[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 223 (Wednesday, November 19, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65157-65159]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-28730]



 ========================================================================
 Rules and Regulations
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
 having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
 to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
 under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
 
 The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 
 Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each 
 week.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 223 / Wednesday, November 19, 2003 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 65157]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NE-22-AD; Amendment 39-13369; AD 2003-23-05-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Titeflex Corporation

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
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 AD requires, 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 
inspection for proper heat treatment of aluminum B-nuts, if necessary. 
This AD is prompted by certain Titeflex Corporation hoses discovered 
with incorrect heat treatment of B-nuts. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent fire extinguishing system and fuel system hose failure due to 
improperly heat treated aluminum B-nuts.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 24, 2003. The Director of the 
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain 
publications listed in the regulations as of December 24, 2003.

ADDRESSES: You can get the service information identified in this AD 
from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, PO Box 3703, Seattle, Washington 
98124-2207; telephone (206) 544-5000.
    You may examine the AD docket, by appointment, at the FAA, New 
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA. You may examine the service 
information, by appointment, at the FAA, New England Region, Office of 
the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or 
at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., 
suite 700, Washington, DC.

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: The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR Part 39 
with a proposed airworthiness directive (AD). The proposed AD applies 
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. We published the proposed AD in the 
Federal Register on March 13, 2003 (68 FR 11999). That action proposed 
to require within 24 months after the effective date of the AD, 
inspection of hoses for proper date and paint code, replacement if 
necessary, and inspection for proper heat treatment of aluminum B-nuts, 
if necessary.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.

List Only Specific Aircraft

    One commenter requests that only specific aircraft be listed in the 
applicability, and requests that we eliminate the statement ``used on, 
but not limited to'' from the applicability statement.
    The FAA does not agree. Since the hoses can be used on many 
airplanes, the FAA uses the statement ``used on, but not limited to'' 
to include any operator who may have installed a hose on an airplane 
other than the ones called out in the service bulletins.

Entire Fleet's Effectivity

    One commenter requests that the AD include the entire fleet's 
effectivity, because hoses may have been exchanged between aircraft.
    The FAA agrees that hoses may have been exchanged between aircraft. 
However, as detailed above, no change to the AD is needed because the 
statement ``installed on, but not limited to'' already includes the 
entire fleet.

Ensure Adequacy of Service Bulletins

    One commenter notes that the service bulletins should contain 
adequate information to do the inspection requirements, and that an 
adequate number of spare hoses should be made available.
    The FAA agrees. The alert service bulletins contain adequate 
information to do the inspection requirements, and the FAA has been 
advised by Titeflex Corporation that an adequate supply of spare hoses 
is available.

Correct a Reference to Service Bulletins

    One commenter requests that the reference to service bulletins 
listed in Table 1, be removed from the compliance paragraph preceding 
Table 1 because those service bulletins are not referenced in Table 1.
    The FAA does not agree. The compliance paragraph mandates the 
inspection of the manufacture date code on all hoses listed in Table 1 
of this AD, using the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable 
Boeing alert service bulletins (ASBs) contained in Table 1 of this AD. 
Table 1 lists six different Alert Service Bulletins. Therefore, no 
change will be made to the AD.

Allow Use of Aircraft Records For AD Compliance

    One commenter requests that the use of aircraft records be 
permitted as an alternate means of compliance (AMOC) with the 
inspections requirements of this AD.
    The FAA agrees. The operator can request an AMOC and the FAA will 
review the operator's records to determine AMOC acceptability.

New Revision to Service Bulletin

    The proposed AD incorporated by reference Boeing ASB 737-26A1109, 
Revision 1, dated November 7, 2002. The final rule has replaced that 
ASB with Boeing ASB 737-26A1109, Revision 2, dated May 8, 2003.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the 
comments received, and determined that air safety and the public 
interest require adopting the AD with the changes described

[[Page 65158]]

previously. We have determined that these changes will neither increase 
the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Changes to 14 CFR Part 39--Effect on the AD

    On July 10, 2002, the FAA published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 
(67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's AD system. That 
regulation now includes material that relates to altered products, 
special flight permits, and alternative methods of compliance. The 
material previously was included in each individual AD. Since the 
material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in 
future AD actions.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that 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); and
    (3) 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.
    We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and 
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by 
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include 
``AD Docket No. 2002-NE-22-AD'' in your request.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the Federal Aviation Administration 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):

2003-23-05 Titeflex Corporation: Amendment 39-13369. Docket No. 
2002-NE-22-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective December 24, 2003.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies 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.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD is prompted by certain Titeflex Corporation hoses 
discovered with incorrect heat treatment of B-nuts. The actions 
specified in this AD are intended to prevent fire extinguishing 
system and fuel system hose failure due to improperly heat treated 
aluminum B-nuts.

