Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777-200 and -300 Series Airplanes Equipped With Rolls-Royce Model RB211-TRENT 800 Series Engines, 52909-52911 [E8-21138]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 178 / Friday, September 12, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
reflect the transfer of check-processing
operations from the Jacksonville branch
office to the head office of the Federal
Reserve Bank of Atlanta. To coincide
with the effective date of the underlying
check-processing changes, the
amendments to appendix A are effective
November 15, 2008. The Board is
providing notice of the amendments at
this time to give affected banks ample
time to make any needed processing
changes. Early notice also will enable
affected banks to amend their
availability schedules and related
disclosures if necessary and provide
their customers with notice of these
changes.2
Administrative Procedure Act
The Board has not followed the
provisions of 5 U.S.C. 553(b) relating to
notice and public participation in
connection with the adoption of the
final rule. The revisions to appendix A
are technical in nature and are required
by the statutory and regulatory
definitions of ‘‘check-processing
region.’’ Because there is no substantive
change on which to seek public input,
the Board has determined that the
section 553(b) notice and comment
procedures are unnecessary. In addition,
the underlying consolidation of Federal
Reserve Bank check-processing offices
involves a matter relating to agency
management, which is exempt from
notice and comment procedures.
ebenthall on PROD1PC60 with RULES
Paperwork Reduction Act
In accordance with the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3506;
5 CFR 1320 Appendix A.1), the Board
has reviewed the final rule under
authority delegated to the Board by the
Office of Management and Budget. The
technical amendment to appendix A of
Regulation CC will delete the reference
to the Jacksonville branch office of the
Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and
reassign the routing symbols listed
under that office to the head office of
the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.
The depository institutions that are
located in the affected check-processing
regions and that include the routing
numbers in their disclosure statements
would be required to notify customers
of the resulting change in availability
under § 229.18(e). However, all
paperwork collection procedures
associated with Regulation CC already
are in place, and the Board accordingly
anticipates that no additional burden
2 Section
229.18(e) of Regulation CC requires that
banks notify account holders who are consumers
within 30 days after implementing a change that
improves the availability of funds.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:19 Sep 11, 2008
Jkt 214001
will be imposed as a result of this
rulemaking.
List of Subjects in 12 CFR Part 229
Banks, Banking, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.
Authority and Issuance
52909
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2008–0967; Directorate
Identifier 2008–NM–152–AD; Amendment
39–15671; AD 2008–19–04]
■
RIN 2120–AA64
PART 229—AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS
AND COLLECTION OF CHECKS
(REGULATION CC)
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 777–200 and –300 Series
Airplanes Equipped With Rolls-Royce
Model RB211–TRENT 800 Series
Engines
For the reasons set forth in the
preamble, the Board is amending 12
CFR part 229 to read as follows:
1. The authority citation for part 229
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 12 U.S.C. 4001–4010, 12 U.S.C.
5001–5018.
2. The Sixth District routing symbol
list in appendix A is revised to read as
follows:
■
Appendix A to Part 229—Routing
Number Guide to Next-Day Availability
Checks and Local Checks
*
*
*
*
*
Sixth Federal Reserve District
[Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta]
Head Office
0610
0611
0612
0613
0620
0621
0622
0630
0631
0632
0640
0641
0642
0650
0651
0652
0653
0654
0655
0660
0670
0820
0829
0840
0841
0842
0843
*
*
*
2610
2611
2612
2613
2620
2621
2622
2630
2631
2632
2640
2641
2642
2650
2651
2652
2653
2654
2655
2660
2670
2820
2829
2840
2841
2842
2843
*
*
By order of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System, acting through the
Secretary of the Board under delegated
authority, September 8, 2008.
Jennifer J. Johnson,
Secretary of the Board.
[FR Doc. E8–21089 Filed 9–11–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6210–01–P
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Boeing Model 777–200 and –300 series
airplanes. This AD requires revising the
airplane flight manual to include inflight procedures for pilots to follow in
certain cold weather conditions and
requires fuel circulation procedures on
the ground when certain conditions
exist. This AD results from a report of
uncommanded reduction in thrust on
both engines because of reduced fuel
flows. We are issuing this AD to prevent
ice from accumulating in the main tank
fuel feed system, which, when released,
could result in a restriction in the
engine fuel system. Such a restriction
could result in failure to achieve a
commanded thrust, and consequent
forced landing of the airplane.
DATES: This AD is effective September
29, 2008.
