Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747SR, and 747SP Series Airplanes, 61369-61372 [E8-24542]
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61369
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
Vol. 73, No. 201
Thursday, October 16, 2008
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains notices to the public of the proposed
issuance of rules and regulations. The
purpose of these notices is to give interested
persons an opportunity to participate in the
rule making prior to the adoption of the final
rules.
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
13 CFR Parts 121, 125, 127, and 134
The Women-Owned Small Business
Federal Contract Assistance
Procedures
AGENCY:
Small Business Administration
(SBA).
ACTION:
Proposed rule; correction.
SUMMARY: The Small Business
Administration is correcting a proposed
rule that appeared in the Federal
Register on October 1, 2008. The
proposed rule is seeking comments on
a data issue involving the WomenOwned Small Business (WOSB) Federal
Contract Assistance Procedures. This
notice will make corrections to the RIN,
the Subject Heading, the ADDRESSES and
the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
section of the rule.
DATES: Effective October 16, 2008.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dean Koppel, Assistant Director, Policy,
Planning and Research, Office of
Government Contracting, (202) 205–
6460.
In FR Doc.
E8–23139 appearing on page 57014 in
the Federal Register of Wednesday,
October 1, 2008 (73 FR 57014), the
following corrections are made:
1. On page 57014, in the Headings
section a RIN needs to be added to read
as follows:
RIN 3245–AF80
2. On Page 57014, in the Headings
section revise the Subject Heading to
read as follows:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
ebenthall on PROD1PC60 with PROPOSALS
The Women-Owned Small Business
Federal Contract Assistance
Procedures—Eligible Industries
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:35 Oct 15, 2008
Jkt 214001
Calvin Jenkins,
Deputy Associate Administrator for
Government Contracting and Business
Development, Associate Administrator/
Disaster Assistance.
[FR Doc. E8–24604 Filed 10–15–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8025–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2008–1098; Directorate
Identifier 2008–NM–108–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 747–100, 747–100B, 747–100B
SUD, 747–200B, 747–200C, 747–200F,
747–300, 747SR, and 747SP Series
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
3. On Page 57014, revise the
section to read as follows:
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
by any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
ADDRESSES
• Mail, Hand Delivery/Courier: Dean
Koppel, Assistant Director, Policy,
Planning and Research, Office of
Government Contracting, Small
Business Administration, 409 Third
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20416.
All comments will be posted on
https://www.regulations.gov. If you wish
to submit confidential business
information (CBI) as defined in the User
Notice at https://www.regulations.gov,
please submit the comments to Dean
Koppel and highlight the information
that you consider to be CBI and explain
why you believe this information
should be held confidential. SBA will
make a final determination as to
whether the comments will be
published.
4. On Page 57015, revise the FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section to
read as follows:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dean Koppel, Assistant Director, Policy,
Planning and Research, Office of
Government Contracting, (202) 205–
6460.
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Boeing Model 747–100, 747–100B, 747–
100B SUD, 747–200B, 747–200C, 747–
200F, 747–300, 747SR, and 747SP series
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airplanes. This proposed AD would
require adding two new indicator lights
on the P10 panel to inform the captain
and first officer of a low pressure
condition in the left and right override/
jettison pumps of the center wing tanks.
This proposed AD would also require
replacing the left and right override/
jettison switches on the M154 fuel
control module on the P4 panel with
improved switches and doing the
associated wiring changes. This
proposed AD would also require a
revision to the FAA-approved
maintenance program to incorporate
airworthiness limitation No. 28–AWL–
22. This proposed AD results from fuel
system reviews conducted by the
manufacturer. We are proposing this AD
to prevent uncommanded operation of
the override/jettison pumps of the
center wing tanks, which could lead to
an unwanted ignition source inside the
center wing tank. This condition, in
combination with flammable fuel
vapors, could result in a center fuel tank
explosion and consequent loss of the
airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by December 1, 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.
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
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 201 / Thursday, October 16, 2008 / Proposed Rules
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:
Sulmo Mariano, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, FAA,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone
(425) 917–6501; 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–2008–1098; Directorate Identifier
2008–NM–108–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.
ebenthall on PROD1PC60 with PROPOSALS
Discussion
The FAA has examined the
underlying safety issues involved in fuel
tank explosions on several large
transport airplanes, including the
adequacy of existing regulations, the
service history of airplanes subject to
those regulations, and existing
maintenance practices for fuel tank
systems. As a result of those findings,
we issued a regulation titled ‘‘Transport
Airplane Fuel Tank System Design
Review, Flammability Reduction and
Maintenance and Inspection
Requirements’’ (66 FR 23086, May 7,
2001). In addition to new airworthiness
standards for transport airplanes and
new maintenance requirements, this
rule included Special Federal Aviation
Regulation No. 88 (‘‘SFAR 88,’’
Amendment 21–78, and subsequent
Amendments 21–82 and 21–83).
