[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 158 (Thursday, August 17, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 39062-39065]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-16560]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0770; Product Identifier 2017-NM-030-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) 2014-03-

[[Page 39063]]

07, which applies to certain The Boeing Company Model MD-11 and MD-11F 
airplanes. AD 2014-03-07 requires inspecting certain locations of the 
wire bundles of the center upper auxiliary fuel tank for damage, and 
corrective action if necessary. AD 2014-03-07 also requires installing 
nonmetallic barrier/shield sleeving, new clamps, new attaching 
hardware, and a new extruded channel. Since we issued AD 2014-03-07, we 
determined that it is necessary to require an inspection of the wire 
bundles for damage at additional center upper auxiliary fuel tank 
locations on certain airplanes. This proposed AD would add that 
inspection and expand the applicability. We are proposing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 2, 2017.

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 NPRM, contact Boeing 
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services (C&DS), 
2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740; telephone 
562-797-1717; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this 
referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability 
of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. It is also available on 
the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0770.

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-2017-
0770; 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: Samuel Lee, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 3960 Paramount 
Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-5262; fax: 562-627-
5210; 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-2017-0770; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-030-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 January 21, 2014, we issued AD 2014-03-07, Amendment 39-17744 
(79 FR 9392, February 19, 2014) (``AD 2014-03-07''), for certain The 
Boeing Company Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes. AD 2014-03-07 
superseded AD 2009-26-16, Amendment 39-16155 (74 FR 69249, December 31, 
2009). AD 2014-03-07 requires inspecting certain locations of the wire 
bundles of the center upper auxiliary fuel tank for damage, and 
corrective action if necessary. AD 2014-03-07 also requires installing 
nonmetallic barrier/shield sleeving, new clamps, new attaching 
hardware, and a new extruded channel. AD 2014-03-07 resulted from 
reports that identified additional locations where inspections and 
corrective actions of the center upper auxiliary fuel tank are needed. 
We issued AD 2014-03-07 to reduce the potential of ignition sources 
inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, 
could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the 
airplane.

Actions Since AD 2014-03-07 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2014-03-07, we determined that, for certain 
airplanes, it is necessary to inspect the wire bundles at additional 
center upper auxiliary fuel tank locations for damage. We have also 
expanded the applicability to add one airplane (Line Number 579) that 
is also affected by the identified unsafe condition.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-28-126, Revision 6, dated 
July 1, 2016. This service information describes procedures for 
inspecting certain wire bundles of the center auxiliary fuel tank for 
damage, and repairing or replacing damaged wires. This service 
information also describes procedures for installing barrier/shield 
sleeving, clamping, and an extruded channel. This service information 
is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to 
it through their normal course of business or by the means identified 
in the ADDRESSES section.

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 2014-03-07. 
This proposed AD would add inspection requirements for certain 
airplanes and expand the applicability. This proposed AD would require 
accomplishing the actions specified in the service information 
described previously, except as discussed under ``Difference between 
this Proposed AD and Service Information.'' For information on the 
procedures and compliance times, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0770.

Difference Between This Proposed AD and Service Information

    Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-28-126, Revision 6, dated July 1, 
2016, specifies to contact the manufacturer for certain instructions, 
but this proposed AD would require using repair methods, modification 
deviations, and alteration deviations in one of the following ways:
     In accordance with a method that we approve; or
     Using data that meet the certification basis of the 
airplane, and

[[Page 39064]]

that have been approved by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization 
Designation Authorization (ODA) whom we have authorized to make those 
findings.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 125 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection/installation [retained  168 to 182 work-         $15,708 to  $29,988 to $43,475   $3,748,500 to
 actions from AD 2009-26-16,        hours x $85 per            $28,005   per inspection       $5,434,375 per
 Amendment 39-16155 (74 FR 69249,   hour = $14,280 to                    cycle.               inspection cycle.
 December 31, 2009)].               $15,470 per
                                    inspection cycle.
Inspection/installation for        Up to 9 work-hours           $6,166  Up to $6,931.......  Up to $866,375.
 Groups 1, 2, and 5, all            x $85 per hour =
 Configuration 2 airplanes          $765.
 (retained actions from AD
 2014[dash]03[dash]07).
Inspection/installation for        Up to 4 work-hours               $0  Up to $340.........  Up to $42,500.
 Groups 1, 2, and 5, all            x $85 per hour =
 Configuration 2 airplanes (new     $340.
 proposed action).
Inspection/installation for Line   4 work-hours x $85          $28,005  $340...............  $28,345.
 Number 579 (new proposed action).  per hour = $340.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.
    This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated 
by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as 
authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, 
issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and 
Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the 
Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable 
to transport category airplanes to the Director of the System Oversight 
Division.

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.


Sec.  39.13   [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2014-03-07, Amendment 39-17744 (79 FR 9392, February 19, 2014), and 
adding the following new AD:

The Boeing Company: Docket No. FAA-2017-0770; Product Identifier 
2017-NM-030-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by October 2, 
2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2014-03-07, Amendment 39-17744 (79 FR 9392, 
February 19, 2014) (``AD 2014-03-07'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model MD-11 and MD-11F 
airplanes, certificated in any category, as identified in Boeing 
Service Bulletin MD11-28-126, Revision 6, dated July 1, 2016.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the 
manufacturer that indicated the need to inspect wire bundles at 
certain locations of the center upper auxiliary fuel tanks in 
addition to inspection locations required by AD 2014-03-07. We are 
issuing this AD to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside 
fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, 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.

