99-482. Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -300, -400, and -500 Series Airplanes  

  • [Federal Register Volume 64, Number 6 (Monday, January 11, 1999)]
    [Proposed Rules]
    [Pages 1545-1549]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 99-482]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    
    Federal Aviation Administration
    
    14 CFR Part 39
    
    [Docket No. 98-NM-318-AD]
    RIN 2120-AA64
    
    
    Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -300, -400, 
    and -500 Series Airplanes
    
    AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
    
    ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
    
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    SUMMARY: This document proposes the supersedure of an existing 
    airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Boeing Model 737-100, -
    200, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, that currently requires 
    removal of the fuel boost pump wiring in the conduits of the wing and 
    center fuel tanks; an inspection to detect damage of the wiring, and 
    corrective action, if necessary; and eventual installation of Teflon 
    sleeving over the electrical cable. This action would expand the 
    inspection requirement to include additional airplanes, add repetitive 
    inspections for all airplanes, and reidentify the requirement to 
    install Teflon sleeving as a nonterminating action. This proposal is 
    prompted by the FAA's determination that Model 737-100 through -500 
    series airplanes that are not affected by the current AD must also be 
    protected against excessive wire chafing of the fuel boost pump wiring 
    and that all affected airplanes must be repetitively inspected. The 
    actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to detect and correct 
    chafing and prevent electrical arcing between the fuel boost pump 
    wiring and the surrounding conduit, which could result in arc-through 
    of the conduit, and consequent fire or explosion of the fuel tank.
    
    DATES: Comments must be received by February 25, 1999.
    
    ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
    Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
    Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-318-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
    Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
    
    [[Page 1546]]
    
    Comments may be inspected at this location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 
    p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
        The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
    obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, 
    Washington 98124-2207. This information may be examined at the FAA, 
    Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
    Washington.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dorr Anderson, Aerospace Engineer, 
    Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
    Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
    Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2684; fax (425) 227-1181.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    Comments Invited
    
        Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
    proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as 
    they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket Number 
    and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All 
    communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
    specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
    proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
    light of the comments received.
        Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
    economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All 
    comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing 
    date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested 
    persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
    the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
        Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
    submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
    stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
    to Docket Number 98-NM-318-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
    returned to the commenter.
    
    Availability of NPRMs
    
        Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
    to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules 
    Docket No. 98-NM-318-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
    98055-4056.
    
    Discussion
    
        On September 23, 1998, the FAA issued AD 98-19-09, amendment 39-
    10751 (63 FR 52152, September 30, 1998), applicable to all Boeing Model 
    737-100, -200, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes, to require 
    removal of the fuel boost pump wiring in the conduits of the wing and 
    center fuel tanks; an inspection to detect damage of the wiring, and 
    corrective action, if necessary; and eventual installation of Teflon 
    sleeving over the electrical cable. The actions of that AD were 
    required for airplanes that had accumulated 20,000 or more total flight 
    hours. That AD was prompted by reports of severe wear of the fuel boost 
    pump wiring due to chafing between the wiring and the surrounding 
    conduit inside the fuel tank; pin-hole-sized holes in the conduit that 
    appear to be the result of arc-through of the conduit; and exposure of 
    the main tank boost pump wire conductor inside a conduit and signs of 
    arcing to the wall of the conduit. The requirements of that AD are 
    intended to detect and correct chafing and electrical arcing between 
    the fuel boost pump wiring and the surrounding conduit, which, if not 
    corrected, could result in arc-through of the conduit, and consequent 
    fire or explosion of the fuel tank.
    
    Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule
    
        In the preamble to AD 98-19-09, the FAA indicated it was 
    considering further rulemaking action to require inspection of Model 
    737 series airplanes that have accumulated less than 20,000 total 
    flight hours. The FAA now has determined that further rulemaking action 
    is indeed necessary, and this proposed AD follows from that 
    determination. The FAA has determined that it is necessary to expand 
    the inspection requirement to ensure that excessive wire chafing does 
    not occur on those airplanes.
        The FAA has examined wire bundles that were removed and inspected 
    for chafing in accordance with telegraphic AD's T98-10-51 (issued on 
    May 7, 1998) and T98-11-51 (issued on May 10, 1998) and AD 98-11-52 (63 
    FR 34271, June 24, 1998). Based on the findings, the FAA tabulated 
    levels of wire chafing as a function of airplane flight hours. Based on 
    the tabulated data, the FAA has determined that it is necessary to 
    define long-term repetitive inspection intervals to address the 
    identified unsafe condition for the entire fleet of 737-100 through -
    500 series airplanes. In consideration of these data and the additional 
    layer of Teflon sleeving installed for further protection of the wire 
    bundles, the FAA proposes a repetitive inspection interval of 30,000 
    flight hours.
        In light of the new proposed repetitive inspections, the 
    installation of Teflon sleeving required by AD 98-19-09, which 
    terminates the requirements of that AD, would not terminate the 
    requirements of this proposed AD.
    
