[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 49 (Thursday, March 13, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 11999-12001]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-6043]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NE-22-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Titeflex Corporation

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to adopt a 
new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Titeflex 
Corporation hoses installed on Boeing 737-300, -400, -500, -600, -700, 
-700C, -800, -900, 747-400, 757-200, -300, 767-200, -300, and -300F 
airplanes. This proposal would require within 24 months after the 
effective date of the AD, inspection of certain Titeflex Corporation 
hoses for proper date and paint code, replacement if necessary, and if 
necessary, inspection for proper heat treatment of aluminum B-nuts. 
This proposal is prompted by certain Titeflex Corporation hoses 
discovered with incorrect heat treatment of B-nuts. The actions 
specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent fire extinguishing 
system and fuel system hose failure due to improperly heat treated 
aluminum B-nuts.

DATES: Comments must be received by May 12, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NE-22-AD, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may be inspected at 
this location, by appointment, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays. Comments may also be sent via 
the Internet using the following address: ``[email protected]''. 
Comments sent via the Internet must contain the docket number in the 
subject line.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3703, Seattle, 
Washington 98124-2207. This information may be examined, by 
appointment, at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Terry Fahr, Aerospace Engineer, Boston 
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 
12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone 
(781) 238-7155; fax (781) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as 
they may desire. Communications should identify the Rules Docket number 
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this action may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2002-NE-22-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NE-22-AD, 12 New England Executive 
Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.

Discussion

    In March of 2001, the FAA became aware that some of the B-nuts on 
certain engine and cargo compartment fire extinguishing system hoses, 
and on certain fuel hoses, all manufactured by

[[Page 12000]]

Titeflex Corporation, delivered to Boeing from November 1999 through 
January 2001, are suspect for improper heat treatment. Improperly heat 
treated B-nuts can lead to stress corrosion B-nut failure, and 
inadequate fire protection and fuel leakage. This condition, if not 
corrected, could result in fire extinguishing system and fuel system 
hose failure due to improperly heat treated aluminum B-nuts.

Manufacturer's Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of the 
following Boeing alert service bulletins (ASBs):
    [sbull] ASB 737-26A1108, Revision 1, dated June 27, 2002, 
applicable to 737-300, -400, and -500 airplanes, that describes 
procedures for inspecting and replacing if necessary, Titeflex 
Corporation hoses connected to engine and cargo compartment fire 
extinguishing bottles.
    [sbull] ASB 737-26A1109, Revision 1, dated November 7, 2002, 
applicable to 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 airplanes, that 
describes procedures for inspecting and replacing if necessary, 
Titeflex Corporation hoses connected to engine, auxiliary power unit 
(APU), and cargo compartment fire extinguishing bottles, and wing-to-
strut fuel hoses.
    [sbull] ASB 747-26A2269, Revision 1, dated June 6, 2002, applicable 
to 747-400, that describes procedures for inspecting and replacing if 
necessary, Titeflex Corporation hoses connected to forward cargo and 
main deck cargo compartment fire extinguishing bottles.
    [sbull] ASB 757-26A0043, Revision 1, dated November 14, 2002, 
applicable to 757-200 airplanes, that describes procedures for 
inspecting and replacing if necessary, Titeflex Corporation hoses 
connected to engine, APU, and cargo compartment fire extinguishing 
bottles.
    [sbull] ASB 757-26A0044, Revision 1, dated November 14, 2002, 
applicable to 757-300 airplanes, that describes procedures for 
inspecting and replacing if necessary, Titeflex Corporation hoses 
connected to engine and cargo compartment fire extinguishing bottles.
    [sbull] ASB 767-26A0121, dated December 19, 2001, applicable to 
767-200, -300, and -300F airplanes, that describes procedures for 
inspecting and replacing if necessary, Titeflex Corporation hoses 
connected to cargo compartment fire extinguishing bottles.

Differences Between This AD and the Manufacturer's Service Information

    Although the ASBs recommend performing the inspections and 
replacing unserviceable hoses within 12 months after the initial 
release dates of ASB 737-26A1108, ASB 737-26A1109, ASB 767-26A0121, and 
ASB 747-26A2269, and within 18 months after the initial release dates 
of ASB 757-26A0043 and ASB 757-26A0044, this proposal would require 
inspections and replacing unserviceable hoses to be done within 24 
months after the effective date of the AD. This compliance time was 
substantiated by analysis by Boeing and coordinated between the FAA and 
Boeing to help coincide with parts availability.

FAA's Determination of an Unsafe Condition and Proposed Actions

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other Titeflex Corporation hoses of the same type 
design, installed on Boeing 737-300, -400, -500, -600, -700, -700C, -
800, -900, 747-400, 757-200, -300, 767-200, -300, and -300F airplanes, 
the proposed AD would require within 24 months after the effective date 
of the AD, inspection of hoses for proper date and paint code, 
replacement if necessary, and if necessary, inspection for proper heat 
treatment of aluminum B-nuts. The actions would be required to be done 
in accordance with the alert service bulletins described previously. 
This proposal has been coordinated with the FAA Transport Airplane 
Directorate.

Economic Analysis

    The FAA estimates that 1,139 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD. The FAA also estimates that it would take 
approximately 35 work hours per airplane to perform the proposed 
actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required 
parts would cost approximately $4,305 per engine. Based on these 
figures, the total cost of the proposed AD to U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $7,295,295.

