[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 72 (Friday, April 14, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 22895-22900]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-08027]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-0925; Project Identifier AD-2023-00255-T; 
Amendment 39-22411; AD 2023-07-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-27-
07, which applied to certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400 and 747-8 
series airplanes. AD 2022-27-07 required inspecting for wear of the 
transfer pump housing inlet check valves and transfer pump motor 
impeller inlet adapters for the horizontal stabilizer fuel tank and 
doing corrective actions, if necessary. This AD was prompted by the 
discovery that certain airplanes were incorrectly included in the 
applicability of AD 2022-27-07. This AD continues to require inspecting 
for wear of the transfer pump housing inlet check valves and transfer 
pump motor impeller inlet adapters for the horizontal stabilizer fuel 
tank and doing corrective actions, if necessary. This AD also removes 
certain airplanes from the applicability, redefines the definition of 
an ``activated'' horizontal stabilizer fuel tank, and limits the 
installation of affected parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address 
the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 1, 2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 13, 
2023 (87 FR 80028, December 29, 2022).
    The FAA must receive comments on this AD by May 30, 2023.

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 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.
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2023-0925; 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 final rule, any 
comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket 
Operations is listed above.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:

[[Page 22896]]

     For service information incorporated by reference 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; website myboeingfleet.com.
     You may view this referenced service information at the 
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety 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 at 
regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2023-0925.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Samuel Dorsey, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des 
Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3415; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments 
about this final rule. Send your comments to an address listed under 
ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2023-0925 and Project Identifier 
AD-2023-00255-T'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this final rule because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. The 
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal 
contact received about this final rule.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Samuel 
Dorsey, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO 
Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-
3415; email: [email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA 
receives that is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in 
the public docket for this rulemaking.

Background

    The FAA issued AD 2022-27-07, Amendment 39-22292 (87 FR 80028, 
December 29, 2022) (AD 2022-27-07), for certain The Boeing Company 
Model 747-400 and 747-8 series airplanes. AD 2022-27-07 required 
inspecting for wear of the transfer pump housing inlet check valves and 
transfer pump motor impeller inlet adapters for the horizontal 
stabilizer fuel tank and doing corrective actions, if necessary. AD 
2022-27-07 also limited the installation of affected parts. AD 2022-27-
07 was prompted by reports of wear-through of the transfer pump motor 
impeller inlet adapter of a transfer pump for the horizontal stabilizer 
fuel tank caused by contact between the transfer pump housing inlet 
check valve and the transfer pump motor impeller inlet adapter. The FAA 
issued AD 2022-27-07 to address the development of an ignition source 
within the horizontal stabilizer fuel tank resulting from wear to the 
transfer pump housing inlet check valves and transfer pump motor 
impeller inlet adapters of the horizontal stabilizer fuel tank. This 
condition, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a 
fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

Actions Since AD 2022-27-07 Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2022-27-07, the agency received comments 
from Boeing and Delta Air Lines (Delta) identifying errors affecting 
the applicability of AD 2022-27-02. These errors are discussed in 
detail along with additional issues in the following section.

Request To Clarify Component Descriptions in AD 2022-27-07

    Boeing requested that the FAA clarify the component descriptions 
throughout AD 2022-27-07. Boeing explained that the inlet check valve 
is part of the transfer pump housing assembly, while the inlet adapter 
is part of the transfer pump motor impeller assembly. When referring to 
the inlet check valve, Boeing suggested consistent use of ``transfer 
pump housing inlet check valve(s).'' And, when referring to the inlet 
adapter, Boeing suggested consistent use of ``transfer pump motor 
impeller inlet adapter.''
    The FAA agrees and has updated this AD accordingly.

