[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 40 (Tuesday, March 1, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10460-10465]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-04033]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0755; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-080-AD; 
Amendment 39-18414; AD 2016-04-20]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The 
Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER 
series airplanes, Model 757 airplanes, Model 767 airplanes, and Model 
777 airplanes. This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by 
the manufacturer. This AD requires an inspection to determine if 
certain motor-operated valve (MOV) actuators for the fuel valves are 
installed, and replacement of any affected actuators. Previous ADs 
addressed this Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88 (SFAR 88) 
issue for the majority of the airplanes delivered with these actuators. 
Since those ADs did not cover all of the airplanes, and for some 
airplanes delivered with improved actuators, there was no restriction 
on installation of replacement actuators with the unsafe condition, 
this additional rulemaking action is required. As with the related ADs, 
we are issuing this AD to prevent electrical energy from lightning, hot 
shorts, or fault current from entering the fuel tank through the fuel 
valve actuator shaft, which could result in fuel tank explosions and 
consequent loss of the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective April 5, 2016.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
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 view this 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0755; 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 (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket 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: Rebel Nichols, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; phone: 425-917-
6509; fax: 425-917-6590; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all The Boeing Company 
Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes, 
Model 757 airplanes, Model 767 airplanes, and Model 777 airplanes. The 
NPRM published in the Federal Register on November 7, 2014 (79 FR 
66343) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM results from fuel system reviews 
conducted by the manufacturer. The NPRM proposed to require an 
inspection to determine if certain actuators for the fuel valves are 
installed, and replacement of any affected actuators. Previous ADs 
addressed this SFAR 88 (66 FR 23086, May 7, 2001) issue for the 
majority of the airplanes delivered with these actuators. Since those 
ADs did not cover all of the airplanes, and for some airplanes 
delivered with improved actuators, there was no restriction on 
installation of replacement actuators with the unsafe condition, this 
additional rulemaking action is required. As with the related ADs, we 
are issuing this AD to prevent electrical energy from lightning, hot 
shorts, or fault current from entering the fuel tank through the fuel 
valve actuator shaft, which could result in fuel tank explosions and 
consequent loss of the airplane.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and 
the FAA's response to each comment.

Requests To Revise the Proposed Applicability

    Boeing, All Nippon Airways (ANA), American Airlines (AAL), 
Southwest Airlines (SWA), and United Airlines (UAL), requested that we 
delete Model 737-600, -700, 700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series 
airplanes from the applicability of the NPRM. The commenters stated 
that AD 2008-06-03, Amendment 39-15415 (73 FR 13081, March 12, 2008) 
(``AD 2008-06-03''), mandated replacement of all fuel system MOV 
actuators having Part Number (P/N) MA20A1001-1 (S343T003-39) on Model 
737 airplanes, and that the compliance time for AD 2008-06-03 ended 
April 16, 2013. Boeing stated that first production delivery of the 
SFAR88 compliant actuator having P/N MA20A2027 (S343T003-56) occurred 
on line number 1877, and that the illustrated parts catalog (IPC) for 
that airplane and subsequent airplanes prohibited installation of MOV 
actuators having P/N MA20A1001-1 (S343T003-39).
    We partially agree with the commenters' requests. We agree there is 
little risk that MOV actuators having P/N MA20A1001-1 (S343T003-39) are 
currently installed on Model 737-600, -700, 700C, -800, -900, and -
900ER series airplanes for the reasons provided by the commenter. 
However, we want to ensure that MOV actuators having P/N MA20A1001-1 
(S343T003-39) are not installed on these airplanes in the future. 
Therefore, we have removed Model 737 airplanes from the actions 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD but not from the applicability of 
the AD. We have retained Model 737 airplanes in paragraph (i) of this 
AD, which states that no person may install an MOV actuator having P/N 
MA20A1001-1 (S343T003-39) on any airplane. Paragraph (i) of this AD 
ensures that installation of MOV actuators having P/

[[Page 10461]]

