[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 157 (Tuesday, August 13, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41953-41955]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-20428]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-NM-195-AD; Amendment 39-9710; AD 96-17-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 757 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 757 series airplanes. This action 
requires an inspection of the engine fuel shutoff valves (spar valves) 
to detect leakage of fuel and to ensure that no leakage occurs when the 
valves are commanded to close. This action also requires an alignment 
procedure of the engine fuel shutoff valves, if necessary. This 
amendment is prompted by reports that certain engine shutoff valve 
assemblies were improperly installed during manufacturing of the 
airplane. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent 
uncommanded fuel flow from the fuel tanks to the engine nacelle, which 
could result in reduced aircraft fire protection in the event of a leak 
in the engine fuel line or a fire in the engine nacelle.

DATES: Effective August 28, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of August 28, 1996.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before October 15, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-NM-195-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: Bernie Gonzalez, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; telephone (206) 227-
2682; fax (206) 227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has received reports that certain 
defueling valve assemblies were improperly installed on a Boeing Model 
757 series airplane during manufacturing. Such improper installation 
results in uncommanded transfer of fuel from tank to tank. 
Investigation revealed that the engine fuel shutoff valves (spar 
valves) are installed in the same manner and are identical to the 
defueling valves. While leakage of the defueling valves can be readily 
and immediately detected, leakage of engine fuel shutoff valves cannot 
be detected unless the main engine fuel supply line is open. 
Furthermore, since the engine fuel shutoff valves leak in the commanded 
``closed'' position, the Engine Indication and Crew Alerting System 
(EICAS) does not show an advisory message, and the amber ``SPAR VALVE'' 
disagreement light on the P10 fuel control switch panel does not 
illuminate.
    The engine fuel shutoff valve is controlled by the appropriate fuel 
control switch on the P10 panel of the

[[Page 41954]]

control stand. The valve is closed when the switch is in the ``CUTOFF'' 
position, and is open when the switch is in the ``RICH'' (for Rolls 
Royce engines only) or in the ``RUN'' position. The amber ``SPAR 
VALVE'' disagreement light above each fuel control switch illuminates 
anytime the valve is not in the commanded position. The EICAS advisory 
message, ``L (or R) FUEL SPAR VAL'' will appear after six seconds when 
disagreement exists. The valve closes when the fire handle is pulled.
    The engine fuel shutoff valve provides fire protection to the 
airplane by shutting off fuel at the wing in the event of a leak in the 
engine fuel line or a fire in the engine nacelle. If the engine fuel 
shutoff valve does not fully close when commanded, fuel may continue to 
flow from the wing to the engine. This condition, if not corrected, 
could result in uncommanded fuel flow from the fuel tanks to the engine 
nacelle, which could result in reduced fire protection of the airplane 
in the event of a leak in the engine fuel line or a fire in the engine 
nacelle.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
757-28A0045, dated July 30, 1996, which describes procedures for 
inspection of the engine fuel shutoff valves (spar valves) to detect 
leakage of fuel and to ensure that no leakage occurs when the valves 
are commanded to close. This alert service bulletin also describes 
procedures for an alignment of the engine fuel shutoff valve(s) for 
those airplanes that do not pass the inspection to detect leakage of 
fuel.

Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other Boeing Model 757 series airplanes of the same 
type design, this AD is being issued to prevent uncommanded fuel flow 
from the fuel tanks to the engine nacelle, which could result in 
reduced fire protection of the airplane in the event of a leak in the 
engine fuel line or a fire in the engine nacelle. This AD requires 
inspection of the engine fuel shutoff valves to detect leakage of fuel 
and to ensure that no leakage occurs when the valves are commanded to 
close. This AD also requires an alignment of the engine fuel shutoff 
valve(s) for those airplanes that do not pass the inspection for 
leakage. The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with 
the service bulletin described previously.

Procedure for Alignment of the Fuel Shutoff Valves

    Operators should note that the alert service bulletin recommends 
accomplishing the alignment procedure of the engine fuel shutoff valves 
with a specific tool (part number B28009) or an alignment procedure 
that entails removing the engine fuel shutoff valve motor and actuator. 
The FAA has determined that accomplishment of the alignment using the 
alignment tool will provide a more accurate and permanent alignment of 
the engine fuel shutoff valves. However, the FAA has been advised by 
the manufacturer that there is a delay in the availability of this 
particular tool. Therefore, the FAA considers this AD to be interim 
action, and is currently considering requiring the accomplishment of 
the alignment procedure of the engine fuel shutoff valves with 
alignment tool part number B28009. The planned compliance time for the 
accomplishment of the alignment procedure using that alignment tool is 
sufficiently long so that prior notice and time for public comment will 
be practicable.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    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 rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 96-NM-195-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    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 that it 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 part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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


[[Page 41955]]


    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:
96-17-02 Boeing: Amendment 39-9710. Docket 96-NM-195-AD.

    Applicability: Model 757 series airplanes, line positions 478 
through 699 inclusive; certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent uncommanded fuel flow from the fuel tanks to the 
engine nacelle in the event of a leak in the engine fuel line or a 
fire in the engine nacelle, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, perform 
an inspection to detect leakage of the fuel shutoff (spar) valves 
and verify that the valves do not leak when commanded to close, in 
accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-28A0045, dated 
July 30, 1996.
    (1) If both fuel shutoff valves pass the inspection for leakage 
and the valves close when commanded, no further action is required 
by this AD.
    (2) If either or both of the fuel shutoff valves do not pass the 
inspection for leakage: Prior to further flight, adjust the engine 
fuel shutoff valve(s) in accordance with Part III of the alert 
service bulletin and repeat the requirements of paragraph (a) of 
this AD.
    (b) 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 Aircraft Certification 
Office (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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Seattle ACO.

    (c) The actions shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 757-28A0045, dated July 30, 1996. 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.
    (d) This amendment becomes effective on August 28, 1996.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 6, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-20428 Filed 8-12-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U