[Federal Register: March 13, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 49)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 11999-12001]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr13mr03-19]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-NE-22-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Titeflex Corporation
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Titeflex
Corporation hoses installed on Boeing 737-300, -400, -500, -600, -700,
-700C, -800, -900, 747-400, 757-200, -300, 767-200, -300, and -300F
airplanes. This proposal would require within 24 months after the
effective date of the AD, inspection of certain Titeflex Corporation
hoses for proper date and paint code, replacement if necessary, and if
necessary, inspection for proper heat treatment of aluminum B-nuts.
This proposal is prompted by certain Titeflex Corporation hoses
discovered with incorrect heat treatment of B-nuts. The actions
specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent fire extinguishing
system and fuel system hose failure due to improperly heat treated
aluminum B-nuts.
DATES: Comments must be received by May 12, 2003.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NE-22-AD, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may be inspected at
this location, by appointment, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays. Comments may also be sent via
the Internet using the following address: ``9-ane-adcomment@faa.gov''.
Comments sent via the Internet must contain the docket number in the
subject line.
The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be
obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3703, Seattle,
Washington 98124-2207. This information may be examined, by
appointment, at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Terry Fahr, Aerospace Engineer, Boston
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate,
12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone
(781) 238-7155; fax (781) 238-7199.
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 should 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 action 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 action must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 2002-NE-22-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, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NE-22-AD, 12 New England Executive
Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.
Discussion
In March of 2001, the FAA became aware that some of the B-nuts on
certain engine and cargo compartment fire extinguishing system hoses,
and on certain fuel hoses, all manufactured by
[[Page 12000]]
Titeflex Corporation, delivered to Boeing from November 1999 through
January 2001, are suspect for improper heat treatment. Improperly heat
treated B-nuts can lead to stress corrosion B-nut failure, and
inadequate fire protection and fuel leakage. This condition, if not
corrected, could result in fire extinguishing system and fuel system
hose failure due to improperly heat treated aluminum B-nuts.
Manufacturer's Service Information
The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of the
following Boeing alert service bulletins (ASBs):
[sbull] ASB 737-26A1108, Revision 1, dated June 27, 2002,
applicable to 737-300, -400, and -500 airplanes, that describes
procedures for inspecting and replacing if necessary, Titeflex
Corporation hoses connected to engine and cargo compartment fire
extinguishing bottles.
[sbull] ASB 737-26A1109, Revision 1, dated November 7, 2002,
applicable to 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 airplanes, that
describes procedures for inspecting and replacing if necessary,
Titeflex Corporation hoses connected to engine, auxiliary power unit
(APU), and cargo compartment fire extinguishing bottles, and wing-to-
strut fuel hoses.
[sbull] ASB 747-26A2269, Revision 1, dated June 6, 2002, applicable
to 747-400, that describes procedures for inspecting and replacing if
necessary, Titeflex Corporation hoses connected to forward cargo and
main deck cargo compartment fire extinguishing bottles.
[sbull] ASB 757-26A0043, Revision 1, dated November 14, 2002,
applicable to 757-200 airplanes, that describes procedures for
inspecting and replacing if necessary, Titeflex Corporation hoses
connected to engine, APU, and cargo compartment fire extinguishing
bottles.
[sbull] ASB 757-26A0044, Revision 1, dated November 14, 2002,
applicable to 757-300 airplanes, that describes procedures for
inspecting and replacing if necessary, Titeflex Corporation hoses
connected to engine and cargo compartment fire extinguishing bottles.
[sbull] ASB 767-26A0121, dated December 19, 2001, applicable to
767-200, -300, and -300F airplanes, that describes procedures for
inspecting and replacing if necessary, Titeflex Corporation hoses
connected to cargo compartment fire extinguishing bottles.
Differences Between This AD and the Manufacturer's Service Information
Although the ASBs recommend performing the inspections and
replacing unserviceable hoses within 12 months after the initial
release dates of ASB 737-26A1108, ASB 737-26A1109, ASB 767-26A0121, and
ASB 747-26A2269, and within 18 months after the initial release dates
of ASB 757-26A0043 and ASB 757-26A0044, this proposal would require
inspections and replacing unserviceable hoses to be done within 24
months after the effective date of the AD. This compliance time was
substantiated by analysis by Boeing and coordinated between the FAA and
Boeing to help coincide with parts availability.
FAA's Determination of an Unsafe Condition and Proposed Actions
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other Titeflex Corporation hoses of the same type
design, installed on Boeing 737-300, -400, -500, -600, -700, -700C, -
800, -900, 747-400, 757-200, -300, 767-200, -300, and -300F airplanes,
the proposed AD would require within 24 months after the effective date
of the AD, inspection of hoses for proper date and paint code,
replacement if necessary, and if necessary, inspection for proper heat
treatment of aluminum B-nuts. The actions would be required to be done
in accordance with the alert service bulletins described previously.
This proposal has been coordinated with the FAA Transport Airplane
Directorate.