    Explanation of Relevant Service Information
    
        The FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Service Bulletin 737-
    28A1120,
        Revision 2, dated November 26, 1998. The procedures described in 
    Revision 2 of this service bulletin are essentially identical to those 
    described in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-28A1120, Revision 1, 
    dated May 28, 1998 (which was referenced as an appropriate source of 
    service information in AD 98-19-09). Revision 2 removes certain 
    airplanes from the effectivity listing and specifies different parts to 
    be provided in the parts kit by the manufacturer. Accomplishment of the 
    actions specified in the service bulletin is intended to adequately 
    address the identified unsafe condition.
    
    Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule
    
        Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
    exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the 
    proposed AD would supersede AD 98-19-09 to continue to require removal 
    of the fuel boost pump wiring in the conduits of the wing and center 
    fuel tanks; an inspection to detect damage of the wiring, and 
    corrective action, if necessary; and eventual installation of Teflon 
    sleeving over the electrical cable. This action would additionally 
    require that the inspection be conducted at repetitive intervals and 
    that the inspection be accomplished on airplanes that have accumulated 
    less than 20,000 total flight hours. The actions would be required to 
    be accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin described 
    previously, except as discussed below. The proposed AD also would 
    require that operators report results of the initial inspection to the 
    FAA.
    
    Difference Between the Proposed AD and the Service Bulletin
    
        Operators should note that, while Boeing Service Bulletin 737-
    28A1120, Revision 2, limits its effectivity to airplanes having line 
    numbers 1 through 3072 inclusive, this proposed AD would be applicable 
    to all Model 737-100 through -500 series airplanes.
    
    [[Page 1547]]
    
    Cost Impact
    
        There are approximately 2,866 airplanes of the affected design in 
    the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 1,131 airplanes of U.S. 
    registry would be affected by this proposed AD.
        The inspection that is currently required by AD 98-19-09, and 
    retained in this AD, takes approximately 30 work hours per airplane to 
    accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. This new AD 
    action would require repetitive performance of that inspection. Based 
    on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators 
    is estimated to be $2,035,800, or $1,800 per airplane, per inspection 
    cycle.
        The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
    no operator has yet accomplished any of the current or proposed 
    requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish 
    those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted.
    
    Regulatory Impact
    
        The regulations proposed herein would not have substantial direct 
    effects 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. Therefore, in 
    accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this 
    proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
    the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
        For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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) if promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft 
    regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
    Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
    Docket at the location provided under the caption ``ADDRESSES.''
    
    List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
    
        Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
    
    The Proposed Amendment
    
        Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
    Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
    part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as 
    follows:
    
    PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS 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. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-10751 (63 FR 
    52152, September 30, 1998), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
    (AD), to read as follows:
    Boeing: Docket 98-NM-318-AD. Supersedes AD 98-19-09, Amendment 39-
    10751.
    
        Applicability: All Model 737-100, -200, -300, -400, and -500 
    series airplanes; certificated in any category.
    
        Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
    preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
    modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
    requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
    altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
    this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
    alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (n)(1) 
    of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect 
    of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
    addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
    eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
    address it.
    
        Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
    previously.
        To detect and correct chafing and prevent electrical arcing 
    between the fuel boost pump wiring and the surrounding conduit, 
    which could result in arc-through of the conduit, and consequent 
    fire or explosion of the fuel tank, accomplish the following:
    