N MA20A1001-1 (S343T003-39) is prohibited.
    Boeing, AAL, and UAL requested that we delete Model 757-200, -
200PF, -200CB, and -300 series airplanes from the applicability of the 
NPRM. The commenters stated that the previously referenced AD 2008-06-
03 is applicable to Model 757 airplanes. Boeing stated that the last 
Model 757 airplane was delivered prior to development of the new SFAR 
88 compliant MOV actuator and that AD 2008-06-03 will ensure that MOV 
actuators having P/N MA20A1001-1 (S343T003-39) are not installed on any 
Model 757 airplanes.
    We partially agree with the commenters' requests. We agree that the 
requirements of AD 2008-06-03 are intended to prevent Model 757-200, -
200PF, -200CB, and -300 series airplanes from having an MOV actuator 
having P/N MA20A1001-1 installed and have determined there is little 
risk that MOV actuators having P/N MA20A1001-1 (S343T003-39) are 
currently installed on Model 757-200, -200PF, -200CB, and -300 series 
airplanes. However, we want to ensure that MOV actuators having P/N 
MA20A1001-1 (S343T003-39) are not installed on these airplanes in the 
future. Therefore, we have removed the Model 757 airplanes from the 
actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD. We have retained Model 
757 airplanes in paragraph (i) of this AD, which states that no person 
may install an MOV actuator having P/N MA20A1001-1 (S343T003-39) on any 
airplane.
    Boeing, AAL, ANA, and UAL requested that we delete Model 767 
airplanes from the applicability of the NPRM. The commenters stated 
that AD 2009-22-13, Amendment 39-16066 (74 FR 55755, October 29, 2009) 
(``AD 2009-22-13''), mandated replacement of all fuel system MOV 
actuators having P/N MA20A1001-1 (S343T003-39) on Model 767 airplanes, 
and that the compliance time for AD 2009-22-13 ended December 3, 2014. 
Boeing stated that first production delivery of the SFAR 88 compliant 
MOV actuator having P/N MA30A1001-1 (S343T003-56) occurred on line 
number 941; and that the IPC for that airplane and subsequent airplanes 
prohibited installation of the MOV actuator having P/N MA20A1001-1 
(S343T003-39).
    We partially agree with the commenters' requests. We agree with 
deleting most Boeing Model 767-200, -300, -300F, and -400ER series 
airplanes from the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD but not 
from the applicability of the AD. The requirements of AD 2009-22-13 are 
intended to prevent all but Model 767-300 series airplanes having line 
numbers 939 and 940 from having an MOV actuator having P/N MA20A1001-1 
(S343T003-39) installed. We have determined that except for Model 767-
300 series airplanes having line numbers 939 and 940, there is little 
risk that MOV actuators having P/N MA20A1001-1 (S343T003-39) are 
currently installed on Model 767-200, -300, -300F, and -400ER series 
airplanes. Therefore, we have revised paragraph (g) of this AD to 
specify that the actions apply to Model 767-300 series airplanes with 
line numbers 939 and 940. To ensure that MOV actuators having P/N 
MA20A1001-1 (S343T003-39) are not installed in the future on Model 767 
airplanes, we have retained Model 767 airplanes in paragraph (i) of 
this AD, which states that no person may install an MOV actuator having 
P/N MA20A1001-1 (S343T003-39) on any airplane.
    Boeing, AAL, ANA, Delta Airlines (DAL), and UAL requested that we 
revise the Model 777 applicability. The commenters stated that AD 2013-
05-03, Amendment 39-17375 (78 FR 17290, March 21, 2013) (``AD 2013-05-
03''), mandated replacement of all fuel system MOV actuators having P/N 
MA20A1001-1 on Model 777 airplanes and prohibits installation of an MOV 
actuator having P/N MA20A1001-1 on any Model 777 airplane. Boeing 
stated that the NPRM would be redundant for airplanes covered by AD 
2013-05-03, and that all other airplanes that are not covered by AD 
2013-05-03 have no production authority to install an MOV actuator 
having P/N MA20A1001-1.
    We partially agree with the commenters' requests. We agree with 
deleting Model 777 airplanes with Aircraft Information Management 
System (AIMS) version 2 covered by AD 2013-05-03 from the actions 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD but not from the applicability of 
this AD. The requirements of AD 2013-05-03 will prevent an MOV actuator 
having P/N MA20A1001-1 from being installed on these airplanes. We 
disagree with deleting Model 777 airplanes with AIMS version 1 from the 
applicability of this AD because AD 2013-05-03 allows airplanes with 
AIMS version 1 to retain MOV actuators having P/N MA20A1001-1 at 
certain locations. We have revised paragraph (g) of this AD to exclude 
Model 777 airplanes having line numbers 454 through 551 inclusive, 
which have AIMS version 2 installed.
    Boeing, AAL, and DAL requested that we exclude certain Model 777 
airplanes from the actions required by paragraph (g) of the proposed 
AD. The commenters stated that it appears that the intent of the NPRM 
might be to address the IPC that allows an MOV actuator having P/N 
MA20A1001-1 (S343T003-39) to be installed on a limited number of Model 
777 airplanes. Boeing stated that it believes that, as the IPC has been 
corrected to not allow installation of an MOV actuator having P/N 
MA20A1001-1 (S343T003-39), and that Boeing Service Bulletin 777-
28A0034, Revision 3, dated September 25, 2015, provides inspections of 
the MOV actuator for the 11 airplanes affected by the IPC, the actions 
taken are sufficient to ensure removal of the MOV actuator having P/N 
MA20A1001-1 (S343T003-39) from the affected airplanes.
    We partially agree with the commenter's request. We have revised 
paragraph (g) of this AD to exclude Model 777 airplane having line 
number 563 and subsequent from the actions required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD. As stated previously, we have already revised paragraph (g) to 
exclude Model 777 airplanes having line numbers 454 through 551 
inclusive. However, the 11 Model 777 airplanes affected by the IPC 
error are retained in paragraph (g) of this AD in order to require an 
inspection and replacement of MOV actuators having P/N MA20A1001-1 
(S343T003-39). To ensure that MOV actuators having P/N MA20A1001-1 
(S343T003-39) are not installed on Model 777 airplanes in the future, 
all Model 777 airplanes are included in paragraph (i) of this AD, which 
states that no person may install an MOV actuator having P/N MA20A1001-
1 (S343T003-39) on any airplane. Paragraph (i) of this AD ensures that 
installation of MOV actuators having P/N MA20A1001-1 (S343T003-39) is 
prohibited.

