[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 110 (Tuesday, June 8, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31876-31878]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-12571]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-323-AD; Amendment 39-13657; AD 2004-11-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-600, 737-700, 737-
700C, 737-800, and 737-900 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Boeing Model 737-600, 737-700, 737-700C, 737-800, 
and 737-900 series airplanes, that requires, for certain airplanes, 
installation of screws and spacers to secure the wire bundles for the 
aft fuel boost pumps of the main fuel tanks. For certain other 
airplanes, this amendment requires a general visual inspection of the 
wire bundles to determine if the wire bundles are clamped, and/or if 
they are damaged; further investigation, as applicable; repair of any 
damage; and installation of applicable brackets, clamps, and spacers to 
secure the wire bundles. This action is necessary to prevent electrical 
arcing in a fuel leakage zone, which could result in an uncontrolled 
fire. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe 
condition.

DATES: Effective July 13, 2004.
    The incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of July 13, 2004.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, 
Washington 98124-2207. This information may be examined at the Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules 
Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Pegors, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone 
(425) 917-6504; fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Boeing Model 737-600, 737-
700, 737-700C, 737-800, and 737-900 series airplanes was published in 
the Federal Register on March 5, 2004 (69 FR 10357). That action 
proposed to require for certain airplanes, installation of screws and 
spacers to secure the wire bundles for the aft fuel boost pumps of the 
main fuel tanks. For certain other airplanes, that action proposed to 
require a general visual inspection of the wire bundles to determine if 
the wire bundles are clamped, and/or if they are damaged; further 
investigation, as applicable; repair of any damage; and installation of 
applicable brackets, clamps, and spacers to secure the wire bundles.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We have determined that air safety and the public interest require 
the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 1,284 airplanes of the affected design in 
the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 527 airplanes of U.S. 
registry will be affected by this AD. The work hours and required parts 
per airplane vary according to the configuration group to which the 
affected airplane belongs. The average labor rate is $65 per work hour.
    The following table shows the estimated cost impact for airplanes 
affected by this AD:

[[Page 31877]]



                                               Table--Cost Impact
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Work hours   Labor cost   Parts cost   Total cost
                Airplane configuration group                      per          per          per          per
                                                                airplace     airplane     airplane     airplane
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1, 2, 3 and 4 on which the actions described in the initial             3         $195         $292         $485
 Service Bulletin have not been accomplished................
1, 2, 3 and 4 on which the actions described in the initial             2          130            3          133
 Service Bulletin have been accomplished; 5, 6, and 7.......
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this 
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this 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 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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

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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2004-11-11 Boeing: Amendment 39-13657. Docket 2002-NM-323-AD.

    Applicability: Model 737-600, 737-700, 737-700C, 737-800, and 
737-900 series airplanes, as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
737-28A1148, Revision 2, dated December 18, 2003; certificated in 
any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent electrical arcing in a fuel leakage zone, which could 
result in an uncontrolled fire, accomplish the following:

Service Bulletin References

    (a) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
28A1148, Revision 2, dated December 18, 2003.

Inspection, Installation, and Corrective Actions

    (b) For airplanes listed in the service bulletin as Groups 1, 2, 
3, and 4 on which Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-28A1148, dated 
September 14, 2000, has been accomplished; and for airplanes listed 
in the service bulletin as Groups 5, 6 and 7: Within six months 
after the effective date of this AD, install screws and spacers to 
secure the applicable wire bundles for the aft fuel boost pumps of 
the main fuel tanks. Perform all actions per the service bulletin.
    (c) For airplanes listed in the service bulletin as Groups 1 and 
2 on which Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-28A1148, dated 
September 14, 2000, has not been accomplished: Within six months 
after the effective date of this AD, perform a general visual 
inspection of the applicable wire bundles for the aft fuel boost 
pumps of the main fuel tanks for chafing or other damage. Perform 
any applicable corrective action; and install a new bracket, clamp, 
and spacers to secure the wire bundles; prior to further flight. 
Perform all actions per the service bulletin.
    (d) For airplanes listed in the service bulletin as Groups 3 and 
4 on which Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-28A1148, dated 
September 14, 2000, has not been accomplished: Within six months 
after the effective date of this AD, perform a general visual 
inspection of the applicable wire bundles for the aft fuel boost 
pumps of the main fuel tanks to determine if the wire bundle is 
secured with a clamp; and perform any related investigative action, 
and any applicable corrective actions, prior to further flight. 
Perform all actions per the service bulletin.

    Note 1: 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.''

Actions Accomplished Per Previous Issue of the Service Bulletin

    (e) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD 
per Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-28A1148, Revision 1, dated 
August 22, 2002, are considered acceptable for compliance with the 
corresponding action specified in this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (f) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, is authorized to approve 
alternative methods of compliance (AMOCs) for this AD.

Incorporation by Reference

    (g) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be 
done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-28A1148, 
Revision 2, dated December 18, 2003. This incorporation by reference 
was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance 
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 
98124-2207. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

[[Page 31878]]

Effective Date

    (h) This amendment becomes effective on July 13, 2004.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 26, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-12571 Filed 6-7-04; 8:45 am]
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