Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 206 (Monday, October 26, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65130-65134]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-26992]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-4208; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-152-AD; 
Amendment 39-18303; AD 2015-21-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015-19-03 for 
all The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -
900ER series airplanes. AD 2015-19-03 required revising the maintenance 
or inspection program to include new airworthiness limitations. This AD 
continues to require a maintenance or inspection program revision, but 
with revised language. This AD was prompted by a determination that 
certain language in the airworthiness limitation was not accurate in AD 
2015-19-03. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct latent 
failures of the fuel shutoff valve to the engine, which could result in 
the inability to shut off fuel to the engine and, in case of certain 
engine fires, an uncontrollable fire that could lead to wing failure.

DATES: This AD is effective October 28, 2015.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by December 10, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
    <bullet> 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.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

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-2015-
4208; 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 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: Rebel Nichols, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6509; fax:

[[Page 65131]]

425-917-6590; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    On September 7, 2015, we issued AD 2015-19-03, Amendment 39-18266 
(80 FR 55527, September 16, 2015), for all The Boeing Company Model 
737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. AD 2015-
19-03 required revising the maintenance or inspection program to 
include new airworthiness limitations. AD 2015-19-03 resulted from 
reports of latently failed fuel shutoff valves discovered during fuel 
filter replacement. We issued AD 2015-19-03 to detect and correct 
latent failures of the fuel shutoff valve to the engine, which could 
result in the inability to shut off fuel to the engine and, in case of 
certain engine fires, an uncontrollable fire that could lead to wing 
failure.

Actions Since AD 2015-19-03, Amendment 39-18266 (80 FR 55527, September 
16, 2015), Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2015-19-03, Amendment 39-18266 (80 FR 55527, 
September 16, 2015), we have determined that certain language in the 
airworthiness limitation was not accurate. In paragraph D. of the 
``Description'' column of figure 1 to paragraph (g) of AD 2015-19-03, 
the ``START LEVER'' is identified as a ``FUEL CONTROL switch'' in four 
locations. In addition, in two locations in paragraph D. of the 
``Description'' column of figure 1 to paragraph (g) of AD 2015-19-03, 
it specifies that fuel spar valve actuators are located in the ``rear 
spar,'' but the correct location is the ``front spar.'' Also, in two 
locations in paragraph D. of the ``Description'' column of figure 1 to 
paragraph (g) of AD 2015-19-03, the term ``quadrant'' is used to 
describe the control stand, but the correct terminology is ``CONTROL 
STAND.'' We have determined that the language must be corrected to 
avoid any confusion in the paragraphs of the airworthiness limitation. 
We are issuing this AD to detect and correct latent failures of the 
fuel shutoff valve to the engine, which could result in the inability 
to shut off fuel to the engine and, in case of certain engine fires, an 
uncontrollable fire that could lead to wing failure.

FAA's Determination

    We are issuing 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.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires revising the maintenance or inspection program to 
include new airworthiness limitations.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD interim action. The manufacturer is currently 
developing a modification that will address the unsafe condition 
identified in this AD. Once this modification is developed, approved, 
and available, we might consider additional rulemaking.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    We are superseding AD 2015-19-03, Amendment 39-18266 (80 FR 55527, 
September 16, 2015), to correct inaccurate terminology in paragraph D. 
of the ``Description'' column of figure 1 to paragraph (g) of AD 2015-
19-03. We have made no other changes to the requirements published in 
AD 2015-19-03. We have determined that the changes impose no additional 
burden on any operator. Therefore, we find that notice and opportunity 
for prior public comment are unnecessary and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to 
provide your comments before it becomes effective. However, we invite 
you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send 
your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include 
the Docket Number FAA-2015-4208 and Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-152-
AD at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments 
on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects 
of this AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date 
and may amend this 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 AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 1,244 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Incorporating Airworthiness Limitation  1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0             $85        $105,740
                                         hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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),

[[Page 65132]]

    (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 part 39 of the Federal Aviation 
Regulations (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) 
2015-19-03, Amendment 39-18266 (80 FR 55527, September 16, 2015), and 
adding the following new AD:

2015-21-10 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18303; Docket No. FAA-
2015-4208; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-152-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective October 28, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2015-19-03, Amendment 39-18266 (80 FR 55527, 
September 16, 2015).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes, certificated in any 
category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 2823, Fuel 
Selector/Shutoff Valve.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of latently failed fuel shutoff 
valves discovered during fuel filter replacement. We are issuing 
this AD to detect and correct latent failures of the fuel shutoff 
valve to the engine, which could result in the inability to shut off 
fuel to the engine and, in case of certain engine fires, an 
uncontrollable fire that could lead to wing failure.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Revision of Maintenance or Inspection Program

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to add 
airworthiness limitation number 28-AWL-MOV, ``Engine Fuel Shutoff 
Valve (Fuel Spar Valve) Position Indication Operational Check,'' by 
incorporating the information specified in figure 1 to paragraph (g) 
of this AD into the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the 
Instructions for Continued Airworthiness. The initial compliance 
time for accomplishing the actions specified in 28-AWL-MOV is within 
10 days after accomplishing the maintenance or inspection program 
revision required by this paragraph.

      Figure 1 to Paragraph (g) of This AD--Engine Fuel Shutoff Valve (Fuel Spar Valve) Position Indication
                                                Operational Check
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             AWL No.                  Task            Interval          Applicability          Description
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28-AWL-MOV......................  ALI           DAILY..............  737-600, -700, -    Engine Fuel Shutoff
                                                                      700C, -800, -900,   Valve (Fuel Spar
                                                                      and -900ER series   Valve) Position
                                                                      airplanes.          Indication Operational
                                                                                          Check.
                                                INTERVAL NOTE: The   APPLICABILITY       Concern: The fuel spar
                                                 operational check    NOTE: Only          valve actuator design
                                                 is not required on   applies to          can result in
                                                 days when the        airplanes with a    airplanes operating
                                                 airplane is not      fuel spar valve     with a failed fuel
                                                 used in revenue      actuator having     spar valve actuator
                                                 service.             part number         that is not reported.
                                                The check must be     MA20A2027           A latently failed fuel
                                                 done before          (S343T003-56) or    spar valve actuator
                                                 further flight       MA30A1001           could prevent fuel
                                                 once the airplane    (S343T003-66)       shutoff to an engine.
                                                 is returned to       installed at the    In the event of
                                                 revenue service.     engine fuel spar    certain engine fires,
                                                                      valve positions.    the potential exists
                                                                                          for an engine fire to
                                                                                          be uncontrollable.
                                                                                         Perform one of the
                                                                                          following checks of
                                                                                          the engine fuel spar
                                                                                          valve position (unless
                                                                                          checked by the
                                                                                          flightcrew in a manner
                                                                                          approved by the
                                                                                          principal operations
                                                                                          inspector):
                                                                                         A. Operational Check
                                                                                          during engine
                                                                                          shutdown.
                                                                                         1. Do an operational
                                                                                          check of the left
                                                                                          engine fuel spar valve
                                                                                          actuator.
                                                                                         a. As the ENG 1 START
                                                                                          LEVER on the CONTROL
                                                                                          STAND is moved to the
                                                                                          CUTOFF position,
                                                                                          verify the SPAR VALVE
                                                                                          CLOSED indication
                                                                                          light on the OVERHEAD
                                                                                          PANEL for No.1 Engine
                                                                                          changes from OFF to
                                                                                          BRIGHT then DIM.
                                                                                         b. If the test fails
                                                                                          (bright light fails to
                                                                                          illuminate), before
                                                                                          further flight, repair
                                                                                          faults as required
                                                                                          (refer to Boeing
                                                                                          Aircraft Maintenance
                                                                                          Manual (AMM) 28-22-
                                                                                          11).
                                                                                         2. Do an operational
                                                                                          check of the right
                                                                                          engine fuel spar valve
                                                                                          actuator.
                                                                                         a. As the ENG 2 START
                                                                                          LEVER on the CONTROL
                                                                                          STAND is moved to the
                                                                                          CUTOFF position,
                                                                                          verify the SPAR VALVE
                                                                                          CLOSED indication
                                                                                          light on the OVERHEAD
                                                                                          PANEL for No. 2 Engine
                                                                                          changes from OFF to
                                                                                          BRIGHT then DIM.