Among other actions, SFAR 88
requires certain type design (i.e., type
certificate (TC) and supplemental type
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15:35 Oct 15, 2008
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certificate (STC)) holders to substantiate
that their fuel tank systems can prevent
ignition sources in the fuel tanks. This
requirement applies to type design
holders for large turbine-powered
transport airplanes and for subsequent
modifications to those airplanes. It
requires them to perform design reviews
and to develop design changes and
maintenance procedures if their designs
do not meet the new fuel tank safety
standards. As explained in the preamble
to the rule, we intended to adopt
airworthiness directives to mandate any
changes found necessary to address
unsafe conditions identified as a result
of these reviews.
In evaluating these design reviews, we
have established four criteria intended
to define the unsafe conditions
associated with fuel tank systems that
require corrective actions. The
percentage of operating time during
which fuel tanks are exposed to
flammable conditions is one of these
criteria. The other three criteria address
the failure types under evaluation:
Single failures, single failures in
combination with a latent condition(s),
and in-service failure experience. For all
four criteria, the evaluations included
consideration of previous actions taken
that may mitigate the need for further
action.
We have determined that the actions
identified in this AD are necessary to
reduce the potential of ignition sources
inside fuel tanks, which, in combination
with flammable fuel vapors, could result
in fuel tank explosions and consequent
loss of the airplane.
Currently, there are lights on the flight
engineer’s P4 panel to provide pressure
indication for the override/jettison
pumps of the left and right center wing
tanks. These lights are illuminated to
inform the flight engineer that a low
pressure or no fuel flow condition
exists. A pump uncommanded-on is an
event that may result in the pump
running dry and illumination of the
associated low pressure light. This event
requires the flight engineer to manually
pull the pump circuit breaker to shut off
the pump. To limit the potential of the
pump running dry for an extended
period of time, Boeing has found that
two new indicator lights must be added
to the forward panel on the flight deck
to inform the captain and first officer of
a low pressure condition in the
override/jettison pumps. The P4 panel
must also be modified to provide the
flight engineer with switches to shut off
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the override/jettison pumps and the
new indicator lights.
Uncommanded operation of the
override/jettison pumps of the center
wing tanks could lead to an unwanted
ignition source inside the center wing
tank. These conditions, if not corrected,
in combination with flammable fuel
vapors, could result in a center fuel tank
explosion and consequent loss of the
airplane.
Other Related Rulemaking
On April 28, 2008, we issued AD
2008–10–07, amendment 39–15513 (73
FR 25977, May 8, 2008), applicable to
certain Boeing Model 747–100, 747–
100B, 747–100B SUD, 747–200B, 747–
200C, 747–200F, 747–300, 747SR, and
747SP series airplanes. That AD
requires revising the FAA-approved
maintenance program by incorporating
new airworthiness limitations (AWLs)
for fuel tank systems to satisfy SFAR 88
requirements. That AD also requires the
initial accomplishment of certain
repetitive AWL inspections to phase in
those inspections, and repair if
necessary. As an optional action, that
AD also allows incorporating AWL No.
28–AWL–22 into the FAA-approved
maintenance program. Incorporating
AWL No. 28–AWL–22 into the FAAapproved maintenance program in
accordance with paragraph (g) of AD
2008–10–07 would terminate the action
specified in paragraph (g) of this
proposed AD.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 747–28A2288, dated
March 20, 2008. The service bulletin
describes procedures for adding two
indicator lights on the P10 panel to
inform the captain and first officer of a
low pressure condition in the left and
right override/jettison pumps of the
center wing tanks. The service bulletin
also describes procedures for replacing
the left and right override/jettison
switches on certain M154 fuel control
modules on the P4 panel with improved
switches, and doing the associated
wiring changes.
