Final rule, request for comments, Boeing 737-100 through -500 airplanes (737 classics)

Wednesday, 12 December 2007
21 November 2007 FR Doc E7-22724 - Docket No. FAA-2007-0211 - AD 2007-24-02 FAA This AD supersedes an existing one by reducing the inspection threshold, and results from a fuel tank explosion on the ground of a 727 airplane (which appears to be a reference to the Transmile Airways 727 accident 4 May 2006 in India). The action also stems from a report of chafed wires and a damaged power cable sleeve of a fuel boost pump discovered during an inspection of a 737-300 airplane. The installation on the 737 is almost identical to that on the 727. The original AD was issued 2 May 2007 (Note that it was issued fully a year after the Transmile accident; so much for a sense of urgency). Since that AD was issued, Boeing has issued an alert service bulletin reducing the compliance time, and this action is intended to clear up any confusion about compliance times. The actual work to be done is not affected, which involves steps to prevent electrical arcing between the wiring and surrounding conduit. Such arcing could burn through the original conduit, causing fire or explosion of the fuel tank. Basically, a smaller-diameter sleeve must be fitted. Comments due 22 January 2008. As the FAA says, “An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD; therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment before the AD is issued is impracticable.”
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 12 December 2007 )

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