Regulatory Analysis

    This proposed rule does not have federalism implications, as 
defined in Executive Order 13132, because it 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. 
Accordingly, the FAA has not consulted with state authorities prior to 
publication of this proposed rule.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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); 
and (3) if promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

Titeflex Corporation: Docket No. 2002-NE-22-AD.

    Applicability: This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable 
to certain Titeflex Corporation hoses that are identified by Boeing 
part number (P/N), or for certain hoses, by Titeflex parts 
manufacturer approval (PMA) P/N in this AD. These hoses are used on, 
but not limited to Boeing 737-300, -400, -500, -600, -700, -700C, -
800, and -900; 757-200 and -300; 767-200, -300, and -300F; and 747-
400 airplanes.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each hose identified in the preceding 
applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, 
altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this 
AD. For hoses 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 (f) 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

    Compliance with this AD is required as indicated, unless already 
done.
    To prevent fire extinguishing system and fuel system hose 
failure due to improperly heat treated aluminum B-nuts, do the 
following:

[[Page 12001]]

    (a) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, 
inspect the manufacture date code on all hoses listed in Table 1 of 
this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
applicable Boeing alert service bulletins (ASB) contained in Table 1 
of this AD. Table 1 follows:

                                         Table 1.--Applicable Hose P/Ns
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                                                                                               Applicable alert
         Airplane model             Boeing hose p/n    Titeflex PMA  p/n      Used for--      service  bulletin--
 
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(1) 737-300, -400, and -500       S312N512-5,         113701-5, 113701-6  Engine and cargo    737-26A1108,
 airplanes.                        S312N512-6,                             compartment fire    Revision 1, dated
                                   BACH5R0110YP,                           extinguishing       June 27, 2002.
                                   BACH5S0110XN.                           bottles.
(2) 737-600, -700, -700C, -800,   S316A001-1,         115398-1, 115398-   Engine, auxiliary   737-26A1109,
 and -900 airplanes.               S316A001-2,         2, 113701-15,       power unit (APU),   Revision 1, dated
                                   S312N512-15,        113701-17, 113701-  and cargo           November 7, 2002.
                                   S312N512-17,        18.                 compartment fire
                                   S312N512-18,                            extinguishing
                                   BACH5R0110YP,                           bottles, and wing-
                                   BACH5S0110XN.                           to-strut fuel
                                                                           hoses.
(3) 747-400 airplanes...........  BACH5R0080YY,       ..................  Forward cargo and   747-26A2269,
                                   BACH5R0140YU,                           main deck cargo     Revision 1, dated
                                   BACH5S0140XT,                           compartment fire    June 6, 2002.
                                   BACH5R0186YY,                           extinguishing
                                   BACH5R0186XX,                           bottles.
                                   BACH5S0080XX,
                                   BACH5S0080YY,
                                   BACH5S0110XN.
(4) 757-200 airplanes...........  S312N512-1,         113701-1, 113701-   Engine, APU, and    757-26A0043,
                                   S312N512-2,         2, 113701-3,        cargo compartment   Revision 1, dated
                                   S312N512-3,         113701-4.           fire                November 14,
                                   S312N512-4,                             extinguishing       2002.
                                   BACH5R0110YP,                           bottles.
                                   BACH5S0110XN.
(5) 757-300 airplanes...........  S312N512-1,         113701-1, 113701-   Engine and cargo    757-26A0044,
                                   S312N512-2,         2, 113701-3,        compartment fire    Revision 1, dated
                                   S312N512-3,         113701-4.           extinguishing       November 14,
                                   S312N512-4,                             bottles.            2002.
                                   BACH5R0110YP,
                                   BACH5S0074XN.
(6) 767-200, -300, and -300F      BACH5R0085YU,       ..................  Cargo compartment   767-26A0121, dated
 airplanes.                        BACH5R0140YU,                           fire                December 19,
                                   BACH5S0077XT,                           extinguishing       2001.
                                   BACH5S0140XT,                           bottles.
                                   BACH5S0184XX,
                                   BACH5R0127YY.
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    (b) If the hose manufacture date code is before 11/99 or after 
1/01, or if the manufacture date is 11/99 through 1/01 and there is 
a permanent white dot on the ID band, no further action is required 
for that hose.
    (c) If the hose manufacture date code is 11/99 through 1/01 
inclusive and there is no permanent white dot on the ID band, 
replace the hose with a serviceable hose or perform an indirect 
conductive inspection/test for proper heat treat, in accordance with 
the accomplishment instructions of the applicable ASB listed in 
Table 1 of this AD.
    (d) Replace the hose with a serviceable hose if any B-nut is 
improperly heat treated.

Credit for Previous Inspections

    (e) Previous inspections performed using ASB 737-26A1108, dated 
November 15, 2001, ASB 737-26A1109, dated November 15, 2001, ASB 
747-26A2269, dated November 1, 2001, ASB 757-26A0043, dated November 
15, 2001, and ASB 757-26A0044, dated November 15, 2001, comply with 
the inspection requirements of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (f) 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, Boston Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO). Operators must submit their request through an 
appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add 
comments and then send it to the Manager, Boston ACO.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, 
if any, may be obtained from the Boston ACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (g) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Sec. Sec.  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 done.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on March 6, 2003.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-6043 Filed 3-12-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P