[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 209 (Monday, October 29, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 65501-65503]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-26480]



[[Page 65501]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-1110; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-013-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD) that applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 707 airplanes, 
and Model 720 and 720B series airplanes. The existing AD currently 
requires replacing wiring for the fuel boost pumps and override pumps 
with new wiring, installing Teflon sleeving on the wiring, and doing 
associated actions; and doing repetitive inspections to detect damage 
of the wiring or evidence of a fuel leak. Since we issued that AD, we 
have determined through service experience that the inspection interval 
was too long. This proposed AD would reduce the repetitive inspection 
interval. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct damaged wiring 
for the fuel boost pumps and override pumps, which could cause 
electrical arcing that could puncture the conduit containing the wire, 
and result in a fuel tank explosion or a fire adjacent to the fuel 
tank.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 13, 
2012.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above 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, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the referenced service 
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

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 proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rebel Nichols, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone 425-917-
6509; fax 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2012-1110; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-013-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    On August 17, 2001, we issued AD 2001-17-20, Amendment 39-12411 (66 
FR 44954, August 27, 2001), for certain Model 707 airplanes, and Model 
720 and 720B series airplanes. That AD requires replacing the wiring 
for the fuel boost pumps and override pumps with new wiring, installing 
Teflon sleeving on the wiring, and doing associated actions; and doing 
repetitive inspections to detect damage of the wiring or evidence of a 
fuel leak. That AD resulted from a report that, while investigating a 
fuel leak around the bolts on the number 1 fuel boost pump, an operator 
found wire damage where the fuel boost pump wiring exited the boost 
pump and entered the boost pump access area. We issued that AD to 
detect and correct damaged wiring for the fuel boost pumps and override 
pumps, which could cause electrical arcing that could puncture the 
conduit containing the wire, and result in a fuel tank explosion or a 
fire adjacent to the fuel tank.

Actions Since Existing AD, Amendment 39-12411 (66 FR 44954, August 27, 
2001) Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2001-17-20, Amendment 39-12411 (66 FR 44954, 
August 27, 2001), we have determined through service experience that 
the inspection interval was too long.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would retain all requirements of AD 2001-17-20, 
Amendment 39-12411 (66 FR 44954, August 27, 2001). This proposed AD 
would reduce the repetitive inspection interval from 30,000 flight 
hours to 15,000 flight hours. This change has been coordinated with the 
manufacturer.

Change to Existing AD, Amendment 39-12411 (66 FR 44954, August 27, 
2001)

    This proposed AD would retain all the requirements of AD 2001-17-
20, Amendment 39-12411 (66 FR 44954, August 27, 2001). Since AD 2001-
17-20 was issued, the AD format has been revised, and certain 
paragraphs have been rearranged. As a result, the corresponding 
paragraph identifiers have changed in this proposed AD, as listed in 
the following table:

                      Revised Paragraph Identifiers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Requirement in AD 2001-17-20,
   Amendment 39[dash]12411 (66 FR     Corresponding  requirement in this
      44954, August 27, 2001)                    proposed AD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 paragraph (a)                        paragraph (g)
 Note 2                               paragraph (g)(1)
 Note 3                               paragraph (g)(2)
 paragraph (b)                        paragraph (h)
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Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 5 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost      Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement [retained actions      38 work-hours x $85          $9,943  $13,173............  $65,865
 from AD 2001[dash]17[dash]20,      per hour = $3,230.
 Amendment 39[dash]12411 (66 FR
 44954, August 27, 2001)].
Inspection [retained actions from  3 work-hours x $85               $0  $255 per inspection  $1,275 per
 AD 2001[dash]17[dash]20,           per hour = $255                      cycle.               inspection cycle.
 Amendment 39[dash]12411 (66 FR     per inspection
 44954, August 27, 2001)].          cycle..
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The new requirements of this proposed AD add no additional economic 
burden. The increase in replacement labor costs of 31 work hours in AD 
2001-17-20, Amendment 39-12411 (66 FR 44954, August 27, 2001), to the 
38 work hours specified in this proposed AD, is due to the opening and 
closing hours being included in the cost of this proposed AD. We have 
received no definitive data that would enable us to provide cost 
estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed AD.

