Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-8-50 Series Airplanes; Model DC-8F-54 and DC-8F-55 Airplanes; Model DC-8-60 Series Airplanes; Model DC-8-60F Series Airplanes; Model DC-8-70 Series Airplanes; and Model DC-8-70F Series Airplanes, 78678-78680 [E8-30521]

Download as PDF 78678 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 247 / Tuesday, December 23, 2008 / Proposed Rules Comments Due Date (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by February 6, 2009. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 727– 281 airplanes, certificated in any category and equipped with auxiliary fuel tanks installed in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA3449NM. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent 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. Compliance (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Report (f) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, submit a report to the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. Information collection requirements in this AD are approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and are assigned OMB Control Number 2120– 0056. The report must include the following information: (1) The airplane registration and auxiliary tank STC number installed. (2) The usage frequency in terms of total number of flights per year and total number of flights for which the auxiliary tank is used. Prevent Usage of Auxiliary Fuel Tanks (g) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, deactivate the auxiliary fuel tanks, in accordance with a deactivation procedure approved by the Manager of the Los Angeles ACO. Any auxiliary tank component that remains on the airplane must be secured and must have no effect on the continued operational safety and airworthiness of the airplane. Deactivation may not result in the need for additional instructions for continued airworthiness. Note 1: Appendix A of this AD provides criteria that might need to be included in the deactivation procedure. Timely approval is dependent on early submittal of the deactivation procedures. Note 2: For technical information, contact Dan Zevallos, Director of Program Management, Rogerson Aircraft Corporation, 2201 Alton Parkway, Irvine, California 92606; phone (949) 442–2306; fax (949) 442– 2322. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (h)(1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, ATTN: Serj Harutunian, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:42 Dec 22, 2008 Jkt 217001 Branch, ANM–140L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712– 4137; telephone (562) 627–5254; fax (562) 627–5210; 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 (i) None. Appendix A Deactivation Criteria The auxiliary fuel tank deactivation procedure required by paragraph (g) of this AD might need to address the following actions. (1) Permanently drain auxiliary fuel tanks, and clear them of fuel vapors to eliminate the possibility of out-gassing of fuel vapors from the emptied auxiliary tank. Note: If applicable, removing the bladder might help eliminate out-gassing. (2) Disconnect all electrical connections from the fuel quantity indication system (FQIS), fuel pumps if applicable, float switches, and all other electrical connections required for auxiliary tank operation, and stow them at the auxiliary tank interface. (3) Disconnect all pneumatic connections if applicable, cap them at the pneumatic source, and secure them. (4) Disconnect all fuel feed and fuel vent plumbing interfaces with airplane original equipment manufacturer (OEM) tanks, cap them at the airplane tank side, and secure them in accordance with a method approved by the FAA; one approved method is specified in AC 25–8 Fuel Tank Systems Installations. In order to eliminate the possibility of structural deformation during cabin decompression, leave open and secure the disconnected auxiliary fuel tank vent lines. (5) Pull and collar all circuit breakers used to operate the auxiliary tank. (6) Revise the weight and balance document, if required, and obtain FAA approval. (7) Amend the applicable sections of the applicable airplane flight manual (AFM) to indicate that the auxiliary fuel tank is deactivated. Remove auxiliary fuel tank operating procedures to ensure that only the OEM fuel system operational procedures are contained in the AFM. Amend the Limitations Section of the AFM to indicate that the AFM Supplement for the STC is not in effect. Place a placard in the flight deck indicating that the auxiliary tank is deactivated. The AFM revisions specified in this paragraph may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM. (8) Amend the applicable sections of the applicable airplane maintenance manual to remove auxiliary tank maintenance procedures. PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 (9) After the auxiliary fuel tank is deactivated, accomplish procedures such as leak checks and pressure checks deemed necessary before returning the airplane to service. These procedures must include verification that the airplane FQIS and fuel distribution systems have not been adversely affected. (10) Include with the operator’s proposed procedures any relevant information or additional steps that are deemed necessary by the operator to comply with the deactivation and return the airplane to service. Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 14, 2008. Michael J. Kaszycki, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8–30518 Filed 12–22–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2008–1324; Directorate Identifier 2008–NM–101–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC–8–50 Series Airplanes; Model DC–8F–54 and DC– 8F–55 Airplanes; Model DC–8–60 Series Airplanes; Model DC–8–60F Series Airplanes; Model DC–8–70 Series Airplanes; and Model DC–8–70F 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 all McDonnell Douglas airplanes identified above. This proposed AD would require revising the airplane flight manual to provide the flightcrew with procedures to preclude dry running of the fuel pumps. This proposed AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are proposing this AD to prevent pump inlet friction (i.e., overheating or sparking) when the fuel pumps are continually run as the center wing fuel tank becomes empty, and/or electrical arc burnthrough, which could result in a fuel tank fire or explosion. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 6, 2009. 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. E:\FR\FM\23DEP1.SGM 23DEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 247 / Tuesday, December 23, 2008 / Proposed Rules • 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 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: William Bond, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM–140L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712–4137; telephone (562) 627–5253; fax (562) 627–5210. 