[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 178 (Thursday, September 15, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56573-56576]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-19900]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0520; Project Identifier AD-2021-00683-T;
Amendment 39-22141; AD 2022-17-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B,
747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes. This AD
was prompted by significant changes, including new or more restrictive
requirements, made to the airworthiness limitations (AWLs) related to
fuel tank ignition prevention. This AD requires revising the existing
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the
latest revision of the AWLs. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 20, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 20,
2022.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC 110-SK57, Seal Beach, CA
90740-5600; phone: 562-797-1717; internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com. 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. It is also available at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2022-0520.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0520; 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 address for Docket
Operations is 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: Samuel Dorsey, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Section, FAA, Seattle ACO Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; phone and fax: 206-231-3415; email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA 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 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F,
747-300, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on June 2, 2022 (87 FR 33451). The NPRM was prompted
by significant changes, including new or more restrictive requirements,
made to the AWLs related to fuel tank ignition prevention. In the NPRM,
the FAA proposed to require revising the existing maintenance or
inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate the latest revision
of the AWLs. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the potential for
ignition sources inside fuel tanks caused by latent failures,
alterations, repairs, or maintenance actions, which, in combination
with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and
consequent loss of the airplane.
[[Page 56574]]
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from the Air Line Pilots Association,
International (ALPA) and Boeing who supported the NPRM without change.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as
proposed. Except for minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as
proposed in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic
burden on any operator.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Boeing 747-100/200/300/SP/SR Airworthiness
Limitations (AWLs) and Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMRs),
D6-13747-CMR, dated September 2020. This service information describes
AWLs that include airworthiness limitation instructions (ALIs) and
critical design configuration control limitations (CDCCLs) tasks
related to fuel tank ignition prevention. 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
ADDRESSES.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 39 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
The FAA has determined that revising the existing maintenance or
inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator,
although the agency recognizes that this number may vary from operator
to operator. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection
program changes for their affected fleet(s), the FAA has determined
that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane
estimate. Therefore, the FAA estimates the average total cost per
operator to be $7,650 (90 work-hours x $85 per work-hour).
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,
(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 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:
2022-17-03 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-22141; Docket No. FAA-
2022-0520; Project Identifier AD-2021-00683-T.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 20, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects the ADs specified in paragraphs (b)(1) through
(7) of this AD.
(1) AD 2008-10-07 R1, Amendment 39-16070 (74 FR 56098, October
30, 2009) (AD 2008-10-07 R1).
(2) AD 2008-18-09, Amendment 39-15666 (73 FR 52911, September
12, 2008) (AD 2008-18-09).
(3) AD 2010-13-12, Amendment 39-16343 (75 FR 37997, July 1,
2010) (AD 2010-13-12).
(4) AD 2010-24-13, Amendment 39-16532 (75 FR 78591, December 16,
2010; corrected May 25, 2011 (76 FR 30253)) (AD 2010-24-13).
(5) AD 2011-06-03, Amendment 39-16627 (76 FR 15814, March 22,
2011) (AD 2011-06-03).
(6) AD 2014-15-14, Amendment 39-17916 (79 FR 45324, August 5,
2014) (AD 2014-15-14).
(7) AD 2016-19-03, Amendment 39-18652 (81 FR 65872, September
26, 2016) (AD 2016-19-03).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-
100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747SR,
and 747SP series airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by significant changes, including new or
more restrictive requirements, made to the airworthiness limitations
(AWLs) related to fuel tank ignition prevention. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address the potential for ignition sources inside fuel
tanks caused by latent failures, alterations, repairs, or
maintenance actions, which, 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) Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision
Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the
existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to
incorporate the information specified in Boeing 747-100/200/300/SP/
SR Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) and Certification Maintenance
Requirements (CMRs), D6-13747-CMR, dated September 2020, except as
specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD. The initial
compliance times for the airworthiness limitation instruction (ALI)
tasks are within the applicable compliance times for each AWL number
specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (8) of this AD:
(1) For AWL No. 28-AWL-01, ``External Wires Over Center Fuel
Tank'': At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or
(ii) of this AD.
[[Page 56575]]
(i) For airplanes that did not have any version of AWL No. 28-
AWL-01 in the existing maintenance or inspection program before the
effective date of this AD: Within 144 months since issuance of the
original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate,
or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs later.