For airplanes equipped with certain
other M154 fuel control modules,
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747–
28A2288 refers to the BAE Systems
service bulletins in the following table
as additional sources of service
information for replacing the switches
and doing the associated wiring
changes, as applicable:
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 201 / Thursday, October 16, 2008 / Proposed Rules
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF SERVICE INFORMATION
Service Bulletin
BAE
BAE
BAE
BAE
BAE
BAE
Systems
Systems
Systems
Systems
Systems
Systems
Service
Service
Service
Service
Service
Service
Bulletin
Bulletin
Bulletin
Bulletin
Bulletin
Bulletin
65B46124–28–01
65B46124–28–02
65B46124–28–03
65B46214–28–01
65B46214–28–02
65B46214–28–03
We have also reviewed the Boeing
747–100/200/300/SP Airworthiness
Limitations (AWLs) and Certification
Maintenance Requirements (CMRs), D6–
13747–CMR, Revision March 2008
(hereafter referred to as ‘‘Document D6–
13747–CMR’’). (For the purposes of
Document D6–13747–CMR, the Model
747SR series airplane is basically a
Model 747–100 series airplane with
certain modifications to improve fatigue
life.) Section D of Document D6–13747–
CMR describes AWLs for fuel tank
systems. Section D of Document D6–
13747–CMR includes fuel system AWL
No. 28–AWL–22, which is a repetitive
inspection (test) to verify continued
functionality of the low pressure
indicator lights on the P10 panel for the
override/jettison pumps of the center
wing tanks.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of This Proposed AD
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We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all 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 proposed AD
would require accomplishing the
following actions:
• Adding two new indicator lights on
the P10 panel to inform the captain and
first officer of a low pressure condition
in the left and right override/jettison
pumps of the center wing tanks.
• Replacing the left and right
override/jettison switches on the M154
fuel control module on the P4 panel
with improved switches and doing the
associated wiring changes.
• Revising the FAA-approved
maintenance program to incorporate
AWL No. 28–AWL–22, which is a
repetitive inspection to verify continued
functionality of the low pressure
indicator lights on the P10 panel for the
override/jettison pumps of the center
wing tanks.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
would affect 185 airplanes of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it would
take up to 28 work-hours per product to
comply with this proposed AD. The
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15:35 Oct 15, 2008
Jkt 214001
Date
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...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
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...................................................................................................................
average labor rate is $80 per work-hour.
Required parts would cost up to $2,668
per product. Based on these figures, we
estimate the cost of this proposed AD to
the U.S. operators up to $907,980, or
$4,908 per product.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under
the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
General requirements.’’ Under that
section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
air commerce by prescribing regulations
for practices, methods, and procedures
the Administrator finds necessary for
safety in air commerce. This regulation
is within the scope of that authority
because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on
products identified in this rulemaking
action.
Regulatory Findings
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.
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Sfmt 4702
February 16, 2006.
March 28, 2007.
March 28, 2007.
February 16, 2006.
March 28, 2007.
March 28, 2007.
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–2008–1098;
Directorate Identifier 2008–NM–108–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by
December 1, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 747–
100, 747–100B, 747–100B SUD, 747–200B,
747–200C, 747–200F, 747–300, 747SR, and
747SP series airplanes, certificated in any
category; as identified in Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 747–28A2288, dated March
20, 2008.
Note 1: This AD requires revisions to
certain operator maintenance documents to
include a new inspection. Compliance with
this inspection is required by 14 CFR
91.403(c). For airplanes that have been
previously modified, altered, or repaired in
the areas addressed by this inspection, the
operator may not be able to accomplish the
inspections described in the revisions. In this
situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c),
the operator must request approval for an
alternative method of compliance (AMOC)
according to paragraph (j) of this AD. The
request should include a description of
changes to the required inspection that will
ensure the continued operational safety of
the airplane.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from fuel system
reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We
are issuing this AD to prevent uncommanded
operation of the override/jettison pumps of
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 201 / Thursday, October 16, 2008 / Proposed Rules
the center wing tanks, which could lead to
an unwanted ignition source inside the
center wing tank. This condition, in
combination with flammable fuel vapors,
could result in a center fuel tank explosion
and consequent loss of the airplane.
Compliance
(e) Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
Installation of Indicator Lights and
Replacement of Switches
(f) Within 36 months after the effective
date of this AD: Add two new indicator lights
on the P10 panel to inform the captain and
first officer of a low pressure condition in the
left and right override/jettison pumps of the
center wing tanks; and replace the left and
right override/jettison switches on the M154
fuel control module on the P4 panel with
improved switches and do the associated
wiring changes; by accomplishing all of the
applicable actions specified in the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 747–28A2288, dated March
20, 2008.
