[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 208 (Tuesday, October 28, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55728-55729]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-28317]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-243-AD; Amendment 39-10175; AD 97-22-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 and 767 Series 
Airplanes Equipped With General Electric (GE) CF6-80C2 Engines

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 747 and 767 series airplanes. 
This action requires revising the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual 
(AFM) to prohibit the use of certain fuels, and either replacing the 
existing placard on the door of the fueling control panel with a new 
placard; or replacing all dribble flow fuel nozzles (DFFN) with 
standard fuel nozzles, which terminates the requirements for a placard 
and AFM revision. This amendment is prompted by a report of an engine 
flameout during certification testing due to the use of JP-4 or Jet B 
fuel. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent such 
engine flameouts and consequent engine shutdown.

DATES: Effective November 12, 1997.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of November 12, 1997.
    Comments for inclusion in the rules docket must be received on or 
before December 29, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-243-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: Edward Hormel, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2681; fax (425) 227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has received a report indicating 
that, during certification testing of a General Electric (GE) CF6-80C2 
engine on which dribble flow fuel nozzles (DFFN) were installed, an 
engine flameout occurred on a McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 series 
airplane operating with JP-4 fuel. The engine flameout occurred at 
33,000 feet following a throttle movement from ``cruise thrust'' to 
``idle.'' The report indicated that the engine restarted successfully.
    Additionally, results of a GE transient engine model revealed that 
the subject engines, on which a low emissions combustor and DFFN's have 
been installed, have zero transient margin for flameout when operating 
with JP-4 fuel.
    Boeing Model 747 and 767 series airplanes equipped with GE Model 
CF6-80C2 engines on which DFFN's have been installed, in combination 
with the use of wide cut fuels (i.e., JP-4 or Jet B fuel) may result in 
a single-or multi-engine flameout and consequent engine shutdown.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Alert Service Bulletins 
747-11A2052 (for Model 747 series airplanes) and 767-11A0031 (for Model 
767 series airplanes), both dated September 11, 1997, which describe 
procedures for removing the existing placard on the door of the fueling 
control panel and replacing it with a new placard that prohibits the 
use of JP-4 and Jet B fuels (wide cut fuels).
    Additionally, these alert service bulletins describe procedures for 
removing the DFFN's and replacing them with standard fuel nozzles. 
Accomplishment of this replacement on the operator's entire fleet 
eliminates the need for a placard that prohibits the use of wide cut 
fuels.

Explanation of the Requirements of the Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on Boeing Model 747 and 767 series airplanes equipped 
with GE CF6-80C2 engines that incorporate certain DFFN's, this AD is 
being issued to prevent engine flameout and consequent shutdown of the 
engine due to the use of JP-4 or Jet B fuel. This AD requires either 
replacement of the existing placard on the door of the fueling control 
panel with a new placard that prohibits the use of JP-4 and Jet B 
fuels, or the removal and replacement of the DFFN's with standard fuel 
nozzles. Replacement of all DFFN's with standard fuel nozzles on the 
operator's entire fleet terminates the requirements for a placard that 
prohibits the use of wide cut fuels and the AFM revision. These actions 
are required to be accomplished in accordance with the alert service 
bulletins described previously.
    This AD also requires a revision to the Limitations Section of the 
FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to prohibit the use of JP-4 
and Jet B fuels.

Interim Action

    This is considered interim action until final action is identified, 
at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.

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.

[[Page 55729]]

    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 97-NM-243-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:

    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:

97-22-04  Boeing: Amendment 39-10175. Docket 97-NM-243-AD.

    Applicability: Model 747 series airplanes having line positions 
679 through 1117 inclusive, and Model 767 series airplanes having 
line positions 158 through 661 inclusive; equipped with General 
Electric (GE) CF6-80C2 engines, on which dribble flow fuel nozzles 
(DFFN's) having General Electric part number 9331M72P33, 9331M72P34, 
or 9331M72P41, have been installed; 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 (d) 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 engine flameout and consequent shutdown due to the 
use of JP-4 or Jet B fuel, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 14 days after the effective date of this AD, revise 
Section 1 of the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved Airplane 
Flight Manual (AFM) to include the following procedures. This may be 
accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM.
    (1) Revise paragraph 1 of the Engine Fuel System section to read 
as follows: ``The fuel designation is General Electric (GE) 
Specification D50TF2, as revised. Fuel conforming to commercial jet 
fuel specification ASTM-D-1655, Jet A, and Jet A-1 are authorized 
for unlimited use in this engine. Fuels conforming to MIL-T-5624 
grade JP-5 and MIL-T-83113 grade JP-8 are acceptable alternatives. 
The engine will operate satisfactorily with any of the foregoing 
fuels or any mixture thereof.'' And,
    (2) Add the following sentence to paragraph 2 of the Engine Fuel 
System section: ``The use of Jet B and JP-4 fuel is prohibited.''
    (b) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish the requirements of paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this 
AD, in accordance with either Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
11A2052 (for Model 747 series airplanes) or 767-11A0031, (for Model 
767 series airplanes), both dated September 11, 1997; as applicable.
    (1) Remove the existing placard on the door of the fueling 
control panel and replace it with a new placard that restricts the 
use of JP-4 and Jet B fuels (wide cut fuels), in accordance with the 
applicable alert service bulletin. Or
    (2) Remove the DFFN's, and replace them with standard fuel 
nozzles, in accordance with the applicable alert service bulletin. 
When an operator's entire fleet has had all DFFN's replaced with 
standard fuel nozzles, the AFM revision required by paragraph (a) of 
this AD may be removed from the AFM and the placard required by 
paragraph (b)(1) of this AD may be removed from each airplane.
    (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
any DFFN's having General Electric part number 9331M72P33, 
9331M72P34, or 9331M72P41, on any airplane, unless the requirements 
of paragraph (b)(1) of this AD have been accomplished.
    (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 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.

    (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) Except as provided by paragraph (a) of this AD, the actions 
shall be done in accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
11A2052, dated September 11, 1997, or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
767-11A0031, dated September 11, 1997, as applicable. 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 November 12, 1997.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 17, 1997.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-28317 Filed 10-27-97; 8:45 am]
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