Requests To Clarify Justification for the NPRM (79 FR 66343, November 
7, 2014)

    Boeing, AAL, and DAL requested that we clarify the reasons for 
issuing the NPRM as it appears to be requiring actions mandated in 
previously issued ADs.
    We agree to clarify the reasons for this rulemaking action. We have 
revised the SUMMARY and Discussion section of this final rule to state 
that previous ADs address this SFAR 88 issue for the majority of the 
airplanes delivered with these actuators. Since those ADs did not cover 
all of the airplanes, and since some airplanes have no restrictions to 
prevent airplanes delivered with improved actuators from receiving 
replacement actuators with the unsafe condition, this additional 
rulemaking action is required. As with the ADs described previously, we 
are issuing this AD to prevent electrical energy

[[Page 10462]]

from lightning, hot shorts, or fault current from entering the fuel 
tank through the actuator shaft, which could result in fuel tank 
explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

Request To Revise Unsafe Condition Statement

    Boeing requested that we revise the unsafe condition statement in 
the NPRM to better define the unsafe condition. Boeing stated that the 
unsafe condition is the possibility for operators to install the non-
SFAR88 compliant [and in this case unsafe] MOV actuator design, due to 
a possible IPC error, on in-service airplanes that have been delivered 
with the SFAR88 compliant MOV actuator design. Boeing stated that AD 
2008-06-03 required replacing all MOV actuators having P/N MA20A1001-1 
(S343T003-39) for all Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -
900ER series airplanes, and Model 757 airplanes, but the actions in the 
NPRM implied otherwise.
    We partially agree with the commenter. We agree that an IPC error 
might have allowed non-SFAR88 compliant MOV actuators to be installed. 
However, the IPC error only affected a limited number of Model 777 
airplanes and not Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER 
series airplanes, and Model 757 and 767 airplanes. As stated 
previously, this AD was revised and, therefore, does not require an 
inspection, and replacement if necessary, for Model 737-600, -700, -
700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes, Model 757 airplanes, and 
Model 767 airplanes, except for Model 767-300 series airplanes having 
line numbers 939 and 940.
    We disagree with changing the unsafe condition statement since that 
statement reflects the consequent results of installing the non-
compliant MOV actuator. We have not changed this AD in this regard.

