Document ID: FAA-2010-0037-0009
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: The Boeing Company Model 737-700 (IGW) Series Airplanes Equipped with Auxiliary Fuel Tanks
Posted Date: 2010-09-13T04:00Z

[Federal Register: September 13, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 176)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 55455-55459]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr13se10-2]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0037; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-240-AD; 
Amendment 39-16431; AD 2010-19-03]
RIN 2120-AA64

 
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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Model 737-700 (IGW) series airplanes. This AD requires deactivation or 
modification of PATS Aircraft, LLC, auxiliary fuel tanks. This AD 
results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are 
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.

DATES: This AD is effective October 18, 2010.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of October 18, 
2010.

ADDRESSES: 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://
www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The address for the 
Docket Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is the Document Management 
Facility, 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: Mazdak Hobbi, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion and Services Branch, ANE-173, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New 
York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7330; fax (516) 794-5531.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to 
certain Model 737-700 (IGW) series airplanes. That NPRM was published 
in the Federal Register on February 12, 2010 (75 FR 6865). That NPRM 
proposed to require deactivation or modification of PATS Aircraft, LLC, 
auxiliary fuel tanks.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We considered the comments received.

Request To Clarify Configuration 3 Airplanes Affected

    Global Jet asks what has changed regarding Configuration 3 
airplanes affected by the actions in the NPRM. Global Jet states that 
it received an email from the FAA in May 2008, which specified that no 
further action was required for its Configuration 3 airplanes. Global 
Jet asks why it was in compliance with SFAR 88 last year and is not in 
compliance this year, although the airplane configuration has not 
changed in any way. PATS recommends clarifying that although 
Configuration 3 airplanes were excluded from AD 2008-22-01, those 
airplanes are not in compliance with the SFAR 88 regulations.
    We acknowledge the commenters' concerns and provide the following 
clarification. We have received new information from a secondary review 
of Configuration 3 airplanes and have determined that they are not 
compliant with the SFAR 88 regulations. Therefore, those airplanes are 
included in the applicability of this AD. We have made no change to the 
AD in this regard.

Request To Refer to AD 2008-22-01

    PATS Aircraft, LLC (PATS), asks that we include a reference to the 
requirements of AD 2008-22-01, amendment 39-15696 (73 FR 62872, October 
22, 2008), in the NPRM. PATS states that the information specified in 
the NPRM corrects an error in AD 2008-22-01, which incorrectly 
identifies Configuration 3 airplanes as being

[[Page 55456]]

compliant with Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88 (SFAR 88) 
requirements. PATS notes that this is incorrect since Configuration 3 
airplanes require incorporation of DeCrane Aerospace 737-700 IGW 
Service Bulletins ST00936NY-D-28-SB-001--K, dated August 25, 2008; and 
ST00936NY-D-28-SB-021--K, dated January 8, 2009. PATS adds that an 
alternative method of compliance (AMOC) was issued for AD 2008-22-01 to 
approve the service bulletins for Configuration 3 airplanes.
    We acknowledge the commenter's concern and provide the following. 
The NPRM was issued, in part, to correct the error in AD 2008-22-01. 
That AD applies to various transport category airplanes equipped with 
auxiliary fuel tanks installed in accordance with certain supplemental 
type certificates, and requires deactivation of PATS Aircraft, LLC, 
auxiliary fuel tanks. AD 2008-22-01 does not require the modification 
specified in the subject service information; therefore, since 
Configuration 3 airplanes are included in the applicability of this AD, 
it is not necessary to reference the requirements of AD 2008-22-01. We 
have not changed the AD in this regard.

Request To Include Previously Issued Service Information

    PATS recommends including the DeCrane/PATS service bulletins 
specified in Table 1 of this AD as acceptable sources of service 
information for accomplishing the actions specified in the NPRM. PATS 
states that the FAA issued an AMOC for AD 2008-22-01 approving this 
service information for accomplishing the actions on Model 737-700 
(IGW) airplanes with STC ST00936NY-D, Configuration 3.
    We agree with the commenter for the reasons provided. We have added 
a new paragraph (h) to this AD to give credit for using previous issues 
of the DeCrane/PATS service information to accomplish the specified 
actions.

