81 FR 65577 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 185 (September 23, 2016)
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 185 (September 23, 2016)
| Page Range | 65577-65579 | |
| FR Document | 2016-21396 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 185 (Friday, September 23, 2016)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 65577-65579] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-21396] ======================================================================== Proposed Rules Federal Register ________________________________________________________________________ This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. ======================================================================== Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 185 / Friday, September 23, 2016 / Proposed Rules [[Page 65577]] DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2016-9073; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-062-AD] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 707 airplanes and Model 720 and 720B series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. This proposed AD would require modifying the fuel quantity indicating system (FQIS) to prevent development of an ignition source inside the center fuel tank due to electrical fault conditions. We are proposing this AD to prevent ignition sources inside the center fuel tank, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 7, 2016. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Fax: 202-493-2251. 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. Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above 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-2016- 9073; 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 proposed 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: Jon Regimbal, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917- 6506; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2016-9073; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-062-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed 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 proposed AD. Discussion The FAA has examined the underlying safety issues involved in fuel tank explosions on several large transport airplanes, including the adequacy of existing regulations, the service history of airplanes subject to those regulations, and existing maintenance practices for fuel tank systems. As a result of those findings, we issued a final rule titled ``Transport Airplane Fuel Tank System Design Review, Flammability Reduction, and Maintenance and Inspection Requirements'' (66 FR 23086, May 7, 2001). In addition to new airworthiness standards for transport airplanes and new maintenance requirements, that rule included Amendment 21-78, which established Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88 (``SFAR 88'') at 14 CFR part 21. Subsequently, SFAR 88 was amended by: Amendment 21-82 (67 FR 57490, September 10, 2002; corrected at 67 FR 70809, November 26, 2002) and Amendment 21-83 (67 FR 72830, December 9, 2002; corrected at 68 FR 37735, June 25, 2003, to change ``21-82'' to ``21-83''). Among other actions, SFAR 88 requires certain type design (i.e., type certificate (TC) and supplemental type certificate (STC)) holders to substantiate that their fuel tank systems can prevent ignition sources in the fuel tanks. This requirement applies to type design holders for large turbine-powered transport airplanes and for subsequent modifications to those airplanes. It requires them to perform design reviews and to develop design changes and maintenance procedures if their designs do not meet the new fuel tank safety standards. As explained in the preamble to the rule, we intended to adopt airworthiness directives to mandate any changes found necessary to address unsafe conditions identified as a result of these reviews. In evaluating these design reviews, we have established four criteria intended to define the unsafe conditions associated with fuel tank systems that require corrective actions. The percentage of operating time during which fuel tanks are exposed to flammable conditions is one of these criteria. The other three criteria address the failure types under evaluation: Single failures, combination of failures, and unacceptable (failure) experience. For all three failure criteria, the evaluations included consideration of previous actions taken that may mitigate the need for further action. We have determined that the actions identified in this proposed AD are necessary to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane. [[Page 65578]] Model 707/720 FQIS Design The design of the in-tank FQIS components and wiring has the potential for a latent FQIS electrical fault condition inside the fuel tank combined with an electrical hot short condition connecting a high power source to the FQIS wiring to cause an ignition source in a fuel tank. Under the policy contained in FAA Policy Memo PS-ANM100-2003-112- 15, SFAR 88--Mandatory Action Decision Criteria, dated February 25, 2003 (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgPolicy.nsf/ 0/dc94c3a46396950386256d5e006aed11/$FILE/Feb2503.pdf), the FAA determined that this ignition source risk combined with the fleet average flammability for the center wing tank on Model 707 airplanes and Model 720 and 720B series airplanes created an unsafe condition for the center fuel tank. Applying that same policy, the FAA determined that due to a lower fleet average flammability, that same unsafe condition does not exist in the main and reserve (wing) tanks of these airplanes. Related Rulemaking On March 21, 2016, we issued AD 2016-07-07, Amendment 39-18452 (81 FR 19472, April 5, 2016), for certain Boeing Model 757-200, -200PF, - 200CB, and -300 series airplanes. AD 2016-07-07 requires similar actions to those proposed in this NPRM. AD 2016-07-07 addressed the numerous public comments that were submitted on the proposal. FAA's Determination We are proposing 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 these same type designs. Proposed AD Requirements This proposed AD would require modifying the FQIS to prevent development of an ignition source inside the center fuel tank due to electrical fault conditions. It is likely that operators or modifiers would develop transient suppression devices to be installed in the FQIS circuitry at the fuel tank entry point rather than physically separating FQIS wiring throughout the airplane. If this occurs the costs would be significantly lower than the estimate below. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD affects 4 airplanes of U.S. registry. This estimate includes 2 cargo/tanker airplanes and 1 non- air-carrier passenger airplane, and 1 experimental airplane. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD: Estimated Costs: Required Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cost per Cost on U.S. Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Modification...................... 600 work-hours x $85 per $150,000 $201,000 $804,000 hour = $51,000. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed 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), (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. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. Sec. 39.13 [Amended] 0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2016-9073; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-062-AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by November 7, 2016. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 707 100 long body, 200, 100B long body, 100B short body, 300, 300B, 300C, and 400 series airplanes; and Model 720 and 720B series airplanes; certificated in any category; excluding airplanes equipped with a flammability reduction means (FRM) approved by the FAA as compliant with the requirements of 14 CFR 25.981(b), as amended on September 19, 2008, or 14 CFR 26.33(c)(1), as amended on September 19, 2008. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent ignition sources inside the center fuel tank, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, [[Page 65579]] 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) Modification Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the FQIS to prevent development of an ignition source inside the center fuel tank due to electrical fault conditions, using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (h) of this AD. (h) 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. (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 Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, 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. (i) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Jon Regimbal, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6506; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected]. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 30, 2016. Michael Kaszycki, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2016-21396 Filed 9-22-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
![65577
Proposed Rules Federal Register
Vol. 81, No. 185
Friday, September 23, 2016
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER Examining the AD Docket Airplane Fuel Tank System Design
contains notices to the public of the proposed Review, Flammability Reduction, and
You may examine the AD docket on
issuance of rules and regulations. The Maintenance and Inspection
purpose of these notices is to give interested the Internet at http://
www.regulations.gov by searching for Requirements’’ (66 FR 23086, May 7,
persons an opportunity to participate in the 2001). In addition to new airworthiness
rule making prior to the adoption of the final and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
rules. 9073; or in person at the Docket standards for transport airplanes and
Management Facility between 9 a.m. new maintenance requirements, that
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, rule included Amendment 21–78,
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION except Federal holidays. The AD docket which established Special Federal
contains this proposed AD, the Aviation Regulation No. 88 (‘‘SFAR 88’’)
Federal Aviation Administration regulatory evaluation, any comments at 14 CFR part 21. Subsequently, SFAR
received, and other information. The 88 was amended by: Amendment 21–82
14 CFR Part 39 street address for the Docket Office (67 FR 57490, September 10, 2002;
[Docket No. FAA–2016–9073; Directorate (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the corrected at 67 FR 70809, November 26,
Identifier 2015–NM–062–AD] ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 2002) and Amendment 21–83 (67 FR
available in the AD docket shortly after 72830, December 9, 2002; corrected at
RIN 2120–AA64 68 FR 37735, June 25, 2003, to change
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jon ‘‘21–82’’ to ‘‘21–83’’).
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Among other actions, SFAR 88
Company Airplanes Regimbal, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, FAA, requires certain type design (i.e., type
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Seattle Aircraft Certification Office certificate (TC) and supplemental type
Administration (FAA), DOT. (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, certificate (STC)) holders to substantiate
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6506; that their fuel tank systems can prevent
(NPRM). fax: 425–917–6590; email: ignition sources in the fuel tanks. This
Jon.Regimbal@faa.gov. requirement applies to type design
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new holders for large turbine-powered
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain transport airplanes and for subsequent
Boeing Model 707 airplanes and Model Comments Invited modifications to those airplanes. It
720 and 720B series airplanes. This We invite you to send any written requires them to perform design reviews
proposed AD was prompted by fuel relevant data, views, or arguments about and to develop design changes and
system reviews conducted by the this proposal. Send your comments to maintenance procedures if their designs
manufacturer. This proposed AD would an address listed under the ADDRESSES do not meet the new fuel tank safety
require modifying the fuel quantity section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– standards. As explained in the preamble
indicating system (FQIS) to prevent 2016–9073; Directorate Identifier 2015– to the rule, we intended to adopt
development of an ignition source NM–062–AD’’ at the beginning of your airworthiness directives to mandate any
inside the center fuel tank due to comments. We specifically invite changes found necessary to address
electrical fault conditions. We are comments on the overall regulatory, unsafe conditions identified as a result
proposing this AD to prevent ignition economic, environmental, and energy of these reviews.