Requests To Revise Compliance Time for the MOV Actuator Replacement

    Boeing and UAL requested that we revise the compliance time in 
paragraph (h) of the proposed AD for the MOV actuator replacement from 
within 60 months after the effective date of this AD to before further 
flight. The commenters stated that this revision would then match the 
language used in AD 2008-06-03.
    As we stated previously, the airplanes identified in AD 2008-06-03 
have been removed from paragraph (g) of this AD and therefore those 
airplanes are not affected by paragraph (h) of this AD. The compliance 
of ``within 60 months after the effective date of this AD'' does 
correspond with the compliance times specified in AD 2009-22-13 and AD 
2013-05-03 and the associated Boeing service information. In developing 
an appropriate compliance time, we considered the safety implications, 
parts availability, and normal maintenance schedules for timely 
accomplishment of replacement of the MOV actuators. In consideration of 
all of these factors, we determined that the compliance time, as 
proposed, represents an appropriate interval in which the MOV actuator 
having P/N MA20A1001-1 (S343T003-39) can be replaced in a timely manner 
within the fleet, while still maintaining an adequate level of safety. 
We have confirmed with Boeing that the safety analysis supports the 
compliance of ``within 60 months after the effective date of this AD.'' 
Operators are always permitted to accomplish the requirements of an AD 
at a time earlier than the specified compliance time. We have not 
changed this AD in this regard.

Request To Remove Parts Installation Prohibition

    Boeing and UAL stated that AD 2008-06-03, AD 2009-22-13, and AD 
2013-05-03 already prohibit installation of the unsafe MOV actuator.
    From this statement, we infer that the commenters would like us to 
remove paragraph (i) of the proposed AD, which proposed to prohibit 
installation of an MOV actuator having P/N MA20A1001-1 (S343T003-39) on 
any airplane as of the effective date of the AD. We do not agree to 
remove paragraph (i) of this AD. While in some instances there are 
prohibitions against installation of these MOV actuators, there are 
certain airplanes on which operators are still allowed to install these 
actuators. We have determined that paragraph (i) of this AD is 
necessary to ensure that no MOV actuators having P/N MA20A1001-1 
(S343T003-39) are installed on any Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -
900, and -900ER series airplane, Model 757 airplane, Model 767 
airplane, or Model 777 airplane. We have not changed this AD in this 
regard.

Requests To Revise ``Affected AD'' Paragraph

    Boeing and ANA requested that we add AD 2008-06-03 to paragraph 
(b), ``Affected ADs'' of the proposed AD. ANA also requested that we 
add AD 2009-22-13 and AD 2013-05-03 to paragraph (b), ``Affected ADs'' 
of the proposed AD. Boeing stated that AD 2008-06-03 replaced all MOV 
actuators having P/N MA20A1001-1 (S343T003-39), and that the NPRM 
implied otherwise.
    We agree that the referenced ADs are related, but we disagree with 
the request to change paragraph (b) of this AD. The referenced ADs are 
similar to this AD but are not directly impacted by this AD. The term 
``affected ADs'' refers to ADs that are directly affected by this AD, 
for example, ADs that are superseded, revised, or terminated by this 
AD. Also, as stated previously, airplanes affected by AD 2008-06-03 
have been removed from the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this 
AD, and therefore, are not included in the replacement of MOV actuators 
having P/N MA20A1001-1 (S343T003-39) required by paragraph (h) of this 
AD. We have not changed this AD in this regard.

Requests To Use Alternative Inspections

    Boeing and DAL requested that we make accomplishment of the 
inspection requirements in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD using the 
service information identified in earlier ADs, such as AD 2008-06-03, 
acceptable for addressing the unsafe condition identified in this AD. 
Boeing stated that approving those previous inspection requirements 
would prevent repetition of inspections already performed.
    As we stated previously, the airplanes identified in AD 2008-06-03 
and certain earlier ADs have been removed from paragraph (g) of this 
AD; therefore, those airplanes are also not affected by paragraph (h) 
of this AD. Thus, there is no need to identify the service information 
from earlier ADs. We have not changed this AD in this regard.

