[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 147 (Monday, July 31, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 46569-46571]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-19261]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-248-AD; Amendment 39-11838; AD 90-15-12 R1]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 727 Series Airplanes 
Modified in Accordance with Valsan Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) 
SA4363NM

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment revises an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to Boeing Model 727 series airplanes modified by the 
installation of Pratt and Whitney JT8D-217C or -219 engines in 
accordance with Valsan STC SA4363NM, that currently requires repetitive 
inspections of the through-bolt nut for proper torque and for certain 
other conditions of the through-bolt and nut, and replacement, if 
necessary. That AD also requires the installation of anti-rotation 
plates, which constitutes terminating action for the repetitive 
inspections. This amendment changes the responsible office for approval 
of an alternative method of compliance. This amendment is prompted by 
the transfer of the supplemental type certificate. The actions 
specified in this AD are intended to prevent the nut coming off the 
through-bolt allowing the through-bolt to migrate out of the engine 
mount flange and cone bolt and possible separation of the engine.

DATES: Effective August 15, 2000.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before September 29, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-248-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. The information concerning this 
amendment may be obtained from or examined at the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, 
SW., Renton, Washington. Comments may be inspected at this location 
between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. Comments 
may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: [email protected]. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must contain 
``Docket No. 2000-NM-248-AD'' in the subject line and need not be 
submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached 
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or 
ASCII text.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael E. O'Neil, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Los 
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, 
Lakewood,

[[Page 46570]]

California 90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5320; fax (562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On July 6, 1990, the FAA issued AD 90-15-12, 
amendment 39-6663 (55 FR 29005, July 17, 1990), applicable to Boeing 
Model 727 series airplanes modified by the installation of Pratt and 
Whitney JT8D-217C or -219 engines in accordance with Valsan STC 
SA4363NM, to require repetitive inspections of the through-bolt nut for 
proper torque and for certain other conditions of the through-bolt and 
nut, and replacement, if necessary. That AD also requires the 
installation of anti-rotation plates, which constitutes terminating 
action for the repetitive inspections. The actions required by that AD 
are intended to prevent the nut coming off the through-bolt allowing 
the through-bolt to migrate out of the engine mount flange and cone 
bolt and possible separation of the engine.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    Since the issuance of that AD, the FAA has transferred the 
supplemental type certificate data from the Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO) to the Los Angeles ACO. Therefore, the FAA 
has determined it is necessary to issue this AD to require that all 
future alternative methods of compliance and adjustments of compliance 
time be approved by the Manager of the Los Angeles ACO.

Explanation of Requirements of Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of this same type design, this AD 
revises AD 90-15-12 to continue to require repetitive inspections of 
the through-bolt nut for proper torque and for certain other conditions 
of the through-bolt and nut, and replacement, if necessary. This AD 
also continues to require the installation of anti-rotation plates, 
which constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections. 
This AD changes the responsible office for approval of an alternative 
method of compliance.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since this AD is a minor and merely technical amendment in which 
the public is not particularly interested, and does not change the 
existing requirements, it is found that notice and opportunity for 
prior public comment hereon are unnecessary and that good cause exists 
for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that is a minor 
and merely technical amendment and, thus, was not preceded by notice 
and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on this 
rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by 
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. 
Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted 
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
needed.
    Submit comments using the following format:
     Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the 
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
     For each issue, state what specific change to the AD is 
being requested.
     Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each 
request.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2000-NM-248-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped 
and returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    The FAA has determined that notice and comment hereon are 
unnecessary because this is a minor and merely technical amendment in 
which the public is not particularly interested.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    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]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-6663 (55 FR 
29005, July 17, 1990), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-11838, to read as follows:

90-15-12 R1  Boeing: Amendment 39-11838. Docket 2000-NM-248-AD. 
Revises AD 90-15-12, Amendment 39-6663.

    Applicability: Model 727 series airplanes, modified by 
installation of Pratt and Whitney JT8D-217C or -219 engines in 
accordance with Valsan Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA4363NM, 
certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously. To prevent the nut coming off the through-bolt allowing 
the through-bolt to migrate out of the engine mount flange and cone 
bolt and possible separation of the engine, accomplish the 
following:

Inspection/Corrective Action

    (a) Within 48 clock hours (not flight hours) after receipt of 
Telegraphic AD T90-11-53, dated May 24, 1990, inspect the through-
bolt nut, part number SPS83978-1216, for proper torque and for 
certain conditions as specified in Valsan Operator Service Letter 
OSL-727RE-007, Revision 1, dated May 23, 1990,

[[Page 46571]]

in accordance with the service letter. If any discrepancies are 
found, prior to further flight, take corrective action in accordance 
with the service letter.
    (b) Repeat the inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 35 flight hours.

Reporting Requirement

    (c) Within 10 days after performing the inspection required by 
paragraph (a) of this AD, submit a report of any discrepancies 
discovered to the Manager, Los Angeles Manufacturing Inspection 
District Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 
90712-4137. The report must include the airplane's serial number.

Installation

    (d) Within 60 days after July 31, 1990 (the effective date of AD 
90-15-12, amendment 39-6663), install anti-rotation plates in 
accordance with Valsan Service Bulletin 71-002, dated June 1, 1990. 
This modification constitutes terminating action for the repetitive 
inspections required by paragraph (a) and (b) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall 
submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Los Angeles ACO.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Los Angeles ACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (g) This amendment becomes effective on August 15, 2000.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 25, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-19261 Filed 7-28-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U