[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 134 (Wednesday, July 14, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 37920-37922]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-17969]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 99-NM-122-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Lockheed Model L-1011-385 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes the supersedure of an existing
airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Lockheed Model L-
1011-385 series airplanes, that currently requires revision of the
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to prohibit operation of the fuel boost
pumps when fuel quantities are below certain levels, and to add
maintenance procedures for operating the airplane with an inoperative
fuel boost pump assembly or with an inoperative flight station fuel
quantity indicating system. That AD also requires the installation of a
placard on the engineer's fuel panel to advise the maintenance crew
that operation of the fuel boost pumps when less than 1,200 pounds of
fuel are in the corresponding wing fuel tank is prohibited. This action
would add a requirement for modification of each fuel boost pump
assembly, which would terminate the requirements of the existing AD.
This proposal is prompted by reports of internal electrical failures in
the fuel boost pump of the wing fuel tanks that could result in either
electrical arcing or localized overheating. The actions specified by
the proposed AD are intended to prevent such electrical arcing or
overheating, which could breech the protective housing of the fuel
boost pump and expose it to fuel vapors and fumes, and consequent
potential fire or explosion in the wing fuel tank.
DATES: Comments must be received by August 30, 1999.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-122-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be
obtained from Lockheed Martin Aircraft & Logistics Center, 120 Orion
Street, Greenville, South Carolina 29605. This information may be
examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue,
SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate,
Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix
Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas Peters, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Flight Test Branch, ACE-116A, FAA, Small Airplane
Directorate, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center,
1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone
(770) 703-6063; fax (770) 703-6097.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the
proposed 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 above. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments,
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in
light of the comments received.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with
the substance of this proposal 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 99-NM-122-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Availability of NPRMs
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules
Docket No. 99-NM-122-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
Discussion
On April 16, 1998, the FAA issued AD 98-08-09, amendment 39-10492
(63 FR 20062, April 23, 1998), applicable to certain Lockheed Model L-
1011-385 series airplanes, to require revision of the Airplane Flight
Manual (AFM) to prohibit operation of the fuel boost pumps when fuel
quantities are below certain levels, and to add new maintenance
procedures for operating the airplane with an inoperative fuel boost
pump assembly or with an inoperative flight station fuel quantity
indicating system. That AD also requires the installation of a placard
on the engineer's fuel panel to advise the maintenance crew that
operation of the fuel boost pumps when less than 1,200 pounds of fuel
are in the corresponding wing fuel tank is prohibited. That action was
prompted by reports of internal electrical failures in the fuel boost
pump of the wing fuel tanks that could result in either electrical
arcing or localized overheating. The requirements of that AD are
intended to prevent such electrical arcing or overheating, which could
breech the protective housing of the fuel boost pump and expose it to
fuel vapors and fumes, and consequent potential fire or explosion in
the wing fuel tank.
Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule
In the preamble to AD 98-08-09, the FAA indicated that the actions
required by that AD were considered ``interim action'' and that further
rulemaking action was being considered. The FAA now has determined that
further rulemaking action is indeed necessary, and this proposed AD
follows from that determination.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
The FAA has reviewed and approved Lockheed Service Bulletin 093-28-
093, Revision 1, dated February 8, 1999, which describes procedures for
modification of the fuel boost pump assembly.
[[Page 37921]]
The procedures described in the service bulletin include
modification of the fuel boost pump, inspection for discrepancies of
the fuel boost pump scroll housing, and replacement, if necessary;
inspection of the associated scroll housing electrical connector for
damage, and replacement, if necessary; and installation of a modified
fuel pump. Following installation of the fuel pump, a functional check
is performed to verify proper operation of the fuel boost pump
assembly. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service
bulletin would eliminate the need for the AFM revision and placard
required by the existing AD.
Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the
proposed AD would supersede AD 98-08-09 to continue to require revision
of the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to prohibit operation of the fuel
boost pumps when fuel quantities are below certain levels, and to add
maintenance procedures for operating the airplane with an inoperative
fuel boost pump assembly or with an inoperative flight station fuel
quantity indicating system. This proposal also would continue to
require the installation of a placard on the engineer's fuel panel to
advise the maintenance crew that operation of the fuel boost pumps when
less than 1,200 pounds of fuel are in the corresponding wing fuel tank
is prohibited. It would also require installation of a modified fuel
boost pump assembly, which would terminate the requirements of the
existing AD. The installation would be required to be accomplished in
accordance with the service bulletin described previously.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 235 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 117 airplanes of U.S. registry
would be affected by this proposed AD.
