Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 178 (Thursday, September 15, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56573-56576]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-19900]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0520; Project Identifier AD-2021-00683-T; 
Amendment 39-22141; AD 2022-17-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 
747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes. This AD 
was prompted by significant changes, including new or more restrictive 
requirements, made to the airworthiness limitations (AWLs) related to 
fuel tank ignition prevention. This AD requires revising the existing 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the 
latest revision of the AWLs. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 20, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 20, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data 
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 
90740-5600; phone: 562-797-1717; internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this service information at the 
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available at 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2022-0520.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0520; or in person at 
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, any 
comments received, and other information. The address for Docket 
Operations is 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: Samuel Dorsey, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3415; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all The Boeing Company 
Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 
747-300, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on June 2, 2022 (87 FR 33451). The NPRM was prompted 
by significant changes, including new or more restrictive requirements, 
made to the AWLs related to fuel tank ignition prevention. In the NPRM, 
the FAA proposed to require revising the existing maintenance or 
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the latest revision 
of the AWLs. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the potential for 
ignition sources inside fuel tanks caused by latent failures, 
alterations, repairs, or maintenance actions, which, in combination 
with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and 
consequent loss of the airplane.

[[Page 56574]]

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from the Air Line Pilots Association, 
International (ALPA) and Boeing who supported the NPRM without change.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments 
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as 
proposed. Except for minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as 
proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic 
burden on any operator.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Boeing 747-100/200/300/SP/SR Airworthiness 
Limitations (AWLs) and Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMRs), 
D6-13747-CMR, dated September 2020. This service information describes 
AWLs that include airworthiness limitation instructions (ALIs) and 
critical design configuration control limitations (CDCCLs) tasks 
related to fuel tank ignition prevention. This service information is 
reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it 
through their normal course of business or by the means identified in 
ADDRESSES.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 39 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
    The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or 
inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, 
although the agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator 
to operator. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection 
program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined 
that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane 
estimate. Therefore, the FAA estimates the average total cost per 
operator to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-hour).

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.
    The FAA is 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) 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.

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:

2022-17-03 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-22141; Docket No. FAA-
2022-0520; Project Identifier AD-2021-00683-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 20, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects the ADs specified in paragraphs (b)(1) through 
(7) of this AD.
    (1) AD 2008-10-07 R1, Amendment 39-16070 (74 FR 56098, October 
30, 2009) (AD 2008-10-07 R1).
    (2) AD 2008-18-09, Amendment 39-15666 (73 FR 52911, September 
12, 2008) (AD 2008-18-09).
    (3) AD 2010-13-12, Amendment 39-16343 (75 FR 37997, July 1, 
2010) (AD 2010-13-12).
    (4) AD 2010-24-13, Amendment 39-16532 (75 FR 78591, December 16, 
2010; corrected May 25, 2011 (76 FR 30253)) (AD 2010-24-13).
    (5) AD 2011-06-03, Amendment 39-16627 (76 FR 15814, March 22, 
2011) (AD 2011-06-03).
    (6) AD 2014-15-14, Amendment 39-17916 (79 FR 45324, August 5, 
2014) (AD 2014-15-14).
    (7) AD 2016-19-03, Amendment 39-18652 (81 FR 65872, September 
26, 2016) (AD 2016-19-03).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-
100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747SR, 
and 747SP series airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by significant changes, including new or 
more restrictive requirements, made to the airworthiness limitations 
(AWLs) related to fuel tank ignition prevention. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to address the potential for ignition sources inside fuel 
tanks caused by latent failures, alterations, repairs, or 
maintenance actions, 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) Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision

    Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to 
incorporate the information specified in Boeing 747-100/200/300/SP/
SR Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) and Certification Maintenance 
Requirements (CMRs), D6-13747-CMR, dated September 2020, except as 
specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD. The initial 
compliance times for the airworthiness limitation instruction (ALI) 
tasks are within the applicable compliance times for each AWL number 
specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (8) of this AD:
    (1) For AWL No. 28-AWL-01, ``External Wires Over Center Fuel 
Tank'': At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or 
(ii) of this AD.

