
2001 (66 FR 44954, August 27, 2001).

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, 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 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: Rebel Nichols, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-
917-6509; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to supersede AD 2001-17-20, Amendment 39-12411 (66 FR 44954, 
August 27, 2001). That AD applies to the specified products. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on October 29, 2012 (77 FR 65501). 
That NPRM proposed to continue to require replacing wiring for the fuel 
boost pumps and override pumps with new wiring, installing Teflon 
sleeving on the wiring, and doing associated actions; and doing 
repetitive inspections to detect damage of the wiring or evidence of a 
fuel leak with a reduced repetitive inspection interval.

Comment

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We have considered the comment received. Boeing stated that it 
has reviewed the NPRM (77 FR 65501, October 29, 2012), and concurs with 
the proposed rule.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the 
AD as proposed--except for minor editorial changes. We have determined 
that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (77 FR 65501, October 29, 2012) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 65501, October 29, 2012).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 5 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost      Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement [retained action from  38 work-hours x $85          $9,943  $13,173............  $65,865.
 AD 2001-17-20, Amendment 39-       per hour = $3,230.
 12411 (66 FR 44954, August 27,
 2001)].
Inspection [retained action from   3 work-hours x $85               $0  $255 per inspection  $1,275 per
 AD 2001-17-20, Amendment 39-       per hour = $255                      cycle.               inspection cycle.
 12411 (66 FR 44954, August 27,     per inspection
 2001)].                            cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 10500]]

    The new requirements of this AD add no additional economic burden. 
The increase in replacement labor costs of 31 work hours in AD 2001-17-
20, Amendment 39-12411 (66 FR 44954, August 27, 2001), to the 38 work 
hours specified in this AD, is due to the opening and closing hours 
being included in the cost of this AD. We have received no definitive 
data that would enable us to provide cost estimates for the on-
condition actions 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

    We have determined that 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 removing airworthiness directive (AD) 
2001-17-20, Amendment 39-12411 (66 FR 44954, August 27, 2001), and 
adding the following new AD:

2013-03-19 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-17353; Docket No. FAA-
2012-1110; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-013-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective March 21, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2001-17-20, Amendment 39-12411 (66 FR 
44954, August 27, 2001).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 707-100 long body, -
200, -100B long body, and -100B short body series airplanes; Model 
707-300, -300B, -300C, and -400 series airplanes; and Model 720 and 
720B series airplanes; certificated in any category; line numbers 1 
through 941 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 24, Electrical Power.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report that, while investigating a 
fuel leak around the bolts on the number 1 fuel boost pump on a 
Boeing Model 707 series airplane, an operator found wire damage 
where the fuel boost pump wiring exited the boost pump and entered 
the boost pump access area. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct damaged wiring for the fuel boost pumps and override pumps, 
which could cause electrical arcing that could puncture the conduit 
containing the wire, and result in a fuel tank explosion or a fire 
adjacent to the fuel tank.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Replacement of Wiring, Installation of Sleeving, and 
Associated Actions

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (a) of AD 
2001-17-20, Amendment 39-12411 (66 FR 44954, August 27, 2001). 
Within 1 year or 4,000 flight hours after October 1, 2001 (the 
effective date of AD 2001-17-20), whichever occurs first: Replace 
the wiring for the fuel boost pumps and override pumps, install 
Teflon sleeving over the wiring, and do all associated actions, per 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin A3500, 
Revision 1, dated April 26, 2001. The associated actions include 
performing a general visual inspection of the area around each fuel 
boost pump and override pump for evidence of a fuel leak; finding 
the source of any fuel leak and repairing the affected area; 
replacing the conduit, if required; and performing a detailed visual 
inspection of the wiring installed in the conduit for evidence of 
electrical arcing or a fuel leak, or exposed copper wire. If 
replacement of the conduit is deferred per the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin A3500, Revision 1, dated 
April 26, 2001, repeat the inspection for fuel leaks every 500 
flight hours until the conduit is replaced, and replace the conduit 
within 6,000 flight hours or 18 months, whichever occurs first.
    (1) For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is 
defined as: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, 
installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or 
irregularity. This level of inspection is made under normally 
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, 
flashlight, or drop-light, and may require removal or opening of 
access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be 
required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''
    (2) For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual inspection is 
defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific 
structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, 
failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally 
supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity 
deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, 
magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate 
access procedures may be required.''

(h) Retained Repetitive Inspections

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (b) of AD 
2001-17-20, Amendment 39-12411 (66 FR 44954, August 27, 2001), with 
a new compliance time. After replacement of the wiring per paragraph 
(g) of this AD, repeat the detailed visual inspection of the wiring 
for the fuel boost pumps and override pumps for damage, such as 
evidence of electrical arcing or exposed copper wire, or evidence of 
a fuel leak. After the effective date of this AD, repeat the 
inspection one time at the earlier of the times specified in 
paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD, per the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin A3500, Revision 1, dated 
April 26, 2001. If any electrical arcing or exposed copper wire or 
evidence of a fuel leak is detected during any inspection per this 
paragraph, before further flight, do the applicable corrective 
actions (including finding the source of any fuel leak and repairing 
the affected area, replacing the wiring, replacing the conduit, or 
installing new Teflon sleeving; as applicable) according to the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin

[[Page 10501]]

A3500, Revision 1, dated April 26, 2001. Repeat the inspection 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 15,000 flight hours.
    (1) Within 30,000 flight hours after the most recent inspection.
    (2) At the later of the compliance times specified in paragraphs 
(h)(2)(i) and (h)(2)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Within 15,000 flight hours after the most recent inspection.
    (ii) Within 3 years after the effective date of this AD.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
October 1, 2001 (the effective date of AD 2001-17-20, Amendment 39-
12411 (66 FR 44954, August 27, 2001)), using Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin A3500, dated July 27, 2000, which is not incorporated by 
reference in this AD.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle 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) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2001-17-20, 
Amendment 39-12411 (66 FR 44954, August 27, 2001), are approved as 
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD, except for AMOCs 
that change the inspection frequency.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Rebel Nichols, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 
98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6509; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) For Boeing 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.

(l) 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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
October 1, 2001 (66 FR 44954, August 27, 2001).
    (i) Boeing Service Bulletin A3500, Revision 1, dated April 26, 
2001.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (4) For Boeing 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.
    (5) 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.
    (6) 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 February 6, 2013.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-03267 Filed 2-13-13; 8:45 am]
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