[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 186 (Wednesday, September 25, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 58962-58965]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-23271]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0790; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-061-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 airworthiness directive (AD) 89-12-10, 
which applies to certain The Boeing Company Model 747 series airplanes.

[[Page 58963]]

AD 89-12-10 currently requires replacement of certain underwing fuel 
tank access doors with stronger, fire-resistant doors. Since we issued 
AD 89-12-10, we have received reports indicating that a standard access 
door was located where an impact-resistant access door was required, 
and stencils were missing from some impact-resistant access doors. 
Stencils are required to indicate that the door is impact-resistant and 
to indicate the correct location for installation of the impact-
resistant door. This proposed AD would require an inspection of the 
left- and right-hand wing fuel tank access doors to determine whether 
impact-resistant access doors are installed in the correct locations, 
and replacement of any door with an impact-resistant access door if 
necessary. This proposed AD would also require an inspection for the 
presence of 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. This 
proposed AD would also add airplanes to the applicability. 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 or engine exhaust nozzle), consequently leading to a fuel-fed 
fire.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 12, 
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 proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2013-0790; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-061-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 May 22, 1989, we issued AD 89-12-10, Amendment 39-6230 (54 FR 
23643, June 2, 1989) (``AD 89-12-10''), for certain The Boeing Company 
Model 747-100, 747-200, 747-300, and 747-SP series airplanes. AD 89-12-
10 requires replacement of certain underwing fuel tank access doors 
with stronger, fire-resistant doors. AD 89-12-10 resulted from several 
incidents of door penetration by tire and engine debris, which resulted 
in spillage of significant quantities of fuel. We issued AD 89-12-10 to 
prevent a fire in the wing fuel tank.

Actions Since AD 89-12-10 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 89-12-10, additional access doors, that may be 
installed on additional airplanes that were not identified in AD 89-12-
10, have been identified that may be subject to the unsafe condition. 
Certain doors are addressed in other service bulletins. Additionally, 
due to repainting of the lower wing skin, stencils that identify the 
access door may no longer be in place to provide a visual confirmation 
that the correct door is installed.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed the following service information. For information on 
the procedures and compliance times, see this service information at 
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. FAA-2013-0790.
     Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28-2315, dated January 11, 
2012.
     CDCCL Task 57-AWL-01, ``Impact-Resistant Fuel Tank Access 
Doors,'' of Sub-section B, Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs)--Fuel 
Systems, of Section 9, Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) and 
Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMRs) of Boeing 747-400 
Maintenance Planning Data (MPD) Document D621U400, Revision August 
2012.
     CDCCL Task 57-AWL-01, ``Impact-Resistant Fuel Tank Access 
Doors,'' of Sub-section C, Airworthiness Limitations--Fuel Systems, of 
the Boeing 747-100/200/300/SP Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) and 
Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMRs) Document D6-13747-CMR, 
Revision August 2012.

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

    This proposed AD would retain none of the requirements of AD 89-12-
10. Since that AD was issued, 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.

[[Page 58964]]

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously. This proposed AD would 
add Models 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, and 747SR series airplanes to 
the applicability, and clarify the applicability of AD 89-12-10, 
Amendment 39-6230 (54 FR 23643, June 2, 1989) to identify models listed 
in the current type certification data sheets (TCDS).
    This proposed AD would also 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 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 accomplishment of 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 alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance 
with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 189 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
             Action                    Labor cost         Parts cost      Cost per product        operators
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Inspection......................  Up to 13 work-hours               $0  Up to $1,105.......  Up to $208,845.
                                   x $85 per hour =
                                   $1,105.
Maintenance program revision....  1 work-hour x $85                  0  85.................  16,065.
                                   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
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                                                                                                     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 (14 doors)...........  17 work-hours x $85 per hour =                 0           1,445
                                                 $1,445.
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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 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

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

[[Page 58965]]

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing airworthiness directive (AD) 
89-12-10, Amendment 39-6230 (54 FR 23643, June 2, 1989), and adding the 
following new AD:

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2013-0790; Directorate Identifier 
2013-NM-061-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by November 12, 
2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 89-12-10, Amendment 39-6230 (54 FR 23643, 
June 2, 1989).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B, 
747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-
400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes; certificated in 
any category; as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28-2315, 
dated January 11, 2012.

(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 
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 or engine exhaust nozzle), 
consequently leading to a fuel-fed fire.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection and Corrective Action

    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 747-28-2315, dated January 11, 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 747-28-2315, dated January 11, 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 a stencil or index marker, as 
applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Service Bulletin 747-28-2315, dated January 11, 2012.

(h) Maintenance Program Revisions

    Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD do the 
actions specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Revise the maintenance program to incorporate CDCCL Task 57-
AWL-01, ``Impact-Resistant Fuel Tank Access Doors,'' of Sub-section 
B, Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs)--Fuel Systems, of Section 9, 
Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) and Certification Maintenance 
Requirements (CMRs) of Boeing 747-400 Maintenance Planning Data 
(MPD) Document D621U400, Revision August 2012.
    (2) Revise the maintenance program to incorporate CDCCL Task 57-
AWL-01, ``Impact-Resistant Fuel Tank Access Doors,'' of Sub-section 
C, Airworthiness Limitations--Fuel Systems, of the Boeing 747-100/
200/300/SP Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) and Certification 
Maintenance Requirements (CMRs) Document D6-13747-CMR, Revision 
August 2012.

(i) No Alternative Actions, Intervals, and/or Critical Design 
Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs)

    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 alternative method of compliance (AMOC) 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 September 13, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-23271 Filed 9-24-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P