82 FR 55057 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 222 (November 20, 2017)

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company 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 revising the maintenance or inspection program to include new airworthiness limitations. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 222 (Monday, November 20, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 55057-55060]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-24813]


========================================================================
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. 82, No. 222 / Monday, November 20, 2017 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 55057]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1026; Product Identifier 2017-NM-097-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 all 
The Boeing Company 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 revising 
the maintenance or inspection program to include new airworthiness 
limitations. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition 
on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 4, 2018.

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.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Boeing 
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 
2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740-5600; 
telephone: 562-797-1717; Internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You 
may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Standards 
Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also 
available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-1026.

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-2017-
1026; 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 NPRM, 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: Christopher Baker, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 
Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6498; 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-2017-1026; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-097-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM 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 NPRM.

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 20, 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 ADs 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, single failures in 
combination with another latent condition(s), and in-service failure 
experience. For all four criteria, the

[[Page 55058]]

evaluations included consideration of previous actions taken that may 
mitigate the need for further action.
    This proposed AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by 
the manufacturer. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct 
potential ignition sources inside fuel tanks caused by latent failures, 
alterations, repairs, or maintenance actions, which, in combination 
with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and 
consequent loss of the airplane.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing 707/720 Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs), D6-
7552-AWL, dated October 2016, which addresses fuel tank systems and 
impact-resistant fuel tank access doors. 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 
the ADDRESSES section.

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 revising the maintenance or 
inspection program to add airworthiness limitations specified in Boeing 
707/720 Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs), D6-7552-AWL, dated October 
2016. For information on the procedures and compliance times, see this 
service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2017-1026.
    This proposed AD would require revisions to certain operator 
maintenance documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections). 
Compliance with these actions is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For 
airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in 
the areas addressed by this proposed AD, the operator may not be able 
to accomplish the actions described in the revisions. In this 
situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request 
approval for an alternative method of compliance according to paragraph 
(k) of this proposed AD. The request should include a description of 
changes to the required actions that will ensure the continued 
operational safety of the airplane.

Related Rulemaking

    AD 2008-04-11 R1, Amendment 39-16147 (74 FR 68505, December 28, 
2009) (``AD 2008-04-11 R1''), applies to all The Boeing Company Model 
707 airplanes, and Model 720 and 720B series airplanes. AD 2008-04-11 
R1 requires revisions to certain operator maintenance documents to 
include new inspections. Accomplishing the actions specified in this 
proposed AD would terminate all requirements of AD 2008-04-11 R1.
    AD 2013-24-07, Amendment 39-17681 (78 FR 72550, December 3, 2013) 
(``AD 2013-24-07''), applies to all The Boeing Company Model 707 
airplanes, and Model 720 and 720B series airplanes. AD 2013-24-07 
requires an inspection of the left- and right-hand wing fuel tank 
access doors to determine that impact-resistant access doors are 
installed in the correct locations, and to replace any door with an 
impact-resistant access door if necessary; an inspection for stencils 
and index markers on impact-resistant access doors, and application of 
new stencils or index markers if necessary; and revision of the 
maintenance program to incorporate changes to the airworthiness 
limitations section. Accomplishing the actions specified in this 
proposed AD would terminate the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2013-24-07.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 9 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revise the Maintenance or Inspection    1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0             $85            $765
 Program.                                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.
    This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated 
by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as 
authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, 
issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and 
Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the 
Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable 
to transport category airplanes to the Director of the System Oversight 
Division.

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

[[Page 55059]]

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-2017-1026; Product Identifier 
2017-NM-097-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by January 4, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects the ADs specified in paragraphs (b)(1) and 
(b)(2) of this AD.
    (1) AD 2008-04-11 R1, Amendment 39-16147 (74 FR 68505, December 
28, 2009) (``AD 2008-04-11 R1'').
    (2) AD 2013-24-07, Amendment 39-17681 (78 FR 72550, December 3, 
2013) (``AD 2013-24-07'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all The Boeing Company airplanes, 
certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and 
(c)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Model 707-100 long body, -200, -100B long body, and -100B 
short body, -300, -300B, -300C, and -400 series airplanes.
    (2) Model 720 and 720B series airplanes.

(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 detect and correct potential 
ignition sources inside fuel tanks caused by latent failures, 
alterations, repairs, or maintenance actions, which, in combination 
with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and 
consequent loss of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Revision of Maintenance or Inspection Program

    Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the 
information in Section A, including Subsections A.1, A.2, and 
Appendix 1, as specified in Boeing 707/720 Airworthiness Limitations 
(AWLs), D6-7552-AWL, dated October 2016; except as provided in 
paragraph (h) of this AD. The initial compliance times for the AWL 
tasks are within the applicable compliance times specified in 
paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(5) of this AD.
    (1) AWL No. 28-AWL-01, External Wires Over Center Fuel Tank, as 
specified in Boeing 707/720 Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs), D6-
7552-AWL, dated October 2016. The initial compliance time for 
accomplishment of the actions specified by AWL No. 28-AWL-01 is 
specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD, as 
applicable.
    (i) For airplanes that have been previously inspected as 
specified in 28-AWL-01 as of the effective date of this AD: Conduct 
the inspection within 120 months after the most recent inspection.
    (ii) For airplanes that have not been inspected as specified in 
28-AWL-01: Conduct the inspection within 12 months after the 
effective date of this AD.
    (2) AWL No. 28-AWL-18, AC Fuel Boost Pump Bonding Installation, 
as specified in Boeing 707/720 Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs), D6-
7552-AWL, dated October 2016. The initial compliance time for 
accomplishment of the actions specified by AWL No. 28-AWL-18 is 
specified in paragraph (g)(2)(i) or (g)(2)(ii) of this AD, as 
applicable.
    (i) For airplanes that have been previously inspected as 
specified in 28-AWL-18 as of the effective date of this AD: Conduct 
the inspection within 72 months after the most recent inspection.
    (ii) For airplanes that have not been inspected as specified in 
28-AWL-18 as of the effective date of this AD: Conduct the 
inspection within 12 months after the effective date of this AD.
    (3) AWL No. 28-AWL-19, Fuel Valve Bonding Jumper Installation--
Engine Fuel Shutoff, Defuel, Reserve Tank Transfer, Fuel Dump, and 
Fuel Manifold Valves, as specified in Boeing 707/720 Airworthiness 
Limitations (AWLs), D6-7552-AWL, dated October 2016. The initial 
compliance time for accomplishment of the actions specified by AWL 
No. 28-AWL-19 is specified in paragraph (g)(3)(i) or (g)(3)(ii) of 
this AD, as applicable.
    (i) For airplanes that have been previously inspected as 
specified in 28-AWL-19 as of the effective date of this AD: Conduct 
the inspection within 72 months after the most recent inspection.
    (ii) For airplanes that have not been inspected as specified in 
28-AWL-19 as of the effective date of this AD: Conduct the 
inspection within 12 months after the effective date of this AD.
    (4) AWL No. 28-AWL-21, Dry Bay Fuel Manifold Assembly--Bonding 
Jumper Installation, as specified in Boeing 707/720 Airworthiness 
Limitations (AWLs), D6-7552-AWL, dated October 2016. The initial 
compliance time for accomplishment of the actions specified by AWL 
No. 28-AWL-21 is specified in paragraph (g)(4)(i) or (g)(4)(ii) of 
this AD, as applicable.
    (i) For airplanes that have been previously inspected as 
specified in 28-AWL-21 as of the effective date of this AD: Conduct 
the inspection within 72 months after the most recent inspection.
    (ii) For airplanes that have not been inspected as specified in 
28-AWL-21 as of the effective date of this AD: Conduct the 
inspection within 12 months after the effective date of this AD.
    (5) AWL No. 28-AWL-23, Reserve Tank Transfer Piping Assembly--
Bonding Jumper Installation, as specified in Boeing 707/720 
Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs), D6-7552-AWL, dated October 2016. 
The initial compliance time for accomplishment of the actions 
specified by AWL No. 28-AWL-23 is specified in paragraph (g)(5)(i) 
or (g)(5)(ii) of this AD, as applicable.
    (i) For airplanes that have been previously inspected as 
specified in 28-AWL-23 as of the effective date of this AD: Conduct 
the inspection within 72 months after the most recent inspection.
    (ii) For airplanes that have not been inspected as specified in 
28-AWL-23 as of the effective date of this AD: Conduct the 
inspection within 12 months after the effective date of this AD.

(h) Additional Acceptable Wire Types and Sleeving

    (1) Where AWL No. 28-AWL-03 identifies wire types BMS 13-48, BMS 
13-58, and BMS 13-60, the following wire types are also acceptable: 
MIL-W-22759/16, MIL-W-22759/32, MIL-W-22759/34, MIL-W-22759/41, MIL-
W-22759/86, MIL-W-22759/87, and MIL-W-22759/92; and MIL-C-27500 
cables, which are constructed from the MIL Specification wire types 
identified in this paragraph.
    (2) Where AWL No. 28-AWL-03 identifies TFE-2X Standard wall for 
wire sleeving, the following sleeving materials are also acceptable: 
Roundit 2000NX and Varglas Type HO, HP, or HM.

(i) No Alternative Actions and Intervals

    After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as 
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 (k) of this 
AD.

(j) Terminating Action for Other ADs

    (1) Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD terminates all requirements of AD 2008-04-11 R1 for that 
airplane.
    (2) Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD terminates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 2013-24-
07 for that airplane.

[[Page 55060]]

(k) 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 local Flight Standards District 
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 (l)(1) 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 Branch, 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.

(l) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Christopher 
Baker, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO 
Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6498; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].
    (2) 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; telephone: 562-797-1717; Internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this service information at the 
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 8, 2017.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-24813 Filed 11-17-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P