sources inside the center fuel tank, aspects of this proposed AD. We will In evaluating these design reviews, we
which, in combination with flammable consider all comments received by the have established four criteria intended
fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank closing date and may amend this to define the unsafe conditions
explosion and consequent loss of the proposed AD because of those associated with fuel tank systems that
airplane. comments. require corrective actions. The
DATES: We must receive comments on We will post all comments we percentage of operating time during
this proposed AD by November 7, 2016. receive, without change, to http:// which fuel tanks are exposed to
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, www.regulations.gov, including any flammable conditions is one of these
using the procedures found in 14 CFR personal information you provide. We criteria. The other three criteria address
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following will also post a report summarizing each the failure types under evaluation:
methods: substantive verbal contact we receive Single failures, combination of failures,
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to about this proposed AD. and unacceptable (failure) experience.
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the For all three failure criteria, the
Discussion evaluations included consideration of
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251. The FAA has examined the previous actions taken that may mitigate
• Mail: U.S. Department of underlying safety issues involved in fuel the need for further action.
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Transportation, Docket Operations, tank explosions on several large We have determined that the actions
M–30, West Building Ground Floor, transport airplanes, including the identified in this proposed AD are
Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey adequacy of existing regulations, the necessary to reduce the potential of
Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. service history of airplanes subject to ignition sources inside fuel tanks,
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail those regulations, and existing which, in combination with flammable
address above between 9 a.m. and 5 maintenance practices for fuel tank fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank
p.m., Monday through Friday, except systems. As a result of those findings, explosions and consequent loss of the
Federal holidays. we issued a final rule titled ‘‘Transport airplane.
VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:12 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\23SEP1.SGM 23SEP1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/81_FR_65762/page/1.svg)
![65578 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 185 / Friday, September 23, 2016 / Proposed Rules
Model 707/720 FQIS Design determined that due to a lower fleet Proposed AD Requirements
The design of the in-tank FQIS average flammability, that same unsafe
condition does not exist in the main and This proposed AD would require
components and wiring has the modifying the FQIS to prevent
potential for a latent FQIS electrical reserve (wing) tanks of these airplanes.
development of an ignition source
fault condition inside the fuel tank Related Rulemaking inside the center fuel tank due to
combined with an electrical hot short electrical fault conditions. It is likely
condition connecting a high power On March 21, 2016, we issued AD
2016–07–07, Amendment 39–18452 (81 that operators or modifiers would
source to the FQIS wiring to cause an
FR 19472, April 5, 2016), for certain develop transient suppression devices
ignition source in a fuel tank.
Under the policy contained in FAA Boeing Model 757–200, –200PF, to be installed in the FQIS circuitry at
Policy Memo PS–ANM100–2003–112– –200CB, and –300 series airplanes. AD the fuel tank entry point rather than
15, SFAR 88—Mandatory Action 2016–07–07 requires similar actions to physically separating FQIS wiring
Decision Criteria, dated February 25, those proposed in this NPRM. AD 2016– throughout the airplane. If this occurs
2003 (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_ 07–07 addressed the numerous public the costs would be significantly lower
Guidance_Library/rgPolicy.nsf/0/ comments that were submitted on the than the estimate below.
