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