[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 82 (Tuesday, April 29, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 22639-22641]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-10515]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-341-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Boeing Model 747 series 
airplanes. This proposal would require a one-time inspection of the 
potable water and drain lines in the forward and aft cargo compartments 
for indications of overheating of the heater tape, exposed foam 
insulation, missing or damaged protective tape, or debris around the 
potable water fill and drain lines; and corrective action, if 
necessary. This action is necessary to prevent overheating of the 
heater tape on potable water fill and drain lines, which may ignite 
accumulated debris or contaminants on or near the potable water fill 
and drain lines, resulting in a fire in the airplane. This action is 
intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by June 13, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NM-341-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. 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. 2002-NM-341-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.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, 
Washington 98124-2207. This information may be examined at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donald Eiford, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-
4056; telephone (425) 917-6465; fax (425) 917-6590.

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 shall 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.
    Submit comments using the following format:
    [sbull] 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.

[[Page 22640]]

    [sbull] For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed 
AD is being requested.
    [sbull] 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 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-NM-341-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, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 2002-NM-341-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The FAA has received a report of a fire in the aft cargo 
compartment of a Boeing Model 767 series airplane. The fire was 
detected and extinguished. Investigation by the operator of the 
airplane indicated that heater tape on a water fill line overheated, 
igniting debris accumulated on or near the heater tape. The operator 
inspected several other airplanes and found heater tape that failed a 
continuity test, evidence of heat damage on foam insulation or 
protective tape, and accumulated debris on or near heater tape on 
potable water fill and drain lines in both the forward and aft cargo 
compartments. The combination of failed heater tape on the potable 
water fill and drain lines and the accumulation of ignitable debris or 
contamination on or near one of those lines may lead to a fire in the 
airplane. Model 747 series airplanes have a similar configuration to 
that of the Model 767 and, under similar conditions, are subject to the 
same unsafe condition.

Related Rulemaking

    On May 29, 2002, the FAA issued AD 2002-11-11, amendment 39-12772 
(67 FR 39265, June 7, 2002), for certain Boeing Model 767-200, -300, 
and -300F series airplanes to require a one-time inspection of the 
potable water and drain lines in the forward and aft cargo compartments 
for indications of overheating of the heater tape, exposed foam 
insulation, missing or damaged protective tape, or debris around the 
potable water fill and drain lines; and corrective action, if 
necessary. As indicated in that AD, the FAA has been investigating the 
extent to which the heater tape addressed in that AD is used on other 
Boeing airplane models. Based on the results of that investigation, the 
FAA has determined that additional rulemaking is necessary for certain 
Model 747 series airplanes. The unsafe condition and required actions 
of AD 2002-11-11 are identical to those specified in this proposed AD.
    AD 2002-11-11 was issued as an immediately adopted rule. The FAA 
has re-evaluated the urgency associated with the identified unsafe 
condition and determined that it is practicable to provide notice and 
the opportunity for public comment on this proposed rule for certain 
Model 747 series airplanes.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
747-30A2079, dated December 12, 2002, which describes procedures for 
the following actions:
    [sbull] One-time inspection of visually accessible areas in the 
forward and aft cargo compartments for accumulated debris and 
contaminants on or near the potable water fill and drain lines, and 
removal of any debris or contaminants found.
    [sbull] One-time inspection of visually accessible portions of the 
potable water fill and drain lines in the forward and aft cargo 
compartments for indications of overheating of the heater tape, and 
replacement of heater tape where such indications are found.
    [sbull] One-time inspection of visually accessible portions of the 
potable water fill and drain lines in the forward and aft cargo 
compartments for missing or damaged protective tape or exposed foam 
insulation, and replacement of any missing or damaged protective tape.

Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the 
proposed AD would require accomplishment of the actions specified in 
the service bulletin described previously.

Interim Action

    This is considered to be interim action until final action is 
identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 1,129 airplanes (968 passenger and 161 
freighter) of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA 
estimates that 250 airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this 
proposed AD. The FAA provides the following cost estimates associated 
with this proposed AD:

Cost Estimates

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Hourly                   Cost per    Number of
         Type of airplane            Work hours   labor rate   Parts cost    airplane    airplanes    Fleet cost
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Freighter.........................           10          $60           $0         $600           35      $21,000
Passenger.........................           20           60            0        1,200          215      258,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements 
of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions 
in the future if this proposed AD were not adopted. The cost impact 
figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time 
necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. 
These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as the 
time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time 
necessitated by other administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this proposal

[[Page 22641]]

would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.
    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:

Boeing: Docket 2002-NM-341-AD.

    Applicability: Model 747 series airplanes, certificated in any 
category, with lower cargo floors (floors in the lower cargo areas) 
that are not fully enclosed. A fully enclosed cargo floor is a floor 
with panels installed between all roller trays in the cargo 
compartment. A cargo floor that is not fully enclosed is a floor 
without panels installed between all roller trays in the cargo 
compartment.

    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 (d) 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 overheating of the heater tape on potable water fill 
and drain lines, which may ignite accumulated debris or contaminants 
on or near the potable water fill and drain lines, resulting in a 
fire in the airplane, accomplish the following:

Debris Removal

    (a) At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and 
(a)(2) of this AD: Perform a one-time general visual inspection for 
foreign object debris (FOD) and contamination in visually accessible 
areas on or near potable water and drain lines located below the 
cargo floor in the forward and aft cargo compartments, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-30A2079, dated December 12, 2002. Remove any FOD or 
contamination observed on or near the potable water or drain lines 
before further flight in accordance with the service bulletin.
    (1) Inspect within 18 months since the date of issuance of the 
original Airworthiness Certificate or within 18 months since the 
date of issuance of the Export Certificate of Airworthiness, 
whichever occurs first; or
    (2) Inspect within 90 days after the effective date of this AD.

    Note 2: The inspection of potable water and drain lines in 
visually accessible areas does not require removal of floor panels.


    Note 3: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is defined as: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior 
area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, 
or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within 
touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be 
necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the 
inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally 
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, 
flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of 
access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be 
required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''

Inspection for Discrepant Heater Tape

    (b) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (c) of this 
AD: Perform a general visual inspection for discrepancies of 
visually accessible areas of potable water and drain lines located 
below the cargo floor in the forward and aft cargo compartments, as 
specified in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 747-30A2079, dated December 12, 2002.
    (1) Inspect potable water and drain lines for indications of 
overheating of the heater tape, including localized darkening of 
foam insulation or protective tape. If overheating is observed: 
Prior to further flight, replace the defective heater tape in 
accordance with the service bulletin, removing floor panels as 
necessary to replace the defective heater tape.
    (2) Inspect potable water and drain lines for exposed foam 
insulation and missing or damaged protective tape. If exposed foam 
insulation is observed: Prior to further flight, cover the foam 
insulation with a continuous wrap of protective tape, in accordance 
with the service bulletin. If protective tape is missing or damaged: 
Prior to further flight, replace the protective tape in accessible 
areas in accordance with the service bulletin. It is not necessary 
to remove floor panels to replace the protective tape.
    (c) Do the inspection required by paragraph (b) at the later of 
the times specified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Within 18 months since the date of issuance of the original 
Airworthiness Certificate or the date of issuance of the Export 
Certificate of Airworthiness, whichever occurs first.
    (2) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (d) 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, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through an 
appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add 
comments and then send it to the Manager, Seattle ACO.

    Note 4: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Seattle ACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (e) 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 accomplished.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 23, 2003.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-10515 Filed 4-28-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P