[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 214 (Friday, November 5, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 64515-64517]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-24727]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2004-19539; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-06-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Boeing Model 737 airplanes. This proposed AD would require, 
for certain airplanes, a one-time detailed inspection for interference 
between a clamp assembly and the wires behind the P15 refuel panel, and 
corrective actions if necessary. For certain other airplanes, this 
proposed AD would require a one-time detailed inspection for 
discrepancies of the wires behind the P15 refuel panel; and corrective 
and related investigative actions if necessary. This proposed AD is 
prompted by evidence of chafed wiring behind the P15 refuel panel and 
arcing to the back of the P15 refuel panel and adjacent wing structure. 
We are proposing this AD to detect and correct chafing of the wiring 
behind the P15 refuel panel, which could lead to arcing and fire with 
consequent airplane damage and injury to refueling personnel.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 20, 
2004.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this proposed AD.
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.
     By fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. 
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-
2207.
    You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at 
http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility, 
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401, 
on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC. This docket 
number is FAA-2004-19539; the directorate identifier for this docket is 
2004-NM-06-AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
    Technical information: Sherry Vevea, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion 
Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 917-6514; 
fax (425) 917-6590.
    Plain language information: Marcia Walters, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Docket Management System (DMS)

    The FAA has implemented new procedures for maintaining AD dockets 
electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new AD actions are posted on DMS 
and assigned a docket number. We track each action and assign a 
corresponding directorate identifier. The DMS AD docket number is in 
the form ``Docket No. FAA-2004-99999.'' The Transport Airplane 
Directorate identifier is in the form ``Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
999-AD.'' Each DMS AD docket also lists the directorate identifier 
(``Old Docket Number'') as a cross-reference for searching purposes.

[[Page 64516]]

Comments Invited

    We invite you to submit any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2004-19539; 
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-06-AD'' in the subject line of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will 
consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the 
proposed AD in light of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of 
that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our 
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or 
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, 
etc.). You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you 
may visit http://dms.dot.gov.
    We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory 
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of 
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of 
our communications that affect you. You can get more information about 
plain language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT 
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.

Discussion

    We have received reports indicating that operators of two Boeing 
Model 737-700 series airplanes and one Model 737-300 series airplane 
were unable to refuel the airplanes automatically due to tripped 
circuit breakers that couldn't be reset. The operators discovered 
evidence of chafed wiring due to rubbing of wires against sharp edges 
and components behind the P15 refuel panel, and signs of arcing to the 
back of the P15 refuel panel and adjacent wing structure. This 
condition, if not corrected, could lead to arcing and fire with 
consequent airplane damage and injury to refueling personnel.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-28-
1193, dated April 24, 2003 (for Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, 
and -500 series airplanes). The service bulletin describes procedures 
for performing a visual inspection of the wires in wire bundle W0024 to 
connector D04578P on the back of the P15 refuel panel for 
discrepancies, which would include chafed or burned wires, signs of 
arcing to the back of the P15 refuel panel and adjacent wing structure, 
and loose or untied wires and excessive wire loops. The service 
bulletin also describes procedures for corrective and related 
investigative actions if any discrepancy is found. Corrective actions 
include tying and rerouting wires and wire bundle away from sharp edges 
and components behind the P15 refuel panel; repairing or replacing any 
chafed or burned wires; and installing Teflon sleeves around the wires 
as needed for additional protection against chafing. The related 
investigative action includes measuring the electrical bonding 
resistance to the P15 panel and performing an operational test of the 
refuel quantity indicators and valve position lights.
    We have also reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 
737-28-1200, dated July 10, 2003 (for Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, 
and -900 series airplanes). For Group 1 and Group 2 airplanes, the 
service bulletin describes procedures for a detailed inspection for 
discrepancies of the clamp and T-bolt assembly on the wing thermal 
anti-ice (TAI) duct near the P15 refuel panel. For Group 2 airplanes 
only, the service bulletin also describes a detailed inspection of the 
wires in wire bundle W0024 to connector D04578P on the back of the P15 
refuel panel for discrepancies such as inadequate clearance between 
wires and sharp edges, chafed or burned wires, or signs of arcing to 
the back of the P15 refuel panel and adjacent wing structure. This 
service bulletin also describes procedures for corrective and related 
investigative actions, which include repositioning of the clamp and T-
bolt assembly on the TAI duct and performing a leak check of the TAI 
duct; and, as applicable, repairing or replacing any chafed or burned 
wires; measuring the electrical bonding resistance to the P15 refuel 
panel; and performing a functional test of the refuel quantity 
indicators, refuel valve switches, and valve position lights.
    Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletins is 
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an 
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes 
of this same type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which 
would require, for certain airplanes, a one-time detailed inspection 
for interference between a clamp assembly and the wires behind the P15 
refuel panel, and corrective actions if necessary. For certain other 
airplanes, this proposed AD would require a one-time detailed 
inspection for discrepancies of the wires behind the P15 refuel panel; 
and corrective actions if necessary. The proposed AD would require you 
to use the service information described previously to perform these 
actions, except as discussed under ``Differences Between the Proposed 
AD and Referenced Service Bulletins.''

