[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 103 (Tuesday, May 31, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-13010]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: May 31, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-NM-58-AD; Amendment 39-8921; AD 94-11-05]

 

Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-200 and 767-300 Series 
Airplanes

agency: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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summary: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to certain Boeing Model 767-200 and 767-300 series 
airplanes. This action requires repetitive inspections of the pumping 
unit assembly on the override and jettison fuel boost pump assemblies 
to detect looseness of the screws that attach the inlet diffuser 
assembly to the pumping unit housing, and repair or replacement of the 
pumping unit assembly with a serviceable assembly, if necessary. For 
certain airplanes, this AD also provides for deactivation of the center 
wing fuel tank as an alternative to the repetitive inspections. This 
amendment is prompted by reports of failures of the override and 
jettison fuel pumps due to damage to impeller units and pumping unit 
housings caused by loose diffuser rings in the fuel pump assemblies of 
these airplanes. During dry fuel operation, a loose diffuser ring may 
cause metal-to-metal contact. The actions specified in this AD are 
intended to prevent the generation of sparks and a potential ignition 
source inside the fuel tank caused by metal-to-metal contact during dry 
fuel pump operation.

dates: Effective June 15, 1994.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of June 15, 1994.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before August 1, 1994.

addresses: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 94-NM-58-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Boeing Commercial Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 
98124-2207. This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at 
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., 
suite 700, Washington, DC.

for further information contact: Lanny Pinkstaff, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S; FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 227-2684; fax (206) 227-1181.

supplementary information: The FAA has received reports of failures of 
the override and jettison fuel pumps on certain Boeing Model 767-200 
and -300 series airplanes. Investigation revealed that the screws that 
attach the inlet diffuser assembly to the pumping unit housing became 
loose and were ingested into the fuel pump assembly. Loose screws 
caused the diffuser ring to become loose and contact the impeller, 
which damaged the impeller and pumping unit housing and caused the fuel 
pump to seize. During dry fuel pump operation, a loose diffuser ring 
also could cause metal-to-metal contact. This condition, if not 
corrected, could result in the generation of sparks and a potential 
ignition source inside the fuel tank.
    The FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
767-28A0045, Revision 1, dated April 28, 1994, that describes 
procedures for repetitive inspections of the pumping unit assembly on 
the override and jettison fuel boost pump assemblies to detect 
looseness of the screws that attach the inlet diffuser assembly to the 
pumping unit housing, and replacement of the pumping unit assembly with 
a serviceable assembly, if necessary. As an alternative to the 
inspections, the alert service bulletin also describes procedures for 
deactivating the center wing fuel tank. Accomplishment of either of 
these actions will prevent the inlet diffuser assembly and various 
parts in the pump assembly from creating an ignition source during dry 
fuel pump operation.
    In addition, the FAA has reviewed and approved Sundstrand Alert 
Service Bulletin 5006286-28-A5, Revision 2, dated May 3, 1994, which 
describes procedures for repair of the pumping unit assembly.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes of 
the same type design, this AD is being issued to prevent the generation 
of sparks and a potential ignition source inside the fuel tank. This AD 
requires repetitive inspections of the pumping unit assembly on the 
override and jettison fuel boost pump assemblies to detect looseness of 
the screws that attach the inlet diffuser assembly to the pumping unit 
housing, and repair or replacement of the pumping unit assembly with a 
serviceable assembly, if necessary. For certain airplanes, this AD also 
provides for deactivation of the center wing fuel tank as an 
alternative for the repetitive inspections. The inspections, 
replacement, and deactivation are required to be accomplished in 
accordance with the Boeing alert service bulletin described previously. 
The repair is required to be accomplished in accordance with the 
Sundstrand alert service bulletin described previously.
    This AD also requires that operators submit a report of inspection 
findings to the FAA.
    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found 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

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by 
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. 
Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted 
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 94-NM-58-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.
    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and is not a ``significant regulatory action'' 
under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this 
action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined 
that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will 
be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, may 
be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the 
caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 14 CFR part 
39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C. 
106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

94-11-05 Boeing: Amendment 39-8921. Docket 94-NM-58-AD.

    Applicability: Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes; line 
positions 001 through 473 inclusive, 475 through 504 inclusive, 506 
through 532 inclusive, and 534; certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent the generation of sparks and a potential ignition 
source inside the fuel tank, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish either paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, as 
applicable.
    (1) Perform an inspection of the pumping unit assembly, part 
number 5006286 series, on the override and jettison fuel boost pump 
assemblies to detect looseness of the screws that attach the inlet 
diffuser assembly to the pumping unit housing, in accordance with 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-28A0045, Revision 1, dated April 
28, 1994.
    (i) If no looseness is found, prior to further flight, identify 
the pumping unit assembly with ``28-A5'' next to the part number in 
the part number block or other blank space of the identification 
plate. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
1,000 hours time-in-service.
    (ii) If any looseness if found, prior to further flight, 
accomplish either paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(A) or (a)(1)(ii)(B) of this 
AD; and repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
1,000 hours time-in-service.
    (A) Replace the pumping unit assembly with a serviceable 
assembly, in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-
28A0045, Revision 1, dated April 28, 1994. Or
    (B) Repair the pumping unit assembly in accordance with 
Sundstrand Alert Service Bulletin 5006286-28-A5, Revision 2, dated 
May 3, 1994.
    (2) For airplanes having a center tank scavenge system: In lieu 
of accomplishing the inspection required by paragraph (a)(1) of this 
AD, the center wing fuel tank may be deactivated in accordance with 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-28A0045, Revision 1, dated April 
28, 1994. The tank may be reactivated only after accomplishment of 
the inspection required by paragraph (a)(1) of this AD, and the 
repair or replacement, as necessary, required by paragraphs 
(a)(1)(ii)(A) and (a)(1)(ii)(B) of this AD.
    (b) Within 10 days after accomplishing the initial inspection 
required by paragraph (a) of this AD, submit a report of inspection 
findings to the Manager, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056; fax (206) 227-1181. The report must 
include the inspection results, the airplane line position, the 
location of the pump on the airplane, and the number of hours time-
in-service on the pumping unit assembly since new or since its last 
removal. Information collection requirements contained in this 
regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 
(44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 
2120-0056.
    (c) As of 30 days after the effective date of this AD, no person 
shall install an override fuel boost pump assembly, part number 
5006283 series, or an override/jettison fuel boost pump assembly, 
part number 5009656 series, on any airplane unless that assembly has 
been inspected and identified previously in accordance with Boeing 
Alert Service Bulletin 767-28A0045, Revision 1, dated April 28, 
1994.
    (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Seattle ACO, FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through 
an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add 
comments and then send it to the Manager, Seattle ACO.

    Note: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Seattle ACO.

    (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 767-28A0045, Revision 1, dated April 28, 1994; and 
Sundstrand Alert Service Bulletin 5006286-28-A5, Revision 2, dated 
May 3, 1994. This incorporation by reference was approved by the 
Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) 
and 1 CFR Part 51. Copies may be obtained from Boeing Commercial 
Airplane Group, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-2207. 
Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the 
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, 
Washington, DC.
    (g) This amendment becomes effective on June 15, 1994.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 23, 1994.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 94-13010 Filed 5-27-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U-M