    Inspections Required by AD 98-11-52
    
        (a) For all airplanes that have accumulated 50,000 or more total 
    flight hours as of June 29, 1998 (the effective date of AD 98-11-52, 
    amendment 39-10611): Prior to further flight, remove the fuel boost 
    pump wiring from the in-tank conduit for the aft boost pumps in main 
    tanks numbers 1 and 2, and perform a detailed visual inspection to 
    detect damage of the wiring, in accordance with the procedures 
    specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-28A1120, dated April 
    24, 1998, as revised by Notices of Status Change NSC 01, dated May 
    7, 1998, NSC 02, dated May 8, 1998, and NSC 03, dated May 9, 1998; 
    Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-28A1120, Revision 1, dated May 28, 
    1998; or Boeing Service Bulletin 737-28A1120, Revision 2, dated 
    November 26, 1998.
        (b) For all airplanes that have accumulated less than 50,000 
    total flight hours as of receipt of telegraphic AD T98-11-51: Prior 
    to the accumulation of 40,000 total flight hours, or within 14 days 
    after June 29, 1998, whichever occurs later, remove the fuel boost 
    pump wiring from the in-tank conduit for the aft boost pumps in main 
    tanks numbers 1 and 2, and perform a detailed visual inspection to 
    detect damage of the wiring, in accordance with the procedures 
    specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-28A1120, dated April 
    24, 1998, as revised by Notices of Status Change NSC 01, dated May 
    7, 1998, NSC 02, dated May 8, 1998, and NSC 03, dated May 9, 1998; 
    Revision 1, dated May 28, 1998; or Revision 2, dated November 26, 
    1998.
        (c) For all airplanes: Remove the fuel boost pump wiring from 
    the in-tank conduit for the center tank left and right boost pumps, 
    and perform a detailed visual inspection to detect damage of the 
    wiring, in accordance with the procedures specified in Boeing Alert 
    Service Bulletin 737-28A1120, dated April 24, 1998, as revised by 
    Notices of Status Change NSC 01, dated May 7, 1998, NSC 02, dated 
    May 8, 1998, and NSC 03, dated May 9, 1998; Revision 1, dated May 
    28, 1998; or Revision 2, dated November 26, 1998. Accomplish the 
    inspection at the earliest of the times specified in paragraphs 
    (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3).
        (1) For Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes: Inspect 
    prior to the accumulation of 40,000 total flight hours, or within 14 
    days after June 29, 1998, whichever occurs later.
        (2) For Model 737-100 and -200 series airplanes: Inspect prior 
    to the accumulation of 40,000 total flight hours, or within 10 days 
    after June 29, 1998, whichever occurs later.
        (3) For all airplanes: Inspect prior to the accumulation of 
    50,000 total flight hours, or within 5 days after June 29, 1998, 
    whichever occurs later.
        (d) For all airplanes: Prior to the accumulation of 30,000 total 
    flight hours or within 45 days after June 29, 1998, whichever occurs 
    later, remove the fuel boost pump wiring from the in-tank conduit 
    for the aft boost pumps in main tanks numbers 1 and 2, and the 
    center tank left and right boost pumps, and perform a detailed 
    visual inspection to detect damage of the wiring, in accordance with 
    the procedures specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
    28A1120, dated April 24, 1998, as revised by Notices of Status 
    Change NSC 01, dated May 7, 1998, NSC 02, dated May 8, 1998, and NSC 
    03, dated May 9, 1998; Revision 1, dated May 28, 1998; or Revision 
    2, dated November 26, 1998.
    
    Inspection Required by AD 98-19-09
    
        (e) For airplanes that have accumulated 20,000 or more total 
    flight hours and less than 30,000 total flight hours as of October 
    15, 1998 (the effective date of AD 98-19-09, amendment 39-10751): 
    Within 60 days after October 15, 1998, remove the fuel boost pump 
    wiring from the in-tank conduit for the aft boost pumps in main 
    tanks numbers 1 and 2, and the center tank left and right boost 
    pumps, and perform a detailed visual inspection to detect damage of 
    the wiring; in accordance with the procedures specified in Boeing 
    Alert Service Bulletin 737-28A1120, dated April 24, 1998, as revised 
    by Notices of Status Change NSC 01, dated May 7, 1998, NSC 02, dated 
    May 8, 1998, and NSC 03, dated May 9, 1998; Revision 1, dated May 
    28, 1998; or Revision 2, dated November 26, 1998.
    
