AD 2010-19-03 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Model 737-700 (IGW) Series Airplanes Equipped With Auxiliary Fuel Tanks Installed in Accordance With Configuration 3 of Supplemental Type Certificate ST00936NY

This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-700 (IGW) series airplanes, certificated in any category; equipped with auxiliary fuel tanks installed in accordance with Configuration 3 of Supplemental Type Certificate ST00936NY.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Prevent Usage of Auxiliary Fuel Tanks or Modify Auxiliary Fuel System (g) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD: Accomplish the requirements specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD. (1) Deactivate the auxiliary fuel tanks, in accordance with a deactivation procedure approved by the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO). For any deactivation procedure to be approved, it must be shown that following deactivation, any auxiliary tank component that remains on the airplane must be secured and must be shown to meet the certification basis of the airplane. Deactivation must not result in the need for additional instructions for continued airworthiness. Note 1: Appendix A of this AD provides criteria that should be included in the deactivation procedures. The proposed deactivation procedures should be submitted to the Manager, New York ACO, as soon as possible to ensure timely review and approval. Note 2: For technical information, contact Mazdak Hobbi, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion and Services Branch, ANE-173, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone 516-228-7330; fax 516-794-5531. (2) Modify the auxiliary fuel system by doing all the applicable actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of DeCrane Aerospace 737-700 IGW Service Bulletin ST00936NY-D-28-SB-001_K, dated August 25, 2008; and DeCrane Aerospace 737-700 IGW Service Bulletin ST00936NY-D-28-SB-021_K, dated January 8, 2009. Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service Information (h) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD according to the service information identified in Table 1 of this AD, are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD. Table 1—Credit Service Information Service Bulletin Revision Date DeCrane Aerospace 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-D-28-SB-001_G G March 27, 2008. DeCrane Aerospace 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-D-28-SB-001_H H May 16, 2008. DeCrane Aerospace 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-D-28-SB-001_J J July 24, 2008. DeCrane Aerospace 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-D-28-SB-021_D D October 31, 2007. DeCrane Aerospace 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-D-28-SB-021_E E December 7, 2007. DeCrane Aerospace 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-D-28-SB-021_F F February 7, 2008. DeCrane Aerospace 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-D-28-SB-021_G G March 14, 2008. DeCrane Aerospace 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-D-28-SB-021_H H July 24, 2008. DeCrane Aerospace 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-D-28-SB-021_J J August 25, 2008. DeCrane Aircraft 737-700IGW ST00936NY-28-SB-001_IR Initial Release September 3, 2004. DeCrane Aircraft 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-28-SB-001_A A September 15, 2004. DeCrane Aircraft 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-28-SB-001_B B October 26, 2004. DeCrane Aircraft 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-28-SB-001_C C November 4, 2004. PATS Aircraft 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-D-28-SB-001_D D August 8, 2007. PATS Aircraft 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-D-28-SB-001_E E January 8, 2008. PATS Aircraft 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-D-28-SB-001_F F February 5, 2008. PATS Aircraft 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-D-28-SB-021_IR Initial Release January 31, 2007. PATS Aircraft 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-D-28-SB-021_A A May 17, 2007. PATS Aircraft 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-D-28-SB-021_B B July 3, 2007. PATS Aircraft 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-D-28-SB-021_C C August 8, 2007. Reporting Requirement (i) Within 45 days after the effective date of this AD, submit a report to the Manager, New York ACO. The report must include the information listed in paragraphs (i)(1), (i)(2), and (i)(3) of this AD. Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. ), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements contained in this AD, and assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. (1) The airplane registration and operation status. (2) The usage frequency in terms of total number of flights per year and total number of flights per year for which the auxiliary tank is used. (3) Method of complying with paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (j)(1) The Manager, New York ACO, ANE-170, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Program Manager, Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone 516-228-7300; fax 516-794-5531. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. (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 principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (k) You must use DeCrane Aerospace 737-700 IGW Service Bulletin ST00936NY-D-28-SB-001_K, dated August 25, 2008; and DeCrane Aerospace 737-700 IGW Service Bulletin ST00936NY-D-28-SB-021_K, dated January 8, 2009; as applicable; to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact DeCrane Aerospace, PATS Aircraft Systems, 21652 Nanticoke Avenue, Georgetown, Delaware 19947; telephone 302-253-6157; fax 302-855-0153; e-mail giuseppecoppola@decraneaerospace.com; Internet http://www.decraneaerospace.com. (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. (4) You may also review copies of the 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, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. Appendix A Deactivation Criteria The auxiliary fuel tank deactivation procedures required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD should address the following actions. (1) Permanently drain auxiliary fuel tanks, and clear them of fuel vapors to eliminate the possibility of out-gassing of fuel vapors from the emptied auxiliary tank. (2) Disconnect all electrical connections from the fuel quantity indication system (FQIS), fuel pumps if applicable, float switches, and all other electrical connections required for auxiliary tank operation, and stow them at the auxiliary tank interface. (3) Disconnect all pneumatic connections if applicable, cap them at the pneumatic source, and secure them. (4) Disconnect all fuel feed and fuel vent plumbing interfaces with airplane original equipment manufacturer (OEM) tanks, cap them at the airplane tank side, and secure them in accordance with a method approved by the FAA; one approved method is specified in AC 25-8 Auxiliary Fuel System Installations. In order to eliminate the possibility of structural deformation during cabin decompression, leave open and secure the disconnected auxiliary fuel tank vent lines. (5) Pull and collar all circuit breakers used to operate the auxiliary tank. (6) Revise the weight and balance document, if required, and obtain FAA approval. (7) Amend the applicable sections of the applicable airplane flight manual (AFM) to indicate that the auxiliary fuel tank is deactivated. Remove auxiliary fuel tank operating procedures to ensure that only the OEM fuel system operational procedures are contained in the AFM. Amend the Limitations Section of the AFM to indicate that the AFM Supplement for the STC is not in effect. Place a placard in the flight deck indicating that the auxiliary tank is deactivated. The AFM revisions specified in this paragraph may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM. (8) Amend the applicable sections of the applicable flight crew operating manual and airplane maintenance manual to remove auxiliary tank maintenance procedures. (9) After the auxiliary fuel tank is deactivated, accomplish procedures such as leak checks and pressure checks deemed necessary before returning the airplane to service. These procedures must include verification that the airplane FQIS and fuel distribution systems have not been adversely affected. (10) Revise the instructions for continued airworthiness, as required, after deactivation. (11) Include with the operator's proposed procedures any relevant information or additional steps that are deemed necessary by the operator to comply with the deactivation and return the airplane to service. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 3, 2010. Jeffrey E. Duven, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2010-22679 Filed 9-10-10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. The Federal Aviation Administration is issuing this AD to prevent the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.