Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777-200 Series Airplanes, 735-737 [05-170]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 3 / Wednesday, January 5, 2005 / Proposed Rules 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 proposed AD. Regulatory Findings We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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. 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. We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 737– 600, –700, –800, and –900 series airplanes, certificated in any category, as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–22A1164, dated May 20, 2004. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD was prompted by a report of an airplane pitching up with rapidly decreasing indicated airspeed after the flightcrew set a new altitude into the autopilot. We are issuing this AD to prevent anomalous autopilot operation that produces a hazardous combination of airplane attitude and airspeed, which could result in loss of control of the airplane. Compliance (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Install and Test Updated Software (f) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, install and test an updated version of the operational program software of the enhanced digital flight control system (EDFCS) flight control computers (FCCs), in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–22A1164, dated May 20, 2004. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (g) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 27, 2004. Kevin M. Mullin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05–169 Filed 1–4–05; 8:45 am] The Proposed Amendment BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 14 CFR Part 39 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: [Docket No. FAA–2004–19998; Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–224–AD] Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): Boeing: Docket No. FAA–2004–19986; Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–247–AD. Comments Due Date (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive comments on this AD action by February 22, 2005. Affected ADs (b) None. VerDate jul<14>2003 16:24 Jan 04, 2005 Jkt 205001 Federal Aviation Administration RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777–200 Series Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 777–200 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require replacing the pressure switches on the override/jettison fuel pumps with PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 735 new pressure switches, and replacing the ship side electrical connectors for the pressure switches on override/ jettison fuel pumps with new connectors. This proposed AD is prompted by reports that the ‘‘FUEL LOW CENTER’’ message does not activate when the fuel level in the center tank is low. We are proposing this AD to prevent the fuel pumps in the center fuel tank from running dry and becoming a potential ignition source, which could result in a fuel tank explosion. We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 22, 2005. ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on this proposed AD. • DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590. • By fax: (202) 493–2251. • Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124–2207. You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at https:// dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL–401, on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC. This docket number is FAA–2004– 19998; the directorate identifier for this docket is 2004–NM–224–AD. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Technical information: Margaret Langsted, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055–4056; telephone (425) 917–6500; fax (425) 917–6590. Plain language information: Marcia Walters, marcia.walters@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DATES: Docket Management System (DMS) The FAA has implemented new procedures for maintaining AD dockets electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new AD actions are posted on DMS and E:\FR\FM\05JAP1.SGM 05JAP1 736 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 3 / Wednesday, January 5, 2005 / Proposed Rules assigned a docket number. We track each action and assign a corresponding directorate identifier. The DMS AD docket number is in the form ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2004–99999.’’ The Transport Airplane Directorate identifier is in the form ‘‘Directorate Identifier 2004–NM– 999–AD.’’ Each DMS AD docket also lists the directorate identifier (‘‘Old Docket Number’’) as a cross-reference for searching purposes. Comments Invited We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 2004–19998; Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–224–AD’’ in the subject line of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the proposed AD in light of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You can review DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–78), or you can visit https:// dms.dot.gov. We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of our communications that affect you. You can get more information about plain language at https://www.faa.gov/language and https:// www.plainlanguage.gov. Examining the Docket You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647–5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them. Discussion We have received reports indicating that the ‘‘FUEL LOW CENTER’’ message on the engine indication and crew alerting system (EICAS) did not come on during flight when the fuel quantity in the center tank was low (400 lbs or less), on several Boeing Model 777–200 series airplanes. A Boeing Model 777–200 series airplane was flight-tested to evaluate the problem. An analysis of the data collected indicated a problem with the design of the system tubing at the inlet of the center fuel tank pump. That design allows some residual fuel to collect near the pump impeller after the center tank fuel supply has been exhausted. As a result, the center tank pump produces sustained pressure above its low pressure switch range of 4–7 pounds per square inch gage (psig) when the main tank boost pumps supply back pressure against the center pump discharge check valve. Failure of the ‘‘FUEL LOW CENTER’’ message and the pump low pressure lights to come on when the center tank becomes empty, if not corrected, could result in the pumps running dry and becoming a potential ignition source in the fuel tank, which could consequently cause a fuel tank explosion. Relevant Service Information We have reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–28– 0036, dated September 2, 2004. The service bulletin describes procedures for replacing the pressure switches on the override/jettison fuel pump with new pressure switches, and replacing the ship side electrical connectors for the pressure switches on the override/ jettison fuel pumps with new connectors. Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is intended to adequately address the unsafe condition. FAA’s Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes of this same type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service information described previously. Costs of Compliance There are about 61 airplanes of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to comply with this proposed AD. ESTIMATED COSTS Replacement ............................................................................................ 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, VerDate jul<14>2003 16:24 Jan 04, 2005 Jkt 205001 Average labor rate per hour Work hours Action 3 $65 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 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Parts $13,430 Cost per airplane Number of U.S.registered airplanes Fleet cost $13,625 21 $286,125 products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or E:\FR\FM\05JAP1.SGM 05JAP1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 3 / Wednesday, January 5, 2005 / Proposed Rules on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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. 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. We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety. the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Replacement (f) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the pressure switches on the override/jettison fuel pumps with new pressure switches, and replace the ship side electrical connectors for the pressure switches on the override/jettison fuel pumps with new connectors, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–28– 0036, dated September 2, 2004. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (g) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 27, 2004. Kevin M. Mullin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05–170 Filed 1–4–05; 8:45 am] The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES Federal Aviation Administration 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: 14 CFR Part 39 Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION [Docket No. 2001–NM–89–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777–200 and –300 Series Airplanes Boeing: Docket No. FAA–2004–19998; Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–224–AD. AGENCY: Comments Due Date (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive comments on this AD action by February 22, 2005. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 777– 200 series airplanes, certificated in any category; as listed in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777–28–0036, dated September 2, 2004. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD was prompted by reports that the ‘‘FUEL LOW CENTER’’ message does not activate when the fuel level in the center tank is low. We are issuing this AD to prevent the fuel pumps in the center fuel tank from running dry and becoming a potential ignition source, which could result in a fuel tank explosion. Compliance (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within VerDate jul<14>2003 16:24 Jan 04, 2005 Jkt 205001 Federal Aviation Administration, DOT. ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking; reopening of comment period. SUMMARY: This document revises an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 777–200 and –300 series airplanes. That proposed AD would have required a one-time inspection of the clevis end of the vertical tie rods that support the center stowage bins to measure the exposed thread, installation of placards that advise of weight limits for certain electrical racks, a one-time inspection and records check to determine the amount of weight currently installed in those electrical racks, corrective actions, and replacement of the vertical tie rods for the center stowage bins or electrical racks with new improved tie rods, as applicable. This new action revises the proposed rule by revising the applicability to include additional PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 737 airplanes. The actions specified by this new proposed AD are intended to prevent failure of the vertical tie rods supporting certain electrical racks and the center stowage bins, which could cause the center stowage bins or electrical racks to fall onto passenger seats below during an emergency landing, impeding an emergency evacuation or injuring passengers. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition. DATES: Comments must be received by January 31, 2005. ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM–114, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001–NM– 89–AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055–4056. Comments may be inspected at this location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227–1232. Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 9-anmnprmcomment@faa.gov. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must contain ‘‘Docket No. 2001–NM–89–AD’’ in the subject line and need not be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 or 2000 or ASCII text. The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplanes, 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: Robert Kaufman, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM–150S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055–4056; telephone (425) 917–6433; fax (425) 917–6590. 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 E:\FR\FM\05JAP1.SGM 05JAP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 3 (Wednesday, January 5, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 735-737]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-170]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2004-19998; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-224-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777-200 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Boeing Model 777-200 series airplanes. This proposed AD 
would require replacing the pressure switches on the override/jettison 
fuel pumps with new pressure switches, and replacing the ship side 
electrical connectors for the pressure switches on override/jettison 
fuel pumps with new connectors. This proposed AD is prompted by reports 
that the ``FUEL LOW CENTER'' message does not activate when the fuel 
level in the center tank is low. We are proposing this AD to prevent 
the fuel pumps in the center fuel tank from running dry and becoming a 
potential ignition source, which could result in a fuel tank explosion.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 22, 
2005.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this proposed AD.
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.
     By fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-
2207.
    You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at 
https://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility, 
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL-
401, on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC. This 
docket number is FAA-2004-19998; the directorate identifier for this 
docket is 2004-NM-224-AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
    Technical information: Margaret Langsted, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone 
(425) 917-6500; fax (425) 917-6590.
    Plain language information: Marcia Walters, marcia.walters@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Docket Management System (DMS)

