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CFR Citation: 14 CFR Part 39

Docket ID: [Docket No. FAA-2008-0645; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-358-AD]

RIN ID: RIN 2120-AA64

NOTICE: PROPOSED RULES

ACTION: Airworthiness Directives:

DOCUMENT ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

SUBJECT CATEGORY: Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 707 Airplanes and Model 720 and 720B Series Airplanes

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 4, 2008.

DOCUMENT SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 707 airplanes and Model 720 and 720B series airplanes. This proposed AD would require performing an operational test of the engine fuel suction feed of the fuel system, and other related testing if necessary. This proposed AD results from a report of inservice occurrences of loss of fuel system suction feed capability, followed by total loss of pressure of the fuel feed system. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct failure of the engine fuel suction feed of the fuel system, which could result in multiengine flameout, inability to restart the engines, and consequent forced landing of the airplane.

SUMMARY: Boeing Model 707 Airplanes and Model 720 and 720B Series Airplanes,

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA20080645; Directorate Identifier 2007NM358AD'' 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

We have received a report of inservice occurrences of loss of fuel system suction feed capability, followed by total loss of pressure of the fuel feed system. This report prompted us to review the service history of all Boeing airplane models, and we found instances of loose and leaking fuel line fittings. This condition, if not corrected, could result in multiengine flameout, inability to restart the engines, and consequent forced landing of the airplane.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

We have reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin A3527, dated November 7, 2007. The service bulletin describes procedures for performing an operational test of the engine fuel suction feed of the fuel system, and other related testing if necessary. The other related testing includes doing a vacuum test on the applicable engine for leakage if an engine's N1, N2, or fuel
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flow parameters deteriorate during the test. If any leakage is found in the couplings, the orings should be replaced; if any leakage is found in the fuel line, the fuel line should be replaced.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

We are proposing this AD because we have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes of this same type design. For this reason, we are proposing this AD, which would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service information described previously. Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 21 airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take 1 workhour per product, per test, to comply with this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per workhour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed AD to the U.S. operators to be $1,680, or $80 per product, per test.

Authority for This Rulemaking

Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.

We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in ``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, section 44701: General requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

We 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. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), 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.

You can find our regulatory evaluation and the estimated costs of compliance in the AD Docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 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 39AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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]

2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD: Boeing: Docket No. FAA20080645; Directorate Identifier 2007NM 358AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by August 4, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Boeing Model 707100 long body, 200, 100B long body, and 100B short body series airplanes; and Model 707300, 300B, 300C, and 400 series airplanes; and Model 720 and 720B series airplanes; certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report of inservice occurrences of loss of fuel system suction feed capability, followed by total loss of pressure of the fuel feed system. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct failure of the engine fuel suction feed of the fuel system, which could result in multiengine flameout, inability to restart the engines, and consequent forced landing of the airplane.
Compliance
(e) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.
Operational Test/Other Specified Actions
(f) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, perform an operational test of the engine fuel suction feed of the fuel system, and perform all other related testing, as applicable, before further flight, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin A3527, dated November 7, 2007. Repeat the operational test thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6,000 flight hours.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(g)(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA, ATTN: Sue Lucier, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM140S, FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 980573356; telephone (425) 9176438; fax (425) 9176590, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.

Issued in Renton, Washington on June 9, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E813925 Filed 61908; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 491013P

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Sue Lucier, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 980573356; telephone (425) 9176438; fax (425) 9176590.