[[Page 65133]]

 
                                                                                         b. If the test fails
                                                                                          (bright light fails to
                                                                                          illuminate), before
                                                                                          further flight, repair
                                                                                          faults as required
                                                                                          (refer to Boeing AMM
                                                                                          28-22-11).
                                                                                         B. Operational check
                                                                                          during engine start.
                                                                                         1. Do an operational
                                                                                          check of the left
                                                                                          engine fuel spar valve
                                                                                          actuator.
                                                                                         a. As the ENG 1 START
                                                                                          LEVER on the CONTROL
                                                                                          STAND is moved to the
                                                                                          IDLE position, verify
                                                                                          the SPAR VALVE CLOSED
                                                                                          indication light on
                                                                                          the OVERHEAD PANEL for
                                                                                          No. 1 Engine changes
                                                                                          from DIM to BRIGHT
                                                                                          then OFF.
                                                                                         b. If the test fails
                                                                                          (bright light fails to
                                                                                          illuminate), before
                                                                                          further flight, repair
                                                                                          faults as required
                                                                                          (refer to Boeing AMM
                                                                                          28-22-11).
                                                                                         2. Do an operational
                                                                                          check of the right
                                                                                          engine fuel spar valve
                                                                                          actuator.
                                                                                         a. As the ENG 2 START
                                                                                          LEVER on the CONTROL
                                                                                          STAND is moved to the
                                                                                          IDLE position, verify
                                                                                          the SPAR VALVE CLOSED
                                                                                          indication light on
                                                                                          the OVERHEAD PANEL for
                                                                                          No. 2 Engine changes
                                                                                          from DIM to BRIGHT
                                                                                          then OFF.
                                                                                         b. If the test fails
                                                                                          (bright light fails to
                                                                                          illuminate), before
                                                                                          further flight, repair
                                                                                          faults as required
                                                                                          (refer to Boeing AMM
                                                                                          28-22-11).
                                                                                         C. Operational check
                                                                                          without engine
                                                                                          operation.
                                                                                         1. Supply electrical
                                                                                          power to airplane
                                                                                          using standard
                                                                                          practices.
                                                                                         2. Make sure No. 1 and
                                                                                          No. 2 Engine FIRE
                                                                                          switches on the Aft
                                                                                          Electronic Panel are
                                                                                          in the NORMAL (IN)
                                                                                          position.
                                                                                         3. Make sure No. 1 and
                                                                                          No. 2 Engine Start
                                                                                          Switches on the
                                                                                          Forward Overhead Panel
                                                                                          are in the OFF or AUTO
                                                                                          position.
                                                                                         4. Do an operational
                                                                                          check to the left
                                                                                          engine fuel spar valve
                                                                                          actuator.
                                                                                         a. Move ENG 1 START
                                                                                          LEVER on the CONTROL
                                                                                          STAND to the IDLE
                                                                                          position and wait
                                                                                          approximately 10
                                                                                          seconds.
                                                                                         NOTE: It is normal
                                                                                          under this test
                                                                                          condition for the ENG
                                                                                          VALVE CLOSED
                                                                                          indication light on
                                                                                          the OVERHEAD PANEL to
                                                                                          transition from DIM to
                                                                                          BRIGHT and stay
                                                                                          BRIGHT.
                                                                                         b. Move ENG 1 START
                                                                                          LEVER on the CONTROL
                                                                                          STAND to the CUTOFF
                                                                                          position.
                                                                                         c. Verify the SPAR
                                                                                          VALVE CLOSED
                                                                                          indication light on
                                                                                          the OVERHEAD PANEL for
                                                                                          No. 1 Engine changes
                                                                                          from OFF to BRIGHT
                                                                                          then DIM.
                                                                                         d. If the test fails
                                                                                          (bright light fails to
                                                                                          illuminate), before
                                                                                          further flight, repair
                                                                                          faults as required
                                                                                          (refer to Boeing AMM
                                                                                          28-22-11).
                                                                                         5. Do an operational
                                                                                          check of the right
                                                                                          engine fuel spar valve
                                                                                          actuator.
                                                                                         a. Move ENG 2 START
                                                                                          LEVER on the CONTROL
                                                                                          STAND to the IDLE
                                                                                          position and wait
                                                                                          approximately 10
                                                                                          seconds.
                                                                                         NOTE: It is normal
                                                                                          under this test
                                                                                          condition for the ENG
                                                                                          VALVE CLOSED
                                                                                          indication light on
                                                                                          the OVERHEAD PANEL to
                                                                                          transition from DIM to
                                                                                          BRIGHT and stay
                                                                                          BRIGHT.
                                                                                         b. Move ENG 2 START
                                                                                          LEVER on the CONTROL
                                                                                          STAND to the CUTOFF
                                                                                          position.
                                                                                         c. Verify the SPAR
                                                                                          VALVE CLOSED
                                                                                          indication light on
                                                                                          the OVERHEAD PANEL for
                                                                                          No.2 Engine changes
                                                                                          from OFF to BRIGHT
                                                                                          then DIM.
                                                                                         d. If the test fails
                                                                                          (bright light fails to
                                                                                          illuminate), before
                                                                                          further flight, repair
                                                                                          faults as required
                                                                                          (refer to Boeing AMM
                                                                                          28-22-11).
                                                                                         D. Perform an
                                                                                          inspection of the
                                                                                          engine fuel spar valve
                                                                                          actuator position.