(ii) For airplanes not identified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this
AD: Within 144 months since AWL No. 28-AWL-01 was incorporated into
the existing maintenance or inspection program, or within 144 months
after the most recent inspection was performed as specified in AWL
No. 28-AWL-01, whichever occurs later.
(2) For 28-AWL-03, ``Fuel Quantity Indicating System (FQIS)--Out
Tank Wiring Lightning Shield to Ground Termination'': At the
applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(2)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
(i) For airplanes that did not have any version of AWL No. 28-
AWL-03 in the existing maintenance or inspection program before the
effective date of this AD: Within 144 months since issuance of the
original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of
airworthiness, or within 12 months after the effective date of this
AD, whichever occurs later.
(ii) For airplanes not identified in paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this
AD: Within 144 months since AWL No. 28-AWL-03 was incorporated into
the existing maintenance or inspection program, or within 144 months
after the most recent inspection was performed as specified in AWL
No. 28-AWL-03, whichever occurs later.
(3) For 28-AWL-09, ``Over-Current and Arcing Protection
Electrical Design Features Operation--Fault Current Detector for
Center Tank Override/Jettison (O/J) Pumps'': At the applicable time
specified in paragraph (g)(3)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
(i) For airplanes that did not have any version of AWL No. 28-
AWL-09 in the existing maintenance or inspection program before the
effective date of this AD: Within 18 months since issuance of the
original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of
airworthiness, or within 90 days after the effective date of this
AD, whichever occurs later.
(ii) For airplanes not identified in paragraph (g)(3)(i) of this
AD: Within 18 months since AWL No. 28-AWL-09 was incorporated into
the existing maintenance or inspection program, or within 18 months
after the most recent inspection was performed as specified in AWL
No. 28-AWL-09, whichever occurs later.
(4) For AWL No. 28-AWL-13, ``Main Tank, Center Wing Tank, Body
Tank (if installed), and Auxiliary Tank (if installed) Refuel Valve
Installation--Fault Current Bond'': At the applicable time specified
in paragraph (g)(4)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
(i) For airplanes that did not have any version of AWL No. 28-
AWL-13 in the existing maintenance or inspection program before the
effective date of this AD: Within 144 months since issuance of the
original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of
airworthiness, or within 12 months after the effective date of this
AD, whichever occurs later.
(ii) For airplanes not identified in paragraph (g)(4)(i) of this
AD: Within 144 months since AWL No. 28-AWL-13 was incorporated into
the existing maintenance or inspection program, or within 144 months
after the most recent inspection was performed as specified in AWL
No. 28-AWL-13, whichever occurs later.
(5) For AWL No. 28-AWL-22, ``Center Tank Override/Jettison Fuel
Pump Inlet Protection and Power Failed On Protection System'': At
the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(5)(i) or (ii) of this
AD.
(i) For airplanes that did not have any version of AWL No. 28-
AWL-22 in the existing maintenance or inspection program before the
effective date of this AD: Within 12 months since issuance of the
original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of
airworthiness, or within 90 days after the effective date of this
AD, whichever occurs later.
(ii) For airplanes not identified in paragraph (g)(5)(i) of this
AD: Within 12 months since AWL No. 28-AWL-22 was incorporated into
the existing maintenance or inspection program, or within 12 months
after the most recent inspection was performed as specified in AWL
No. 28-AWL-22, whichever occurs later.
(6) For AWL No. 28-AWL-23, ``Over-Current and Arcing Protection
Electrical Design Features Operation--Main Tank AC Fuel Pump and
Center Tank Scavenge AC Fuel Pump Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI)'':
At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(6)(i) or (ii) of
this AD.
(i) For airplanes that did not have any version of AWL No. 28-
AWL-23 in the existing maintenance or inspection program before the
effective date of this AD: Within 12 months since issuance of the
original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of
airworthiness, within 12 months since Boeing Service Bulletin 747-
28A2261 was incorporated, or within 90 days after the effective date
of this AD, whichever occurs latest.
(ii) For airplanes not identified in paragraph (g)(6)(i) of this
AD: Within 12 months since AWL No. 28-AWL-23 was incorporated into
the existing maintenance or inspection program, or within 12 months
after the most recent inspection was performed as specified in AWL
No. 28-AWL-23, whichever occurs later.