    The FAA has implemented new procedures for maintaining AD dockets 
electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new AD actions are posted on DMS 
and

[[Page 736]]

assigned a docket number. We track each action and assign a 
corresponding directorate identifier. The DMS AD docket number is in 
the form ``Docket No. FAA-2004-99999.'' The Transport Airplane 
Directorate identifier is in the form ``Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
999-AD.'' Each DMS AD docket also lists the directorate identifier 
(``Old Docket Number'') as a cross-reference for searching purposes.

Comments Invited

    We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2004-19998; 
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-224-AD'' in the subject line of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will 
consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the 
proposed AD in light of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of 
that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our 
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or 
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, 
etc.). You can review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you 
can visit https://dms.dot.gov.
    We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory 
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of 
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of 
our communications that affect you. You can get more information about 
plain language at https://www.faa.gov/language and https://
www.plainlanguage.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT 
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.

Discussion

    We have received reports indicating that the ``FUEL LOW CENTER'' 
message on the engine indication and crew alerting system (EICAS) did 
not come on during flight when the fuel quantity in the center tank was 
low (400 lbs or less), on several Boeing Model 777-200 series 
airplanes. A Boeing Model 777-200 series airplane was flight-tested to 
evaluate the problem. An analysis of the data collected indicated a 
problem with the design of the system tubing at the inlet of the center 
fuel tank pump. That design allows some residual fuel to collect near 
the pump impeller after the center tank fuel supply has been exhausted. 
As a result, the center tank pump produces sustained pressure above its 
low pressure switch range of 4-7 pounds per square inch gage (psig) 
when the main tank boost pumps supply back pressure against the center 
pump discharge check valve. Failure of the ``FUEL LOW CENTER'' message 
and the pump low pressure lights to come on when the center tank 
becomes empty, if not corrected, could result in the pumps running dry 
and becoming a potential ignition source in the fuel tank, which could 
consequently cause a fuel tank explosion.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-28-
0036, dated September 2, 2004. The service bulletin describes 
procedures for replacing the pressure switches on the override/jettison 
fuel pump with new pressure switches, and replacing the ship side 
electrical connectors for the pressure switches on the override/
jettison fuel pumps with new connectors. Accomplishing the actions 
specified in the service information is intended to adequately address 
the unsafe condition.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an 
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes 
of this same type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which 
would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service 
information described previously.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 61 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The following table provides the estimated costs for 
U.S. operators to comply with this proposed AD.

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Average                          Number of
                                                  Work      labor                Cost per     U.S.-      Fleet
                    Action                       hours     rate per    Parts     airplane  registered     cost
                                                             hour                           airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement..................................          3        $65    $13,430    $13,625          21   $286,125
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or

[[Page 737]]

on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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. 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location 
to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive (AD):

Boeing: Docket No. FAA-2004-19998; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
224-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive 
comments on this AD action by February 22, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 777-200 series airplanes, 
certificated in any category; as listed in Boeing Special Attention 
Service Bulletin 777-28-0036, dated September 2, 2004.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by reports that the ``FUEL LOW CENTER'' 
message does not activate when the fuel level in the center tank is 
low. We are issuing this AD to prevent the fuel pumps in the center 
fuel tank from running dry and becoming a potential ignition source, 
which could result in a fuel tank explosion.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Replacement

    (f) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, 
replace the pressure switches on the override/jettison fuel pumps 
with new pressure switches, and replace the ship side electrical 
connectors for the pressure switches on the override/jettison fuel 
pumps with new connectors, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 777-28-
0036, dated September 2, 2004.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (g) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, has 
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in 
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 27, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-170 Filed 1-4-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.