Economic Analysis
The FAA estimates that 1,139 airplanes of U.S. registry would be
affected by this proposed AD. The FAA also estimates that it would take
approximately 35 work hours per airplane to perform the proposed
actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required
parts would cost approximately $4,305 per engine. Based on these
figures, the total cost of the proposed AD to U.S. operators is
estimated to be $7,295,295.
Regulatory Analysis
This proposed rule does not have federalism implications, as
defined in Executive Order 13132, because it 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.
Accordingly, the FAA has not consulted with state authorities prior to
publication of this proposed rule.
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 adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
Titeflex Corporation: Docket No. 2002-NE-22-AD.
Applicability: This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable
to certain Titeflex Corporation hoses that are identified by Boeing
part number (P/N), or for certain hoses, by Titeflex parts
manufacturer approval (PMA) P/N in this AD. These hoses are used on,
but not limited to Boeing 737-300, -400, -500, -600, -700, -700C, -
800, and -900; 757-200 and -300; 767-200, -300, and -300F; and 747-
400 airplanes.
Note 1: This AD applies to each hose 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 hoses 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 (f) 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
Compliance with this AD is required as indicated, unless already
done.
To prevent fire extinguishing system and fuel system hose
failure due to improperly heat treated aluminum B-nuts, do the
following:
[[Page 12001]]
(a) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD,
inspect the manufacture date code on all hoses listed in Table 1 of
this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the
applicable Boeing alert service bulletins (ASB) contained in Table 1
of this AD. Table 1 follows:
Table 1.--Applicable Hose P/Ns
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Applicable alert
Airplane model Boeing hose p/n Titeflex PMA p/n Used for-- service bulletin--
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(1) 737-300, -400, and -500 S312N512-5, 113701-5, 113701-6 Engine and cargo 737-26A1108,
airplanes. S312N512-6, compartment fire Revision 1, dated
BACH5R0110YP, extinguishing June 27, 2002.
BACH5S0110XN. bottles.
(2) 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, S316A001-1, 115398-1, 115398- Engine, auxiliary 737-26A1109,
and -900 airplanes. S316A001-2, 2, 113701-15, power unit (APU), Revision 1, dated
S312N512-15, 113701-17, 113701- and cargo November 7, 2002.
S312N512-17, 18. compartment fire
S312N512-18, extinguishing
BACH5R0110YP, bottles, and wing-
BACH5S0110XN. to-strut fuel
hoses.
(3) 747-400 airplanes........... BACH5R0080YY, .................. Forward cargo and 747-26A2269,
BACH5R0140YU, main deck cargo Revision 1, dated
BACH5S0140XT, compartment fire June 6, 2002.
BACH5R0186YY, extinguishing
BACH5R0186XX, bottles.
BACH5S0080XX,
BACH5S0080YY,
BACH5S0110XN.
(4) 757-200 airplanes........... S312N512-1, 113701-1, 113701- Engine, APU, and 757-26A0043,
S312N512-2, 2, 113701-3, cargo compartment Revision 1, dated
S312N512-3, 113701-4. fire November 14,
S312N512-4, extinguishing 2002.
BACH5R0110YP, bottles.
BACH5S0110XN.
(5) 757-300 airplanes........... S312N512-1, 113701-1, 113701- Engine and cargo 757-26A0044,
S312N512-2, 2, 113701-3, compartment fire Revision 1, dated
S312N512-3, 113701-4. extinguishing November 14,
S312N512-4, bottles. 2002.
BACH5R0110YP,
BACH5S0074XN.
(6) 767-200, -300, and -300F BACH5R0085YU, .................. Cargo compartment 767-26A0121, dated
airplanes. BACH5R0140YU, fire December 19,
BACH5S0077XT, extinguishing 2001.
BACH5S0140XT, bottles.
BACH5S0184XX,
BACH5R0127YY.
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(b) If the hose manufacture date code is before 11/99 or after
1/01, or if the manufacture date is 11/99 through 1/01 and there is
a permanent white dot on the ID band, no further action is required
for that hose.
(c) If the hose manufacture date code is 11/99 through 1/01
inclusive and there is no permanent white dot on the ID band,
replace the hose with a serviceable hose or perform an indirect
conductive inspection/test for proper heat treat, in accordance with
the accomplishment instructions of the applicable ASB listed in
Table 1 of this AD.
(d) Replace the hose with a serviceable hose if any B-nut is
improperly heat treated.
Credit for Previous Inspections
(e) Previous inspections performed using ASB 737-26A1108, dated
November 15, 2001, ASB 737-26A1109, dated November 15, 2001, ASB
747-26A2269, dated November 1, 2001, ASB 757-26A0043, dated November
15, 2001, and ASB 757-26A0044, dated November 15, 2001, comply with
the inspection requirements of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(f) 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, Boston Aircraft Certification
Office (ACO). Operators must submit their request through an
appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add
comments and then send it to the Manager, Boston ACO.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive,
if any, may be obtained from the Boston ACO.
Special Flight Permits
(g) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
Sec. Sec. 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 done.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on March 6, 2003.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-6043 Filed 3-12-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P