[[Page 56575]]

    (i) For airplanes that did not have any version of AWL No. 28-
AWL-01 in the existing maintenance or inspection program before the 
effective date of this AD: Within 144 months since issuance of the 
original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate, 
or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs later.
    (ii) For airplanes not identified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this 
AD: Within 144 months since AWL No. 28-AWL-01 was incorporated into 
the existing maintenance or inspection program, or within 144 months 
after the most recent inspection was performed as specified in AWL 
No. 28-AWL-01, whichever occurs later.
    (2) For 28-AWL-03, ``Fuel Quantity Indicating System (FQIS)--Out 
Tank Wiring Lightning Shield to Ground Termination'': At the 
applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(2)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
    (i) For airplanes that did not have any version of AWL No. 28-
AWL-03 in the existing maintenance or inspection program before the 
effective date of this AD: Within 144 months since issuance of the 
original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness, or within 12 months after the effective date of this 
AD, whichever occurs later.
    (ii) For airplanes not identified in paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this 
AD: Within 144 months since AWL No. 28-AWL-03 was incorporated into 
the existing maintenance or inspection program, or within 144 months 
after the most recent inspection was performed as specified in AWL 
No. 28-AWL-03, whichever occurs later.
    (3) For 28-AWL-09, ``Over-Current and Arcing Protection 
Electrical Design Features Operation--Fault Current Detector for 
Center Tank Override/Jettison (O/J) Pumps'': At the applicable time 
specified in paragraph (g)(3)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
    (i) For airplanes that did not have any version of AWL No. 28-
AWL-09 in the existing maintenance or inspection program before the 
effective date of this AD: Within 18 months since issuance of the 
original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness, or within 90 days after the effective date of this 
AD, whichever occurs later.
    (ii) For airplanes not identified in paragraph (g)(3)(i) of this 
AD: Within 18 months since AWL No. 28-AWL-09 was incorporated into 
the existing maintenance or inspection program, or within 18 months 
after the most recent inspection was performed as specified in AWL 
No. 28-AWL-09, whichever occurs later.
    (4) For AWL No. 28-AWL-13, ``Main Tank, Center Wing Tank, Body 
Tank (if installed), and Auxiliary Tank (if installed) Refuel Valve 
Installation--Fault Current Bond'': At the applicable time specified 
in paragraph (g)(4)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
    (i) For airplanes that did not have any version of AWL No. 28-
AWL-13 in the existing maintenance or inspection program before the 
effective date of this AD: Within 144 months since issuance of the 
original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness, or within 12 months after the effective date of this 
AD, whichever occurs later.
    (ii) For airplanes not identified in paragraph (g)(4)(i) of this 
AD: Within 144 months since AWL No. 28-AWL-13 was incorporated into 
the existing maintenance or inspection program, or within 144 months 
after the most recent inspection was performed as specified in AWL 
No. 28-AWL-13, whichever occurs later.
    (5) For AWL No. 28-AWL-22, ``Center Tank Override/Jettison Fuel 
Pump Inlet Protection and Power Failed On Protection System'': At 
the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(5)(i) or (ii) of this 
AD.
    (i) For airplanes that did not have any version of AWL No. 28-
AWL-22 in the existing maintenance or inspection program before the 
effective date of this AD: Within 12 months since issuance of the 
original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness, or within 90 days after the effective date of this 
AD, whichever occurs later.
    (ii) For airplanes not identified in paragraph (g)(5)(i) of this 
AD: Within 12 months since AWL No. 28-AWL-22 was incorporated into 
the existing maintenance or inspection program, or within 12 months 
after the most recent inspection was performed as specified in AWL 
No. 28-AWL-22, whichever occurs later.
    (6) For AWL No. 28-AWL-23, ``Over-Current and Arcing Protection 
Electrical Design Features Operation--Main Tank AC Fuel Pump and 
Center Tank Scavenge AC Fuel Pump Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI)'': 
At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(6)(i) or (ii) of 
this AD.
    (i) For airplanes that did not have any version of AWL No. 28-
AWL-23 in the existing maintenance or inspection program before the 
effective date of this AD: Within 12 months since issuance of the 
original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness, within 12 months since Boeing Service Bulletin 747-
28A2261 was incorporated, or within 90 days after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs latest.
    (ii) For airplanes not identified in paragraph (g)(6)(i) of this 
AD: Within 12 months since AWL No. 28-AWL-23 was incorporated into 
the existing maintenance or inspection program, or within 12 months 
after the most recent inspection was performed as specified in AWL 
No. 28-AWL-23, whichever occurs later.
    (7) For AWL No. 28-AWL-25, ``Cushion Clamps and Teflon Sleeving 
Installed on Out-of-Tank Wire Bundles Installed on Brackets that are 
Mounted Directly on the Fuel Tanks'': At the applicable time 
specified in paragraph (g)(7)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
    (i) For airplanes that did not have any version of AWL No. 28-
AWL-25 in the existing maintenance or inspection program before the 
effective date of this AD: Within 144 months since issuance of the 
original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness, or within 12 months after the effective date of this 
AD, whichever occurs later.
    (ii) For airplanes not identified in paragraph (g)(7)(i) of this 
AD: Within 144 months since AWL No. 28-AWL-25 was incorporated into 
the existing maintenance or inspection program, within 144 months 
since Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2327 was 
incorporated, or within 144 months after the most recent inspection 
was performed as specified in AWL No. 28-AWL-25, whichever occurs 
latest.
    (8) For AWL No. 28-AWL-31, ``Reserve Tank Refuel Valve 
Installation--Lightning Protection Electrical Bond'': At the 
applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(8)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
    (i) For airplanes that did not have any version of AWL No. 28-
AWL-31 in the existing maintenance or inspection program before the 
effective date of this AD: Within 72 months since issuance of the 
original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of 
airworthiness, or within 6 months after the effective date of this 
AD, whichever occurs later.
    (ii) For airplanes not identified in paragraph (g)(8)(i) of this 
AD: Within 72 months since AWL No. 28-AWL-31 was incorporated into 
the existing maintenance or inspection program, or within 72 months 
after the most recent inspection was performed as specified in AWL 
No. 28-AWL-31, whichever occurs later.