Request To Exclude Unaffected Parts From the Applicability of AD 2022-
27-07

    Boeing requested that AD 2022-27-07 be revised to exclude certain 
parts that are not affected by the unsafe condition addressed in that 
AD. Boeing pointed out that the standard Model 747-400 and -8 airplanes 
utilize Crane Aerospace Hydro-Aire transfer pump housings and transfer 
pump motor impellers having part numbers (P/Ns) 60-703200-x and 60-
72101-x respectively, where x represents all dash numbers, and those 
are the parts that are subject to the unsafe condition. Clarifying, 
Boeing stated that it received FAA approval in 2003 to use alternate 
FR-HiTemp Limited fuel pumps and housings as an option on Model 747-400 
airplanes. Boeing further explained that incorporation of the approved 
alternate FR-HiTemp Limited part numbers was approved by the FAA as an 
alternative method of compliance for AD 2001-21-07, Amendment 39-12478 
(66 FR 54652, October 30, 2001), against the Crane Aerospace Hydro-Aire 
transfer pump housings and transfer pump motor impellers. Boeing 
asserted that the associated certification system safety assessment and 
design data reviews for the alternate part numbers concluded that the 
unsafe condition cited in AD 2022-27-07 does not exist because the 
interface designs are significantly different from the Crane Aerospace 
Hydro-Aire design, such that the same unsafe wear condition cannot 
develop.
    The FAA agrees for the reasons provided by Boeing. Therefore, the 
applicability of this AD has been revised to specify that this AD 
applies to airplanes equipped with an activated horizontal stabilizer 
fuel tank with Crane Aerospace Hydro-Aire horizontal stabilizer fuel 
transfer pump housings and transfer pump motor impellers. Therefore, 
airplanes without Crane Aerospace Hydro-Aire horizontal stabilizer fuel 
transfer pump housings and transfer pump motor impellers are not 
subject to this AD.

[[Page 22897]]

Request To Exclude Certain Airplanes From the Applicability of AD 2022-
27-07

    Boeing requested that airplanes delivered with no horizontal 
stabilizer fuel tank installed in production and airplanes with 
provisioned, but non-functional horizontal stabilizer fuel tanks be 
removed from the applicability of AD 2022-27-07. Boeing pointed out 
that the definition of an ``activated'' tank in paragraph (g)(3) of AD 
2022-27-07 is one that is ``. . . considered to be ``activated'' if it 
is not deactivated by an approved alteration,'' which might 
inadvertently affect airplanes delivered with a horizontal stabilizer 
fuel tank in a permanent non-functional state, as well as airplanes 
provisioned for future activation to a fully functional state at the 
operator's discretion.
    Boeing explained that Model 747 airplanes were delivered in three 
primary certified configurations: passenger configurations with no 
horizontal stabilizer fuel tank installed in production, passenger 
configurations with a fully functional horizontal stabilizer fuel tank 
installed in production by operator selection of this offered option, 
and all freighter configurations with no horizontal stabilizer fuel 
tank installed in production. Further, Boeing explained that some 
passenger airplanes were delivered with various configurations of 
exercised customer options for the horizontal stabilizer fuel tank, and 
all of these options were with non-functional horizontal stabilizer 
fuel tanks, but with provisions to support later activation to fully 
functional configurations via Boeing service bulletins at the 
operator's discretion. The various provisional configurations Boeing 
described ranged from partial installation of only horizontal 
stabilizer fuel tank fuel transfer line shrouds to isolation of the 
horizontal stabilizer fuel tank from its dedicated refuel/defuel/
transfer lines at both the center wing fuel tank and the horizontal 
stabilizer fuel tank interfaces by disconnecting and capping of same, 
de-energizing of fuel pump power circuits, among other actions required 
for certification as a non-functional horizontal stabilizer fuel tank.
    In all of the provisioned, non-functional configurations, Boeing 
asserted that the fuel and fuel vapor is prevented from entering the 
horizontal stabilizer fuel tank, as it is isolated from any fuel supply 
or communication with non-horizontal stabilizer fuel tanks, nor was any 
fuel or fuel vapors introduced during production. Therefore, Boeing 
argued that airplanes in configurations with no horizontal stabilizer 
fuel tanks installed in production and those with provisioned, but non-
functional horizontal stabilizer fuel tanks have effectively eliminated 
the unsafe condition addressed by AD 2022-27-07 due to the elimination 
of the potential for flammable fuel vapor with the horizontal 
stabilizer fuel tank. However, Boeing points out that these airplane 
configurations, by their nature, do not have associated instructions 
for an ``approved alteration'' to deactivate the horizontal stabilizer 
fuel tank, but are still subject to AD 2022-27-07, based on the 
applicability and definition of an ``activated'' horizontal stabilizer 
fuel tank.
    The FAA agrees that airplanes without a horizontal stabilizer fuel 
tank installed in production are not affected by this AD for the 
reasons provided by Boeing. The applicability of this AD has been 
revised to specify that this AD does not apply to airplanes with 
horizontal stabilizer fuel tanks that cannot be fueled without further 
modification (i.e., the tanks are sealed and disconnected from the 
airplane fuel system).
    In addition, the definition of ``activated'' specified in paragraph 
(g)(3) of AD 2022-27-07 has been revised in this AD. For the purposes 
of this AD, a horizontal stabilizer tank is considered to be 
``activated'' if it is not deactivated in production or deactivated by 
an approved alteration.
    The FAA does not agree to specifically remove airplanes with 
provisioned, but non-functional horizontal stabilizer fuel tanks from 
the applicability of this AD. Since the horizontal stabilizer tank, 
unless deactivated as specified in paragraph (g)(3) of this AD, is 
provisioned to be activated at a future date, the FAA has determined 
that those airplanes should be subject to this AD. However, no action 
is required by this AD for those airplanes until the horizontal 
stabilizer tank is activated.