    New Inspection Requirements
    
        (f) For airplanes that have accumulated less than 20,000 total 
    flight hours as of October
    
    [[Page 1548]]
    
    15, 1998: Remove the fuel boost pump wiring from the in-tank conduit 
    for the aft boost pumps in main tanks numbers 1 and 2, and the 
    center tank left and right boost pumps, and perform a detailed 
    visual inspection to detect damage of the wiring; at the earlier of 
    the times specified in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD; in 
    accordance with the procedures specified in Boeing Alert Service 
    Bulletin 737-28A1120, dated April 24, 1998, as revised by Notices of 
    Status Change NSC 01, dated May 7, 1998, NSC 02, dated May 8, 1998, 
    and NSC 03, dated May 9, 1998; Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
    28A1120, Revision 1, dated May 28, 1998; or Boeing Service Bulletin 
    737-28A1120, Revision 2, dated November 26, 1998.
        (1) Prior to the accumulation of 20,000 total flight hours, or 
    within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
    later.
        (2) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD.
        (g) For all airplanes: Repeat the inspection required by 
    paragraph (d), (e), or (f) of this AD, as applicable, at intervals 
    not to exceed 30,000 flight hours after initial accomplishment of 
    the applicable inspection.
    
    Corrective Actions
    
        (h) If red, yellow, blue, or green wire insulation cannot be 
    seen through the outer jacket of the electrical cable during any 
    inspection required by this AD: Prior to further flight, accomplish 
    paragraph (h)(1), (h)(2), or (h)(3) of this AD in accordance with 
    procedures specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-28A1120, 
    dated April 24, 1998, as revised by Notices of Status Change NSC 01, 
    dated May 7, 1998, NSC 02, dated May 8, 1998, and NSC 03, dated May 
    9, 1998; Revision 1, dated May 28, 1998; or Revision 2, dated 
    November 26, 1998.
        (1) Install Teflon sleeving over the electrical cable, and 
    reinstall the cable. Or
        (2) Reinstall the electrical cable without Teflon sleeving over 
    the cable. Within 500 flight hours after accomplishment of the 
    reinstallation, repeat the inspection described in paragraph (d), 
    (e), or (f) of this AD, as applicable, and install Teflon sleeving 
    over the cable. Or
        (3) Replace the electrical cable with new cable without Teflon 
    sleeving. Within 18 months or 6,000 flight hours, whichever occurs 
    first, repeat the inspection specified in paragraph (d), (e), or (f) 
    of this AD, as applicable, and install Teflon sleeving over the 
    cable.
        (i) If red, yellow, blue, or green wire insulation can be seen 
    through the outer jacket of the electrical cable during any 
    inspection required by this AD, but no evidence of electrical arcing 
    is found: Prior to further flight, accomplish either paragraph 
    (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD in accordance with the procedures 
    specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-28A1120, dated April 
    24, 1998, as revised by Notices of Status Change NSC 01, dated May 
    7, 1998, NSC 02, dated May 8, 1998, and NSC 03, dated May 9, 1998; 
    Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-28A1120, Revision 1, dated May 28, 
    1998; or Boeing Service Bulletin 737-28A1120, Revision 2, dated 
    November 26, 1998.
        (1) Replace the damaged electrical cable with a new cable, 
    install Teflon sleeving over the cable, and reinstall the cable. Or
        (2) Replace the electrical cable with a new cable without Teflon 
    sleeving. Within 18 months or 6,000 flight hours, whichever occurs 
    first, repeat the inspection described in paragraph (d), (e), or (f) 
    of this AD, as applicable, and install Teflon sleeving over the 
    cable.
        (j) If any evidence of electrical arcing but no evidence of fuel 
    leakage is found on the removed electrical cable during any 
    inspection required by this AD: Prior to further flight, accomplish 
    paragraphs (j)(1) and (j)(2) of this AD in accordance with the 
    procedures specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-28A1120, 
    dated April 24, 1998, as revised by Notices of Status Change NSC 01, 
    dated May 7, 1998, NSC 02, dated May 8, 1998, and NSC 03, dated May 
    9, 1998; Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-28A1120, Revision 1, 
    dated May 28, 1998; or Boeing Service Bulletin 737-28A1120, Revision 
    2, dated November 26, 1998.
        (1) Verify the integrity of the conduit in accordance with the 
    instructions contained in NSC 03, Revision 1, or Revision 2 of the 
    alert service bulletin. And
        (2) Accomplish either paragraph (j)(2)(i) or (j)(2)(ii) of this 
    AD in accordance with the alert service bulletin.
        (i) Replace the damaged electrical cable with a new cable, 
    install Teflon sleeving over the cable, and reinstall the cable. Or
        (ii) Replace the electrical cable with a new cable without 
    Teflon sleeving. Within 18 months or 6,000 flight hours, whichever 
    occurs first, repeat the inspection described in paragraph (d), (e), 
    or (f) of this AD, as applicable, and install Teflon sleeving over 
    the cable.