(7) For AWL No. 28-AWL-25, ``Cushion Clamps and Teflon Sleeving
Installed on Out-of-Tank Wire Bundles Installed on Brackets that are
Mounted Directly on the Fuel Tanks'': At the applicable time
specified in paragraph (g)(7)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
(i) For airplanes that did not have any version of AWL No. 28-
AWL-25 in the existing maintenance or inspection program before the
effective date of this AD: Within 144 months since issuance of the
original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of
airworthiness, or within 12 months after the effective date of this
AD, whichever occurs later.
(ii) For airplanes not identified in paragraph (g)(7)(i) of this
AD: Within 144 months since AWL No. 28-AWL-25 was incorporated into
the existing maintenance or inspection program, within 144 months
since Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 747-57-2327 was
incorporated, or within 144 months after the most recent inspection
was performed as specified in AWL No. 28-AWL-25, whichever occurs
latest.
(8) For AWL No. 28-AWL-31, ``Reserve Tank Refuel Valve
Installation--Lightning Protection Electrical Bond'': At the
applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(8)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
(i) For airplanes that did not have any version of AWL No. 28-
AWL-31 in the existing maintenance or inspection program before the
effective date of this AD: Within 72 months since issuance of the
original airworthiness certificate or original export certificate of
airworthiness, or within 6 months after the effective date of this
AD, whichever occurs later.
(ii) For airplanes not identified in paragraph (g)(8)(i) of this
AD: Within 72 months since AWL No. 28-AWL-31 was incorporated into
the existing maintenance or inspection program, or within 72 months
after the most recent inspection was performed as specified in AWL
No. 28-AWL-31, whichever occurs later.
(h) Differences From the Required Service Information
(1) Where the ``Applicability'' column of AWL Nos. 28-AWL-25 and
28-AWL-27 specifies ``ALL'' and ``NOTE,'' replace that text with
``Airplanes L/N 645 and on.''
(2) In the ``Description'' column of AWL Nos. 28-AWL-25 and 28-
AWL-27, remove the Applicability Note.
(i) Additional Acceptable Wire Types and Sleeving
(1) Where AWL No. 28-AWL-11 identifies wire types BMS 13-48, BMS
13-58, and BMS 13-60, the following wire types are acceptable: MIL-
W-22759/16, SAE AS22759/16 (M22759/16), MIL-W-22759/32, SAE AS22759/
32 (M22759/32), MIL-W-22759/34, SAE AS22759/34 (M22759/34), MIL-W-
22759/41, SAE AS22759/41 (M22759/41), MIL-W-22759/86, SAE AS22759/86
(M22759/86), MIL-W-22759/87, SAE AS22759/87 (M22759/87), MIL-W-
22759/92, and SAE AS22759/92 (M22759/92); and MIL-C-27500 and NEMA
WC 27500 cables constructed from these military or SAE specification
wire types, as applicable.
(2) Where AWL No. 28-AWL-11 identifies TFE-2X Standard wall for
wire sleeving, the following sleeving materials are acceptable:
Roundit 2000NX and Varglas Type HO, HP, or HM.
(j) No Alternative Actions, Intervals, or Critical Design Configuration
Control Limitations (CDCCLs)
After the existing maintenance or inspection program has been
revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative
actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, or CDCCLs may be used unless
the actions, intervals, and CDCCLs are approved as an alternative
method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures
specified in paragraph (l) of this AD.
(k) Terminating Action for Certain ADs
Accomplishment of the revision required by paragraph (g) of this
AD terminates the
[[Page 56576]]
requirements specified in paragraphs (k)(1) through (7) of this AD
for that airplane:
(1) The revision required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of AD 2008-
10-07 R1.
(2) The revision required by paragraph (g)(1) of AD 2008-18-09.
(3) The revision required by paragraph (h)(2) of AD 2010-13-12.
(4) The revision required by paragraph (h) of AD 2010-24-13.
(5) The revision required by paragraph (k) of AD 2011-06-03.
(6) The revision required by paragraph (h)(2) of AD 2014-15-14.
(7) The revision required by paragraph (h) of AD 2016-19-03.
(l) 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 (m) 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.
(m) Related Information
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 and fax: 206-231-
3415; email: [email protected].
(n) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing 747-100/200/300/SP/SR Airworthiness Limitations
(AWLs) and Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMRs), D6-13747-
CMR, dated September 2020.
(ii) [Reserved]
(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; phone: 562-797-1717; internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
(4) 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.
(5) 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 protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on August 4, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-19900 Filed 9-14-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P