[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