Request To Clarify Publication Date of Service Information Required by 
AD 2022-27-07

    Delta requested that the FAA clarify the publication date of Boeing 
Multiple Operator Message MOM-MOM-22-0549-01B(R1). Delta pointed out 
that the message date is listed as both November 29, 2022 (U.S. Pacific 
Standard Time (PST)) and November 30, 2022 (Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)), 
while the message sent date is identified as November 29, 2022. 
Therefore, Delta suggested that the AD should either be clear that the 
date used is the date the message was sent or that the dates provided 
in the message date field of the message are in both PST and GMT.
    The FAA agrees to clarify. The message was published at 1615 PST on 
November 29, 2022, which was 0015 GMT on November 30, 2022. The message 
was then sent to operators at 0017 GMT on November 30, 2022, which was 
1617 PST on November 29, 2022 (not stated on the message). Boeing 
Multiple Operator Message MOM-MOM-22-0549-01B(R1), dated November 29, 
2022, was published in the U.S. time zone using PST; therefore, that is 
the date the FAA AD referenced. No change to this AD has been made in 
this regard.

Request To Add Specific Part Numbers in Parts Installation Limitation 
of AD 2022-27-07

    Delta requested that either the parts installation limitation in 
paragraph (k) of AD 2022-27-07 be revised to include specific part 
numbers for the affected parts or that it direct operators to the 
referenced service information for that information. Delta asserted 
that the lack of reference to specific affected part numbers may be 
interpreted to mean any and all transfer pump motor impeller inlet 
assemblies or transfer pump housing inlet check valves (or assembly 
containing either), even though the referenced service information is 
limited to specific Crane Aerospace Hydro-Aire pumps and transfer pump 
housing inlet check valves.
    The FAA partially agrees and has revised the parts installation 
limitation specified in paragraph (k) of this AD. Paragraph (k) of this 
AD limits the affected parts to Crane Aerospace Hydro-Aire horizontal 
stabilizer fuel transfer pump housings and transfer pump motor 
impellers. Furthermore, as previously described, in order to remove the 
airplanes not affected by the unsafe condition, the FAA has revised the 
applicability of this AD by specifying the AD applies to airplanes 
equipped with Crane Aerospace Hydro-Aire horizontal stabilizer fuel 
transfer pump housings and transfer pump motor impellers.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this AD because the agency has determined the 
unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in 
other products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    This AD requires Boeing Multiple Operator Message MOM-MOM-22-0549-
01B(R1), dated November 29,

[[Page 22898]]

2022, which the Director of the Federal Register approved for 
incorporation by reference as of January 13, 2023 (87 FR 80028, 
December 29, 2022). 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.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in the service 
information already described. This AD also limits the installation of 
affected parts.

Interim Action

    This AD is considered to be interim action. The inspection reports 
that are required by this AD will enable the manufacturer to obtain 
better insight into the nature, cause, and extent of the wear-through, 
and eventually to develop final action to address the unsafe condition. 
Further, the main and center wing tanks utilize the same pump design 
but are currently not subject to the same unsafe condition due to the 
shutoff logic of the transfer pumps. However, if that should change or 
once final action has been identified, the FAA might consider further 
rulemaking.

Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective 
Date

    Section 553(b)(3)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 
U.S.C. 551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and 
comment procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds 
that those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to 
the public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good 
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking 
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA 
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days, 
upon a finding of good cause.
    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to 
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public 
justifies forgoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule 
because the FAA has previously provided notice and comment on this 
unsafe condition and has dispositioned those comments herein. The FAA 
is redefining the applicable airplanes by revising the applicability in 
paragraph (c) and definition in paragraph (g)(3) of this AD. However, 
this change does not affect a new population of airplanes, but rather, 
this AD removes several airplanes from the applicability of this AD. 
Accordingly, notice and opportunity for prior public comment is 
unnecessary pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B).
    In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days, 
for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forgo notice and 
comment.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not 
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt 
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined 
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment, 
RFA analysis is not required.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 28 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                Estimated Costs *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections of transfer pump motor      12 work-hours x $85 per               $0          $1,020         $28,560
 impeller inlet adapter and transfer     hour = $1,020.
 pump housing inlet check valves (left
 and right transfer pumps).
Reporting.............................  1 work-hour x $85 per                  0              85           2,380
                                         hour = $85.
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* While this AD removes certain airplanes from the applicability, the cost estimates in the previous AD did not
  include airplanes delivered with provisions for but inoperable horizontal stabilizer fuel tanks. Therefore,
  the cost estimate in this AD has not changed in that regard.

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
replacements that would be required based on the results of the 
inspection. The FAA has no way of determining the number of aircraft 
that might need these replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace transfer pump motor impeller inlet      4 work-hours x $85 per hour =             $1,000          $1,340
 adapter.                                        $340.
Replace transfer pump housing inlet check       17 work-hours x $85 per hour =          * 20,000          21,445
 valve.                                          $1,445.
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* Boeing has indicated that the transfer pump housing inlet check valve is not currently available as a
  standalone part; this cost is for the pump housing, which contains the transfer pump housing inlet check
  valve. Boeing has indicated that it is working with the part supplier to make the transfer pump housing inlet
  check valve available as a standalone part.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of 
information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB 
Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public 
reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be 
approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing 
instructions, searching existing data

[[Page 22899]]

sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, completing and 
reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this 
collection of information are mandatory. Send comments regarding this 
burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, 
including suggestions for reducing this burden to: Information 
Collection Clearance Officer, Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 
Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177-1524.

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.

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, and
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-27-07, Amendment 39-22292 
(87 FR 80028, December 29, 2022); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

2023-07-09 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-22411; Docket No. FAA-
2023-0925; Project Identifier AD-2023-00255-T.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 1, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2022-27-07, Amendment 39-22292 (87 FR 80028, 
December 29, 2022) (AD 2022-27-07).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 747-400 and 747-8 
series airplanes, certificated in any category, equipped with an 
activated horizontal stabilizer fuel tank with Crane Aerospace 
Hydro-Aire horizontal stabilizer fuel transfer pump housings and 
transfer pump motor impellers.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of wear-through of the transfer 
pump motor impeller inlet adapter of the horizontal stabilizer fuel 
tank transfer pump caused by contact between the transfer pump 
housing inlet check valve and the inlet adapter. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to address the development of an ignition source within the 
horizontal stabilizer fuel tank resulting from wear to the transfer 
pump housing inlet check valves and transfer pump motor impeller 
inlet adapters of the horizontal stabilizer fuel tank. This 
condition, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result 
in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Definitions, With a Revised Definition

    This paragraph restates the definitions specified in paragraphs 
(g)(1) and (2) of AD 2022-27-07, with a revised definition.
    (1) A ``serviceable'' transfer pump motor impeller inlet adapter 
is an inlet adapter of the motor impeller assembly for which any 
missing material does not exceed 0.20 inch in the pump axial 
direction.
    (2) A ``serviceable'' transfer pump housing inlet check valve is 
an inlet check valve for which the hinge pin protrudes past the 
flapper arm on both sides and there is no metal disk gouging, 
missing material, corrosion, burrs, or raised material. Minor 
surface scratches, defects, or appearances of surface wear are 
acceptable.
    (3) A horizontal stabilizer tank is considered to be 
``activated'' if it is not deactivated in production or deactivated 
by an approved alteration.

(h) Retained Inspection and Corrective Action: Transfer Pump Housing 
Inlet Check Valve, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2022-27-07, with no changes. Within 90 days after January 13, 2023 
(the effective date of AD 2022-27-07): Do a detailed visual 
inspection of the transfer pump housing inlet check valve in the 
left and right transfer pump housing for hinge pin protrusion, 
gouging, missing material, corrosion, burrs, and raised material, in 
accordance with paragraph C., Work Instructions, Attachment A, 
Boeing Multiple Operator Message MOM-MOM-22-0549-01B(R1), dated 
November 29, 2022.
    (1) Condition 1: If the hinge pin does not protrude past the 
flapper arm on one side, or if any gouging, missing material, 
corrosion, burrs, or raised material is found on the transfer pump 
housing inlet check valve, do the actions required by paragraphs 
(h)(1)(i) and (ii) of this AD.
    (i) Report inspection findings in accordance with paragraph (j) 
of this AD.
    (ii) Prior to further flight, replace the transfer pump housing 
inlet check valve or transfer pump housing with a serviceable 
transfer pump housing inlet check valve or transfer pump housing 
containing a serviceable transfer pump housing inlet check valve, in 
accordance with paragraph C., Work Instructions, Attachment A, 
Boeing Multiple Operator Message MOM-MOM-22-0549-01B(R1), dated 
November 29, 2022.
    (2) Condition 2: If the hinge pin does protrude past the flapper 
arm on both sides, and no gouging, missing material, corrosion, 
burrs, or raised material is found, report inspection findings in 
accordance with paragraph (j) of this AD.