We must receive comments on this
AD by November 12, 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 20590, between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov; or in person at the
E:\FR\FM\12SER1.SGM
12SER1
52910
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 178 / Friday, September 12, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
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 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:
Margaret Langsted, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, FAA,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone
(425) 917–6500; fax (425) 917–6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
ebenthall on PROD1PC60 with RULES
Discussion
On January 17, 2008, a Boeing Model
777–200 series airplane equipped with
Rolls-Royce Model RB211 TRENT 895–
17 turbofan engines crash landed short
of the runway at London Heathrow
Airport. During final approach, the
autothrottles commanded an increase in
thrust from both engines, and the
engines initially responded. However, at
a height of about 720 feet above the
ground, the thrust of the right engine
reduced, and approximately seven
seconds later, the thrust on the left
engine reduced. The uncommanded
reduction in thrust on both engines was
the result of reduced fuel flows. The
engine control system detected the
reduced fuel flows and commanded
increased thrust. However, there was no
appreciable change in the fuel flow to
either engine, and the airplane crash
landed short of the runway.
The investigation determined that
over a long period of low power fuel
flows and low fuel temperatures
associated with cruise flight, ice can
accumulate in the main tank fuel feed
system and then release as a result of
increased fuel flow when high thrust is
commanded. When released, the ice
could create a restriction within the
engine fuel system. A restriction in the
engine fuel system, if not corrected,
could result in failure to achieve a
commanded thrust, and consequent
forced landing of the airplane.
All of the testing and research of this
accident has been conducted on Boeing
Model 777–200 and –300 series
airplanes, equipped with Rolls-Royce
Model RB211–TRENT 800 series
engines. Initial review of 777 other
airplane engine combinations has not
revealed the same vulnerability to the
identified unsafe condition.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:19 Sep 11, 2008
Jkt 214001
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of This AD
cause exists for making this amendment
effective in less than 30 days.
We are issuing this AD because we
evaluated all the relevant information
and determined the unsafe condition
described previously is likely to exist or
develop in other products of the(se)
same type design(s). This AD requires
revising the Limitations section of the
airplane flight manual to include
procedures for pilots to follow in certain
cold weather conditions and requires
fuel circulation procedures on the
ground when certain conditions exist.
Paragraph (g) of the AD requires that
the fuel circulation procedures be
accomplished by a certified mechanic.
We are including this requirement
because of the complexity of the
procedure. We recognize that persons
other than mechanics who are properly
trained might also be capable of
accomplishing this procedure.
Therefore, we would be receptive to
requests for approval of alternative
methods of compliance in accordance
with paragraph (j) of the AD to allow
others to accomplish the procedure if
the request includes training and
oversight provisions to ensure that the
procedure is accomplished properly.
Comments Invited
Interim Action
We consider this proposed AD
interim action. If final action is later
identified, we might consider further
rulemaking then.
FAA’s Justification and Determination
of the Effective Date
Hazardous amounts of ice might
accumulate within the main tank fuel
feed system under certain conditions,
which, when released, could result in a
restriction in the engine fuel system.
Such a restriction could result in failure
to achieve a commanded thrust, and
consequent forced landing of the
airplane. We have determined that the
loss of engine thrust was likely due to
ice accumulating in the main tank fuel
feed system during long exposure to
cold fuel temperatures and low power
fuel flows. It is necessary to issue
interim mitigating actions in order to
prevent an additional accident. Because
of our requirement to promote safe flight
of civil aircraft and thus, the critical
need to assure the proper functioning of
the main tank fuel feed system and the
short compliance time involved with
this action, this AD must be issued
immediately.
Because an unsafe condition exists
that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD, we find that notice and
opportunity for prior public comment
hereon are impracticable and that good
PO 00000
Frm 00008
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
This AD is a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety, and
we did not provide you with notice and
an opportunity to provide your
comments before it becomes effective.
However, we invite you to send any
written data, views, or arguments about
this AD. Send your comments to an
address listed under the ADDRESSES
section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
2008–0967; Directorate Identifier 2008–
NM–152–AD’’ at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this AD. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date
and may amend this 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 AD.
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:
E:\FR\FM\12SER1.SGM
12SER1
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 178 / Friday, September 12, 2008 / Rules and Regulations
(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, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 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:
■
2008–19–04 Boeing: Amendment 39–15671.
Docket No. FAA–2008–0967; Directorate
Identifier 2008–NM–152–AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is
effective September 29, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 777–
200 and –300 series airplanes, certificated in
any category; equipped with Rolls-Royce
Model RB211–TRENT 800 series engines.
ebenthall on PROD1PC60 with RULES
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report of the
uncommanded reduction in thrust on both
engines because of reduced fuel flows. We
are issuing this AD to prevent ice from
accumulating in the main tank fuel feed
system, which, when released, could result
in a restriction in the engine fuel system.
Such a restriction could result in failure to
achieve a commanded thrust, and consequent
forced landing of the airplane.
Compliance
(e) Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision
(f) Within 10 days after the effective date
of this AD, revise the Limitations section of
the AFM to include the following statement.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:19 Sep 11, 2008
Jkt 214001
This may be done by inserting a copy of this
AD in the AFM.
