Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-400, -400D, and -400F Series Airplanes, 32248-32250 [E8-12725]
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32248
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 110 / Friday, June 6, 2008 / Proposed Rules
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 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 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. 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, 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.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new AD:
Boeing: Docket No. FAA–2008–0612;
Directorate Identifier 2008–NM–059–AD.
dwashington3 on PRODPC61 with PROPOSALS
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by July 21,
2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Boeing Model
747–100, 747–100B, 747–100B SUD, 747–
200B, 747–200C, 747–200F, 747–300, 747–
400, 747–400D, 747–400F, 747SR, and 747SP
series airplanes, certificated in any category.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
11:59 Jun 05, 2008
Jkt 214001
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report of a crack
found in the right-side Stringer 11 longeron
horizontal flange, adjacent to the horizontal
stabilizer pivot bulkhead, during a routine
maintenance inspection. We are issuing this
AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of
the longeron, which can propagate and cause
damage to the adjacent horizontal stabilizer
pivot bulkhead. This damage could result in
loss of structural integrity and consequent
inability of the bulkhead to carry flight loads,
which could adversely affect controllability
of the airplane.
Compliance
(e) Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
Inspection/Related Investigative and
Corrective Actions
(f) Except as provided by paragraph (g) of
this AD: At the applicable times specified in
paragraph 1.E. of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747–53A2703, dated February 14,
2008, do a surface high frequency eddy
current (HFEC) inspection for cracks in the
left- and right-side Stringer 11 longeron
exposed surfaces and edges between Station
2598 and 2607 adjacent to the horizontal
stabilizer pivot bulkhead; and do all
applicable related investigative and
corrective actions before further flight, in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of the service bulletin, except as
provided by paragraph (h) of this AD.
Exception to Compliance Times
(g) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747–53A2703, dated February 14, 2008,
specifies counting the compliance time from
‘‘. . . the date on this service bulletin,’’ this
AD requires counting the compliance time
from the effective date of this AD.
Exception to Corrective Actions
(h) If any crack is found during any
inspection required by this AD, and Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 747–53A2703, dated
February 14, 2008, specifies to contact
Boeing for appropriate action: Before further
flight, repair using a method approved in
accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (i) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(i)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, ATTN: Ivan
Li, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch,
ANM–120S, FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–
3356; telephone (425) 917–6437; fax (425)
917–6590 has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(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 appropriate principal inspector
(PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District
Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
level of safety may be used for any repair
required by this AD, if it is approved by an
Authorized Representative for the Boeing
Commercial Airplanes Delegation Option
Authorization Organization who has been
authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to
make those findings. For a repair method to
be approved, the repair must meet the
certification basis of the airplane.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 29,
2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–12712 Filed 6–5–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2008–0620; Directorate
Identifier 2007–NM–357–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 747–400, –400D, and –400F
Series Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Boeing Model 747–400, –400D, and
–400F series airplanes. This proposed
AD would require performing repetitive
operational tests of the engine fuel
suction feed of the fuel system, and
other related testing if necessary. This
proposed AD results from a report of inservice occurrences of loss of fuel
system suction feed capability, followed
by total loss of pressure of the fuel feed
system. We are proposing this AD to
detect and correct failure of the engine
fuel suction feed of the fuel system,
which could result in multi-engine
flameout, inability to restart the engines,
and consequent forced landing of the
airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by July 21, 2008.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
E:\FR\FM\06JNP1.SGM
06JNP1
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 110 / Friday, June 6, 2008 / Proposed Rules
• Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124–2207.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
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 proposed AD, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for the Docket Office
(telephone 800–647–5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sue
Lucier, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion
Branch, ANM–140S, FAA, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98057–3356; telephone (425) 917–6438;
fax (425) 917–6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
dwashington3 on PRODPC61 with PROPOSALS
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposed AD. Send your comments
to an address listed under the
ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2008–0620; Directorate Identifier
2007–NM–357–AD’’ at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend this
proposed AD because of those
comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact we receive
about this proposed AD.
Discussion
We have received a report of inservice occurrences of loss of fuel
system suction feed capability, followed
by total loss of pressure of the fuel feed
system. This condition, if not corrected,
could result in multi-engine flameout,
inability to restart the engines, and
VerDate Aug<31>2005
11:59 Jun 05, 2008
Jkt 214001
consequent forced landing of the
airplane.