[[Page 39065]]

(g) Retained Inspection and Corrective Action, With Revised Service 
Information

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2014-03-07, with revised service information. For airplanes 
identified in Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-28-126, Revision 1, dated 
June 18, 2009: Within 60 months after February 4, 2010 (the 
effective date of AD 2009-26-16, Amendment 39-16155 (74 FR 69249, 
December 31, 2009)), do the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) 
through (g)(5) of this AD, and do all applicable corrective actions, 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin MD11-28-126, Revision 1, dated June 18, 2009; Revision 4, 
dated November 29, 2011; or Revision 6, dated July 1, 2016; except 
as required by paragraph (k) of this AD. As of the effective date of 
this AD, only Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-28-126, Revision 6, dated 
July 1, 2016, may be used. Do all applicable corrective actions 
before further flight.
    (1) Do a general visual inspection of the wire bundles between 
Stations 1238.950 and 1361.000 to determine if wires touch the upper 
surface of the center upper auxiliary fuel tank, and mark the 
location, as applicable.
    (2) Do a detailed inspection for splices and damage of all wire 
bundles above the center upper auxiliary fuel tank between Stations 
1218.950 and 1381.000.
    (3) Do a detailed inspection for damage (burn marks) of the 
upper surface of the center upper auxiliary fuel tank.
    (4) Do a detailed inspection for damage (burn marks) on the fuel 
vapor barrier seal.
    (5) Install a nonmetallic barrier/shield sleeving, new clamps, 
new attaching hardware, and a new extruded channel.

(h) Retained Additional Inspections and Corrective Action, With Revised 
Service Information

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2014-03-07, with revised service information. For airplanes in Group 
1, Configuration 2; Group 2, Configuration 2; and Group 5, 
Configuration 2; as identified in Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-28-
126, Revision 4, dated November 29, 2011: Within 60 months after 
March 26, 2014 (the effective date of AD 2014-03-07), do a detailed 
inspection of wire bundles for splices and damage (chafing, arcing, 
and broken insulation) and damage (burn marks) on the upper surface 
of the center upper auxiliary fuel tank and fuel vapor barrier seal; 
install barrier/shield sleeving and clamping; and do all applicable 
corrective actions at the applicable locations specified in 
paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(3) of this AD, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-28-126, 
Revision 4, dated November 29, 2011; or Boeing Service Bulletin 
MD11-28-126, Revision 6, dated July 1, 2016; except as required by 
paragraph (k) of this AD. As of the effective date of this AD, only 
Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-28-126, Revision 6, dated July 1, 2016, 
may be used for the actions required by this paragraph. Do all 
applicable corrective actions before further flight.
    (1) For Group 1, Configuration 2 airplanes, between Stations 
1238.950 and 1381.000, Stations 1238.950 and 1256.000, and Stations 
1238.950 and 1256.800, depending on passenger or freighter 
configuration.
    (2) For Group 2, Configuration 2 airplanes, between Stations 
1238.950 and 1275.250, and Stations 1238.950 and 1275.250, passenger 
configuration only.
    (3) For Group 5, Configuration 2 airplanes, between Stations 
1381.000 and 1238.950.

(i) New Inspections and Corrective Actions for Certain Airplanes

    For Groups 1, 2, and 5 Configuration 2 airplanes, as identified 
in Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-28-126, Revision 6, dated July 1, 
2016: Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, do the 
actions required by paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service 
Bulletin MD11-28-126, Revision 6, dated July 1, 2016.
    (1) Do a general visual inspection of the wire bundles at the 
additional center upper auxiliary fuel tank locations to determine 
if wires touch the upper surface of the fuel tank, and mark the 
location as applicable.
    (2) Do a detailed inspection of the wire bundles for splices and 
damage on the upper surface of the center upper auxiliary fuel tank 
and fuel vapor barrier seal; install barrier/shield sleeving, 
clamping, and extruded channels, as applicable; and do all 
applicable corrective actions before further flight; except as 
required by paragraph (k) of this AD.

(j) New Requirements for Line Number 579

    For airplane Line Number 579: Within 60 months after the 
effective date of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs 
(g)(1) through (g)(5) of this AD, and do all applicable corrective 
actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-28-126, Revision 6, dated July 1, 2016, 
except as required by paragraph (k) of this AD. Do all applicable 
corrective actions before further flight.

(k) Exception to Service Information Specifications

    Where Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-28-126, Revision 1, dated 
June 18, 2009; Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-28-126, Revision 4, 
dated November 29, 2011; or Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-28-126, 
Revision 6, dated July 1, 2016; specifies to contact The Boeing 
Company for repair instructions: Before further flight, repair the 
auxiliary fuel tank using a method approved in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (m) of this AD.

(l) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
March 26, 2014 (the effective date of AD 2014-03-07), using the 
service information specified in paragraphs (l)(1)(i) or (l)(1)(ii) 
of this AD.
    (i) Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-28-126, Revision 2, dated 
November 18, 2010.
    (ii) Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-28-126, Revision 3, dated June 
3, 2011.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
March 26, 2014 (the effective date of AD 2014-03-07), using Boeing 
Service Bulletin MD11-28-126, Revision 3, dated June 3, 2011.

(m) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 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 certification office, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (n)(1) 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 for AD 2014-03-07 are approved as 
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD.

(n) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Samuel Lee, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 
3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-
5262; fax: 562-627-5210; email: [email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data Services 
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740; 
telephone 562-797-1717; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You 
may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards Branch, 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 28, 2017.
John P. Piccola, Jr.,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-16560 Filed 8-16-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P