[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 36 (Friday, February 22, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9666-9668]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-3189]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-28381; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-164-AD; 
Amendment 39-15383; AD 2008-04-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 707 Airplanes, and Model 
720 and 720B Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Boeing Model 707 airplanes, and Model 720 and 720B series airplanes. 
This AD requires revising the FAA-approved maintenance program by 
incorporating new airworthiness limitations (AWLs) for fuel tank 
systems to satisfy Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88 
requirements. This AD also requires the initial performance of certain 
repetitive AWL inspections to phase in those inspections, and repair if 
necessary. This AD results from a design review of the fuel tank 
systems. We are issuing this AD to prevent the potential for ignition 
sources inside fuel tanks caused by latent failures, alterations, 
repairs, or maintenance actions, which, in combination with flammable 
fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss 
of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 28, 2008.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of March 28, 
2008.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-
2207.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The address for the 
Docket Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is the Document Management 
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, 
West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., 
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathrine Rask, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone 
(425) 917-6505; fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to all Boeing Model 707 
airplanes, and Model 720 and 720B series airplanes. That NPRM was 
published in the Federal Register on July 3, 2007 (72 FR 36370). That 
NPRM proposed to require revising the FAA-approved maintenance program 
by incorporating new airworthiness limitations (AWLs) for fuel tank 
systems to satisfy Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88 
requirements. That NPRM also proposed to require the initial 
performance of certain repetitive AWL inspections to phase in those 
inspections, and repair if necessary.

Comments

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

Changes Made to This AD

    For standardization purposes, we have revised this AD in the 
following ways:
     We have added a new paragraph (i) to this AD to specify 
that no alternative inspections, inspection intervals, or critical 
design configuration control limitations (CDCCLs) may be used unless 
they are part of a later approved revision of Boeing 707/720 
Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) Document D6-7552-AWL, dated March 
2006, or unless they are approved as an alternative method of 
compliance (AMOC). Inclusion of this paragraph in the AD is intended to 
ensure that the AD-mandated airworthiness limitations changes are 
treated the same as the airworthiness limitations issued with the 
original type certificate.
     We have simplified the language in Note 1 of this AD to 
clarify that an operator must request approval for an AMOC if an 
operator cannot accomplish the required inspections because an airplane 
has been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the areas 
addressed by the required inspections.

Request To Change Wording in Note 1 of the NPRM

    Boeing requests that we change the wording in Note 1 of the NPRM as 
follows:
     Change ``new inspections and maintenance actions'' to 
include the words ``according to paragraph (g)'' after ``actions.''
     Change ``the operator must request approval for revision 
to the airworthiness limitations'' to ``the operator must request 
approval for deviation from the airworthiness limitations.''
     Remove ``as applicable'' from the last sentence of the 
note and change the paragraph reference from ``paragraph (g) or (i)'' 
to ``paragraph (i).''
    Boeing explains that the current wording is difficult to follow.
    As stated previously, we have simplified the language in Note 1 of 
this AD for standardization with other similar ADs. The language the 
commenter requests we change does not appear in the revised note; 
therefore, no additional change to this AD is necessary in this regard.

Credit for Prior Accomplishment of AWL 28-AWL-01

    We have added a statement to paragraph (h) of this AD specifying 
that accomplishment of AWL 28-AWL-01 as part of an FAA-approved 
maintenance program prior to the later of the times specified in 
paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD constitutes compliance with the 
requirements of paragraph (h).

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the 
comment received, and determined that air safety and the public 
interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously. 
We have determined that these changes will neither increase the 
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 213 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. This AD affects about 76 airplanes of U.S. registry. 
The required actions take about 8 work hours per airplane, at an 
average labor rate of $80 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
estimated cost of the AD for U.S. operators is $48,640, or $640 per 
airplane.