Request To Change the Description of the Auxiliary Fuel Tanks

    PATS points out that the description of the PATS auxiliary fuel 
tank is incorrect in the section of the NPRM titled ``Supplemental Type 
Certificates (STCs) for PATS Aircraft, LLC, Auxiliary Fuel Tanks.'' 
PATS states that it has never designed or certified a ``box-and-
bladder-type'' auxiliary fuel tank, and provides the following 
description of the PATS auxiliary fuel tank system.

    PATS' typical auxiliary fuel system (AFS) consists of several 
interconnected auxiliary fuel cells located in the aircraft's cargo 
holds. The cells are constructed of aluminum alloy with double walls 
and mounted on longitudinal rails attached to the aircraft's frame. 
The inner walls serve as the fuel storage cell, and the outer walls 
serve as the fuel and fume-proof shroud around the cell. The two 
walls are separated by an open-weave honeycomb structure bonded to 
the walls. The cells resemble aircraft cargo containers. The 
individual cells are usually arranged in two groups within the 
forward and aft lower cargo holds. These forward and aft fuel cell 
groups operate independently as two separate tanks.

    We infer that the commenter requests we revise the description of 
the STC. We agree that the description in the NPRM requires further 
clarification. However, that section of the preamble of the NPRM does 
not reappear in the final rule; therefore, no change to the final rule 
has been made. However, we have provided the above clarification to the 
section of the NPRM titled ``Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for 
PATS Aircraft, LLC, Auxiliary Fuel Tanks'' as suggested by PATS.

Requests To Extend Compliance Time

    Boeing, Global Jet (Global Jet) Luxembourg, and Qantas Airways 
(Qantas) ask that the compliance time of 45 days for accomplishing the 
actions specified in the NPRM be extended. Boeing and Global Jet state 
that the impact of the proposed compliance time would be 
disproportionate to the risk, and add that there is insufficient 
capacity in the available overhaul facilities to accomplish the 
retrofit within 45 days after the effective date of the AD. Boeing 
notes that there are similar risks in other ADs and recommends using 
risk-analysis to determine a compliance time. Qantas states that we 
should permit a longer compliance time for airplanes modified in 
accordance with Revision G (or later) of DeCrane Aerospace 737-700 IGW 
Service Bulletin ST00936NY-D-28-SB-001, or ST00936NY-D-28-SB-021. 
Qantas suggests the compliance time be extended to 12 months after the 
effective date of the AD to allow accomplishing the actions during 
regularly scheduled maintenance.
    We agree with the commenters. We have extended the compliance time 
specified in paragraph (g) of this AD to 6 months after the effective 
date of the AD to coincide with the extension given in AMOCs for AD 
2008-22-01. We find that extending the compliance time to 6 months will 
not adversely affect safety, and will allow the modification to be 
performed during regularly scheduled maintenance at a base where 
special equipment and trained maintenance personnel will be available 
if necessary.

Request To Clarify Levels of Configuration

    PATS asks that we clarify the configuration levels on Configuration 
3 airplanes and recommends the section of the NPRM titled 
``Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for PATS Aircraft, LLC, 
Auxiliary Fuel Tanks'' be changed to include those levels.
    We provide the following clarification. Configuration 3 airplanes 
include 3-A, 3-B, 3-C, 3-D, 3-E, 3-F, 3-G, 3-H, 3-J, 3-K, 3-M, 3-N, 3-
P, 3-R, 3-S, 3-T, 3-U, 3-V, and 3-W, as listed on STC ST00936NY-D. 
However, since the section of the NPRM referenced by the commenter does 
not reappear in the final rule, no change to this AD is necessary in 
this regard.

