Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-200, -300, -400, and -500 Series Airplanes Equipped With an Auxiliary Fuel System Installed in Accordance With Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA83NE, SA1078NE, SA725NE, ST00040NY, or ST01337NY

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 176 (Tuesday, September 12, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53562-53565]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-14618]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-25746; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-151-AD; 
Amendment 39-14750; AD 2006-18-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-200, -300, -400, and -
500 Series Airplanes Equipped With an Auxiliary Fuel System Installed 
in Accordance With Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA83NE, 
SA1078NE, SA725NE, ST00040NY, or ST01337NY

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Boeing Model 737-200, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes 
equipped with an auxiliary fuel system installed in accordance with STC 
SA83NE, SA1078NE, SA725NE, ST00040NY, or ST01337NY. This AD requires a 
one-time deactivation of the auxiliary fuel system, repetitive venting 
of the auxiliary fuel tanks, and revising the Limitations section of 
the airplane flight manual to limit the maximum cargo weight. This AD 
results from a re-evaluation of the floor structure and cargo barriers 
conducted by the STC holder. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
structural overload of the auxiliary fuel tank support structure, which 
could cause the floor beams to fail and resultant damage to the primary 
flight controls and the auxiliary power unit fuel lines that pass 
through the floor beams, and consequent loss of control of the 
airplane. We are also issuing this AD to prevent structural overload of 
the cargo barriers, which could cause the barriers to fail, allowing 
the cargo to shift, resulting in possible damage to the auxiliary fuel 
tanks, residual fuel leakage, and consequent increased risk of a fire.

DATES: This AD becomes effective September 27, 2006.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of September 27, 
2006.
    We must receive comments on this AD by November 13, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this AD.
    <bullet> DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
    <bullet> Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
    <bullet> Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Contact PATS Aircraft, LLC, Product Support, 21652 Nanticoke 
Avenue, Georgetown, Delaware 19947, for service information identified 
in this AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jon Hjelm, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Propulsion Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New 
York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7323; fax (516) 794-5531.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    PATS Aircraft (holder of Supplemental Type Certificates (STC) 
SA83NE, SA1078NE, SA725NE, ST00040NY, and ST01337NY) notified us that 
it has determined that Boeing Model 737-200, -300, -400, and -500 
series airplanes equipped with an auxiliary fuel tank system installed 
by STC SA83NE, SA1078NE, SA725NE, ST00040NY, or ST01337NY, have 
insufficient structural strength in the auxiliary fuel tank support 
structure. The STC holder has also determined that the cargo barriers 
have insufficient structural strength if subjected to emergency landing 
loads with the cargo load weights listed in the existing airplane 
flight manual (AFM) supplements. These determinations were based on a 
new structural analysis resulting from a re-evaluation of the floor 
structure and cargo barriers conducted by the STC holder. Structural 
overload of the auxiliary fuel tank support structure could cause the 
floor beams to fail, resulting in damage to the primary flight controls 
and the auxiliary power unit (APU) fuel lines that pass through the 
floor beams, and consequent loss of control of the airplane. Structural 
overload of the cargo barriers could cause the barriers to fail, 
allowing the cargo to shift, resulting in possible damage to the 
auxiliary fuel tanks, residual fuel leakage, and consequent increased 
risk of a fire.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed the PATS Aircraft service bulletins listed in the 
table below. These service bulletins describe procedures for 
deactivating the auxiliary fuel system, which, for certain airplanes, 
includes installing new cargo loading weight limit and ``INOP'' 
placards, depending on the airplane configuration. The service 
bulletins also describe procedures for venting any residual air 
pressure from the auxiliary fuel tanks following each flight. For 
certain airplanes, paragraph I.D. (``Description'') of the service 
bulletins describes limiting the maximum cargo weight (as specified on 
the new cargo weight placards) in the forward and aft cargo 
compartments, as applicable, depending on the STC configuration of the 
airplane.

