83 FR 44204 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 169 (August 30, 2018)

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 727 airplanes. This AD was prompted by significant changes made to the airworthiness limitations (AWLs) related to fuel tank ignition prevention. This AD requires revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the latest revision of the AWLs. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 169 (Thursday, August 30, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44204-44207]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-18664]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0031; Product Identifier 2017-NM-127-AD; Amendment 
39-19374; AD 2018-17-20]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
The Boeing Company Model 727 airplanes. This AD was prompted by 
significant changes made to the airworthiness limitations (AWLs) 
related to fuel tank ignition prevention. This AD requires revising the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the 
latest revision of the AWLs. We are issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

[[Page 44205]]


DATES: This AD is effective October 4, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 4, 
2018.

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; telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this service information at the 
FAA, Transport Standards 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 on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0031.

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-2018-
0031; 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, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket Operations, 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: Christopher Baker, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3552; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain The Boeing Company 
Model 727 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
February 8, 2018 (83 FR 5576). The NPRM was prompted by significant 
changes made to the AWLs related to fuel tank ignition prevention. The 
NPRM proposed to require revising the maintenance or inspection 
program, as applicable, to incorporate the latest revision of the AWLs.
    We are 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 fuel tank explosions and consequent loss 
of the airplane.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. We have considered the comment received. Boeing 
supported the NPRM.

Clarification of Affected Airplanes in Paragraph (g)(4)(ii) of This AD

    The phrase ``as of the effective date of this AD'' was 
inadvertently not included in the description of affected airplanes in 
paragraph (g)(4)(ii) of the proposed AD. We have revised paragraph 
(g)(4)(ii) of this AD accordingly.

Clarification of Alternative Wire Types and Sleeving

    Paragraph (h) of this AD allows operators to revise AWL No. 28-AWL-
03 to identify certain alternative wire types and sleeving materials. 
AWL No. 28-AWL-03 was originally mandated by AD 2008-04-10 R1, 
Amendment 39-16121 (74 FR 66227, December 15, 2009) (``AD 2008-04-10 
R1''). Since the issuance of AD 2008-04-10 R1, which will be terminated 
by this AD, we received numerous requests for approval of alternative 
methods of compliance (AMOCs) from operators and supplemental type 
certificate (STC) holders (or applicants) to allow the installation of 
the alternative wire types and sleeving identified in paragraphs (h)(1) 
and (h)(2) of this AD. We evaluated certain attributes of those 
alternative wire types and sleeving for each installation, and issued 
numerous AMOC approvals based on our determination that the 
installation of those wire types and sleeving would provide an 
acceptable level of safety. Although paragraph (h) of this AD provides 
certain allowances, it does not provide approval of alternative wire 
types and sleeving that are installed as part of an aircraft design 
change. Each applicant for any design change is still responsible to 
show that the installation of alternative wire types and sleeving 
identified in paragraphs (h)(l) and (h)(2) of this AD complies with all 
applicable regulatory requirements. This responsibility includes, but 
is not limited to, substantiation of compliance with flammability 
requirements, and substantiation to show that sleeve installation, 
including the selection of sleeve thickness, is adequate to protect 
wires from chafing for the life of installation. If such an 
installation is found to be compliant with all applicable regulatory 
requirements, revision of AWL No. 28-AWL-03 in accordance with 
paragraph (h) of this AD would allow the installation of the 
alternative wire types and sleeving.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this final rule with the change described previously and minor 
editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final 
rule.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing 727-100/200 Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) D6-
8766-AWL, Revision December 2016. This service information describes 
AWL tasks that include airworthiness limitation instructions (ALIs) and 
critical design configuration control limitations (CDCCLs) 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 the 
ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 20 airplanes of U.S. registry. We 
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
    We have determined that revising the maintenance or inspection 
program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, although we 
recognize that this number may vary from operator to operator. In the 
past, we have estimated that this action takes 1 work-hour per 
airplane. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection program 
changes for their affected fleet(s), we have determined that a per-
operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane estimate. 
Therefore, we estimate the 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

[[Page 44206]]

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 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 and 
associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.

Regulatory Findings

    This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 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):