‘‘On ground, after refueling, check fuel
temperature if fuel temperature indication is
operative. If fuel temperature is colder than
0 degrees C or if fuel temperature indication
is inoperative, verify that a record exists
certifying that the approved fuel circulation
procedure was performed.
‘‘Perform all step climbs using VNAV or
maximum climb thrust.
‘‘In flight, within 3 hours of top of descent,
but not less than 15 minutes before top of
descent, check fuel temperature. If fuel
temperature is colder than ¥10 degrees C,
perform a step climb using maximum climb
thrust. If a step climb using maximum climb
thrust cannot be accomplished, verify cruise
speed is set to 0.84 Mach or less, and
manually advance thrust levers to maximum
(autothrottles may be overridden). After
reaching maximum climb thrust, hold for 10
seconds or until reaching 0.86 Mach,
whichever occurs first. Check engines to
ensure they have achieved maximum climb
thrust and operate normally.’’
Fuel Circulation Procedure
(g) As of 10 days after the effective date of
this AD: If the fuel temperature has not
exceeded 0 degrees Celsius during the
ground turn, before further flight, using the
main tank fuel boost pumps, pump fuel
through the fuel manifold using the high flow
mode for a minimum of one minute. A
certified mechanic must do the fuel
circulation procedure required by this
paragraph using a method approved by the
Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), FAA.
(h) Before further flight after accomplishing
the action required by paragraph (g) of this
AD, make a record in which the person
accomplishing the procedure certifies that it
was accomplished in accordance with the
approved method, and provide the record to
the flightcrew. 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 has assigned OMB Control Number
2120–0056.
Special Flight Permit
(i) Special flight permits, as described in
section 21.197 and section 21.199 of the
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197
and 21.199), are not allowed.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(j)(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA,
ATTN: Margaret Langsted, Aerospace
Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S,
FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone
(425) 917–6500; 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,
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
52911
notify your appropriate principal inspector
(PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District
Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(k) None.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
September 5, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–21138 Filed 9–11–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2008–0091; Directorate
Identifier 2007–NM–311–AD; Amendment
39–15666; AD 2008–18–09]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 747 Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Boeing Model 747 airplanes. This AD
requires modification of the refuel valve
control unit for the reserve fuel tanks.
This AD also requires a revision to the
FAA-approved maintenance program to
incorporate airworthiness limitation
(AWL) No. 28–AWL–20 or AWL No. 28–
AWL–25, as applicable. This AD results
from fuel system reviews conducted by
the manufacturer. We are issuing this
AD to prevent lightning-induced
electrical energy from entering a reserve
fuel tank through the refuel valve,
which could result in a fuel tank
explosion and consequent loss of the
airplane.
DATES: This AD is effective October 17,
2008.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of October 17, 2008.
ADDRESSES: 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
E:\FR\FM\12SER1.SGM
12SER1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 178 (Friday, September 12, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52909-52911]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-21138]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2008-0967; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-152-AD;
Amendment 39-15671; AD 2008-19-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777-200 and -300 Series
Airplanes Equipped With Rolls-Royce Model RB211-TRENT 800 Series
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Boeing Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD requires
revising the airplane flight manual to include in-flight procedures for
pilots to follow in certain cold weather conditions and requires fuel
circulation procedures on the ground when certain conditions exist.
This AD results from a report of uncommanded reduction in thrust on
both engines because of reduced fuel flows. We are issuing this AD to
prevent ice from accumulating in the main tank fuel feed system, which,
when released, could result in a restriction in the engine fuel system.
Such a restriction could result in failure to achieve a commanded
thrust, and consequent forced landing of the airplane.
DATES: This AD is effective September 29, 2008.
We must receive comments on this AD by November 12, 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 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov; or in person at the
[[Page 52910]]
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 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: Margaret Langsted, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone
(425) 917-6500; fax (425) 917-6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On January 17, 2008, a Boeing Model 777-200 series airplane
equipped with Rolls-Royce Model RB211 TRENT 895-17 turbofan engines
crash landed short of the runway at London Heathrow Airport. During
final approach, the autothrottles commanded an increase in thrust from
both engines, and the engines initially responded. However, at a height
of about 720 feet above the ground, the thrust of the right engine
reduced, and approximately seven seconds later, the thrust on the left
engine reduced. The uncommanded reduction in thrust on both engines was
the result of reduced fuel flows. The engine control system detected
the reduced fuel flows and commanded increased thrust. However, there
was no appreciable change in the fuel flow to either engine, and the
airplane crash landed short of the runway.
The investigation determined that over a long period of low power
fuel flows and low fuel temperatures associated with cruise flight, ice
can accumulate in the main tank fuel feed system and then release as a
result of increased fuel flow when high thrust is commanded. When
released, the ice could create a restriction within the engine fuel
system. A restriction in the engine fuel system, if not corrected,
could result in failure to achieve a commanded thrust, and consequent
forced landing of the airplane.
