[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 148 (Thursday, August 1, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 46538-46540]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-18507]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0666; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-060-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 adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
The Boeing Company Model 727 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted 
by reports indicating that a standard fuel tank access door was located 
where an impact-resistant access door was required, and stencils were 
missing from some impact-resistant access doors. This proposed AD would 
require an inspection of the left- and right-hand wing fuel tank access 
doors to determine that impact-resistant access doors are installed in 
the correct locations, and to replace any door with an impact-resistant 
access door if necessary. This proposed AD also would require an 
inspection for stencils and index markers on impact-resistant access 
doors, and application of new stencils or index markers if necessary. 
This proposed AD would also require revising the maintenance program to 
incorporate changes to the airworthiness limitations section. We are 
proposing this AD to prevent foreign object penetration of the fuel 
tank, which could cause a fuel leak near an ignition source (e.g., hot 
brakes), consequently leading to a fuel-fed fire.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 16, 
2013.

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: Suzanne Lucier, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6438; 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 proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2013-0666; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-060-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

    We received reports of a standard fuel tank access door located 
where an impact-resistant access door is required, and stencils missing 
from some spare impact-resistant access doors. This condition, if not 
corrected, could result in foreign object penetration of the fuel tank, 
which could cause a fuel leak near an ignition source (e.g., hot 
brakes), consequently leading to a fuel-fed fire.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin 727-28-0134, dated January 12, 
2012; and Critical Design Configuration Control Limitation (CDCCL) Task 
57-AWL-01, ``Impact-Resistant Fuel Tank Access Door,'' of Section 1, 
Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) of Boeing 727-100/200 Airworthiness 
Limitations (AWLs) Document D6-

[[Page 46539]]

8766-AWL, Revision September 2012. For information on the procedures 
and compliance times, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. FAA-2013-0666.

FAA's Determination

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

Proposed AD Requirements

    The FAA issued section 121.316 of the Federal Aviation Regulations 
(14 CFR 121.316) requiring that each turbine powered transport category 
airplane meet the requirements of section 25.963(e) of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 25.963(e)). Section 25.963(e) outlines the 
certification requirements for fuel tank access covers on turbine 
powered transport category airplanes.
    This proposed AD would require inspecting fuel tank access doors to 
determine that impact-resistant access doors are installed in the 
correct locations and replacing any door with an impact-resistant 
access door if necessary; inspecting application of stencils and index 
markers of impact-resistant access doors and application of new 
stencils or index markers if necessary; and revising the maintenance 
program.
    This proposed AD requires revisions to certain operator maintenance 
documents to include a new CDCCL. Compliance with CDCCLs is required by 
section 91.403(c) of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
91.403(c)). For airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, 
or repaired in the areas addressed by this proposed AD, the operator 
might 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 (AMOC) 
according to the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this proposed 
AD. The request should include a description of changes to the required 
actions that will ensure the continued damage tolerance of the affected 
structure.
    After accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (h) of this 
AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, and/or 
CDCCLs may be used unless the actions, intervals, and/or CDCCLs are 
approved as an AMOC in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (j) of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 139 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                     Action                         Labor cost      Parts cost        product        operators
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Inspection......................................   Up to 3 work-              $0            $255         $35,445
                                                     hours x $85
                                                      per hour =
                                                            $255
Maintenance Program Revision....................   1 work-hour x               0              85          11,815
                                                  $85 per hour =
                                                             $85
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    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. 
We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need 
these replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement per door..........................  3 work-hours x $85 per hour =             $8,000          $8,255
                                                 $255.
Stencil and index marker......................  Up to 2 work-hours x $85 per                   0             170
                                                 hour = $170.
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    According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed 
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected 
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost 
estimate.

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 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 this 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

[[Page 46540]]

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

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):

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2013-0666; Directorate Identifier 
2013-NM-060-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by September 16, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 727, 727C, 727-
100, 727 -100C, 727-200, and 727-200F series airplanes; certificated 
in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports indicating that a standard fuel 
tank access door was located where an impact-resistant access door 
was required, and stencils were missing from some impact-resistant 
access doors. We are issuing this AD to prevent foreign object 
penetration of the fuel tank, which could cause a fuel leak near an 
ignition source (e.g., hot brakes), consequently leading to a fuel-
fed fire.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspections

    Within 72 months after the effective date of this AD, do the 
actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin 727-28-0134, dated January 12, 2012.
    (1) Do either a general visual inspection or ultrasonic non-
destructive test of the left- and right-hand wing fuel tank access 
doors to determine whether impact-resistant access doors are 
installed in the correct locations. If any standard access door is 
found, before further flight, replace with an impact-resistant 
access door, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Service Bulletin 727-28-0134, dated January 12, 2012.
    (2) Do a general visual inspection of the left- and right-hand 
wing fuel tank impact-resistant access doors to verify stencils and 
index markers are applied. If a stencil or index marker is missing, 
before further flight, apply stencil or index marker, as applicable, 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin 727-28-0134, dated January 12, 2012.

(h) Maintenance Program Revision

    Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
maintenance program to incorporate Critical Design Configuration 
Control Limitation (CDCCL) Task 57-AWL-01, ``Impact-Resistant Fuel 
Tank Access Door,'' of Section 1, Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) 
of Boeing 727-100/200 Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) Document D6-
8766-AWL, Revision September 2012.

(i) No Alternative CDCCLs

    After accomplishing the revision required by paragraph (h) of 
this AD, no alternative CDCCLs may be used unless the CDCCLs are 
approved as an alternative method of compliance in accordance with 
the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft 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) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used for any repair required by this AD if it is approved by the 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization Designation Authorization 
(ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO to make 
those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must 
meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must 
specifically refer to this AD.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Suzanne Lucier, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 
98057-3356; phone: 425-917-6438; 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 July 21, 2013.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-18507 Filed 7-31-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P