Request To Retain Maintenance Records Review

    ANA requested that we retain the maintenance records review 
provided in paragraph (g) of the proposed AD to determine if an unsafe 
MOV actuator is installed.
    We acknowledge the commenter's request. Paragraph (g) of this AD 
already permits a review of the airplane maintenance records to 
determine if the unsafe MOV actuator is installed. We have retained 
that action in this AD. Therefore, no additional change to this AD is 
necessary in this regard.

Requests for Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC)

    ANA and DAL requested that we specify the previous related ADs as 
an AMOC for the actions, since those ADs do the same actions for some 
of the airplanes identified in the NPRM.
    We partially agree with the commenters' requests. We agree with the 
concept of providing credit for

[[Page 10463]]

previous actions because most operators have already taken the actions 
required by the previously described related ADs. We disagree with 
providing an AMOC for previous actions because airplanes changed 
according to the requirements of the previously described related ADs 
have been removed from paragraph (g) of this AD. No further change to 
this AD has been made in this regard.

Request for Part Clarification

    SWA requested that we clarify the name of the actuator. SWA stated 
that the NPRM preamble describes replacement of ``spar-mounted'' MOV 
actuators, but paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of the proposed AD does not 
state ``spar-mounted.''
    We agree to clarify the name of the actuator. Most components have 
several ways to refer to them. In order to provide consistency, we have 
removed the term ``spar-mounted'' in the preamble of this final rule.

Request To Provide MOV Actuator Locations

    DAL requested that we include or give reference to graphics or 
figures, which would clearly illustrate the locations of all affected 
MOV actuators.
    We agree with the commenter's request to specify the locations of 
all affected MOV actuators, but we do not agree to reference graphics 
or figures. We have added new paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) in this AD 
to specify the MOV actuator locations.

Request To Revise Part Location Wording

    DAL requested that we revise the last sentence of paragraph (g) of 
the proposed AD to reflect the fact that there are multiple positions 
for the installed MOV actuators.
    We agree with the commenter's request. We have revised the 
introductory text of paragraph (g) of this AD to state in part, ``A 
review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this 
inspection, if the part number of the actuator at each location can be 
conclusively determined from that review.''

Request To Add IPC Terminating Action

    DAL requested that we revise the NPRM to permit an IPC restriction 
as terminating action for the actions required by paragraph (g) of the 
propose AD. DAL stated that it believes this IPC restriction would 
provide an equivalent level of safety to the maintenance records review 
specified in paragraph (g) of the proposed AD.
    We do not agree with the commenter's request. The IPC would 
indicate that P/N MA20A1001-1 (S343T003-39) is not eligible for 
installation, but it would not require actions for any airplanes with a 
non-compliant actuator that is currently installed. In addition, the 
IPC is not FAA-approved and is not used to control the configuration of 
the airplane. Therefore, the inspection required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD must be done to identify non-compliant actuators and paragraph 
(h) of this AD must be done to replace non-compliant actuators. We have 
not changed this AD in this regard.

Request To Provide Part Replacement Procedure Reference

    DAL requested that we include a statement in paragraph (h) of the 
proposed AD to specify that MOV actuator replacement following the 
applicable aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) procedures is an 
acceptable procedure. DAL stated that operators will have difficulty 
complying with the part replacement requirements due to the lack of 
specific details relating to the part replacement method.
    We agree with the commenter's request. We have added new Note 1 to 
paragraph (h) of this AD, which states that guidance on replacing the 
affected MOV actuator can be found in the Boeing 767 Aircraft 
Maintenance Manual or the Boeing 777 Aircraft Maintenance Manual, as 
applicable.

Request To Provide Part Number References

    DAL requested that we include a statement in paragraph (h) of the 
proposed AD, or an additional new paragraph, which would identify all 
known MOV actuator part numbers that are acceptable replacement parts. 
DAL stated that operators will have difficulty complying with the part 
replacement requirements due to the lack of specific details relating 
to the MOV actuator part numbers.
    We do not agree with the commenter's request. The unsafe condition 
is present in only one part number actuator. There are several part 
numbers that are appropriate for replacement and new ones may become 
available. As such, we only intend to prohibit the installation of 
parts that are known to have unsafe conditions associated with them. 
This approach should make it easier for an operator to comply with the 
requirements of this AD without the need for AMOCs to install future 
acceptable part numbers and still prevent unsafe parts from being 
installed. We have not changed this AD in this regard.