(i) Retained Inspection and Corrective Action: Transfer Pump Motor 
Impeller Inlet Adapter, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2022-27-07, with no changes. Within 90 days after January 13, 2023 
(the effective date of AD 2022-27-07): Do a detailed visual 
inspection of the transfer pump motor impeller inlet adapter for 
wear (missing material), in accordance with paragraph D., Work 
Instructions, Attachment A, Boeing Multiple Operator Message MOM-
MOM-22-0549-01B(R1), dated November 29, 2022.
    (1) Condition 1: If any wear is found that is 0.20 inch or less, 
report inspection findings in accordance with paragraph (j) of this 
AD.
    (2) Condition 2: If any wear is found that is greater than 0.20 
inch, do the actions required by paragraphs (i)(2)(i) and (ii) of 
this AD.
    (i) Report inspection findings in accordance with paragraph (j) 
of this AD.

[[Page 22900]]

    (ii) Before further flight, replace the transfer pump motor 
impeller with a transfer pump motor impeller having a serviceable 
inlet adapter, in accordance with paragraph D., Work Instructions, 
Attachment A, Boeing Multiple Operator Message MOM-MOM-22-0549-
01B(R1), dated November 29, 2022.

(j) Retained Reporting Inspection Results, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (j) of AD 
2022-27-07, with no changes. At the applicable time specified in 
paragraph (j)(1) or (2) of this AD, submit a report of all findings 
of the inspections required by paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD, in 
accordance with paragraph G. and Appendix A, Attachment A, Boeing 
Multiple Operator Message MOM-MOM-22-0549-01B(R1), dated November 
29, 2022.
    (1) If the inspection was done on or after January 13, 2023 (the 
effective date of AD 2022-27-07): Submit the report within 30 days 
after the inspection.
    (2) If the inspection was done before January 13, 2023 (the 
effective date of AD 2022-27-07): Submit the report within 30 days 
after January 13, 2023.

(k) Retained Parts Installation Limitation, With Revised Affected Parts

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (k) of AD 
2022-27-07, with revised affected parts. As of January 13, 2023 (the 
effective date of AD 2022-27-07), no person may install, on any 
airplane, a Crane Aerospace Hydro-Aire horizontal stabilizer fuel 
transfer pump housing or transfer pump motor impeller, unless the 
transfer pump motor impeller inlet adaptor and transfer pump housing 
inlet check valve have been inspected as specified in paragraph (h) 
or (i) of this AD, as applicable, and been determined to be a 
serviceable part as defined in paragraph (g)(1) or (2) of this AD.

(l) Retained Credit for Previous Actions, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the provisions of paragraph (l) of AD 
2022-27-07, with no changes. This paragraph provides credit for 
actions required by paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD, if those 
actions were performed before January 13, 2023 (the effective date 
of AD 2022-27-07) using Boeing Multiple Operator Message MOM-MOM-22-
0549-01B, dated November 21, 2022.

(m) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR 
21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a location where the 
actions required by this AD can be performed, provided the 
horizontal stabilizer fuel tank is defueled and both transfer pump 
circuit breakers are locked in the ``open'' position.

(n) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Seattle 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 responsible Flight Standards 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 (o)(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 responsible Flight Standards 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, Seattle 
ACO Branch, FAA, to 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.

(o) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Samuel Dorsey, 
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; phone: 206-231-3415; 
email: [email protected].
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (p)(4) and (5) of this AD.

(p) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
January 13, 2023 (87 FR 80028, December 29, 2022).
    (i) Boeing Multiple Operator Message MOM-MOM-22-0549-01B(R1), 
dated November 29, 2022.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) For Boeing 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; website myboeingfleet.com.
    (5) You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability 
of this material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195.
    (6) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, email [email protected], or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on April 8, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-08027 Filed 4-12-23; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P