dc94c3a46396950386256d5e006aed11/ proposal. Costs of Compliance
$FILE/Feb2503.pdf), the FAA FAA’s Determination
determined that this ignition source risk We estimate that this proposed AD
combined with the fleet average We are proposing this AD because we affects 4 airplanes of U.S. registry. This
flammability for the center wing tank on evaluated all the relevant information estimate includes 2 cargo/tanker
Model 707 airplanes and Model 720 and and determined the unsafe condition airplanes and 1 non-air-carrier
720B series airplanes created an unsafe described previously is likely to exist or passenger airplane, and 1 experimental
condition for the center fuel tank. develop in other products of these same airplane. We estimate the following
Applying that same policy, the FAA type designs. costs to comply with this proposed AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS: REQUIRED ACTIONS
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
Modification ............................. 600 work-hours × $85 per hour = $51,000 ............................ $150,000 $201,000 $804,000
Authority for This Rulemaking responsibilities among the various § 39.13 [Amended]
levels of government. ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
Title 49 of the United States Code For the reasons discussed above, I the following new airworthiness
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue certify this proposed regulation: directive (AD):
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA–
section 106, describes the authority of
action’’ under Executive Order 12866, 2016–9073; Directorate Identifier 2015–
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs, describes in more (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under NM–062–AD.
the DOT Regulatory Policies and
detail the scope of the Agency’s (a) Comments Due Date
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26,
authority. We must receive comments by November
1979),
We are issuing this rulemaking under 7, 2016.
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
the authority described in Subtitle VII, in Alaska, and (b) Affected ADs
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: (4) Will not have a significant None.
‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that economic impact, positive or negative,
section, Congress charges the FAA with (c) Applicability
on a substantial number of small entities
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in This AD applies to The Boeing Company
under the criteria of the Regulatory Model 707 100 long body, 200, 100B long
air commerce by prescribing regulations Flexibility Act.
for practices, methods, and procedures body, 100B short body, 300, 300B, 300C, and
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 400 series airplanes; and Model 720 and
the Administrator finds necessary for 720B series airplanes; certificated in any
safety in air commerce. This regulation Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation category; excluding airplanes equipped with
is within the scope of that authority safety, Incorporation by reference, a flammability reduction means (FRM)
because it addresses an unsafe condition Safety. approved by the FAA as compliant with the
that is likely to exist or develop on requirements of 14 CFR 25.981(b), as
products identified in this rulemaking The Proposed Amendment amended on September 19, 2008, or 14 CFR
action. 26.33(c)(1), as amended on September 19,
Accordingly, under the authority 2008.
Regulatory Findings delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part (d) Subject
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
We determined that this proposed AD 39 as follows: Air Transport Association (ATA) of
would not have federalism implications America Code 28, Fuel.
under Executive Order 13132. This PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS (e) Unsafe Condition
proposed AD would not have a DIRECTIVES
This AD was prompted by fuel system
substantial direct effect on the States, on reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We
the relationship between the national ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
are issuing this AD to prevent ignition
Government and the States, or on the continues to read as follows: sources inside the center fuel tank, which, in
distribution of power and Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. combination with flammable fuel vapors,
VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:12 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\23SEP1.SGM 23SEP1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/81_FR_65762/page/2.svg)
![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 185 / Friday, September 23, 2016 / Proposed Rules 65579
could result in a fuel tank explosion and DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION regulatory evaluation, any comments
consequent loss of the airplane. received, and other information. The
Federal Aviation Administration street address for the Docket Office
(f) Compliance
(phone: 800–647–5527) is in the
Comply with this AD within the 14 CFR Part 39 ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
compliance times specified, unless already available in the AD docket shortly after
done. [Docket No. FAA–2016–9072; Directorate
Identifier 2015–NM–110–AD] receipt.
(g) Modification FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jon
RIN 2120–AA64
Within 60 months after the effective date Regimbal, Aerospace Engineer,
of this AD, modify the FQIS to prevent Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, FAA,
development of an ignition source inside the Company Airplanes Seattle Aircraft Certification Office
center fuel tank due to electrical fault (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
conditions, using a method approved in AGENCY: Federal Aviation WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6506;
accordance with the procedures specified in Administration (FAA), DOT. fax: 425–917–6590; email:
paragraph (h) of this AD. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking Jon.Regimbal@faa.gov.