[[Page 65134]]

 
                                                                                         NOTE: This inspection
                                                                                          may be used whenever
                                                                                          the SPAR VALVE light
                                                                                          does not function
                                                                                          properly.
                                                                                         1. Make sure the ENG 1
                                                                                          START LEVER on the
                                                                                          CONTROL STAND is in
                                                                                          the CUTOFF position.
                                                                                         NOTE: It is not
                                                                                          necessary to cycle the
                                                                                          START LEVER to do this
                                                                                          inspection.
                                                                                         2. Inspect the left
                                                                                          engine fuel spar valve
                                                                                          actuator located in
                                                                                          the left front spar.
                                                                                         NOTE: The left engine
                                                                                          fuel spar valve
                                                                                          actuator is on the
                                                                                          left wing front spar
                                                                                          outboard of the engine
                                                                                          strut. Access is
                                                                                          through access panel
                                                                                          521BB on the left wing
                                                                                          leading edge.
                                                                                         a. Verify the manual
                                                                                          override handle on the
                                                                                          engine fuel spar valve
                                                                                          actuator is in the
                                                                                          CLOSED position.
                                                                                         b. Repair or replace
                                                                                          any engine fuel spar
                                                                                          valve actuator that is
                                                                                          not in the CLOSED
                                                                                          position (refer to
                                                                                          Boeing AMM 28-22-11).
                                                                                         3. Make sure the ENG 2
                                                                                          START LEVER on the
                                                                                          CONTROL STAND is in
                                                                                          the CUTOFF position.
                                                                                         NOTE: It is not
                                                                                          necessary to cycle the
                                                                                          START LEVER to do this
                                                                                          inspection.
                                                                                         4. Inspect the right
                                                                                          engine fuel spar valve
                                                                                          actuator located in
                                                                                          the right front spar.
                                                                                         NOTE: The right engine
                                                                                          fuel spar valve
                                                                                          actuator is on the
                                                                                          right wing front spar
                                                                                          outboard of the engine
                                                                                          strut. Access is
                                                                                          through access panel
                                                                                          621BB on the right
                                                                                          wing leading edge.
                                                                                         a. Verify the manual
                                                                                          override handle on the
                                                                                          engine fuel spar valve
                                                                                          actuator is in the
                                                                                          CLOSED position.
                                                                                         b. Repair or replace
                                                                                          any engine fuel spar
                                                                                          valve actuator that is
                                                                                          not in the CLOSED
                                                                                          position (refer to
                                                                                          Boeing AMM 28-22-11).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(h) No Alternative Actions or Intervals

    After accomplishment of the maintenance or inspection program 
revision required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative 
actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be used unless the 
actions or intervals are approved as an alternative method of 
compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (i)(1) of this AD.

(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) 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.

(j) Related Information

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

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 16, 2015.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-26992 Filed 10-23-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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