FAA’s Conclusions
We have determined that it is
necessary to require an operational test
of the engine fuel suction feed of the
fuel system, and other related testing, as
applicable. Procedures for doing the
operational test can be found in the
maintenance manual. The other related
testing is for airplanes on which
deterioration in the engine RPM is
found on one or both of the engines
during the operational test. Failure of
the engine fuel suction feed of the fuel
system could result in the unsafe
condition described previously.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of This Proposed AD
We are proposing this AD because 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. This
proposed AD would require performing
repetitive operational tests of the engine
fuel suction feed of the fuel system, and
other related testing if necessary.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
would affect 79 airplanes of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it would
take 1 work-hour per product, per test,
to comply with this proposed AD. The
average labor rate is $80 per work-hour.
Based on these figures, we estimate the
cost of this proposed AD to the U.S.
operators to be $6,320, or $80 per
product, per test.
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.
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
32249
Regulatory Findings
We 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 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. 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, 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.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new AD:
Boeing: Docket No. FAA–2008–0620;
Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–357–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by July 21,
2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 747
–400, –400D, and –400F series airplanes,
certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report of inservice occurrences of loss of fuel system
suction feed capability, followed by total loss
of pressure of the fuel feed system. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct failure
of the engine fuel suction feed of the fuel
system, which could result in multi-engine
flameout, inability to restart the engines, and
consequent forced landing of the airplane.
E:\FR\FM\06JNP1.SGM
06JNP1
32250
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 110 / Friday, June 6, 2008 / Proposed Rules
Compliance
(e) Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
Operational Test/Other Related Testing
(f) Within 30,000 flight hours after the
effective date of this AD, perform an
operational test of the engine fuel suction
feed of the fuel system, and perform all other
related testing, as applicable, before further
flight, according to a method approved by the
Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), FAA. One approved method is the
operational test in Section 28–22–00, titled
‘‘Engine Fuel Feed System—Description and
Operation,’’ of the Boeing 747 Aircraft
Maintenance Manual; and Boeing 747–400
Task Card 28–022–04–01, titled
‘‘Operationally Check the Engine Fuel
Suction Feed System,’’ dated June 18, 2007.
Repeat the operational test thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 30,000 flight hours.
Thereafter, except as provided in paragraph
(g) of this AD, no alternative procedure or
repeat test intervals will be allowed.
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This proposed
AD results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI)
originated by an aviation authority of
another country to identify and correct
an unsafe condition on an aviation
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe
condition as:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone
(425) 227–1138; fax (425) 227–1149.
One operator experienced failures of four
Fuel Level Sensor-Amplifier (FLSA) and
Multi Tank Indicators (MTI) units. FLSA and
MTI failures have been identified as having
been caused by incorrect connector sleeves
material fitted to the MTI units.
Degradation of the electrical insulation
sleeves of the Low-level indication lamps on
the MTI on the flight deck can cause a short
circuit that might result in high voltage being
conveyed to the high- and low-level sensors
in the outer tanks. This might cause the level
sensor to heat above acceptable limits.
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposed AD. Send your comments
to an address listed under the
ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2008–0613; Directorate Identifier
2008–NM–066–AD’’ at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend this
proposed AD based on those comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact we receive
about this proposed AD.
*
*
*
*
*
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
This action is necessary to prevent
overheating of the fuel level sensors,
which could result in a fuel tank
explosion and consequent loss of the
airplane. The proposed AD would
require actions that are intended to
address the unsafe condition described
in the MCAI.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by July 7, 2008.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
Federal Aviation Administration
Examining the AD Docket
14 CFR Part 39
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov; or in person at the
Docket Operations office between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this proposed AD, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for the Docket Operations
office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is in
the ADDRESSES section. Comments will
be available in the AD docket shortly
after receipt.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(g)(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA,
ATTN: Sue Lucier, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–
3356; telephone (425) 917–6438; fax (425)
917–6590, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(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 appropriate principal inspector
(PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District
Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 16,
2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–12725 Filed 6–5–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
[Docket No. FAA–2008–0613; Directorate
Identifier 2008–NM–066–AD]
dwashington3 on PRODPC61 with PROPOSALS
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model
A300–600 Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
VerDate Aug<31>2005
11:59 Jun 05, 2008
Jkt 214001
PO 00000
Frm 00008
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Community, has issued Airworthiness
Directive 2008–0055, dated March 5,
2008 (referred to after this as ‘‘the
MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition
for the specified products. The MCAI
states:
One operator experienced failures of four
Fuel Level Sensor-Amplifier (FLSA) and
Multi Tank Indicators (MTI) units. FLSA and
MTI failures have been identified as having
been caused by incorrect connector sleeves
material fitted to the MTI units.
