Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 135 (Tuesday, July 15, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41090-41093]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-15506]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-1027; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-121-AD; 
Amendment 39-17886; AD 2014-13-10]
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 installation of 
incorrect wire support clamps within the bay area of the left and right 
environmental control systems (ECS) during production; the ECS bay area 
is a flammable fluid 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

[[Page 41091]]

and subsequent electrical arcing. This AD requires inspecting to 
identify the part number of the wire support clamp, and related 
investigative and corrective actions if necessary. 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.

DATES: This AD is effective August 19, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 19, 
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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2013-
1027; 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 Docket 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: 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: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing Company 
Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. 
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on December 12, 2013 (78 FR 
75512). The NPRM was prompted by a report of installation of incorrect 
wire support clamps within the bay area of the left and right ECS 
during production; the ECS bay area 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. The NPRM proposed to require inspecting to identify the part 
number of the wire support clamp, and related investigative and 
corrective actions if necessary. 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.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal 
(78 FR 75512, December 12, 2013) and the FAA's response to each 
comment.

Requests To Remove Certain Language in ``Relevant Service Information'' 
Section

    Boeing, All Nippon Airways (ANA), and American Airlines (AA) asked 
that the third sentence in the ``Relevant Service Information'' section 
of the NPRM (78 FR 75512, December 12, 2013) be removed. That sentence 
specified ``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.'' Boeing stated that those actions seem 
unrelated to the intent of the AD. ANA stated that the eddy current 
inspection is not specified in Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-28-1312, dated April 19, 2013. AA stated that those 
actions are not included in the referenced service information, and 
asked that those actions be clarified or that the ``Relevant Service 
Information'' section be corrected by removing those actions.
    We agree that the ``Relevant Service Information'' section in the 
NPRM (78 FR 75512, December 12, 2013) should not have stated that the 
related investigative actions include an eddy current inspection of the 
wing front spar for cracking; that inspection is not related to the 
unsafe condition addressed by this AD. However, the ``Relevant Service 
Information'' section of the NPRM is not carried over into this final 
rule; therefore, no change to this final rule is necessary in this 
regard.

Request To Include Equivalent Parts

    AA asked that we add ``equivalent fully cushioned wire clamps'' to 
the approved part numbers (P/Ns) identified in paragraph (h) of the 
proposed AD (78 FR 75512, December 12, 2013) (redesignated as paragraph 
(i) of this AD). AA stated that paragraph (h) of the proposed AD 
prohibits the installation of a wire support clamp within the ECS bay 
area, unless the clamp has P/N TA0930034-10, TA0930034-10P, TA0930034-
11, or TA0930034-12P. AA noted that adding ``equivalent fully cushioned 
wire clamps'' would account for future part number changes and future 
availability issues of the included part numbers. AA also asserted that 
including the equivalent clamps also would reduce the potential for 
airplanes becoming noncompliant during future maintenance.
    We do not agree to add ``equivalent fully cushioned wire clamps'' 
to the approved part numbers identified in paragraph (i) of this AD 
(designated as paragraph (h) of the proposed AD). AA did not submit any 
data to show how equivalency of the wire support clamp is to be 
established, maintained, and controlled. However, under the provisions 
of paragraph (j) of this AD, we may consider requests to use alternate 
clamps if sufficient data are submitted to substantiate that these 
clamps meet the standards for the environmental (temperature, 
vibration, fluid resistance) and performance requirements necessary to 
provide an acceptable level of safety. We have not changed this final 
rule in this regard.

Request To Change Costs of Compliance Section

    AA asked that we change the inspection estimate in the ``Costs of 
Compliance'' section in the NPRM (78 FR 75512, December 12, 2013) from 
6 to 24 work-hours, as specified in Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-28-1312, dated April 19, 2013.
    We agree to change the work-hour estimate for the inspection 
specified in the ``Costs of Compliance'' section. After further review 
of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-28-1312, dated April 
19, 2013, we have determined that the work-hour estimate of 24 hours is 
based on correct installation of the wire clamps and does not include 
repairs to the wiring. Therefore, we have increased the work hour 
estimate for the inspection

[[Page 41092]]

specified in the ``Costs of Compliance'' section of this final rule.

Changes to This Final Rule

    Since we issued the NPRM (78 FR 75512, December 12, 2013), Boeing 
has issued Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-28-1312, Revision 1, 
dated April 21, 2014. No additional work is necessary on airplanes that 
were changed using Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-28-
1312, dated April 19, 2013. We have added Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 737-28-1312, Revision 1, dated April 21, 2014, to 
paragraphs (c) and (g) of this AD, and added a new credit paragraph (h) 
to this AD giving credit for Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 
737-28-1312, dated April 19, 2013.
    Since we issued the NPRM (78 FR 75512, December 12, 2013), we have 
determined that the language used in the ``Parts Installation 
Limitations'' paragraph of the AD needs clarification. As written, the 
language could be interpreted as applying to ``all'' clamps located in 
the ECS bay area; however, the limitation only applies to certain 
clamps. We have changed paragraph (h) of the the proposed AD 
(redesignated as paragraph (i) of this AD) to provide that 
clarification.

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 519 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            Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection........................  24 work-hours x $85 per                $0           $2,040       $1,058,760
                                     hour = $2,040.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary related 
investigative and corrective actions 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 actions.

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                  Action                                Labor cost                 Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Related investigative and corrective        1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85..              $3              $88
 actions.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 AD.
    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 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.

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):

2014-13-10 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-17886; Docket No. FAA-
2013-1027; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-121-AD.

[[Page 41093]]

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective August 19, 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, Revision 1, dated April 21, 2014.

(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 bay area of the left and right 
environmental control systems (ECS) during production; the ECS bay 
area is a flammable fluid 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, Revision 1, dated April 21, 
2014.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-
28-1312, dated April 19, 2013.

(i) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
wire support clamp on any airplane at the locations identified in 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-28-1312, Revision 1, dated April 21, 2014, unless the 
wire support clamp has P/N TA0930034-10, TA0930034-10P, TA0930034-
11, or TA0930034-12P.

(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.

(k) Related Information

    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].

(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 Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-28-1312, 
Revision 1, dated April 21, 2014.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (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 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.
    (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 June 25, 2014.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-15506 Filed 7-14-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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