[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 122 (Tuesday, June 25, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 29815-29818]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-13049]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0440; Product Identifier 2019-NM-032-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: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for all The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series 
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by fuel system reviews 
conducted by the manufacturer. This proposed AD would require applying 
sealant to the fasteners in the fuel tanks, replacing wire bundle 
clamps external to the fuel tanks and installing Teflon sleeving under 
the clamps. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 9, 
2019.

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

[[Page 29816]]

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 90740-5600; 
telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may 
view this service information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also 
available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0440.

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-2019-
0440; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeff Rothman, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3558; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites 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-2019-0440; 
Product Identifier 2019-NM-032-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. The FAA will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
NPRM because of those comments.
    The FAA will post all comments we receive, without change, to 
http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive 
verbal contact we receive about this NPRM.

Discussion

    The FAA has examined the underlying safety issues involved in fuel 
tank explosions on several large transport airplanes, including the 
adequacy of existing regulations, the service history of airplanes 
subject to those regulations, and existing maintenance practices for 
fuel tank systems. As a result of those findings, the FAA issued a 
final rule titled ``Transport Airplane Fuel Tank System Design Review, 
Flammability Reduction, and Maintenance and Inspection Requirements'' 
(66 FR 23086, May 7, 2001). In addition to new airworthiness standards 
for transport airplanes and new maintenance requirements that rule 
included Amendment 21-78, which established Special Federal Aviation 
Regulation No. 88 (``SFAR 88'') to 14 CFR part 21. Subsequently, SFAR 
88 was amended by: Amendment 21-82 (67 FR 57490, September 10, 2002; 
corrected at 67 FR 70809, November 26, 2002), Amendment 21-83 (67 FR 
72830, December 9, 2002; corrected at 68 FR 37735, June 25, 2003, to 
change ``21-82'' to ``21-83''), and Amendment 21-101 (83 FR 9162, March 
5, 2018).
    Among other actions, SFAR 88 requires certain type design (i.e., 
type certificate (TC) and supplemental type certificate (STC)) holders 
to substantiate that their fuel tank systems can prevent ignition 
sources in the fuel tanks. This requirement applies to type design 
holders for large turbine-powered transport airplanes and for 
subsequent modifications to those airplanes. It requires them to 
perform design reviews and to develop design changes and maintenance 
procedures if their designs do not meet the new fuel tank safety 
standards. As explained in the preamble to the rule, we intended to 
adopt airworthiness directives to mandate any changes found necessary 
to address unsafe conditions identified as a result of these reviews.
    In evaluating these design reviews, the FAA established four 
criteria intended to define the unsafe conditions associated with fuel 
tank systems that require corrective actions. The percentage of 
operating time during which fuel tanks are exposed to flammable 
conditions is one of these criteria. The other three criteria address 
the failure types under evaluation: single failures, combination of 
failures, and unacceptable (failure) experience. For all three failure 
criteria, the evaluations included consideration of previous actions 
taken that may mitigate the need for further action.
    This proposed AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by 
the manufacturer. Boeing has found that some fuel tank fasteners can be 
an ignition source if a fault current or hot short occurs. A detailed 
analysis of the fault current threats was done to find the 
configuration necessary to safely conduct the fault current threats 
without causing sparks in the fuel tanks. Application of sealant on the 
fasteners in the fuel tanks at the wing rear spars, front spars and 
upper wing rib shear ties decreases the risk of ignition sources at 
those fuel tank fastener locations. In addition, external to the fuel 
tanks at locations along the wing rear spars, front spars, the forward 
cargo compartment station 540 bulkhead and the main wheel well station 
663 bulkhead, installation of cushion clamps over Teflon sleeves on 
wire bundles decreases metal-to-metal contact between the clamps and 
their support brackets and will help prevent hot shorts. The FAA is 
proposing this AD to address potential ignition sources inside the fuel 
tank, which, in combination with flammable vapors, could result in a 
fuel tank fire or explosion, and consequent loss of the airplane.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-57A1321, dated 
February 8, 2019. This service information describes procedures for 
applying sealant to the fasteners in the fuel tanks at the wing rear 
spars, front spars, and upper wing rib shear ties. This service 
information also describes procedures for replacing wire bundle clamps 
external to the fuel tanks and installing Teflon sleeving under the 
clamps at locations along the wing rear spars, front spars, forward 
cargo compartment station 540 bulkhead, and main wheel well station 663 
bulkhead.
    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

    The FAA is 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 require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously. For information on the

[[Page 29817]]

procedures and compliance times, see this service information at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
0440.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 268 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Apply sealant, replace clamps,  Up to 516               Up to $200.......  Up to $44,060....  Up to $11,808,080.
 install Teflon sleeving.        work[dash]hours x $85
                                 per hour = $43,860.
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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.
    The FAA is 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 and associated appliances to the 
Director of the System Oversight Division.

Regulatory Findings

    The FAA 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) 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-2019-0440; Product Identifier 
2019-NM-032-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by August 9, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, 
and -500 series airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the 
manufacturer. The FAA is issuing this AD to address potential 
ignition sources inside the fuel tank, which, in combination with 
flammable vapors, could result in a fuel tank fire or explosion, and 
consequent loss of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Apply Sealant, Replace Clamps, and Install Teflon Sleeving

    Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: At the 
applicable times specified in paragraph 1.E., ``Compliance,'' of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
57A1321, dated February 8, 2019, do all applicable actions 
identified as ``RC'' (required for compliance) in, and in accordance 
with, the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service 
Bulletin 737-57A1321, dated February 8, 2019.

(h) Exceptions to Service Information Specifications

    (1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements 
of this AD: Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-57A1321, dated 
February 8, 2019, uses the phrase ``the original issue date of this 
service bulletin,'' this AD requires using ``the effective date of 
this AD.''
    (2) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-57A1321, dated 
February 8, 2019, specifies contacting Boeing: This AD requires 
doing actions using a method approved in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.

(i) 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 (j)(2) 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, modification, or alteration required by this AD 
if it is approved by The Boeing Company Organization Designation 
Authorization (ODA) that has been authorized by the Manager, Los 
Angeles ACO Branch, FAA, to

[[Page 29818]]

make those findings. To be approved, the repair method, modification 
deviation, or alteration deviation must meet the certification basis 
of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this 
AD.
    (4) Except as specified by paragraph (h)(2) of this AD: For 
service information that contains steps that are labeled as Required 
for Compliance (RC), the provisions of paragraphs (i)(4)(i) and 
(i)(4)(ii) of this AD apply.
    (i) The steps labeled as RC, including substeps under an RC step 
and any figures identified in an RC step, must be done to comply 
with the AD. If a step or substep is labeled ``RC Exempt,'' then the 
RC requirement is removed from that step or substep. An AMOC is 
required for any deviations to RC steps, including substeps and 
identified figures.
    (ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be deviated from using accepted 
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection 
program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the RC 
steps, including substeps and identified figures, can still be done 
as specified, and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Jeff Rothman, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-
3558; email: [email protected].
    (2) For information about AMOCs, contact Serj Harutunian, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Los Angeles ACO Branch, 
3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; phone: 562-627-
5254; fax: 562-627-5210; email: [email protected].
    (3) 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-
5600; telephone 562-797-1717; internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view this service information at the 
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, 
WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 206-231-3195.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on June 10, 2019.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-13049 Filed 6-24-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P