(h) Differences From the Required Service Information

    (1) Where the ``Applicability'' column of AWL Nos. 28-AWL-25 and 
28-AWL-27 specifies ``ALL'' and ``NOTE,'' replace that text with 
``Airplanes L/N 645 and on.''
    (2) In the ``Description'' column of AWL Nos. 28-AWL-25 and 28-
AWL-27, remove the Applicability Note.

(i) Additional Acceptable Wire Types and Sleeving

    (1) Where AWL No. 28-AWL-11 identifies wire types BMS 13-48, BMS 
13-58, and BMS 13-60, the following wire types are acceptable: MIL-
W-22759/16, SAE AS22759/16 (M22759/16), MIL-W-22759/32, SAE AS22759/
32 (M22759/32), MIL-W-22759/34, SAE AS22759/34 (M22759/34), MIL-W-
22759/41, SAE AS22759/41 (M22759/41), MIL-W-22759/86, SAE AS22759/86 
(M22759/86), MIL-W-22759/87, SAE AS22759/87 (M22759/87), MIL-W-
22759/92, and SAE AS22759/92 (M22759/92); and MIL-C-27500 and NEMA 
WC 27500 cables constructed from these military or SAE specification 
wire types, as applicable.
    (2) Where AWL No. 28-AWL-11 identifies TFE-2X Standard wall for 
wire sleeving, the following sleeving materials are acceptable: 
Roundit 2000NX and Varglas Type HO, HP, or HM.

(j) No Alternative Actions, Intervals, or Critical Design Configuration 
Control Limitations (CDCCLs)

    After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been 
revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative 
actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, or CDCCLs may be used unless 
the actions, intervals, and CDCCLs are approved as an alternative 
method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures 
specified in paragraph (l) of this AD.

(k) Terminating Action for Certain ADs

    Accomplishment of the revision required by paragraph (g) of this 
AD terminates the

[[Page 56576]]

requirements specified in paragraphs (k)(1) through (7) of this AD 
for that airplane:
    (1) The revision required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of AD 2008-
10-07 R1.
    (2) The revision required by paragraph (g)(1) of AD 2008-18-09.
    (3) The revision required by paragraph (h)(2) of AD 2010-13-12.
    (4) The revision required by paragraph (h) of AD 2010-24-13.
    (5) The revision required by paragraph (k) of AD 2011-06-03.
    (6) The revision required by paragraph (h)(2) of AD 2014-15-14.
    (7) The revision required by paragraph (h) of AD 2016-19-03.

(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle ACO Branch, 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 responsible Flight Standards Office, 
as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of 
the certification office, send it to the attention of the person 
identified in paragraph (m) 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 responsible Flight Standards Office.
    (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair, modification, or alteration required by this AD 
if it is approved by The Boeing Company Organization Designation 
Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle 
ACO Branch, FAA, to make those findings. To be approved, the repair 
method, modification deviation, or alteration deviation must meet 
the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must 
specifically refer to this AD.

(m) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Samuel Dorsey, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-
3415; email: [email protected].

(n) 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 747-100/200/300/SP/SR Airworthiness Limitations 
(AWLs) and Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMRs), D6-13747-
CMR, dated September 2020.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services 
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-
5600; phone: 562-797-1717; internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability 
of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
    (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, [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on August 4, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-19900 Filed 9-14-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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