        (k) If any evidence of fuel is found on the removed electrical 
    cable during any inspection required by this AD: Prior to further 
    flight, accomplish paragraphs (k)(1) and (k)(2) of this AD in 
    accordance with the procedures specified in Boeing Alert Service 
    Bulletin 737-28A1120, dated April 24, 1998, as revised by Notices of 
    Status Change NSC 01, dated May 7, 1998, NSC 02, dated May 8, 1998, 
    and NSC 03, dated May 9, 1998; Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-
    28A1120, Revision 1, dated May 28, 1998; or Boeing Service Bulletin 
    737-28A1120, Revision 2, dated November 26, 1998.
        (1) Replace the conduit section where electrical arcing was 
    found. And
        (2) Accomplish either paragraph (k)(2)(i) or (k)(2)(ii) of this 
    AD.
        (i) Replace the damaged electrical cable with a new cable, 
    install Teflon sleeving over the cable, and reinstall the cable. Or
        (ii) Replace the electrical cable with a new cable without 
    Teflon sleeving. Within 18 months or 6,000 flight hours, whichever 
    occurs first, repeat the inspection described in paragraph (d), (e), 
    or (f) of this AD, as applicable, and install Teflon sleeving over 
    the cable.
        (l) For Groups 1 and 2 airplanes, as identified in Boeing Alert 
    Service Bulletin 737-28A1120, dated April 24, 1998: Concurrent with 
    the first accomplishment of corrective action in accordance with 
    paragraph (h), (i), (j), or (k) of this AD, as applicable, replace 
    the case ground wire with a new wire in accordance with Boeing Alert 
    Service Bulletin 737-28A1120, dated April 24, 1998, as revised by 
    Notices of Status Change NSC 01, dated May 7, 1998, NSC 02, dated 
    May 8, 1998, and NSC 03, dated May 9, 1998; Boeing Alert Service 
    Bulletin 737-28A1120, Revision 1, dated May 28, 1998; or Boeing 
    Service Bulletin 737-28A1120, Revision 2, dated November 26, 1998.
        (m) If any damage specified in paragraph (h), (i), or (j) of 
    this AD is found during the initial inspection required by paragraph 
    (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), or (f) of this AD, as applicable: Within 10 
    days after accomplishing that initial inspection, accomplish 
    paragraphs (m)(1) and (m)(2) of this AD. Information collection 
    requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the 
    Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the 
    Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have 
    been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
        (1) Submit any damaged electrical cables and conduits to Boeing, 
    in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-28A1120, dated 
    April 24, 1998, as revised by Notices of Status Change NSC 01, dated 
    May 7, 1998, NSC 02, dated May 8, 1998, and NSC 03, dated May 9, 
    1998; Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-28A1120, Revision 1, dated 
    May 28, 1998; or Boeing Service Bulletin 737-28A1120, Revision 2, 
    dated November 26, 1998. Include the serial number of the airplane, 
    the number of total flight hours and flight cycles accumulated on 
    the airplane, and the location of the electrical cable on the 
    airplane.
        (2) For airplanes that are inspected after June 29, 1998, submit 
    the serial number of the airplane, the number of total flight hours 
    and flight cycles accumulated on the airplane, and the location of 
    the electrical cable on the airplane to the Manager, Seattle 
    Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane 
    Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; 
    fax (425) 227-1181.
        (n)(1) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
    compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
    used if approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
    Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall 
    submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal 
    Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
    Manager, Seattle ACO.
        (n)(2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in 
    accordance with AD 98-11-52 and AD 98-19-09, are approved as 
    alternative methods of compliance with this AD.
    
        Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
    alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
    obtained from the Seattle ACO.
    
        (o) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
    sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
    CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
    the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    
    
    [[Page 1549]]
    
    
        Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 31, 1998.
    Darrell M. Pederson,
    Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
    Service.
    [FR Doc. 99-482 Filed 1-8-99; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
01/11/1999
Department:
Federal Aviation Administration
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Document Number:
99-482
Dates:
Comments must be received by February 25, 1999.
Pages:
1545-1549 (5 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 98-NM-318-AD
RINs:
2120-AA64: Airworthiness Directives
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2120-AA64/airworthiness-directives
PDF File:
99-482.pdf
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13