[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 96 (Tuesday, May 19, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 27450-27452]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-12917]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-ANE-30-AD; Amendment 39-10527; AD 98-10-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; AlliedSignal Inc. Model TFE731-40R-200G 
Turbofan Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to AlliedSignal Inc. Model TFE731-40R-200G turbofan 
engines. This action requires replacing the fuel line between the main 
fuel pump and the motive flow pump with a serviceable assembly and 
adding a supporting bracket and clamp. This amendment is prompted by a 
report of a cracked fuel line between the main fuel pump and the motive 
flow pump causing the spraying of fuel on and around electrical 
components. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent 
fuel spraying on and around electrical components due to a cracked fuel 
line, which could result in an engine fire.

DATES: Effective May 19, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of May 19, 1998.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before July 20, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-ANE-30-AD, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may also be sent 
via the Internet using the following address: ``9-ad-
[email protected]''. Comments sent via the Internet must contain 
the docket number in the subject line.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
AlliedSignal Aerospace Services Attn: Data Distribution, M/S 64-3/2101-
201, P.O. Box 29003, Phoenix, AZ 85038-9003; telephone (602) 365-2493, 
fax (602) 365-5577. This information may be examined at the FAA, New 
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joseph Costa, Aerospace Engineer, Los 
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 3960 Paramount Blvd., Lakewood, CA 90712-4137; telephone 
(562) 627-5246, fax (562) 627-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 
has received a report of a cracked fuel line between the main fuel pump 
and the motive flow pump causing the spraying of fuel on and around 
electrical components on an AlliedSignal Inc. Model TFE731-40R-200G 
turbofan engine. While taxiing after flight, the ground crew noted a 
fuel leak from the right hand engine of an Israel Aircraft Industries, 
LTD. (IAI) Astra SPX aircraft. The fuel line, part number (P/N) 
3061191-1, between the main fuel pump and the motive flow pump, was 
found cracked at the weld of the elbow fitting. The right-hand engine 
had accumulated 8 operating hours. The investigation revealed that 
during manufacturing of the fuel line between the main fuel pump and 
the motive flow pump, inadequate weld penetration was created by an 
orbital weld operation. The lack of penetration was not identified by 
the post-weld X-ray inspection. The fracture of the fuel line was due 
to high cycle fatigue which initiated at the localized area of 
incomplete weld penetration. This condition, if not corrected, could 
result in fuel spraying on and around electrical components due to a 
cracked fuel line, which could result in an engine fire.
    The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of 
AlliedSignal Inc. Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. TFE731-A73-5111, 
dated April 16,

[[Page 27451]]

1998, that describes procedures for replacing the fuel line between the 
main fuel pump and the motive flow pump with a serviceable assembly and 
adding a supporting bracket and clamp.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other engines of the same type design, this AD is 
being issued to prevent fuel line cracking. This AD requires, within 10 
hours time in service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, 
replacing the fuel line between the main fuel pump and the motive flow 
pump with a serviceable assembly and adding a supporting bracket and 
clamp. The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with 
the ASB described previously.
    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 should 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 notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 98-ANE-30-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.
    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 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:

98-10-15 Allied Signal Inc.: Amendment 39-10527. Docket 98-ANE-30-
AD.

    Applicability: AlliedSignal Inc. Model TFE731-40R-200G turbofan 
engines, equipped with a fuel line, part number (P/N) 3061191-1, 
between the main fuel pump and the motive flow pump. These engines 
are installed on but not limited to Israel Aircraft Industries LTD. 
(IAI) Model Astra SPX aircraft.

    Note 1: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each engine 
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 engines 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 fuel spraying on and around electrical components due 
to a cracked fuel line, which could result in an engine fire, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 10 hours time in service (TIS) after the effective 
date of this AD, replace the fuel line, P/N 3061191-1, between the 
main fuel pump and the motive flow pump, with a serviceable 
assembly, and add a supporting bracket and clamp, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of AlliedSignal Inc. Alert Service 
Bulletin (ASB) No. TFE731-A73-5111, dated April 16, 1998.
    (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, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate 
FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then 
send it to the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, 
if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office.

    (c) 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 aircraft to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (d) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance 
with the following AlliedSignal Inc. ASB:

[[Page 27452]]



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Document No.                              Pages                               Date               
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TFE731-A73-5111..........................  1-8.............................  April 16, 1998.                    
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Total pages: 8.
    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 AlliedSignal Aerospace Services 
Attn: Data Distribution, M/S 64-3/2101-201, P.O. Box 29003, Phoenix, 
AZ 85038-9003; telephone (602) 365-2493, fax (602) 365-5577. Copies 
may be inspected at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or 
at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, 
NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on May 19, 1998.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on May 7, 1998.

Thomas A. Boudreau,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 98-12917 Filed 5-18-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U