All of the testing and research of this accident has been conducted
on Boeing Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes, equipped with Rolls-
Royce Model RB211-TRENT 800 series engines. Initial review of 777 other
airplane engine combinations has not revealed the same vulnerability to
the identified unsafe condition.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of the(se) same type
design(s). This AD requires revising the Limitations section of the
airplane flight manual to include procedures for pilots to follow in
certain cold weather conditions and requires fuel circulation
procedures on the ground when certain conditions exist.
Paragraph (g) of the AD requires that the fuel circulation
procedures be accomplished by a certified mechanic. We are including
this requirement because of the complexity of the procedure. We
recognize that persons other than mechanics who are properly trained
might also be capable of accomplishing this procedure. Therefore, we
would be receptive to requests for approval of alternative methods of
compliance in accordance with paragraph (j) of the AD to allow others
to accomplish the procedure if the request includes training and
oversight provisions to ensure that the procedure is accomplished
properly.
Interim Action
We consider this proposed AD interim action. If final action is
later identified, we might consider further rulemaking then.
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
Hazardous amounts of ice might accumulate within the main tank fuel
feed system under certain conditions, which, when released, could
result in a restriction in the engine fuel system. Such a restriction
could result in failure to achieve a commanded thrust, and consequent
forced landing of the airplane. We have determined that the loss of
engine thrust was likely due to ice accumulating in the main tank fuel
feed system during long exposure to cold fuel temperatures and low
power fuel flows. It is necessary to issue interim mitigating actions
in order to prevent an additional accident. Because of our requirement
to promote safe flight of civil aircraft and thus, the critical need to
assure the proper functioning of the main tank fuel feed system and the
short compliance time involved with this action, this AD must be issued
immediately.
Because an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate
adoption of this AD, we find that notice and opportunity for prior
public comment hereon are impracticable and that good cause exists for
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to
provide your comments before it becomes effective. However, we invite
you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send
your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include
``Docket No. FAA-2008-0967; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-152-AD'' at
the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the
overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this
AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may
amend this 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 AD.
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:
[[Page 52911]]
(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, 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:
2008-19-04 Boeing: Amendment 39-15671. Docket No. FAA-2008-0967;
Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-152-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 29,
2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 777-200 and -300 series
airplanes, certificated in any category; equipped with Rolls-Royce
Model RB211-TRENT 800 series engines.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report of the uncommanded reduction
in thrust on both engines because of reduced fuel flows. We are
issuing this AD to prevent ice from accumulating in the main tank
fuel feed system, which, when released, could result in a
restriction in the engine fuel system. Such a restriction could
result in failure to achieve a commanded thrust, and consequent
forced landing of the airplane.
Compliance
(e) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision
(f) Within 10 days after the effective date of this AD, revise
the Limitations section of the AFM to include the following
statement. This may be done by inserting a copy of this AD in the
AFM.
``On ground, after refueling, check fuel temperature if fuel
temperature indication is operative. If fuel temperature is colder
than 0 degrees C or if fuel temperature indication is inoperative,
verify that a record exists certifying that the approved fuel
circulation procedure was performed.
``Perform all step climbs using VNAV or maximum climb thrust.
``In flight, within 3 hours of top of descent, but not less than
15 minutes before top of descent, check fuel temperature. If fuel
temperature is colder than -10 degrees C, perform a step climb using
maximum climb thrust. If a step climb using maximum climb thrust
cannot be accomplished, verify cruise speed is set to 0.84 Mach or
less, and manually advance thrust levers to maximum (autothrottles
may be overridden). After reaching maximum climb thrust, hold for 10
seconds or until reaching 0.86 Mach, whichever occurs first. Check
engines to ensure they have achieved maximum climb thrust and
operate normally.''
Fuel Circulation Procedure
(g) As of 10 days after the effective date of this AD: If the
fuel temperature has not exceeded 0 degrees Celsius during the
ground turn, before further flight, using the main tank fuel boost
pumps, pump fuel through the fuel manifold using the high flow mode
for a minimum of one minute. A certified mechanic must do the fuel
circulation procedure required by this paragraph using a method
approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), FAA.
(h) Before further flight after accomplishing the action
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, make a record in which the
person accomplishing the procedure certifies that it was
accomplished in accordance with the approved method, and provide the
record to the flightcrew. 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 has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
Special Flight Permit
(i) Special flight permits, as described in section 21.197 and
section 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197
and 21.199), are not allowed.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(j)(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA, ATTN: Margaret Langsted,
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle ACO,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone
(425) 917-6500; 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(k) None.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 5, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-21138 Filed 9-11-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P