Compliance

    (e) Compliance with this AD is required as indicated, unless 
already done.
    (f) 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. Use the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable 
Boeing alert service bulletins (ASB) contained in the following 
Table 1.

                                         Table 1.--Applicable Hose P/Ns
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Boeing hose P/  Titeflex PMA P/                           Applicable alert
          Airplane model                   N               N               Used for           service bulletin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) 737-300, -400, and -500         S312N512-5            113701-5  Engine and cargo       737-26A1108, Revision
 airplanes.                         S312N512-6            113701-6   compartment fire       1, dated June 27,
                                    BACH5R0110YP                     extinguishing          2002.
                                    BACH5S0110XN                     bottles.
(2) 737-600, -700,-700C, -800, -    S316A001-1            115398-1  Engine, auxiliary      737-26A1109, Revision
 900 airplanes.                     S316A001-2            115398-2   power unit (APU),      12, dated May 8,
                                    S312N512-15          113701-15   and cargo              2003.
                                    S312N512-17          113701-17   compartment and fire
                                    S312N512-18          113701-18   extinguishing
                                    BACH5R0110YP                     bottles, and wing-to-
                                    BACH5S0110XN                     strut fuel hoses.
(3) 747-400 airplanes.............  BACH5R0080YY    ..............  Forward cargo and      747-26A2269, Revision
                                    BACH5R0140YU                     main deck cargo        1, dated June 6,
                                    BACH5S0140XT                     compartment fire       2002.
                                    BACH5R0186YY                     extinguishing
                                    BACH5R0186XX                     bottles..
                                    BACH5S0080XX
                                    BACH5S0080YY
                                    BACH5S0110XN
(4) 757-200 airplanes.............  S312N512-1            113701-1  Engine, APU, and       757-26A0043, Revision
                                    S312N512-2            113701-2   cargo compartment      1, dated November
                                    S312N512-3            113701-3   fire extinguishing     14, 2002.
                                    S312N512-4            113701-4   bottles.
                                    BACH5R0110YP
                                    BACH5S0110XN

[[Page 65159]]

 
(5) 757-300 airplanes.............  S312N512-1            113701-1  Engine and cargo       757-26A0044, Revision
                                    S312N512-2      ..............   compartment fire       1, dated November
                                    S312N512-3            113701-2   extinguishing          14, 2002.
                                    S312N512-4            113701-3   bottles.
                                    BACH5R0110YP          113701-4
                                    BACH5S0074XN
(6) 767-200, -300, and -300F        BACH5R0085YU    ..............  Cargo compartment      767-26A0121, dated
 airplanes.                         BACH5R0140YU                     fire extinguishing     December 19, 2001.
                                    BACH5S0077XT                     bottles.
                                    BACH5S0140XT
                                    BACH5S0184XX
                                    BACH5R0127YY
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (g) 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.
    (h) 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. Use the 
accomplishment instructions of the applicable ASB listed in Table 1 
of this AD.
    (i) Replace the hose with a serviceable hose if any B-nut is 
improperly heat treated.

Credit For Previous Inspections

    (j) Previous inspections performed using ASB 737-26A1108, dated 
November 15, 2001, ASB 737-26A1109, dated November 15, 2001, ASB 
737-26A1109, Revision 1, dated November 7, 2002, 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

    (k) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, has the 
authority to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD 
if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (l) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the documents listed in the following 
Table 2 in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You 
can get a copy from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, PO Box 3707, 
Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. You can review copies at the FAA, 
New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.

                                      Table 2.--Incorporation by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Alert service bulletin              Page number(s)              Revision                   Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
737-26A1108..........................  ALL....................  1......................  June 27, 2002.
Total Pages: 48
737-26A1109..........................  ALL....................  2......................  May 8, 2003.
Total Pages: 68
747-26A2269..........................  ALL....................  1......................  June 6, 2002.
Total Pages: 36
757-26A0043..........................  ALL....................  1......................  November 14, 2002.
Total Pages: 40
757-26A0044..........................  ALL....................  1......................  November 14, 2002.
Total Pages: 34
767-26A0121..........................  ALL....................  Original...............  December 19, 2001.
Total Pages: 20
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Related Information

    (m) None.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on November 10, 2003.
Francis A. Favara,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-28730 Filed 11-18-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P