[[Page 53563]]



                                       Table--Applicable Service Bulletins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      Having serial number(s)                               Use PATS aircraft
             For model--                      (S/N)--                    STC--              service bulletin--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
737-200 series airplanes............  22431 and 22628........  SA83NE..................  SA83NE-28-SB-002--IR,
                                                                                          dated June 7, 2006.
737-200 series airplanes............  22600..................  SA1078NE................  SA1078NE-28-SB-005--A,
                                                                                          Revision A, dated June
                                                                                          21, 2006.
737-200, -300, -400, and -500 series  23800, 22620, 23124,     SA725NE.................  SA725NE-28-SB-007--B,
 airplanes.                            23468, 26333, 26307,                               Revision B, dated July
                                       27456, 27426, and                                  27, 2006.
                                       27906.
737-500 series airplanes............  24970..................  ST00040NY...............  ST00040NY-28-SB-003--IR
                                                                                          , dated June 7, 2006.
737-500 series airplanes............  28866..................  ST01337NY...............  ST01337NY-28-SB-002--IR
                                                                                          , dated June 7, 2006.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have also reviewed the PATS Aircraft AFM supplements to the 
Limitations section of the applicable Boeing AFMs, which are listed in 
the following table. These AFM supplements provide revised maximum 
cargo weight limits.

                         Table--AFM Supplements for Revised Maximum Cargo Weight Limits
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Use PATS
         For model--            Having S/N(s)--        STC--           STC configuration(s)--      aircraft AFM
                                                                                                   Supplement--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
737-200 series airplanes.....  23124...........  SA725NE..........  2..........................  148, dated May
                                                                                                  31, 2006.
737-200 series airplanes.....  22620 and 23468.  SA725NE..........  3 and 8....................  149, Revision
                                                                                                  A, dated
                                                                                                  August 11,
                                                                                                  2006.
737-200 series airplanes.....  22600...........  SA1078NE.........  3 Tank forward.............  152, dated May
                                                                                                  31, 2006.
737-200 series airplanes.....  22431 and 22628.  SA83NE...........  2..........................  155, dated May
                                                                                                  31, 2006.
737-300 series airplanes.....  27456, 26307,     SA725NE..........  1 and 6....................  147, dated May
                                and 26333.                                                        31, 2006.
737-300 series airplanes.....  23800...........  SA725NE..........  7..........................  151, dated May
                                                                                                  31, 2006.
737-400 and -500 series        27906 and 27426.  SA725NE..........  4 and 5....................  150, dated May
 airplanes.                                                                                       31, 2006.
737-500 series airplanes.....  28866...........  ST01337NY........  Aft 3-tank.................  153, Revision
                                                                                                  A, dated
                                                                                                  August 3,
                                                                                                  2006.
737-500 series airplanes.....  24970...........  ST00040NY........  7..........................  154, dated May
                                                                                                  31, 2006.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or 
develop on other airplanes of the same type design. For this reason, we 
are issuing this AD to prevent structural overload of the auxiliary 
fuel tank support structure, which could cause the floor beams to fail 
and resultant damage to the primary flight controls and the APU fuel 
lines that pass through the floor beams, and consequent loss of control 
of the airplane. We are also issuing this AD to prevent structural 
overload of the cargo barriers, which could cause the barriers to fail, 
allowing the cargo to shift, resulting in possible damage to the 
auxiliary fuel tanks, residual fuel leakage, and consequent increased 
risk of a fire. This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in 
the service information described previously, except as discussed under 
``Difference Between the AD and the Service Bulletins.''

