[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 73 (Thursday, April 16, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 18817-18819]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-10054]



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 Rules and Regulations
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  Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 73 / Thursday, April 16, 1998 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 18817]]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-79-AD; Amendment 39-10472; AD 98-08-23]
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 supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 747 and 767 series airplanes, 
that currently 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's) with 
standard fuel nozzles, which terminates the requirements for a placard 
and AFM revision. This amendment continues these requirements and adds 
additional airplanes to the applicability. This amendment is prompted 
by a report of an engine flameout due to the use of JP-4 or Jet B fuel 
during certification testing on an engine with DFFN's installed. The 
actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent such engine 
flameouts and consequent engine shutdown.

DATES: Effective May 1, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications, as listed 
in the regulations, was previously approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register as of November 12, 1997 (62 FR 55728, October 28, 
1997).
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before June 15, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-79-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: Dionne Stanley, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2250; fax (425) 227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On October 17, 1997, the FAA issued AD 97-
22-04, amendment 39-10175 (62 FR 55728, October 28, 1997), applicable 
to certain Boeing Model 747 and 767 series airplanes, to require 
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's) with standard fuel nozzles, which 
terminates the requirements for a placard and AFM revision. That action 
was prompted by a report indicating that, during certification testing, 
a General Electric CF6-80C2 engine with DFFN's installed experienced 
flameout due to the use of JP-4 or Jet B fuel. The actions required by 
that AD are intended to prevent such engine flameouts and consequent 
engine shutdown.

Restatement of the 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 other airplanes of this same type design that are 
equipped with DFFN's, this AD is being issued to continue to require 
revisions to the FAA-approved AFM to prohibit the use of wide cut 
fuels. This AD also is being issued to continue to require either 
replacement of the existing placard on the door of the fueling control 
panel with a new placard, or replacement of all DFFN's with standard 
fuel nozzles (the latter option terminates the requirements for an AFM 
revision and a new placard). In addition, this amendment expands the 
applicability to include all Boeing Model 747 and 767 series airplanes 
with GE CF6-80C2 engines and those airplanes delivered subsequent to 
the issuance of AD 97-22-04. These actions are required to be 
accomplished in accordance with the service bulletins described 
previously, except as discussed below.

Differences Between This AD and the Previous AD

    Operators should note that, in addition to the list of effective 
airplanes referenced in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-11A2052 (for 
Model 747 series airplanes) or Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-
11A0031 (for Model 767 series airplanes), both dated September 11, 
1997, this amendment expands the applicability to all Boeing Model 747 
and 767 series airplanes equipped with General Electric CF6-80C2 
engines, regardless of whether or not the airplanes are equipped with 
DFFN's. The FAA finds that there is a likelihood that operators with a 
mixed fleet (e.g., airplanes equipped with GE CF6-80C2 engines with 
DFFN's installed and those without DFFN's installed) could 
inadvertently use the incorrect type of fuel. To eliminate this 
likelihood, the

[[Page 18818]]

FAA requires that if any airplane in an operator's fleet is equipped 
with GE CF6-80C2 engines with DFFN's installed, the use of wide-cut 
fuels is prohibited for the entire fleet. The previous AD was 
applicable only to airplanes having GE CF6-80C2 engines equipped with 
DFFN's; this rule is applicable to all airplanes having GE CF6-80C2 
engines. The applicability is expanded in this AD to ensure that each 
specific operator uses the correct type of fuel throughout its entire 
fleet. Additionally, airplanes that were released from production into 
service subsequent to the release of these service bulletins and that 
were not covered by AD 97-22-04 are now included in the applicability 
of this amendment.

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 98-NM-79-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 removing amendment AD 97-22-04, 39-
10175 (62 FR 55728, November 12, 1997), and by adding a new 
airworthiness directive (AD), amendment 39-10472, to read as follows:

98-08-23  Boeing: Amendment 39-10472. Docket 98-NM-79-AD. Supersedes 
AD 97-22-04, amendment 39-10175.

    Applicability: All Model 747 and 767 series airplanes having 
General Electric CF6-80C2 engines, 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 (f) 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 flameouts due to the use of JP-4 or Jet B fuel 
on certain engines with dribble flow fuel nozzles (DFFN's) installed 
and consequent shutdown, accomplish the following:

Restatement of Requirements of AD 97-22-04

    (a) For airplanes with DFFN's installed: Within 14 days after 
November 12, 1997 (the effective date of AD 97-22-04), 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 into 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) For airplanes with DFFN's installed: Within 30 days after 
November 12, 1997, 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

[[Page 18819]]

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.

New Requirements of This AD

    (c) If a DFFN is installed on any airplane in a specific 
operator's fleet, accomplish the requirements of paragraphs (c)(1) 
and (c)(2) of this AD; in accordance with either Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-11A2052 (for Model 747 series airplanes) or 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 767-11A0031 (for Model 767 series 
airplanes), both dated September 11, 1997; as applicable.
    (1) Within 14 days after the effective date of this AD, all 
airplanes in a specific operator's fleet must revise Section 1 of 
the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved AFM to include the 
following procedures. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy 
of this AD in the AFM.
    (i) 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,
    (ii) Add the following sentence to paragraph 2 of the Engine 
Fuel System section: ``The use of Jet B and JP-4 fuel is 
prohibited.''
    (2) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, all 
airplanes in a specific operator's fleet must accomplish the actions 
required by paragraph (c)(2)(i) or (c)(2)(ii) of this AD, as 
applicable.
    (i) 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
    (ii) Remove the DFFN, and replace it with a standard fuel 
nozzle, 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 paragraphs 
(c)(1)(i) and (c)(1)(ii) of this AD may be removed from the AFM, and 
the new placard required by paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this AD may be 
removed from each airplane.
    (d) Except as provided by paragraph (e) of this AD, if a DFFN is 
not installed on any airplane in a specific operator's fleet, no 
further action is required by this AD.
    (e) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
any DFFN having General Electric part number 9331M72P33, 9331M72P34, 
or 9331M72P41 on any airplane unless the requirements specified by 
paragraphs (c)(1)(i), (c)(1)(ii), and (c)(2)(i) of this AD have been 
accomplished for the operator's entire fleet.
    (f) 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.

    (g) 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 (except no loading 
of JP-4 or Jet B fuel).
    (h) 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. The 
incorporation by reference of these service bulletins was approved 
previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of November 
12, 1997 (62 FR 55728, October 28, 1997). 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.
    (i) This amendment becomes effective on May 1, 1998.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 9, 1998.
John J. Hickey,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-10054 Filed 4-15-98; 8:45 am]
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