Degradation of the electrical insulation
sleeves of the Low-level indication lamps on
the MTI on the flight deck can cause a short
circuit that might result in high voltage being
conveyed to the high- and low-level sensors
in the outer tanks. This might cause the level
sensor to heat above acceptable limits.
For the reasons stated above, this
Airworthiness Directive (AD) requires the
accomplishment of wiring modifications to
protect the FLSA and the Flight Warning
Computers from 115V AC and 28V DC short
circuits within the MTI.
This action is necessary to prevent
overheating of the fuel level sensors,
which could result in a fuel tank
explosion and consequent loss of the
airplane. You may obtain further
information by examining the MCAI in
the AD docket.
E:\FR\FM\06JNP1.SGM
06JNP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 110 (Friday, June 6, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 32248-32250]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-12725]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2008-0620; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-357-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-400, -400D, and -400F
Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Boeing Model 747-400, -400D, and -400F series airplanes. This
proposed AD would require performing repetitive operational tests of
the engine fuel suction feed of the fuel system, and other related
testing if necessary. This proposed AD results from a report of in-
service occurrences of loss of fuel system suction feed capability,
followed by total loss of pressure of the fuel feed system. We are
proposing this AD to detect and correct failure of the engine fuel
suction feed of the fuel system, which could result in multi-engine
flameout, inability to restart the engines, and consequent forced
landing of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 21, 2008.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
[[Page 32249]]
Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
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 proposed AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly
after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sue Lucier, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone
(425) 917-6438; fax (425) 917-6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2008-0620;
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-357-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
We have received a report of in-service occurrences of loss of fuel
system suction feed capability, followed by total loss of pressure of
the fuel feed system. This condition, if not corrected, could result in
multi-engine flameout, inability to restart the engines, and consequent
forced landing of the airplane.
FAA's Conclusions
We have determined that it is necessary to require an operational
test of the engine fuel suction feed of the fuel system, and other
related testing, as applicable. Procedures for doing the operational
test can be found in the maintenance manual. The other related testing
is for airplanes on which deterioration in the engine RPM is found on
one or both of the engines during the operational test. Failure of the
engine fuel suction feed of the fuel system could result in the unsafe
condition described previously.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
We are proposing this AD because 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. This proposed
AD would require performing repetitive operational tests of the engine
fuel suction feed of the fuel system, and other related testing if
necessary.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 79 airplanes of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it would take 1 work-hour per product,
per test, to comply with this proposed AD. The average labor rate is
$80 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this
proposed AD to the U.S. operators to be $6,320, or $80 per product, per
test.
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 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 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. 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, 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 AD:
Boeing: Docket No. FAA-2008-0620; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-
357-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by July 21, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 747 -400, -400D, and -400F
series airplanes, certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report of in-service occurrences of
loss of fuel system suction feed capability, followed by total loss
of pressure of the fuel feed system. We are issuing this AD to
detect and correct failure of the engine fuel suction feed of the
fuel system, which could result in multi-engine flameout, inability
to restart the engines, and consequent forced landing of the
airplane.
[[Page 32250]]
Compliance
(e) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
Operational Test/Other Related Testing
(f) Within 30,000 flight hours after the effective date of this
AD, perform an operational test of the engine fuel suction feed of
the fuel system, and perform all other related testing, as
applicable, before further flight, according to a method approved by
the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. One
approved method is the operational test in Section 28-22-00, titled
``Engine Fuel Feed System--Description and Operation,'' of the
Boeing 747 Aircraft Maintenance Manual; and Boeing 747-400 Task Card
28-022-04-01, titled ``Operationally Check the Engine Fuel Suction
Feed System,'' dated June 18, 2007. Repeat the operational test
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 30,000 flight hours.
Thereafter, except as provided in paragraph (g) of this AD, no
alternative procedure or repeat test intervals will be allowed.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(g)(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA, ATTN: Sue Lucier,
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, 1601 Lind Avenue,
SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6438; fax
(425) 917-6590, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(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 appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 16, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-12725 Filed 6-5-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P