Difference Between the AD and the Service Bulletins

    The PATS Aircraft service bulletins do not specify a compliance 
time for deactivating the auxiliary fuel system or implementing the new 
cargo weight limits. In developing an appropriate compliance time for 
those actions in this AD, we considered the degree of urgency 
associated with the subject unsafe condition, the average utilization 
of the affected fleet, and the time necessary to perform the 
deactivation (3 work hours) and AFM revision. In light of all of these 
factors, we find that a 30-day compliance time represents an 
appropriate interval of time for affected airplanes to continue to 
operate without compromising safety.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD interim action. If final action is later 
identified, we may consider further rulemaking then.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate 
adoption of this AD, we have found that notice and opportunity for 
public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable, and that good 
cause exists to make this AD effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect 
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for 
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any relevant written 
data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an 
address listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2006-
25746; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-151-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD that might 
suggest a need to modify it.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of that Web 
site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, 
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed 
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
You may review the DOT's complete

[[Page 53564]]

Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 
2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you may visit http://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT 
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System 
receives them.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a 
substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between 
the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the regulation:
    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); 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES 
section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2006-18-11 Boeing: Amendment 39-14750. Docket No. FAA-2006-25746; 
Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-151-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective September 27, 2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 737-200, -300, -400, and -
500 series airplanes, certificated in any category; equipped with an 
auxiliary fuel system installed in accordance with Supplemental Type 
Certificate (STC) SA83NE, SA1078NE, SA725NE, ST00040NY, or 
ST01337NY; having serial numbers (S/N) listed in Table 1 of this AD.

                         Table 1.--Applicability
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      As identified in
         For model--             Having S/N(s)--        PATS aircraft
                                                     service bulletin--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
737-200 series airplanes....  22431 and 22628.....  SA83NE-28-SB-002-IR,
                                                     dated June 7, 2006.
737-200 series airplanes....  22600...............  SA1078NE-28-SB-005-A
                                                     , Revision A, dated
                                                     June 21, 2006.
737-200, -300, -400, and -    23800, 22620, 23124,  SA725NE-28-SB-007-B,
 500 seriesairplanes.          23468, 26333,         Revision B, dated
                               26307, 27456,         July 27, 2006.
                               27426, and 27906.
737-500 series airplanes....  24970...............  ST00040NY-28-SB-003-
                                                     IR, dated June 7,
                                                     2006.
737-500 series airplanes....  28866...............  ST01337NY-28-SB-002-
                                                     IR, dated June 7,
                                                     2006.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from a re-evaluation of the floor structure 
and cargo barriers conducted by the STC holder. We are issuing this 
AD to prevent structural overload of the auxiliary fuel tank support 
structure, which could cause the floor beams to fail and resultant 
damage to the primary flight controls and the auxiliary power unit 
fuel lines that pass through the floor beams, and consequent loss of 
control of the airplane. We are also issuing this AD to prevent 
structural overload of the cargo barriers, which could cause the 
barriers to fail, allowing the cargo to shift, resulting in possible 
damage to the auxiliary fuel tanks, residual fuel leakage, and 
consequent increased risk of a fire.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Service Bulletin References

    (f) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the 
Part IV ``Accomplishment Instructions,'' and Part V ``Maintenance 
Requirements,'' of the applicable PATS Aircraft service bulletin 
identified in Table 1 of this AD.

Deactivate the Auxiliary Fuel System/Revise the Maximum Cargo Weight 
Limits

    (g) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Do the 
actions in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Deactivate the auxiliary fuel system by doing all of the 
actions specified in Part IV of the applicable service bulletin.
    (2) Revise the Limitations section of the applicable Boeing 
airplane flight manual (AFM) to include revised maximum cargo weight 
limits specified in the applicable PATS Aircraft AFM supplement 
identified in Table 2 of this AD. Operate the airplane

[[Page 53565]]

according to the limitations in the applicable AFM supplement.