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–2008–1324; Directorate Identifier 2008–NM–101–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 VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:42 Dec 22, 2008 Jkt 217001 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. We have received a report indicating that the fuel pumps of the center wing fuel tank and alternate fuel tank on McDonnell Douglas Model DC–8 airplanes could be subject to pump inlet friction (i.e., overheating or sparking) when the fuel pumps are continually run as the center wing fuel tank becomes empty, and/or electrical arc burnthrough. These PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 78679 conditions, if not corrected, could result in a fuel tank fire or explosion. 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 revising the Certificate Limitations section of the DC–8 Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to provide the flightcrew with procedures to preclude dry running of the fuel pumps. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 156 airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 1 work-hour per product 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 $12,480, or $80 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: E:\FR\FM\23DEP1.SGM 23DEP1 78680 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 247 / Tuesday, December 23, 2008 / Proposed Rules 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: McDonnell Douglas: Docket No. FAA–2008– 1324; Directorate Identifier 2008–NM– 101–AD. Comments Due Date (a) We must receive comments by February 6, 2009. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to all McDonnell Douglas airplanes identified in Table 1 of this AD, certificated in any category. center wing fuel tank becomes empty, and/ or electrical arc burnthrough, which could result in a fuel tank fire or explosion. Compliance (e) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision (f) Within 14 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the Certificate Limitations Section of the DC–8 AFM to include the following procedures that preclude dry running of fuel pumps and/or electrical arc burnthrough (This may be done by inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM): ‘‘During level flight, the applicable alternate or center wing auxiliary tank boost pump switch must be placed in the OFF position no more than 5 minutes after the auto fill light is continuously illuminated. DO NOT reset any tripped fuel pump circuit breakers.’’ Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (g)(1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, ATTN: William Bond, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM–140L, FAA, Los Angeles ACO, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712–4137; telephone (562) 627–5253; fax (562) 627–5210; 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 December 12, 2008. Michael J. Kaszycki, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8–30521 Filed 12–22–08; 8:45 am] FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Philip A. Selleck, Regulations Program Manager, 1849 C St., NW., Washington, DC 20240 (202) 208–4206; e-mail philip_selleck@nps.gov. Correction In proposed rule FR Doc. E8–29892, beginning on page 76987 in the issue of December 18, 2008, make the following correction to the text of the proposed rule. On page 76990, in the 2nd column, add at the end of § 4.30 the following paragraphs (f) and (g): § 4.30 Bicycles. * * * * * (f) A person operating a bicycle is subject to all sections of this part that apply to an operator of a motor vehicle, except §§ 4.4, 4.10, 4.11 and 4.14. (g) The following are prohibited: (1) Possessing a bicycle in a wilderness area established by Federal statute. (2) Operating a bicycle during periods of low visibility, or while traveling through a tunnel, or between sunset and sunrise, without exhibiting on the operator or bicycle a white light or reflector that is visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and with a red light or reflector visible from at least 200 feet to the rear. (3) Operating a bicycle abreast of another bicycle except where authorized by the superintendent. (4) Operating a bicycle while consuming an alcoholic beverage or carrying in hand an open container of an alcoholic beverage. Dated: December 18, 2008. Lyle Laverty, Assistant Secretary, Fish and Wildlife and Parks. [FR Doc. E8–30649 Filed 12–22–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4312–52–P BILLING CODE 4910–13–P TABLE 1—APPLICABILITY DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Model (1) DC–8–51, DC–8–52, DC–8–53, and DC– 8–55 airplanes. (2) DC–8F–54 and DC–8F–55 airplanes. (3) DC–8–61, DC–8–62, and DC–8–63 airplanes. (4) DC–8–61F, DC–8–62F, and DC–8–63F airplanes. (5) DC–8–71, DC–8–72, and DC–8–73 airplanes. (6) DC–8–71F, DC–8–72F, and DC–8–73F airplanes. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent pump inlet friction (i.e., overheating or sparking) when the fuel pumps are continually run as the VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:42 Dec 22, 2008 Jkt 217001 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY National Park Service 40 CFR Part 82 36 CFR Part 4 [EPA–HQ–OAR–2008–0496; FRL–8752–7] RIN 1024–AD72 RIN 2060–A076 Vehicles and Traffic Safety Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Adjustments to the Allowance System for Controlling HCFC Production, Import, and Export National Park Service, Interior. Proposed rule; correction. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: The National Park Service published a proposed rule revising 36 CFR 4.30 in the Federal Register on December 18, 2008, 73 FR 76987, inadvertently leaving out the last two paragraphs. This correction restores that text. PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Proposed rule. SUMMARY: EPA is proposing to adjust the allowance system for control of U.S. consumption and production of E:\FR\FM\23DEP1.SGM 23DEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 247 (Tuesday, December 23, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 78678-78680]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-30521]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-1324; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-101-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-8-50 Series 
Airplanes; Model DC-8F-54 and DC-8F-55 Airplanes; Model DC-8-60 Series 
Airplanes; Model DC-8-60F Series Airplanes; Model DC-8-70 Series 
Airplanes; and Model DC-8-70F 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 all 
McDonnell Douglas airplanes identified above. This proposed AD would 
require revising the airplane flight manual to provide the flightcrew 
with procedures to preclude dry running of the fuel pumps. This 
proposed AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the 
manufacturer. We are proposing this AD to prevent pump inlet friction 
(i.e., overheating or sparking) when the fuel pumps are continually run 
as the center wing fuel tank becomes empty, and/or electrical arc 
burnthrough, which could result in a fuel tank fire or explosion.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 6, 
2009.