Request To Revise Proposed Cost Estimates

    DAL requested that we revise the proposed costs estimates. DAL 
stated that inspection of all the MOV positions (described in Boeing 
Service Bulletin 777-28A0034), can take between 3.25 and 3.75 work-
hours, excluding access and restoration; and that the on-condition 
replacement of a single MOV actuator can be as high as 51 work-hours. 
DAL also stated that the cost of a replacement MOV actuator is $6,862.
    We agree with the commenter's request to revise the cost estimates 
provided in this final rule. We have revised the on-condition part cost 
to $6,862. Replacing an actuator can take as little as 30 minutes, or 
up to 51 hours if a fuel tank needs to be emptied. Therefore, we have 
revised the on-condition labor cost to up to 51 work-hours to reflect 
the possible higher cost.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 2,140 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 10464]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           Cost per
              Action                    Labor cost        Parts cost        product      Cost on U.S.  operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection to determine part       1 work-hour x $85                $0             $85  Up to $40,970.
 number (Up to 482 airplanes).      per hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the inspection. We have 
no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need these 
replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                         Labor cost                Parts cost           Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actuator replacement...............  Up to 51 work-hours x $85    $6,862 per actuator...  Up to $11,197 per
                                      per hour = up to $4,335                              actuator.
                                      per actuator.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    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),
    (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.

Adoption of the Amendment

    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 FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2016-04-20 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-18414; Docket No. FAA-
2014-0755; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-080-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective April 5, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all The Boeing Company airplanes identified 
in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(4) of this AD, certificated in any 
category.
    (1) Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series 
airplanes.
    (2) Model 757-200, -200PF, -200CB, and -300 series airplanes.
    (3) Model 767-200, -300, -300F, and -400ER series airplanes.
    (4) Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, -300ER, and -777F series 
airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the 
manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent electrical energy 
from lightning, hot shorts, or fault current from entering the fuel 
tank through the fuel valve actuator shaft, which could result in 
fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection To Determine Part Number (P/N)

    For Model 767-300 series airplanes having line numbers 939 and 
940; and Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, -300ER, and -777F series 
airplanes, except airplanes having line numbers 454 through 551 
inclusive, and 563 and subsequent: Within 60 months after the 
effective date of this AD, do an inspection to determine whether any 
motor-operated shutoff valve (MOV) actuators having P/N MA20A1001-1 
(S343T003-39) for the fuel tanks or fuel feed system are installed 
on the airplane. A review of airplane maintenance records is 
acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the part number of the 
actuator at each location can be conclusively determined from that 
review.
    (1) For Model 767 airplanes, there are several affected actuator 
locations: the fuel shutoff valves, the fuel crossfeed valves, the 
defueling valves, the jettison nozzle valves, the jettison transfer 
valves, the auxiliary power unit (APU) fuel shutoff valve and the 
APU fuel isolation valve.
    (2) For Model 777 airplanes, there are several affected actuator 
locations: the fuel shutoff valves, the fuel crossfeed valves, the 
defueling valves, the jettison nozzle valves, the jettison isolation 
valves, the APU fuel shutoff valve, the APU fuel isolation valve, 
the auxiliary tank isolation valve, the auxiliary tank refuel valve, 
the auxiliary tank fuel transfer valve, the auxiliary tank vent 
valve, and the auxiliary tank Number 2 refuel isolation valve.

(h) Replacement

    If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
any MOV actuator

[[Page 10465]]

having P/N MA20A1001-1 (S343T003-39) for the fuel tanks is 
installed: Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, 
replace the affected MOV actuator with a serviceable, FAA-approved 
MOV actuator other than one having P/N MA20A1001-1 (S343T003-39).

    Note 1 to paragraph (h) of this AD:  Guidance on replacing the 
affected MOV actuator may be found in the Boeing 767 Aircraft 
Maintenance Manual or the Boeing 777 Aircraft Maintenance Manual, as 
applicable.

(i) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an 
MOV actuator having P/N MA20A1001-1 (S343T003-39) on any airplane.

(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 paragraph (k) 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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Rebel Nichols, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle ACO, 
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 view this 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.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 16, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-04033 Filed 2-29-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P