Differences Between the Proposed AD and Referenced Service Bulletins

    Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-28-1200, dated July 
10, 2003, specifies a compliance time of 24 months from the release 
date of the service bulletin; while Special Attention Service Bulletin 
737-28-1193, dated April 24, 2003, specifies a compliance time of 18 
months from the release date of the service bulletin. We have 
determined that the unsafe condition is sufficiently hazardous that a 
compliance time of 18 months after the effective date of this proposed 
AD is appropriate for all affected airplanes. This difference has been 
coordinated with Boeing.
    Although Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737-28-1193, 
dated April 24, 2003, specifies a ``visual check,'' this proposed AD 
would require a ``detailed inspection.'' We have included Note 1 in 
this proposed AD to define that inspection.

Costs of Compliance

    This proposed AD would affect about 1,653 airplanes of U.S. 
registry and 4,254 airplanes worldwide. The proposed inspections would 
take about 3 work hours per airplane, at an average labor rate of $65 
per work hour. Based

[[Page 64517]]

on these figures, the estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. 
operators is $322,335, or $195 per airplane.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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. 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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location 
to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive (AD):

Boeing: Docket No. FAA-2004-19539; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
06-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive 
comments on this AD action by December 20, 2004.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to the Boeing airplanes listed in Table 1 of 
this AD, certificated in any category:

                                             Table 1.--Applicability
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Airplane                                               Line numbers
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -    1 through 3132 inclusive.
 500 series airplanes.
Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900       0001 through 1240 inclusive.
 series airplanes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by evidence of chafed wiring behind the 
P15 refuel panel and arcing to the back of the P15 refuel panel and 
adjacent wing structure. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct chafing of the wiring behind the P15 refuel panel, which 
could lead to arcing and fire with consequent airplane damage and 
injury to refueling personnel.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Inspection and Corrective Actions

    (f) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, 
perform the following actions as applicable:
    (1) For Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series 
airplanes: Perform a one-time detailed inspection of the wires in 
wire bundle W0024 to connector D04578P on the back of the P15 refuel 
panel for discrepancies, and do any applicable corrective and 
related investigative actions before further flight, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 737-28-1193, dated April 24, 2003.
    (2) For Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series 
airplanes: Perform all applicable actions listed in paragraphs 
(f)(2)(i) and (f)(2)(ii) of this AD in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service 
Bulletin 737-28-1200, dated July 10, 2003.
    (i) For Group 1 and Group 2 airplanes as defined in Service 
Bulletin 737-28-1200: Perform a one-time detailed inspection for 
discrepancies of the clamp and T-bolt assembly on the wing thermal 
anti-ice duct near the P15 refuel panel and do any applicable 
corrective actions before further flight.
    (ii) For Group 2 airplanes only: Perform a one-time detailed 
inspection for discrepancies of the wires in wire bundle W0024 to 
connector D04578P on the back of the P15 refuel panel and do any 
applicable corrective actions before further flight.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: 
``An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, 
system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or 
irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a 
direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by 
the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, 
etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures 
may be required.''

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (g) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in 
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 26, 2004.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-24727 Filed 11-4-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P