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 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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, 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 removing airworthiness directive 
(AD) 2001-17-20, Amendment 39-12411 (66 FR 44954, August 27, 2001), and 
adding the following new AD:

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2012-1110; Directorate Identifier 
2012-NM-013-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by December 13, 
2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2001-17-20, Amendment 39-12411 (66 FR 
44954, August 27, 2001).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company 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; line numbers 1 
through 941 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 24, Electrical Power.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report that, while investigating a 
fuel leak around the bolts on the number 1 fuel boost pump on a 
Boeing Model 707 series airplane, an operator found wire damage 
where the fuel boost pump wiring exited the boost pump and entered 
the boost pump access area. Since we issued AD 2001-17-20, Amendment 
39-12411 (66 FR 44954, August 27, 2001) to address the unsafe 
condition, we have determined through service experience that the 
inspection interval was too long. We are issuing this AD to detect 
and correct damaged wiring for the fuel boost pumps and override 
pumps, which could cause electrical arcing that could puncture the 
conduit containing the wire, and result in a fuel tank explosion or 
a fire adjacent to the fuel tank.

 (f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Retained Replacement of Wiring, Installation of Sleeving, and 
Associated Actions

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (a) of AD 
2001-17-20, Amendment 39-12411 (66 FR 44954, August 27, 2001). 
Within 1 year or 4,000 flight hours after October 1, 2001 (the 
effective date of AD 2001-17-20), whichever occurs first: Replace 
the wiring for the fuel boost pumps and override pumps, install 
Teflon sleeving over

[[Page 65503]]

the wiring, and do all associated actions, per the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin A3500, Revision 1, dated 
April 26, 2001. The associated actions include performing a general 
visual inspection of the area around each fuel boost pump and 
override pump for evidence of a fuel leak; finding the source of any 
fuel leak and repairing the affected area; replacing the conduit, if 
required; and performing a detailed visual inspection of the wiring 
installed in the conduit for evidence of electrical arcing or a fuel 
leak, or exposed copper wire. If replacement of the conduit is 
deferred per the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin A3500, Revision 1, dated April 26, 2001, repeat the 
inspection for fuel leaks every 500 flight hours until the conduit 
is replaced, and replace the conduit within 6,000 flight hours or 18 
months, whichever occurs first.
    (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 under normally 
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, 
flashlight, or drop-light, 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.''
    (2) For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual inspection is 
defined as: ``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.''

(h) Retained Repetitive Inspections

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (b) of AD 
2001-17-20, Amendment 39-12411 (66 FR 44954, August 27, 2001), with 
a new compliance time. After replacement of the wiring per paragraph 
(g) of this AD, repeat the detailed visual inspection of the wiring 
for the fuel boost pumps and override pumps for damage, such as 
evidence of electrical arcing or exposed copper wire, or evidence of 
a fuel leak. After the effective date of this AD, repeat the 
inspection one time at the earlier of the times specified in 
paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD, per the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin A3500, Revision 1, dated 
April 26, 2001. If any electrical arcing or exposed copper wire or 
evidence of a fuel leak is detected during any inspection per this 
paragraph, before further flight, do the applicable corrective 
actions (including finding the source of any fuel leak and repairing 
the affected area, replacing the wiring, replacing the conduit, or 
installing new Teflon sleeving; as applicable) according to the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin A3500, 
Revision 1, dated April 26, 2001. Repeat the inspection thereafter 
at intervals not to exceed 15,000 flight hours.
    (1) Within 30,000 flight hours after the most recent inspection.
    (2) At the later of the compliance times specified in paragraphs 
(h)(2)(i) and (h)(2)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Within 15,000 flight hours after the most recent inspection.
    (ii) Within 3 years after the effective date of this AD.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
October 1, 2001 (the effective date of AD 2001-17-20, Amendment 39-
12411 (66 FR 44954, August 27, 2001)), using Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin A3500, dated July 27, 2000, which is not incorporated by 
reference in this AD.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has 
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, 
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in the Related Information section of this AD. 
Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.
    (3) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2001-17-20, 
Amendment 39-12411 (66 FR 44954, August 27, 2001), are approved as 
AMOCs for this AD, except for AMOCS that change the inspection 
frequency.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Rebel Nichols, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, Seattle Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 
98057-3356; phone 425-917-6509; fax 425-917-6590; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 
P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H-65, Seattle, WA 98124-2207; telephone 206-544-
5000, extension 1; fax 206-766-5680; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the referenced 
service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 22, 2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-26480 Filed 10-26-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P