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.

[[Page 78679]]

     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 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: William Bond, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712-4137; 
telephone (562) 627-5253; fax (562) 627-5210.

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-2008-1324; 
Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-101-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. We have 
received a report indicating that the fuel pumps of the center wing 
fuel tank and alternate fuel tank on McDonnell Douglas Model DC-8 
airplanes could be subject to pump inlet friction (i.e., overheating or 
sparking) when the fuel pumps are continually run as the center wing 
fuel tank becomes empty, and/or electrical arc burnthrough. These 
conditions, if not corrected, could result in a fuel tank fire or 
explosion.

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 revising the Certificate 
Limitations section of the DC-8 Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to provide 
the flightcrew with procedures to preclude dry running of the fuel 
pumps.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 156 airplanes of 
U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 1 work-hour 
per product 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 $12,480, or $80 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:

[[Page 78680]]

    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:

McDonnell Douglas: Docket No. FAA-2008-1324; Directorate Identifier 
2008-NM-101-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by February 6, 2009.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all McDonnell Douglas airplanes 
identified in Table 1 of this AD, certificated in any category.

                         Table 1--Applicability
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Model
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) DC-8-51, DC-8-52, DC-8-53, and DC-8-55 airplanes.
(2) DC-8F-54 and DC-8F-55 airplanes.
(3) DC-8-61, DC-8-62, and DC-8-63 airplanes.
(4) DC-8-61F, DC-8-62F, and DC-8-63F airplanes.
(5) DC-8-71, DC-8-72, and DC-8-73 airplanes.
(6) DC-8-71F, DC-8-72F, and DC-8-73F airplanes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the 
manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent pump inlet friction 
(i.e., overheating or sparking) when the fuel pumps are continually 
run as the center wing fuel tank becomes empty, and/or electrical 
arc burnthrough, which could result in a fuel tank fire or 
explosion.

Compliance

    (e) Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision

    (f) Within 14 days after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the Certificate Limitations Section of the DC-8 AFM to include the 
following procedures that preclude dry running of fuel pumps and/or 
electrical arc burnthrough (This may be done by inserting a copy of 
this AD into the AFM):

    ``During level flight, the applicable alternate or center wing 
auxiliary tank boost pump switch must be placed in the OFF position 
no more than 5 minutes after the auto fill light is continuously 
illuminated. DO NOT reset any tripped fuel pump circuit breakers.''

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (g)(1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), FAA, ATTN: William Bond, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion 
Branch, ANM-140L, FAA, Los Angeles ACO, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, 
Lakewood, California 90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5253; fax (562) 
627-5210; 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 December 12, 2008.
Michael J. Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E8-30521 Filed 12-22-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.