(NPRM). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs) SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new Comments Invited
(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft airworthiness directive (AD) for certain We invite you to send any written
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the Boeing Model 727 airplanes. This relevant data, views, or arguments about
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if proposed AD was prompted by fuel this proposal. Send your comments to
requested using the procedures found in 14 system reviews conducted by the an address listed under the ADDRESSES
CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, manufacturer. This proposed AD would section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
send your request to your principal inspector require modifying the fuel quantity 2016–9072; Directorate Identifier 2015–
or local Flight Standards District Office, as indicating system (FQIS) to prevent NM–110–AD’’ at the beginning of your
appropriate. If sending information directly development of an ignition source comments. We specifically invite
to the manager of the ACO, send it to the inside the body-mounted auxiliary fuel comments on the overall regulatory,
attention of the person identified in tanks due to electrical fault conditions.
paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may be
economic, environmental, and energy
As an alternative to the modification, aspects of this proposed AD. We will
emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOC- this proposed AD would allow
Requests@faa.gov.
consider all comments received by the
deactivating the body-mounted closing date and may amend this
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, auxiliary fuel tanks. We are proposing
notify your appropriate principal inspector, proposed AD because of those
this AD to prevent ignition sources comments.
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager inside the body-mounted auxiliary fuel
of the local flight standards district office/ We will post all comments we
tanks, which, in combination with receive, without change, to http://
certificate holding district office. flammable fuel vapors, could result in a
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable www.regulations.gov, including any
fuel tank explosion and consequent loss personal information you provide. We
level of safety may be used for any repair,
of the airplane. will also post a report summarizing each
modification, or alteration required by this
AD if it is approved by the Boeing DATES: We must receive comments on substantive verbal contact we receive
Commercial Airplanes Organization this proposed AD by November 7, 2016. about this proposed AD.
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
Discussion
been authorized by the Manager, Seattle using the procedures found in 14 CFR
ACO, to make those findings. To be 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following The FAA has examined the
approved, the repair method, modification methods: underlying safety issues involved in fuel
deviation, or alteration deviation must meet • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to tank explosions on several large
the certification basis of the airplane, and the http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the transport airplanes, including the
approval must specifically refer to this AD. instructions for submitting comments. adequacy of existing regulations, the
• Fax: 202–493–2251. service history of airplanes subject to
(i) Related Information
• Mail: U.S. Department of those regulations, and existing
For more information about this AD, Transportation, Docket Operations, maintenance practices for fuel tank
contact Jon Regimbal, Aerospace Engineer, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, systems. As a result of those findings,
Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, FAA, Seattle Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey we issued a final rule titled ‘‘Transport
ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. Airplane Fuel Tank System Design
98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6506; fax: 425– • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail Review, Flammability Reduction, and
917–6590; email: Jon.Regimbal@faa.gov. address above between 9 a.m. and 5 Maintenance and Inspection
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August p.m., Monday through Friday, except Requirements’’ (66 FR 23086, May 7,
30, 2016. Federal holidays. 2001). In addition to new airworthiness
Michael Kaszycki, standards for transport airplanes and
Examining the AD Docket new maintenance requirements, that
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
You may examine the AD docket on rule included Amendment 21–78,
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
the Internet at http:// which established Special Federal
[FR Doc. 2016–21396 Filed 9–22–16; 8:45 am]
www.regulations.gov by searching for Aviation Regulation No. 88 (‘‘SFAR 88’’)
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– at 14 CFR part 21. Subsequently, SFAR
9072; or in person at the Docket 88 was amended by: Amendment 21–82
Management Facility between 9 a.m. (67 FR 57490, September 10, 2002;
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, corrected at 67 FR 70809, November 26,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket 2002) and Amendment 21–83 (67 FR
contains this proposed AD, the 72830, December 9, 2002; corrected at
VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:12 Sep 22, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\23SEP1.SGM 23SEP1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/81_FR_65762/page/3.svg)
Document Created: 2016-09-23 01:43:11
Document Modified: 2016-09-23 01:43:11
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Proposed Rules | |
| Action | Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). | |
| Dates | We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 7, 2016. | |
| Contact | Jon Regimbal, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917- 6506; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 65577 | |
| RIN Number | 2120-AA64 |
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