Note 2: For airplanes equipped with
certain M154 fuel control modules,
paragraph 2.C.2 of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747–28A2288 refers to the BAE
Systems service bulletins identified in Table
1 of this AD, as applicable, as additional
sources of service information for replacing
the switches.
TABLE 1—ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF SERVICE INFORMATION
Service Bulletin
BAE
BAE
BAE
BAE
BAE
BAE
Systems
Systems
Systems
Systems
Systems
Systems
Service
Service
Service
Service
Service
Service
Bulletin
Bulletin
Bulletin
Bulletin
Bulletin
Bulletin
65B46124–28–01
65B46124–28–02
65B46124–28–03
65B46214–28–01
65B46214–28–02
65B46214–28–03
Maintenance Program Revision
(g) Concurrently with accomplishing the
actions required by paragraph (f) of this AD,
revise the FAA-approved maintenance
program by incorporating Airworthiness
Limitation (AWL) No. 28–AWL–22 of Section
D of the Boeing 747–100/200/300/SP
Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) and
Certification Maintenance Requirements
(CMRs), D6–13747–CMR, Revision March
2008.
Date
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................
Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October
7, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–24542 Filed 10–15–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above that would
supersede an existing AD. 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:
Examining the AD Docket
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
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(h) After accomplishing the action
specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, no
alternative inspections or inspection
intervals may be used unless the inspections
or inspection intervals are approved as an
AMOC in accordance with the procedures
specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.
Federal Aviation Administration
Terminating Action for Maintenance
Program Revision
RIN 2120–AA64
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Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
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15:35 Oct 15, 2008
Jkt 214001
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2008–1079; Directorate
Identifier 2008–NM–116–AD]
Airworthiness Directives; Empresa
Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A.
(EMBRAER) Model EMB–135ER,
–135KE, –135KL, and –135LR
Airplanes, and Model EMB–145,
–145ER, –145MR, –145LR, –145XR,
–145MP, and –145EP Airplanes
AGENCY:
(j)(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA,
ATTN: Sulmo Mariano, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, FAA, Seattle
ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425)
917–6501; fax (425) 917–659; 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
Fuel system reassessment, performed
according to RBHA–E88/SFAR–88
(Regulamento Brasileiro de Homologacao
Aeronautica 88/Special Federal Aviation
Regulation No. 88), requires the inclusion of
new maintenance tasks in the Critical Design
Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCL)
and in the Fuel System Limitations (FSL),
necessary to preclude ignition sources in the
fuel system. * * *.
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 November 17,
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
W12–40, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
No Alternative Inspections or Inspection
Intervals
(i) Incorporating AWL No. 28–AWL–22
into the FAA-approved maintenance program
in accordance with paragraph (g) of AD
2008–10–07, amendment 39–15513,
terminates the action required by paragraph
(g) of this AD.
February 16, 2006.
March 28, 2007.
March 28, 2007.
February 16, 2006.
March 28, 2007.
March 28, 2007.
SUMMARY:
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 201 (Thursday, October 16, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 61369-61372]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-24542]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2008-1098; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-108-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-
100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747SR, and 747SP
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 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-
200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes. This
proposed AD would require adding two new indicator lights on the P10
panel to inform the captain and first officer of a low pressure
condition in the left and right override/jettison pumps of the center
wing tanks. This proposed AD would also require replacing the left and
right override/jettison switches on the M154 fuel control module on the
P4 panel with improved switches and doing the associated wiring
changes. This proposed AD would also require a revision to the FAA-
approved maintenance program to incorporate airworthiness limitation
No. 28-AWL-22. This proposed AD results from fuel system reviews
conducted by the manufacturer. We are proposing this AD to prevent
uncommanded operation of the override/jettison pumps of the center wing
tanks, which could lead to an unwanted ignition source inside the
center wing tank. This condition, in combination with flammable fuel
vapors, could result in a center fuel tank explosion and consequent
loss of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 1,
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.
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
[[Page 61370]]
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: Sulmo Mariano, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone
(425) 917-6501; 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-2008-1098;
Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-108-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
The FAA has examined the underlying safety issues involved in fuel
tank explosions on several large transport airplanes, including the
adequacy of existing regulations, the service history of airplanes
subject to those regulations, and existing maintenance practices for
fuel tank systems. As a result of those findings, we issued a
regulation titled ``Transport Airplane Fuel Tank System Design Review,
Flammability Reduction and Maintenance and Inspection Requirements''
(66 FR 23086, May 7, 2001). In addition to new airworthiness standards
for transport airplanes and new maintenance requirements, this rule
included Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88 (``SFAR 88,''
Amendment 21-78, and subsequent Amendments 21-82 and 21-83).
