83 FR 48708 - Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 188 (September 27, 2018)

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 707 airplanes, and Model 720 and 720B series airplanes. This AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. This AD requires revising the maintenance or inspection program to include new airworthiness limitations. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 188 (Thursday, September 27, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48708-48711]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-20631]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1026; Product Identifier 2017-NM-097-AD; Amendment 
39-19422; AD 2018-19-21]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The 
Boeing Company Model 707 airplanes, and Model 720 and 720B series 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the 
manufacturer. This AD requires revising the maintenance or inspection 
program to include new airworthiness limitations. We are issuing this 
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 1, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 1, 
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-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 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,

[[Page 48709]]

M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue 
SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Samuel Lee, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount 
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5262; fax: 562-627-
5210; 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 all The Boeing Company 
Model 707 airplanes, and Model 720 and 720B series airplanes. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on November 20, 2017 (82 FR 55057). 
The NPRM was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the 
manufacturer. The NPRM proposed to require revising the maintenance or 
inspection program to include new airworthiness limitations.
    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.

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 Alternative Wire Types and Sleeving

    Paragraph (h) of this AD allows alternative wire types and sleeving 
materials for certain wire types and sleeving materials identified in 
AWL No. 28-AWL-03. AWL No. 28-AWL-03 was originally mandated by AD 
2008-04-11 R1, Amendment 39-16147 (74 FR 68505, December 28, 2009) 
(``AD 2008-04-11 R1''). Since the issuance of AD 2008-04-11 R1, which 
is 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. We 
evaluated certain attributes of those alternative wire types and 
sleeving for each installation, and issued numerous AMOC approvals for 
AD 2008-04-11 R1, based on our determination that the installation of 
those wire types and sleeving would provide an acceptable level of 
safety. The alternative wire types and sleeving specified in paragraph 
(h) of this AD were previously approved as an AMOC for AD 2008-04-11 
R1. 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 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.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this final rule as proposed, except for 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.

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 systems ignition 
prevention 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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 9 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 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.

[[Page 48710]]

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):

2018-19-21 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-19422; Docket No. FAA-
2017-1026; Product Identifier 2017-NM-097-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective November 1, 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, -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 A, 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 as of the effective date of this AD: 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

    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 are acceptable.
    (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 acceptable: MIL-
W-22759/16, SAE AS22759/16 (M22759/16), MIL-W-22759/32, SAE AS22759/
32 (M22759/32), MIL-W-22759/34, SAE AS22759/34 (M22759/34), MIL-W-
22759/41, SAE AS22759/41 (M22759/41), MIL-W-22759/86, SAE AS22759/86 
(M22759/86), MIL-W-22759/87, SAE AS22759/87 (M22759/87), MIL-W-
22759/92 and SAE AS22759/92 (M22759/92); and MIL-C-27500 and NEMA WC 
27500 cables constructed from these military or SAE specification 
wire types identified above.
    (2) Where AWL No. 28-AWL-03 identifies TFE-2X Standard wall for 
wire sleeving, the following sleeving materials are acceptable: 
Roundit 2000NX and Varglas Type HO, HP, or HM.

(i) No Alternative Actions and Intervals

    Except as provided in paragraph (h) of this AD, 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.

[[Page 48711]]

    (2) Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD terminates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 2013-24-
07.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles 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, Los Angeles 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

    For more information about this AD, contact Samuel Lee, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 
3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-
5262; fax: 562-627-5210; 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 707/720 Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs), D6-7552-
AWL, dated October 2016. (Subsection A.2 of this document includes 
pages 33 and 34, which are not identified in the Table of Contents.)
    (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 September 10, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-20631 Filed 9-26-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P