Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 232 (Tuesday, December 3, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 72550-72552]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-28193]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0673; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-057-AD; 
Amendment 39-17681; AD 2013-24-07]
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 707 airplanes; and Model 720 and 720B series 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports indicating that a standard 
access door was located where an impact-resistant access door was 
required, and stencils were missing from some impact-resistant access 
doors. This AD requires an inspection of the left- and right-hand wing 
fuel tank access doors to determine that impact-resistant access doors 
are installed in the correct locations, and to replace any door with an 
impact-resistant access door if necessary. This AD also requires an 
inspection for stencils and index markers on impact-resistant access 
doors, and application of new stencils or index markers if necessary. 
This AD also requires revising the maintenance program to incorporate 
changes to the airworthiness limitations section. We are issuing this 
AD to prevent foreign object penetration of the fuel tank, which could 
cause a fuel leak near an ignition source (e.g., hot brakes or engine 
exhaust nozzle), consequently leading to a fuel-fed fire.

DATES: This AD is effective January 7, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of January 7, 
2014.

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 view this 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: Suzanne Lucier, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6438; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to the specified products. The 
NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 13, 2013 (78 FR 
49237). The NPRM proposed to require an inspection of the left- and 
right-hand wing fuel tank access doors to determine that impact-
resistant access doors are installed in the correct locations, and to 
replace any door with an impact-resistant access door if necessary. The 
NPRM also proposed to require an inspection for stencils and index 
markers on impact-resistant access doors, and application of new 
stencils or index markers if necessary. The NPRM also proposed to 
require revising the maintenance program to incorporate changes to the 
airworthiness limitations section.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We have considered the comment received. The Boeing Company 
stated that it supports the NPRM (78 FR 49237, August 13, 2013).

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments 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:

[[Page 72551]]

    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (78 FR 49237, August 13, 2013) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 49237, August 13, 2013).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 13 airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                       Cost on
                 Action                              Labor cost             Parts cost    Cost per       U.S.
                                                                                          product     operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection..............................  Up to 12 work-hours x $85 per             $0       $1,020      $13,260
                                           hour = $1,020.
Maintenance program revision............  1 work-hour x $85 per hour =               0           85        1,105
                                           $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have 
no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these 
replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                       Cost per
                    Action                                    Labor cost                 Parts cost    product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement per door..........................  $3 work-hours x $85 per hour = $255...       $8,000       $8,255
Stencil and index marker (16 to 18 doors per    1 work-hour per door x $85 per hour =             0        1,530
 airplane).                                      $85 per door.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this 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.

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):

2013-24-07 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-17681; Docket No. FAA-
2013-0673; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-057-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective January 7, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 707-100 long body, -
200, -100B long body, and -100B short body series airplanes; and 
Model 707-300, -300B, -300C, and -400 series airplanes; and Model 
720 and 720B series airplanes; certificated in any category; as 
identified in Boeing 707 Service Bulletin 3532, dated January 12, 
2012.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports indicating that a standard 
access door was located where an impact-resistant access door was 
required, and stencils were missing from some impact-resistant 
access doors. We are issuing this AD to prevent foreign object 
penetration of the fuel tank, which could cause a fuel leak near an 
ignition source (e.g., hot brakes or engine exhaust nozzle), 
consequently leading to a fuel-fed fire.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspections

    Within 72 months after the effective date of this AD, do the 
actions specified in

[[Page 72552]]

paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing 707 Service Bulletin 3532, 
dated January 12, 2012.
    (1) Do either a general visual inspection or ultrasonic non-
destructive test of the left- and right-hand wing fuel tank access 
doors to determine whether impact-resistant access doors are 
installed in the correct locations. If any standard access door is 
found, before further flight, replace with an impact-resistant 
access door, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing 707 Service Bulletin 3532, dated January 12, 2012.
    (2) Do a general visual inspection of the left- and right-hand 
wing fuel tank impact-resistant access doors to verify stencils and 
index markers are applied. If a stencil or index marker is missing, 
before further flight, apply stencil or index marker, as applicable, 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing707 
Service Bulletin 3532, dated January 12, 2012.

(h) Maintenance Program Revision

    Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
maintenance program to incorporate Critical Design Configuration 
Control Limitations (CDCCL) Task 57-AWL-01, Impact-Resistant Fuel 
Tank Access Doors, of Subsection B, Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) 
of the Boeing 707/720 Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) Document D6-
7552-AWL, Revision September 2012.

(i) No Alternative Actions, Intervals, and/or CDCCLs

    After accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (h) 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 (j) of this 
AD.

(j) 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 (k) 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) 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.

(k) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Suzanne Lucier, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 
98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6438; fax: 425-917-6590; email: 
[email protected].

(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.
    (i) Boeing 707 Service Bulletin 3532, dated January 12, 2012.
    (ii) Critical Design Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCL) 
Task 57-AWL-01, Impact-Resistant Fuel Tank Access Doors, of 
Subsection B, Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) of the Boeing 707/720 
Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) Document D6-7552-AWL, Revision 
September 2012.
    (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 view this service information at 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.
    (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 November 15, 2013.
John Piccola,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-28193 Filed 12-2-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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