[[Page 9667]]

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. 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, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2008-04-11 Boeing: Amendment 39-15383. Docket No. FAA-2007-28381; 
Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-164-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective March 28, 2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Boeing Model 707-100 long body, -200, 
-100B long body, and -100B short body series airplanes; Model 707-
300, -300B, -300C, and -400 series airplanes; and Model 720 and 720B 
series airplanes; certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD requires revisions to certain operator 
maintenance documents to include new inspections. Compliance with 
these inspections is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes 
that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the 
areas addressed by these limitations, the operator may not be able 
to accomplish the actions described in the revisions. In this 
situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must 
request approval for an alternative method of compliance according 
to paragraph (i) of this AD. The request should include a 
description of changes to the required inspections that will ensure 
the continued operational safety of the airplane.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from a design review of the fuel tank 
systems. We are issuing this AD to prevent the potential for 
ignition sources inside fuel tanks caused by latent failures, 
alterations, repairs, or maintenance actions, which, in combination 
with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and 
consequent loss of the airplane.

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.

Service Information

    (f) The term ``D6-7552-AWL March 2006,'' as used in this AD, 
means Boeing 707/720 Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) Document D6-
7552-AWL, dated March 2006.

Revision of AWLs Section

    (g) Before December 16, 2008, revise the FAA-approved 
maintenance program by incorporating the information in the sections 
specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(3) of this AD, except 
that the initial inspection specified in paragraph (h) of this AD 
must be done at the time specified in paragraph (h). Accomplishing 
the revision in accordance with a later revision of D6-7552-AWL 
March 2006 is an acceptable method of compliance if the revision is 
approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), FAA.
    (1) Section B., ``FUEL SYSTEMS AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS,'' of 
D6-7552-AWL March 2006.
    (2) Section C., ``SYSTEM AWL PAGE FORMAT,'' of D6-7552-AWL March 
2006.
    (3) Section D., ``AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS--FUEL SYSTEMS,'' of 
D6-7552-AWL March 2006.

Initial Inspection and Repair if Necessary

    (h) At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and 
(h)(2) of this AD: Do a detailed inspection of external wires over 
the center fuel tank for damaged or loose clamps, wire chafing, and 
wire bundles in contact with the surface of the center fuel tank, in 
accordance with Section D, ``AIRWORTHINESS LIMITATIONS--FUEL 
SYSTEMS,'' AWL 28-AWL-01, of D6-7552-AWL March 2006. If any 
discrepancy is found during this inspection, repair the discrepancy 
before further flight in accordance with D6-7552-AWL March 2006. 
Accomplishing the actions required by this paragraph in accordance 
with a later revision of D6-7552-AWL March 2006 is an acceptable 
method of compliance if the revision is approved by the Manager, 
Seattle ACO. Accomplishing AWL 28-AWL-01 as part of an FAA-approved 
maintenance program prior to the later of the times specified in 
paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD constitutes compliance with 
the requirements of this paragraph.
    (1) Before the accumulation of 36,000 total flight cycles, or 
within 120 months since the date of issuance of the original 
standard airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the 
original export certificate of airworthiness, whichever occurs 
first.
    (2) Within 72 months after the effective date of this AD.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: 
``An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or 
assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available 
lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good 
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as 
mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate procedures may be required.''

No Alternative Inspections, Inspection Intervals, or CDCCLs

    (i) After accomplishing the actions specified in paragraphs (g) 
and (h) of this AD, no alternative inspections, inspection 
intervals, or CDCCLs may be used unless the inspections, intervals, 
or CDCCLs are part of a later revision of D6-7552-AWL March 2006, 
that is approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO; or unless the 
inspections, intervals, or CDCCLs are approved as an alternative 
method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures 
specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (j)(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO, has the authority to approve 
AMOCs for this AD, if

[[Page 9668]]

requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
    (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different 
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. 
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC 
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA 
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local 
FSDO.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (k) You must use Boeing 707/720 Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) 
Document D6-7552-AWL, including attachment, dated March 2006, to 
perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD 
specifies otherwise. (Only the first page of the attachment contains 
the document date; no other page of the attachment contains this 
information.) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this document in accordance with 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Boeing Commercial 
Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207, for a copy 
of this service information. You may review copies 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 13, 2008.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Assistant Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
 [FR Doc. E8-3189 Filed 2-21-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P