2018-17-20 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-19374; Docket No. FAA-
2018-0031; Product Identifier 2017-NM-127-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective October 4, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects the ADs specified in paragraphs (b)(1) through 
(b)(5) of this AD.
    (1) AD 2008-04-10 R1, Amendment 39-16121 (74 FR 66227, December 
15, 2009) (``AD 2008-04-10 R1'').
    (2) AD 2009-05-03, Amendment 39-15827 (74 FR 8851, February 27, 
2009) (``AD 2009-05-03'').
    (3) AD 2011-12-05, Amendment 39-16712 (76 FR 33991, June 10, 
2011) (``AD 2011-12-05'').
    (4) AD 2013-22-03, Amendment 39-17635 (78 FR 65193, October 31, 
2013) (``AD 2013-22-03'').
    (5) AD 2013-24-15, Amendment 39-17692 (78 FR 72791, December 4, 
2013) (``AD 2013-24-15'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 727, 727C, 727-100, 
727-100C, 727-200, and 727-200F series airplanes, certificated in 
any category, with an original certificate of airworthiness or 
original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before the 
effective date of this AD.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by significant changes made to the 
airworthiness limitations (AWLs) related to fuel tank ignition 
prevention. We are issuing this AD to prevent 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 fuel tank explosions 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 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate all 
information in Section A, including Subsections A.1 and A.2, of 
Boeing 727-100/200 Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) D6-8766-AWL, 
Revision December 2016. The initial compliance times for the 
airworthiness limitation instruction (ALI) items are within the 
applicable compliance times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through 
(g)(6) of this AD.
    (1) For AWL No. 28-AWL-01, ``External Wires Over Center Fuel 
Tank (Tank No. 2)'': At the applicable time specified in paragraph 
(g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (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 as of the effective date of this AD: Conduct the 
inspection within 12 months after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) For AWL No. 28-AWL-16, ``Over-Current and Arcing Protection 
Electrical Design Features Operation--Boost Pump Ground Fault 
Interrupter (GFI)'': At the applicable time specified in paragraph 
(g)(2)(i) or (g)(2)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) For airplanes that have been previously inspected as 
specified in 28-AWL-16 as of the effective date of this AD: Conduct 
the inspection within 12 months after the most recent inspection.
    (ii) For airplanes that have not been inspected as specified in 
28-AWL-16 as of the effective date of this AD: Conduct the 
inspection within 90 days after the effective date of this AD.
    (3) For AWL No. 28-AWL-17, ``Auxiliary Tank Fuel Boost Pump 
Power Failed On Protection System'': At the applicable time 
specified in paragraph (g)(3)(i) or (g)(3)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) For airplanes that have been previously inspected as 
specified in 28-AWL-17 as of the effective date of this AD: Conduct 
the inspection within 12 months after the most recent inspection.
    (ii) For airplanes that have not been inspected as specified in 
28-AWL-17 as of the effective date of this AD: Conduct the 
inspection within 90 days after the effective date of this AD.
    (4) For AWL No. 28-AWL-18, ``Fuel Quantity Indicating System 
(FQIS)--Out-Tank Wiring Lightning Shield to Ground Termination and 
Joint Resistance for the Volumetric Top-Off (VTO) Unit (If 
Installed)'': At the applicable time specified in paragraph 
(g)(4)(i) or (g)(4)(ii) of this AD.
    (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 120 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.
    (5) For AWL No. 28-AWL-22, ``AC Fuel Boost Pump Bonding 
Installation'': At the applicable time specified in paragraph 
(g)(5)(i) or (g)(5)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) For airplanes that have been previously inspected as 
specified in 28-AWL-22 as of

[[Page 44207]]

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-22 as of the effective date of this AD: Conduct the 
inspection within 12 months after the effective date of this AD.
    (6) For AWL No. 28-AWL-24, ``Motor Operated Valve Bonding Jumper 
Installation--Fault Current Protection'': At the applicable time 
specified in paragraph (g)(6)(i) or (g)(6)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) For airplanes that have been previously inspected as 
specified in 28-AWL-24 as of the effective date of this AD: Conduct 
the inspection within 60 months after the most recent inspection.
    (ii) For airplanes that have not been inspected as specified in 
28-AWL-24 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

    As an option, when accomplishing the actions required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, the changes specified in paragraphs (h)(1) 
and (h)(2) of this AD can be made to AWL No. 28-AWL-03.
    (1) Where AWL No. 28-AWL-03 identifies wire types BMS 13-48, BMS 
13-58, and BMS 13-60, add the following acceptable wire types: 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 identified above.
    (2) Where AWL No. 28-AWL-03 identifies TFE-2X Standard wall for 
wire sleeving, add the following acceptable sleeving materials: 
Roundit 2000NX and Varglas Type HO, HP, or HM.

(i) No Alternative Actions, Intervals, and Critical Design 
Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs)

    After the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, has 
been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative 
actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, and 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 (k) of this AD.

(j) Terminating Actions

    Accomplishment of the maintenance or inspection program revision 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD terminates the actions 
specified in paragraphs (j)(1) through (j)(5) of this AD.
    (1) The revision required by paragraph (g) of AD 2008-04-10 R1.
    (2) The revision required by paragraph (h) of AD 2009-05-03.
    (3) The revision required by paragraph (j) of AD 2011-12-05.
    (4) The revision required by paragraph (h) of AD 2013-22-03.
    (5) The revision required by paragraphs (n)(1) and (n)(2) of AD 
2013-24-15.

(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) 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, 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.

(l) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Christopher Baker, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-
3552; email: [email protected].

(m) 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 727-100/200 Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) D6-8766-
AWL, Revision December 2016.
    (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; telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards 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, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on August 17, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-18664 Filed 8-29-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P