Request To Increase Cost Estimate in Costs of Compliance Section of 
This AD

    Boeing asks that we change the Costs of Compliance section of the 
NPRM. Boeing states that the economic impact specified in the NPRM 
fails to account for the total economic costs of compliance. Boeing 
estimates the costs to be approximately $300,000 for service bulletin 
parts kits and $120,000 in labor (estimated 1,600 work hours of labor 
at $75/hour), plus other unplanned costs for air transportation while 
these airplanes are out of service for the modification. Boeing adds 
that the cost per airplane would exceed $400,000 even in the most 
optimistic and efficient modification scenarios.
    We agree that the number of work hours required for the 
modification is higher than our estimate. The estimate in the NPRM only 
included the costs for deactivation of the auxiliary fuel tanks. 
Therefore, the cost impact information, below, has been revised to 
include the cost for accomplishing the modification. The economic 
analysis, however, is limited only to the cost of actions actually 
required by the rule. It does not consider the costs of ``on-
condition'' actions (e.g., ``repair, if necessary'') because, 
regardless of AD direction, those actions would be required to correct 
an unsafe condition identified in an airplane and ensure operation of 
that airplane in an airworthy condition, as required by the Federal 
Aviation Regulations. We have made no further change to this final rule 
regarding this issue.

Explanation of Change to AD

    We have changed paragraph (g)(1) of this AD to clarify the 
terminology regarding approval of the deactivation procedures.

[[Page 55457]]

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
the AD with the changes described previously. We also determined that 
these changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or 
increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 11 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate that it will take about 250 work-hours per product to 
comply with the deactivation of the auxiliary fuel tanks. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $10,000 
per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the 
deactivation to the U.S. operators to be $343,750, or $31,250 per 
product.
    We estimate that it will take between 90 and 650 work-hours per 
product, depending on airplane configuration, to comply with the 
modification of the auxiliary fuel system. The average labor rate is 
$85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost between $182,505 and 
$228,131 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of 
the modification to U.S. operators to be between $2,091,705 and 
$3,117,191, or between $190,155 and $283,381 per product.

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

    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) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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 AD:

2010-19-03 The Boeing Company: Amendment 39-16431. Docket No. FAA-
2010-0037; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-240-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 18, 
2010.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) 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.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel.

Unsafe Condition

    (e) 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.

Compliance

    (f) 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.

[[Page 55458]]

                                       Table 1--Credit Service Information
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Service Bulletin                        Revision                             Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DeCrane Aerospace 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-D- G..........................  March 27, 2008.
 28-SB-001--G.
DeCrane Aerospace 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-D- H..........................  May 16, 2008.
 28-SB-001--H.
DeCrane Aerospace 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-D- J..........................  July 24, 2008.
 28-SB-001--J.
DeCrane Aerospace 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-D- D..........................  October 31, 2007.
 28-SB-021--D.
DeCrane Aerospace 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-D- E..........................  December 7, 2007.
 28-SB-021--E.
DeCrane Aerospace 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-D- F..........................  February 7, 2008.
 28-SB-021--F.
DeCrane Aerospace 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-D- G..........................  March 14, 2008.
 28-SB-021--G.
DeCrane Aerospace 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-D- H..........................  July 24, 2008.
 28-SB-021--H.
DeCrane Aerospace 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-D- J..........................  August 25, 2008.
 28-SB-021--J.
DeCrane Aircraft 737-700IGW ST00936NY-28-  Initial Release............  September 3, 2004.
 SB-001--IR.
DeCrane Aircraft 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-28- A..........................  September 15, 2004.
 SB-001--A.
DeCrane Aircraft 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-28- B..........................  October 26, 2004.
 SB-001--B.
DeCrane Aircraft 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-28- C..........................  November 4, 2004.
 SB-001--C.
PATS Aircraft 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-D-28-  D..........................  August 8, 2007.
 SB-001--D.
PATS Aircraft 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-D-28-  E..........................  January 8, 2008.
 SB-001--E.
PATS Aircraft 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-D-28-  F..........................  February 5, 2008.
 SB-001--F.
PATS Aircraft 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-D-28-  Initial Release............  January 31, 2007.
 SB-021--IR.
PATS Aircraft 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-D-28-  A..........................  May 17, 2007.
 SB-021--A.
PATS Aircraft 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-D-28-  B..........................  July 3, 2007.
 SB-021--B.
PATS Aircraft 737-700 IGW ST00936NY-D-28-  C..........................  August 8, 2007.
 SB-021--C.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

[[Page 55459]]

    (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