Among other actions, SFAR 88 requires certain type design (i.e.,
type certificate (TC) and supplemental type certificate (STC)) holders
to substantiate that their fuel tank systems can prevent ignition
sources in the fuel tanks. This requirement applies to type design
holders for large turbine-powered transport airplanes and for
subsequent modifications to those airplanes. It requires them to
perform design reviews and to develop design changes and maintenance
procedures if their designs do not meet the new fuel tank safety
standards. As explained in the preamble to the rule, we intended to
adopt airworthiness directives to mandate any changes found necessary
to address unsafe conditions identified as a result of these reviews.
In evaluating these design reviews, we have established four
criteria intended to define the unsafe conditions associated with fuel
tank systems that require corrective actions. The percentage of
operating time during which fuel tanks are exposed to flammable
conditions is one of these criteria. The other three criteria address
the failure types under evaluation: Single failures, single failures in
combination with a latent condition(s), and in-service failure
experience. For all four criteria, the evaluations included
consideration of previous actions taken that may mitigate the need for
further action.
We have determined that the actions identified in this AD are
necessary to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel
tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result
in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.
Currently, there are lights on the flight engineer's P4 panel to
provide pressure indication for the override/jettison pumps of the left
and right center wing tanks. These lights are illuminated to inform the
flight engineer that a low pressure or no fuel flow condition exists. A
pump uncommanded-on is an event that may result in the pump running dry
and illumination of the associated low pressure light. This event
requires the flight engineer to manually pull the pump circuit breaker
to shut off the pump. To limit the potential of the pump running dry
for an extended period of time, Boeing has found that two new indicator
lights must be added to the forward panel on the flight deck to inform
the captain and first officer of a low pressure condition in the
override/jettison pumps. The P4 panel must also be modified to provide
the flight engineer with switches to shut off the override/jettison
pumps and the new indicator lights.
Uncommanded operation of the override/jettison pumps of the center
wing tanks could lead to an unwanted ignition source inside the center
wing tank. These conditions, if not corrected, in combination with
flammable fuel vapors, could result in a center fuel tank explosion and
consequent loss of the airplane.
Other Related Rulemaking
On April 28, 2008, we issued AD 2008-10-07, amendment 39-15513 (73
FR 25977, May 8, 2008), applicable to certain Boeing Model 747-100,
747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747SR,
and 747SP series airplanes. That AD requires revising the FAA-approved
maintenance program by incorporating new airworthiness limitations
(AWLs) for fuel tank systems to satisfy SFAR 88 requirements. That AD
also requires the initial accomplishment of certain repetitive AWL
inspections to phase in those inspections, and repair if necessary. As
an optional action, that AD also allows incorporating AWL No. 28-AWL-22
into the FAA-approved maintenance program. Incorporating AWL No. 28-
AWL-22 into the FAA-approved maintenance program in accordance with
paragraph (g) of AD 2008-10-07 would terminate the action specified in
paragraph (g) of this proposed AD.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2288, dated
March 20, 2008. The service bulletin describes procedures for adding
two indicator lights on the P10 panel to inform the captain and first
officer of a low pressure condition in the left and right override/
jettison pumps of the center wing tanks. The service bulletin also
describes procedures for replacing the left and right override/jettison
switches on certain M154 fuel control modules on the P4 panel with
improved switches, and doing the associated wiring changes.
For airplanes equipped with certain other M154 fuel control
modules, Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2288 refers to the BAE
Systems service bulletins in the following table as additional sources
of service information for replacing the switches and doing the
associated wiring changes, as applicable:
[[Page 61371]]
Additional Sources of Service Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service Bulletin Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BAE Systems Service Bulletin February 16, 2006.
65B46124-28-01.
BAE Systems Service Bulletin March 28, 2007.
65B46124-28-02.
BAE Systems Service Bulletin March 28, 2007.
65B46124-28-03.
BAE Systems Service Bulletin February 16, 2006.
65B46214-28-01.
BAE Systems Service Bulletin March 28, 2007.
65B46214-28-02.
BAE Systems Service Bulletin March 28, 2007.