The actions that are currently required by AD 98-08-09 take
approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish, at an average
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost
impact of the currently required actions on U.S. operators is estimated
to be $7,020, or $60 per airplane.
The modification that is proposed in this AD action would take
approximately 8 work hours (1 hour per fuel pump assembly) per airplane
to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required
parts would cost approximately $18,880 per airplane. Based on these
figures, the cost impact of the modification proposed by this AD on
U.S. operators is estimated to be $2,265,120, or $19,360 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the current or proposed
requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish
those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations proposed herein would 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
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
and (3) if promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact,
positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under
the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. A copy of the draft
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend
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 39-10492 (63 FR
20062, April 23, 1998), and by adding a new airworthiness directive
(AD), to read as follows:
Lockheed Aeronautical Systems Company: Docket 99-NM-122-AD.
Supersedes AD 98-08-09, Amendment 39-10492.
Applicability: Model L-1011-385-1, -385-1-14, -385-1-15, and -
385-3 series airplanes, 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 a potential fire or explosion in the wing fuel tank,
accomplish the following:
Restatement of Requirements of AD 98-08-09
AFM Revision
(a) Within 50 flight hours or 10 days after April 28, 1998 (the
effective date of AD 98-08-09, amendment 39-10492), whichever occurs
first, revise the Limitations and Procedures Sections of the FAA-
approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to include the following
information. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD
into the AFM.
Add to Limitations Section:
``FUEL SYSTEM
Fuel Pumps
Do not operate the fuel boost pumps of the affected wing tank in the
air or on the ground when fuel quantities are less than the
following:
Wing tanks 1 and 3: Less than 1,200 lbs (545 kg) in each tank.
Wing tanks 2L and 2R: Less than 1,200 lbs (545 kg) total in the
two compartments (inboard and outboard) of each tank.
These quantities should be considered unusable fuel for the
purposes of fuel management.
When operating with a fuel boost pump assembly inoperative per
Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) item number 28-24-01, add the
following maintenance procedure:
Pull and collar the affected circuit breaker.
When operating with an inoperative flight station fuel quantity
indicating system per MMEL item 28-41-00, do not operate the fuel
boost pumps of the affected wing tank in the air or on the ground
when fuel quantities are less than the following:
Wing tanks 1 and 3: Less than 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg) in the
affected tank.
[[Page 37922]]
Wing tanks 2L and 2R: Less than 1,200 lbs (545 kg) total in the
two compartments (inboard and outboard) of the affected tank.''
Add to Procedures Section:
``FUEL SYSTEM
Fuel Pumps
If the circuit breaker for any wing tank fuel boost pump (circuit
breakers U3, U4, U7, U8, U9, U10, U13, U14) trips, do not reset. If
the pump trips while in flight, continue flight in accordance with
the procedures in the ``Tank Pumps LOW Lights On'' portion of the
Procedures section of the AFM. If the breaker trips while on the
ground, do not reset without first identifying the source of the
electrical fault.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Fuel Pumps
If the circuit breaker for any wing tank fuel boost pump (circuit
breakers U3, U4, U7, U8, U9, U10, U13, U14) trips, do not reset. If
the pump trips while in flight, continue flight in accordance with
the procedures in the ``Tank Pumps LOW Lights On'' portion of the
Procedures section of the AFM. If the breaker trips while on the
ground, do not reset without first identifying the source of the
electrical fault.''
Placard Installation
(b) Within 50 flight hours or 10 days after April 28, 1998,
whichever occurs first, install a placard on the engineer's fuel
panel that states:
``If FQIS is operative, do not operate the fuel boost pumps when
less than 1,200 pounds of fuel are in the corresponding wing
tanks.''
NEW REQUIREMENTS OF THIS AD
Modification
(c) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD: Modify
each fuel boost pump assembly in accordance with Parts 2.A. through
2.I. inclusive of the Accomplishment Instructions of Lockheed
Service Bulletin 093-28-093, Revision 1, dated February 8, 1999.
Accomplishment of this modification terminates the requirements of
this AD. Following accomplishment of the modification, the AFM
revision may be removed from the AFM, and the placard may be
removed.
Note 2: Modification of the fuel boost pump assemblies, prior to
the effective date of this AD, in accordance with Lockheed Service
Bulletin 093-28-093, dated January 15, 1999, is considered
acceptable for compliance with paragraph (c) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(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, Atlanta Aircraft Certification
Office (ACO), FAA, Small 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, Atlanta ACO.
Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Atlanta ACO.
Special Flight Permits
(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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 8, 1999.
D. L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-17969 Filed 7-13-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U