                        Table 2.--AFM Supplements for Revised Maximum Cargo Weight Limits
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Use PATS
         For model--            Having S/N(s)--        STC--           STC configuration(s)--      aircraft AFM
                                                                                                   supplement--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
737-200 series airplanes.....  23124...........  SA725NE..........  2..........................  148, dated May
                                                                                                  31, 2006.
737-200 series airplanes.....  22620 and 23468.  SA725NE..........  3 and 8....................  149, Revision
                                                                                                  A, dated
                                                                                                  August 11,
                                                                                                  2006.
737-200 series airplanes.....  22600...........  SA1078NE.........  3 Tank forward.............  152, dated May
                                                                                                  31, 2006.
737-200 series airplanes.....  22431 and 22628.  SA83NE...........  2..........................  155, dated May
                                                                                                  31, 2006.
737-300 series airplanes.....  27456, 26307,     SA725NE..........  1 and 6....................  147, dated May
                                and 26333.                                                        31, 2006.
737-300 series airplanes.....  23800...........  SA725NE..........  7..........................  151, dated May
                                                                                                  31, 2006.
737-400 and -500 series        27906 and 27426.  SA725NE..........  4 and 5....................  150, dated May
 airplanes.                                                                                       31, 2006.
737-500 series airplanes.....  28866...........  ST01337NY........  Aft 3-tank.................  153, Revision
                                                                                                  A, dated
                                                                                                  August 3,
                                                                                                  2006.
737-500 series airplanes.....  24970...........  ST00040NY........  7..........................  154, dated May
                                                                                                  31, 2006.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Repetitive Venting of the Built-Up Pressure in the Auxiliary Fuel Tanks

    (h) After deactivating the auxiliary fuel system as specified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD: Following each flight, vent the auxiliary 
fuel tanks by doing all of the actions specified in paragraph A. of 
Part V of the applicable service bulletin.

Special Flight Permits

    (i) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the airplane can be modified, provided the airplane is operated with 
the auxiliary fuel tanks empty of useable fuel.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (j)(1) The Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in 
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.  
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (k) You must use the PATS Aircraft service bulletins specified 
in Table 3 of this AD and the PATS Aircraft airplane flight manual 
supplements specified in Table 4 of this AD, as applicable, to 
perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD 
specifies otherwise.

          Table 3.--Service Bulletins Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    PATS aircraft service
         bulletin--             Revision level--           Dated--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SA1078NE-28-SB-005-A........  A...................  June 21, 2006.
SA725NE-28-SB-007-B.........  B...................  July 27, 2006.
SA83NE-28-SB-002-IR.........  Original............  June 7, 2006.
ST00040NY-28-SB-003-IR......  Original............  June 7, 2006.
ST01337NY-28-SB-002-IR......  Original............  June 7, 2006.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                             Table 4.--Airplane Flight Supplements Incorporated by Reference
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 PATS aircraft airplane flight manual
             supplement--                  Revision level--              Dated--                                     To the--
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
147..................................  Original................  May 31, 2006...........  Boeing 737-300 Airplane Flight Manual.
148..................................  Original................  May 31, 2006...........  Boeing 737-200 Airplane Flight Manual.
149..................................  A.......................  August 11, 2006........  Boeing 737-200 Airplane Flight Manual.
150..................................  Original................  May 31, 2006...........  Boeing 737-400/500 Airplane Flight Manual.
151..................................  Original................  May 31, 2006...........  Boeing 737-300 Airplane Flight Manual.
152..................................  Original................  May 31, 2006...........  Boeing 737-200 Airplane Flight Manual.
153..................................  A.......................  August 3, 2006.........  Boeing 737-500 Airplane Flight Manual.
154..................................  Original................  May 31, 2006...........  Boeing 737-500 Airplane Flight Manual.
155..................................  Original................  May 31, 2006...........  Boeing 737-200 Airplane Flight Manual.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation 
by reference of these documents in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) 
and 1 CFR part 51. Contact PATS Aircraft, LLC, Product Support, 
21652 Nanticoke Avenue, Georgetown, Delaware 19947, for a copy of 
this service information. You may review copies at the Docket 
Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh 
Street, SW., Room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the 
Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 23, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-14618 Filed 9-11-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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