65B46214-28-03.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have also reviewed the Boeing 747-100/200/300/SP Airworthiness
Limitations (AWLs) and Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMRs),
D6-13747-CMR, Revision March 2008 (hereafter referred to as ``Document
D6-13747-CMR''). (For the purposes of Document D6-13747-CMR, the Model
747SR series airplane is basically a Model 747-100 series airplane with
certain modifications to improve fatigue life.) Section D of Document
D6-13747-CMR describes AWLs for fuel tank systems. Section D of
Document D6-13747-CMR includes fuel system AWL No. 28-AWL-22, which is
a repetitive inspection (test) to verify continued functionality of the
low pressure indicator lights on the P10 panel for the override/
jettison pumps of the center wing tanks.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all 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 proposed AD would require accomplishing the following
actions:
Adding two new indicator lights on the P10 panel to inform
the captain and first officer of a low pressure condition in the left
and right override/jettison pumps of the center wing tanks.
Replacing the left and right override/jettison switches on
the M154 fuel control module on the P4 panel with improved switches and
doing the associated wiring changes.
Revising the FAA-approved maintenance program to
incorporate AWL No. 28-AWL-22, which is a repetitive inspection to
verify continued functionality of the low pressure indicator lights on
the P10 panel for the override/jettison pumps of the center wing tanks.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 185 airplanes of
U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take up to 28 work-hours
per product to comply with this proposed AD. The average labor rate is
$80 per work-hour. Required parts would cost up to $2,668 per product.
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed AD to the
U.S. operators up to $907,980, or $4,908 per product.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
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-2008-1098; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-
108-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by December 1, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B
SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747SR, and 747SP series
airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2288, dated March 20, 2008.
Note 1: This AD requires revisions to certain operator
maintenance documents to include a new inspection. Compliance with
this inspection is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes that
have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the areas
addressed by this inspection, the operator may not be able to
accomplish the inspections described in the revisions. In this
situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must
request approval for an alternative method of compliance (AMOC)
according to paragraph (j) of this AD. The request should include a
description of changes to the required inspection that will ensure
the continued operational safety of the airplane.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the
manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent uncommanded
operation of the override/jettison pumps of
[[Page 61372]]
the center wing tanks, which could lead to an unwanted ignition
source inside the center wing tank. This condition, in combination
with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a center fuel tank
explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.
Compliance
(e) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
Installation of Indicator Lights and Replacement of Switches
(f) Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD: Add
two new indicator lights on the P10 panel to inform the captain and
first officer of a low pressure condition in the left and right
override/jettison pumps of the center wing tanks; and replace the
left and right override/jettison switches on the M154 fuel control
module on the P4 panel with improved switches and do the associated
wiring changes; by accomplishing all of the applicable actions
specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-28A2288, dated March 20, 2008.
Note 2: For airplanes equipped with certain M154 fuel control
modules, paragraph 2.C.2 of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
28A2288 refers to the BAE Systems service bulletins identified in
Table 1 of this AD, as applicable, as additional sources of service
information for replacing the switches.
Table 1--Additional Sources of Service Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service Bulletin Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BAE Systems Service Bulletin February 16, 2006.
65B46124-28-01.
BAE Systems Service Bulletin March 28, 2007.
65B46124-28-02.
BAE Systems Service Bulletin March 28, 2007.
65B46124-28-03.
BAE Systems Service Bulletin February 16, 2006.
65B46214-28-01.
BAE Systems Service Bulletin March 28, 2007.
65B46214-28-02.
BAE Systems Service Bulletin March 28, 2007.
65B46214-28-03.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maintenance Program Revision
(g) Concurrently with accomplishing the actions required by
paragraph (f) of this AD, revise the FAA-approved maintenance
program by incorporating Airworthiness Limitation (AWL) No. 28-AWL-
22 of Section D of the Boeing 747-100/200/300/SP Airworthiness
Limitations (AWLs) and Certification Maintenance Requirements
(CMRs), D6-13747-CMR, Revision March 2008.
No Alternative Inspections or Inspection Intervals
(h) After accomplishing the action specified in paragraph (g) of
this AD, no alternative inspections or inspection intervals may be
used unless the inspections or inspection intervals are approved as
an AMOC in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j)
of this AD.
Terminating Action for Maintenance Program Revision
(i) Incorporating AWL No. 28-AWL-22 into the FAA-approved
maintenance program in accordance with paragraph (g) of AD 2008-10-
07, amendment 39-15513, terminates the action required by paragraph
(g) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(j)(1) The Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA, ATTN: Sulmo Mariano,
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle ACO,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone
(425) 917-6501; fax (425) 917-659; 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 October 7, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-24542 Filed 10-15-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
