[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 230 (Monday, December 1, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63622-63623]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-31667]
[[Page 63621]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Part IV
Department of Transportation
_______________________________________________________________________
Federal Aviation Administration
_______________________________________________________________________
14 CFR Part 39
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 Series Airplanes; Final Rule
14 CFR Part 39
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-100, -200, and -300 Series
Airplanes; Proposed Rule
Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 230 / Monday, December 1, 1997 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 63622]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 97-NM-271-AD; Amendment 39-10230; AD 97-25-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 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 747 series airplanes. This action
requires disconnection of the electrical connector to the scavenge pump
of the center wing tank.
This AD also requires a one-time inspection to identify the part
number of the electrical connector; and replacement of the pump with a
new pump, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by findings from a
design review and analysis of scavenge pumps installed on certain
Boeing Model 747 series airplanes that was undertaken as part of an
accident investigation. The actions specified in this AD are intended
to prevent potential failures within the electrical motor assembly of
the scavenge pump, which could result in leakage of fuel from the
electrical connector into the main landing gear wheel well, or
electrical arcing within the scavenge pump motor; these conditions
could result in a fuel fire in the wheel well.
DATES: Effective December 16, 1997.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of December 16, 1997.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before January 30, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-271-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: Chris Hartonas, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S; or G. Michael Collins,
Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S; FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2864 or
(425) 227-2689; fax (425) 227-1181.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On July 17, 1996, a Boeing Model 747 series
airplane was involved in an accident shortly after takeoff from John F.
Kennedy International Airport in Jamaica, New York. The National
Transport Safety Board (NTSB) has not yet determined the cause of that
accident. In support of the subsequent accident investigation, the FAA
recently conducted an engineering design review and analysis on certain
Lear Romec scavenge pumps. Results of inspections on scavenge pumps
removed from the center wing fuel tank of older Boeing Model 747 series
airplanes indicated degradation of certain silicone insulating grommet
material in electrical connectors of the pump due to the
incompatibility of this material with fuel.
Damage to the electrical connector, which is part of the electrical
motor assembly of the scavenge pump, could cause potential failures
within the electrical motor assembly of the scavenge pump. Such
failures could result in leakage of fuel from the electrical connector
into the main landing gear wheel well, or electrical arcing within the
scavenge pump motor. These conditions could result in a fuel fire in
the wheel well.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
The FAA has reviewed and approved Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747-28A2206, dated September 25, 1997, which describes procedures for
disconnection of the electrical connector to the scavenge pump of the
center wing tank. The alert service bulletin also describes procedures
for a one-time inspection to identify the part number of the electrical
connector; and replacement of the pump with a new pump, if necessary.
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 747 series airplanes of the same
type design, this AD is being issued to prevent potential failures
within the electrical motor assembly of the scavenge pump, which could
result in a fuel fire in the wheel well. This AD requires disconnection
of the electrical connector to the scavenge pump of the center wing
tank. This AD also requires a one-time inspection to identify the part
number of the electrical connector; and replacement of the pump with a
new pump, if necessary. The actions are required to be accomplished in
accordance with the alert service bulletin described previously.
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 97-NM-271-AD.'' The
[[Page 63623]]
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:
97-25-06 Boeing: Amendment 39-10230. Docket 97-NM-271-AD.
Applicability: Model 747 series airplanes having line positions
001 through 971 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
otherwise 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 (c) 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 potential failures within the electrical motor
assembly of the scavenge pump, which could result in a fuel fire in
the wheel well, accomplish the following:
(a) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this AD: Within 90
days after the effective date of this AD, disconnect the electrical
connector to the scavenge pump of the center wing tank; and perform
a one-time inspection of the pump to identify the part number of the
electrical connector; in accordance with Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747-28A2206, dated September 25, 1997.
(1) If an electrical connector having the correct part number
(as specified in the alert service bulletin) is installed: Prior to
further flight, reinstall the electrical connector. No further
action is required by this AD.
(2) If an electrical connector having a part number other than
the correct part number (as specified in the alert service bulletin)
is installed: Prior to further flight, replace the scavenge pump
with a new scavenge pump with an electrical connector having the
correct part number (as specified in the alert service bulletin) in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service
bulletin.
(b) If a scavenge pump with an electrical connector having the
correct part number (as specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747-28A2206, dated September 25, 1997) is not available for
installation: The airplane may be operated with the scavenge pump
deactivated in accordance with the provisions and limitations
specified in the FAA-approved Minimum Equipment List (MEL) and
paragraph III.A.3. of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert
service bulletin.
(c) 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.
(d) 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.
(e) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance
with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-28A2206, dated September 25,
1997. 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.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on December 16, 1997.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 26, 1997.
Ronald T. Wojnar,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-31667 Filed 11-28-97; 10:56 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U